Sweet Gift Idea

Lookin' for a little somethin' to bring to a fab hostess? Or for a sweet office colleague? These confections are actually guest towels- creatively packaged to perfection.

Priced from$ 7 - $15 they make great stocking stuffers. Combine with a box of cupcake note cards and it's a yummy treat!

Smokey Quartz

This season we're in luv with smokey quartz. The color of smoky quartz varies from brown to black and we have some great earrings and necklaces that really show off the earthy beauty of the stones.

Here it's combined with citrine another variety of quartz that actually often gets it's juicy color from heat treating amethyst. How it goes from deep purple to this incredible orange is nothing shy of amazing.

This necklace sets off the organic shapes of the stones in a super dramatic necklace that combines with multi colored chains for a really great look= perfect for holiday parties.

This pendant combines smokey quartz that is facet cut and integrated with intricately sculpted wire. One of my faves- a great contrast of elegant, arty and modern- all twisted into one great look.

6 Tips for Holiday Card Writing

Wondering what to say in those Holiday cards you just purchased?! Here are a few suggestions...

1. It's not so much what you say or how you say it... it's sending the card that really matters.

2. When sending cards to business colleagues- keep it short and simple:

Sending all best wishes to you and your family-

Kindest regards,

Jim Smith

3. Had a bad year? Write about what you've learned, where this path has lead. Look for the silver lining and send positive energy for the New Year.

4. Don't brag! It's hard not to- especially when writing an annual letter. Rather than listing all the great things your kids have accomplished- write about what they have learned, how an experience made them grow or develop new skills. Talk about why they have made you proud, what their accomplishment means to you, your children, your family.


5. Think about the most memorable event of the year and highlight it in a snippet on a holiday card:

Dear Sarah and Jim-

Hope you have had a great year and that this cards finds you both well. Our year has been a busy one, highlighted by an Anniversary cruise to Alaska with the children. We had a wonderful journey with many great adventures.

All best to you and yours for a terrific 2010!

Much love-

Carrie and Steve

6. While e-cards may be tempting- free postage, quick and easy- remember- the holidays come once a year. There is nothing more personal or meaningful than going to the mailbox and finding a handwritten envelope in your pile of bills, especially when it's from someone who really matters. Taking the time to write and send cards is a wonderful holiday tradition- so deck the halls with letters in abundance!!!

Cards: Elum, Saturn Press

Window Display Awards

Every holiday season the Short North comes alive with festive displays and trimmings. Each year, the Short North Business Association presents special awards to merchants for their holiday window displays, with categories including creativity, branding and holiday spirit.

Congratulations to Flower Child this year's winner...

Flower Child - Winner of the 2009 ZenGenius Award of Excellence for Best Display

Flower Child stole our crown this year- (last year On Paper won Best Overall and Best use of Product), but I saw their windows last night in all of their Holiday Hop glory and if I do say so myself, and they were fantastic!!

This year, the competition was stiff and On Paper was awarded: Runner Up - Best Use of Product. It's nice to be in such great company- along with Collier West, Rowe, Big Rock Little Rooster, Substance and many others.

On Paper's Assistant Manager Michelle Porreca did an amazing job in her execution of the two displays- precise, witty and a strong point of vue. We spent all day last Sunday playing Santa's elves and we were both pleased with the final festive result. We tried to feature some of our expanded gift collection so it was nice to be recognized for our efforts.

To see all of the displays- visit the Short North website for a neighborhood tour.

Holiday Hop Was Great!

Thanks to all of you who braved the cold to celebrate the Shorth North's 25th Anniversary of Gallery Hop. Yesterday's Holiday Hop was one of the best in years for On Paper... great attendance and great sales! This is much welcome news in this economy... so keep those dollars flowing locally and visit The 3/50 Project for more great reasons to shop it local!

Photo: shortnorth.org

50 Cent Quotes

Just received a very cool box o' quotes- there's one for every day of the year- but we're sellin' them by the piece - only 50 cents. Printed on a great handmade paper with cool fonts that vary piece to piece, these cards are great pick me ups- inspiring and insightful. Love that!

Pick up a bunch- they look great packaged in a monarch envelope from Green Paper Company. Or, pick up a stack and surprise someone with random acts of profoundness-- leave it on an office chair, by the water cooler, in the ladies (or gents) room, on a pillow, in a lunch box- wherever!

Metromix Gift Guide

On Paper was recently featured in the Columbus Metromix Holiday Gift Guide- for some great gift ideas from On Paper and select group of other fab Short North shops- click here!