Candice Wagener
Treat yourself with a flowering wreath kit, Hello Honey teapot or special wrapping paper.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Chicago-based Paper Source, specializing in all things paper, is opening a location at Hilldale. The doors open Feb. 10, with a preview night from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 9.
Store manager Naomi Richardson, well known among Madison crafters for her work with the Glitter Workshop and as organizer of the currently-on-hiatus Craftacular Market, is enthusiastic about this venture: “This [store] brings all of my favorite things together.”
With the motto “Do something creative every day” emblazoned on the back wall, this Paper Source declares itself more than just a stationery store. “We promote that [concept] with our associates,” says Richardson. “We do a little bit of crafting every day and make things that are really inspiring.”
One of the recent projects highlighted by Paper Source in stores and on its website is the “Bee Kind” campaign, featuring everything from notecards to teapots with a honeycomb-shaped motif. Paper Source encourages customers to write words of gratitude and display them anywhere a little extra kindness is in order.
There are also kits — for making valentines, or a gorgeous paper wreath, just to name a few.
For those about to plan a wedding, baby shower or any other type of shindig, Paper Source allows customers to design invitations themselves or tweak stock designs. The store has what Richardson calls a “paper bar,” where customers pick from an array of colors, sizes and grades of papers. There are also binders of pre-made invitations from Paper Source’s own line and companies like Vera Wang and Crane & Co.
Not feeling crafty? You’ll find a wide array (think: the entire front wall) of greeting cards for any occasion. And the store is sprinkled with gifts — inspirational books, journals, calendars and coffee mugs.
Paper Source carries gift wrap, too, from its own line to fine papers (some handmade) from Nepal, Thailand and Italy. Worth the splurge for that extra-special gift.
A large section in the back corner is open for crafting, and customers are encouraged to try out products in-store. Monthly workshops, which require pre-registration online or over the phone, will also be available soon.
Paper Source
Hilldale Mall, #33, 608-238-7140, paper-source.com, Mon.-Sat. 10 am-9 pm, Sun. 11 am-6 pm
