Stamp Act

I went up to the Bay Area recently to visit my friend Jana, and as usual, we went shopping. This time we hit a new store: Paper Source. I've visited the chain's website, but this was my first time in a brick-and-mortar store. It won't be my last!

It's fun and beautiful and inspiring, with gorgeous paper, chic cards, gifts, and rubber stamps. A whole wall of rubber stamps.

I've mentioned that I'm not much of DIYer or very crafty, but the stamps were full of so many possibilities, I couldn't resist. From flowers to animals to hearts and shoes—you name it, it was there. After scrutinizing each and every stamp for what seemed like an hour and watching a demo of the embossing tool by a friendly saleswoman, I settled on these three stamps, along with some ink and a cute bag to store it all in:

Cute, right?

I've started playing with them a bit. I made some labels for the jars in the pantry. And Paper Source has some great how-tos on its website. I just need to stock up on some card stock, and I'll be set!

Designer Crush: Thomas Paul

I've been a little obsessed lately with Thomas Paul's whimsical but elegant fabrics and home and fashion accessories. They play right into my love of nature and animals. I mean, seriously, how perfect are these:

All images via thomaspaul.com

Lighting, rugs, pillows, bedding and laptop covers—Paul has it all. He also offers a line of fine stationery and even e-stationery. I just might have found what I've been looking for!

Putting Pen to Paper

I love the idea of personalized stationery. Like a signature scent, it automatically says "you."

Of course, it won't be much use if just takes up space in one of my drawers. Which is likely, since I rarely write letters anymore (although I do still like to pick out the perfect birthday card for friends and family).

Still, the idea of personal stationery is seductive. And these beauties caught my eye:

First row, from left: Gadabout Tete a Tete, Rock Paper Scissors; Sunny Botanical Personalized Stationery,
Minted; Crane Queen Bee Stationery. Second row: Monogram Note Card B, Kate Spade; Bee note set,
Sugar Paper; Fashion Lady, Flair Designery. Third row: Dog Notes & Calling Cards, Rifle Paper Co.;
Bicycle with Basket A2 Stationery, Paper Source; Owl Flat Stationery, Perideau Designs.

Lovely, aren't they? But which to choose?

You know I can't pass up cute dogs or adorable owls. But ever since I saw the Queen Bee set in Matchbook I haven't been able to stop thinking about it—and then I spotted the other bee. Of course, the bicycle reminds me of my beloved orange Townie. The monogram is very grown up—maybe a little too grown up. The botanical is sophisticated and cute (and bonus: it comes in blue). But then, I'd like to spend time with those two fashionable ladies.

Then there are other considerations: personalized or off the shelf? Letterpress? (And what does that even mean?) Recycled paper?

As you can tell, no decision is too small for me fret over! And don't even get me started on address labels.

Do you have personalized stationery? Do you ever use it? And do you ever get letters anymore? I'd love to hear about it!