16 Indie Paper Goods Stores With the Coolest Artistic Stationery

May 08, 2016

From independent record stores to indie beauty products and indie swimsuit brands, it’s no secret that we love supporting independent companies. Our latest indie obsession is a romantic’s dream. Yep, we’re talking hand-crafted stationery, people! Sure, most of the time an email or a printable would suffice, but there’s something so intimate about receiving an artisanal note that we think it’s high time to bring back the old school practice for good. Scroll through these 16 indie paper goods stores for all the cutesy cards, dynamic prints and beautiful notebooks that you could ever want.

1. Dear Lola Letterpress: The founder of Dear Lola Letterpress, Sabrena, grew up making cards for her family and friends, but she had no idea that her passion would eventually transform into a full-time business. Providing letterpress stationery for the masses, Dear Lola Letterpress is a one-stop shop of beautiful cards for all occasions. (via Dear Lola Letterpress)

2. Sonia Cavallini: A freelance illustrator based in Lyon, France, Sonia Cavallini’s designs are oh so cute. From pretty pastel journals to hang-on-your-wall worthy cards, if you’re looking for something sweet, we definitely suggest a scroll. (via Sonia Cavallini)

3. Little Alexander: The days of plain paper notebooks are behind us. Transforming everyday materials into breathtaking works of art, this eco-friendly home studio of two is definitely worth the browse. (via Little Alexander)

4. The Print Room: With each bold and bright product hand crafted in Melbourne, it’s clear that the ladies behind the Print Room love their paper. Along with their spectacular notebooks, greeting cards and calendars, they also offer up some cheeky DIY ideas on their blog too — including this cute DIY floral ice cubes tutorial. (via The Print Room)

5. Yellow Owl Workshop: Whether you’re looking for unicorn prints or gingham gift tags, this quirky San Francisco studio has just about everything you could want. Pairing bold primary colors with one-of-a-kind designs, it’s an online shop worthy of a splurge. (via Yellow Owl Workshop)

6. Banquet Atelier & Workshop: If you’re browsing for something elegant, look no further. Based out of Vancouver, the dynamic duo behind this workshop simply looks out upon their scenic surroundings whenever they need a little inspiration. Let’s just say that it’s easy to tell they’ve found it. (via Banquet Atelier & Workshop)

7. The Good Twin Co.: Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries — whatever the occasion, Good Twin Co. has an adorable card that you just won’t find in your local grocery store. Also, don’t forget to check out their #girlboss notes set and minimalist prints. (via The Good Twin Co.)

8. Thumbs Up X2: If you want your next white elephant gift to be the first one stolen, the secret is in the wrappings. From galaxy prints to oceanic waves, this UK company makes beautiful artisanal wrapping paper — plus cards, pins and prints. (via Thumbs Up X2)

9. Steel Petal Press: Founder and artist Shayna Norwood creates gorgeous paper goods in her artisan Chicago-based shop. From gift tags to stationery to wedding invites, there’s something for everyone at this online store. And don’t forget to check out their soon-to-be-open Chicago brick and mortar store, if you’re in the area. (via Jennifer Kathryn Photography)

10. May Day Studio: A seasoned veteran of Etsy’s front page, this small Vermont studio combines quirky gift wrap with cutesy letterpress cards. Even better, most items sell for just five bucks or less. (via May Day Studio)

11. Greenwich Letterpress: Both a New York City brick and mortar store and online shopping paradise, this adorable shop features pop culture references like you’ve never seen them before. (via Greenwich Letterpress)

12. Piccolo Paper Co.: From pretty envelope liners to personalized typography stationery, this fun-sized shop was born out of a designer’s DIY project to create her own programs, menus and place cards for her wedding. (via Piccolo Paper Co.)

13. Paper Bandit Press: Prints, cards and tags, oh my! Whether you’re looking for a breakup card (wait, is that really a thing?) or just want to say hello, scrolling through Paper Bandit’s extensive collection will probably lead to a few chuckles — and a whole lot of next-day deliveries. (via Paper Bandit Press)

14. Indie Olive: If you love gold, bronze and silver embossment, this is the indie paper goods store you’ve been dreaming of. Although they have a Kansas brick and mortar store, they sell most of their products online, which makes it super convenient to shop indie. (via Indie Olive)

15. Wild Ink Press: From start to finish, everything at Wild Ink Press is made in-house. When maker Rebekah Tennis isn’t chasing after her three active boys, she’s hard at work in the studio (which also happens to be a refurbished soda bottling plant), creating witty cards on her old-school printing machines. (via Wild Ink Press)

16. Lisa Jones Studio: Pet owners will love this adorable indie brand. Transforming wild and household animals into just about anything — cards, clocks, lamp shades and more — you can pretty much order an entire zoo with a few clicks of your mouse. (via Lisa Jones Studio)

Which indie maker is your favorite? Tweet us your comments by mentioning @BritandCo.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Creative DIY Birthday Card Ideas Your Friends Will Love

As cute and clever as store-bought greeting cards are, there's something incredibly thoughtful that can be felt in a homemade birthday card from a friend or loved one. Not only does the act of creating DIY birthday cardsgive you the chance to slow down from the business of life and reflect on what you cherish most about the people you're celebrating, but the one-of-a-kind touch will be super memorable for your recipients as well.

Even if you're not the craftiest person, don't fret, because we've put together a straightforward guide on how to craft your own DIY birthday card for your besties and S.O.'s. Step into the world of DIY magic as we embark on a quest to create birthday cards that will leave your recipients in awe. From unexpected pop-up surprises to mind-bending interactive features, discover fresh ways to make birthday cards burst with fun and excitement. Prepare to unleash your inner artist as we dive into all the tips to help you craft unique and captivating birthday cards. And keep reading for some thoughtful text ideas to ensure that your birthday wishes are just as fun as the card design they're on.

Step 1: Gather Your DIY Birthday Card Supplies

Image via Karolina Grabowska/Pexels

Before embarking on your DIY birthday card adventure, gathering all the necessary supplies is essential. A well-prepared crafter is a confident crafter! So, let's make sure you have everything you need to bring your imaginative card ideas to life.

Start with colored cardstock or paper as the foundation of your cards. Choose a variety of vibrant hues to suit different themes and moods. Scissors are your trusty sidekick, enabling you to precisely cut out shapes, create borders, and trim your cardstock.
Grab glue or adhesive tape to hold everything together securely. Opt for a glue stick for a mess-free experience or double-sided tape for a clean and seamless finish.
Round up all the art supplies you have, from markers and colored pencils, or pens. These magical tools will be your gateway to adding personalized messages, whimsical doodles, and vibrant colors to your DIY creations.
Stock up on a dazzling array of embellishments for an added dose of flair and personality. Let your creativity soar as you explore the boundless possibilities of stickers, sequins, ribbons, twines, buttons, beads, and more. Watch your creations come alive with vibrant colors, textures, and eye-catching details. With these delightful elements at your fingertips, there's no limit to the magic your birthday cards can be infused with.

Step 2: Choose Your Card Design

Image via George Dolgikh/Pexels

The card design will function as the first impression that sets the tone for the entire experience. A well-designed card can evoke emotions ranging from joy and excitement to nostalgia and warmth, leaving friends and family in awe of the thoughtful gesture.

Handmade Watercolor Design:

Express your artistic side by creating a handmade watercolor masterpiece for a genuinely one-of-a-kind birthday card. Start with a blank cardstock or watercolor paper as the base, and let your creativity flow. Use watercolors to paint a vibrant and personalized design, such as flowers, balloons, or a recipient's favorite hobby or color palette. Add a heartfelt birthday message inside to complete the card.

Pop-Up Surprise:

Add an element of surprise and delight to your card with a pop-up feature. Cut out a simple pop-up mechanism using cardstock or colored paper and attach it to the inside of the card. Then, unleash your creativity by designing and cutting out fun shapes, such as cakes, candles, or balloons, and attach them to the pop-up mechanism. When the card is opened, the surprise element will make the birthday celebration of your loved one even more memorable.

Quilled Creations:

Quilling is a paper art technique that involves rolling and shaping thin paper strips to create intricate designs. Use quilling techniques to create beautiful and delicate patterns, flowers, or even personalized messages on your birthday cards. Experiment with different colors and shapes to bring your design to life and make it truly unique. The recipient will appreciate the time and effort put into crafting such an elegant and artistic card.

Hand-Stitched Greeting:

Consider incorporating those skills into your DIY card if you enjoy sewing or embroidery. Use a needle and thread to create hand-stitched designs or patterns on fabric or cardstock. You can stitch the recipient's name, a birthday message, or even cute motifs like balloons or cupcakes. The texture and charm of a hand-stitched card will make it a cherished keepsake.

Interactive Slider Card:

Create an interactive slider card to take your birthday card to the next level. Use cardstock to make a slider mechanism that reveals a hidden message or image as it is pulled. Write a heartfelt message or attach a memorable photo that slides out when the recipient pulls the tab. This interactive element adds a playful touch to your card and makes it truly engaging.

Step 3: Write A Clever Message

Image via June/Pexels

Elevate your birthday card by personalizing it with a heartfelt note to enrich the receiver's experience. Share warm wishes, inside jokes, or memories that make the card even more special and meaningful. Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas for what to write inside your DIY birthday card!

"Happy birthday, queen of the hashtags! May your day be as fabulous as your Instagram feed."
"You're the avocado to my toast, the squad to my goals. Happy birthday, superstar!"
"It's your birthday, so let's turn up the 'Lit' level and celebrate like it's 1999... or 2023!"
"Birthdays are nature's way of telling us to eat more cake. Enjoy your special day!"
"May your birthday be filled with good vibes and a bottomless brunch. Cheers to another fabulous year!"
"Sending you birthday wishes with all the heart emojis. You deserve all the love and happiness today and always."
"Happy birthday to my favorite extremely online friend. May your Wi-Fi always be strong and your battery never die."
"Time to celebrate another trip around the sun. Let's make this year even more epic than the last!"
"You're not getting older, you're leveling up! Happy birthday, gamer!"
"Happy birthday, trendsetter! May your day be filled with selfie-worthy moments and viral-worthy adventures."

Step 4: Add The Perfect Finishing Touch

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As a bonus, consider creating a DIY envelope to complete the package. Choose decorative paper or repurpose materials like magazine pages or fabric scraps to craft a unique envelope that adds creativity and thoughtfulness to your handmade card. Personalize it by adding hand-drawn designs, stamps, or calligraphy for an extra special touch.

So, there you have it! DIY birthday cards offer endless possibilities for fun, creativity, and the chance to unleash your imagination. With just a few simple steps, you can create customized and sincere cards that will bring joy to your loved ones on their special day. Remember, the beauty of DIY is that there are no limits or rules. Let your creativity run wild, experiment with different techniques, colors, and textures, and, most importantly, have fun. Happy crafting!

For more crafty ideas, check out all of our DIY ideas on Brit + Co.

10 Ways Your Home Office Design Is Killing Your Productivity

I've been working from home since long before it became the norm. And my "office" has evolved from a spindled-back chair at the kitchen table to an airy home office with a view. Back then, my productivity took a hit without essentials like adequate storage space, comfortable seating, and a bit of privacy. While it has its perks, working from home comes with its fair share of challenges; your home office setup doesn't need to be one of them.

Here are 10 ways to redesign your home office for better productivity!

Caio

1. Bad Lighting

Dim or harsh overhead lighting can strain your eyes and limit your focus. Try to get close to a window for natural light or use daylight bulbs to mimic sunlight to boost your mood, creativity, and focus. Find a desk lamp that works for you too!

Ella Jardim

2. Clutter Everywhere

A cluttered desk equals a cluttered mind, IMO. Reduce the stress that comes with a disorganized and cluttered desk by bringing in shelves and organizers; finding sleek cable-management solutions; and removing any unnecessary items to reduce visual distractions.

Vlada Karpovich

3. Uncomfortable Furniture

If you're sitting most of the day, it's so important to invest in a good desk chair. An unsupportive chair or poorly sized desk can be uncomfortable, making it harder to stay focused for long periods of time. Your back will thank you!

Ketut Subiyanto

4. No Boundaries Between Work and Home

Distractions at home like kids and partners can kill your productivity. Avoid blurring the line between work and home life by designating a private space, separate from high-traffic spaces, for your work hours if you can. Use rugs, curtains, or acoustic panels to reduce noise too.

Mizuno K

5. Lack of Storage

I get it, they're not the best-looking pieces in your home, but without proper filing systems you’ll waste time hunting for important documents or supplies. Invest in modern storage options that look good too from Mustard Made and The Container Store.

Vlada Karpovich

6. Unoptimized Tech Setup

Slow Internet or outdated tech tools can make you feel totally frustrated and can slow down your productivity. Upgrade your Internet to a faster connection, and refresh your tech gadgets and programs to make sure you work more efficiently.

Ivan Samkov

7. Awkward Desk Placement

Placing your desk in a spot with too much noise, traffic, or distractions — like facing a TV — will guarantee to disrupt your concentration. Find a more zen spot where you can focus on the tasks of the day.

Anna Shvets

8. Ignoring Ergonomics

Check your monitor height, keyboard positioning, and add a wrist rest so you don't lead to feeling uncomfortable and fatigued, cutting your workday short.

Mikhail Nilov

9. Lack of Personalization

A sterile, uninspiring office design does your motivation and creativity no favors. Make work feel less like a chore by adding personal touches through artwork, personal photos, candles, some fresh flowers or plants. Greenery can improve air quality and actually reduce work stress. Add a little snack station for quick energy boosts and keep water handy. Also, your Zoom backgrounds should reflect your personality!

Serpstat

10. No Inspiration

No matter what you do — whether it's a creative work or something more analytical — you want to feel inspired. Personalization can help, but dive into vision boards, books, magazines, quotes that inspire your work and help you bring fresh ideas to your workday. Color psychology can help too: blues and greens encourage focus and reduce stress while pops of yellow or orange can spark creativity! Break out the paint if needed!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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18 Must-Have 2024 Calendars to Keep You On Track In Style

When it comes to New Year rituals, the naysayers might scoff, but we know there's something utterly transformational about kickstarting the year with a fresh calendar in hand. Admittedly, it might end up buried in your tote by March, or you'll find it snuggled among the books you've been planning to read. So, why not switch things up this time? Skip the planner that may play hide-and-seek and go for a wall or desk calendar instead. The best part? These stationary stunners are immune to getting lost during transit or making you feel guilty for missing that daily itinerary. We've rounded up a flock of unique options that'll keep your ducks in a row, no matter what life throws at you.

Wall Calendars

Opalhouse 2024 Wall Calendar

Add a touch of boho chic to your decor with this visually stunning wall calendar from Opalhouse. It's not just a calendar; it's a piece of decor for your space.

The Everygirl x Day Designer 2024 Wall Calendar

Collaborating with The Everygirl, Day Designer brings you an elegant wall calendar that marries functionality and style. Stay organized in the most fashionable way possible.

Houseplants Foil Poster 2024 Wall Calendar

Embrace the plant mom life with this foil poster wall calendar. Each month showcases a unique houseplant, making it an excellent choice for green thumbs and wannabe plant parents.

Rifle Paper Co. 2024 Greetings from Around the World Wall Calendar

Transport yourself to far-off places with this Around the World Wall Calendar by Rifle Paper Co. Each month features greetings from a different country, perfect for travel enthusiasts.

Blue Sky Meadows 2024 Wall Calendar (Kelly Ventura For Blue Sky)

Let this navy blue and floral design help you tackle your important projects in style.

Phoebe and June Shops & Markets 2024 Wall Calendar

This adorable wall calendar makes us want to live our best soft girl lives.

Wild House Paper Intentional Calendar 2024

Wild House Paper's Intentional Calendar is all about setting goals and crushing them. Stay motivated and track your progress with this inspirational gem.

Papier The Month Of Calendar

Papier's Month Of Calendar is a wonderful way to celebrate life's little moments. Customize it with your favorite photos and memories to make each day special.

Aesthetic Minimalistic 2024 Wall Calendar

Keep it simple and stylish with an Aesthetic Minimalistic Wall Calendar. It's a great choice for those who appreciate clean lines and a clutter-free look.

Live Oak Print Mountain 2024 Wall Calendar

Want to spend more time in nature next year? Let this 2024 calendar help you map out your vacation days.

SofestoreShop 2024 Groovy Pink Calendar

2024 calendars should be fun and aesthetically pleasing, so add this groovy pink design to your cart today!

Papier Multi Photo Personalized 2024 Wall Calendar

Bring a slice of home to your office with this personalized wall calendar.

Desk Calendars

Day Designer Wild Blooms 2024 Desk Pad Calendar

For those who prefer their planning right in front of them, the Wild Blooms desk pad calendar from Day Designer is an absolute must-have. It's like having a stylish bouquet on your desk every day.

2024 Good Boys Easel Calendar

Prepare for your heart to melt with this adorable dog-themed easel calendar. Every month features different good boys to keep you smiling all year long.

Rifle Paper Co. Blossom Appointment Calendar

Rifle Paper Co. is back with their signature whimsical style in the Blossom Appointment Calendar. Plan your days with a touch of floral elegance.

Hadley Designs Doodle Large 2024-2025 Desk Calendar

This desk calendar is for the girlies who finds themselves doodling during their zoom meetings — we see you.

Pen+pillar For Cambridge 2024 Desk Calendar

We can't get enough of floral 2024 calendars.

Trends International Inc. Harry Potter 2024 Desk Calendar

Immortalize scenes from the Harry Potter franchise on your desk — at least for 12 months.

For more organization inspiration, be sure to sign up for our email newsletter!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Jasmine Williams.

Header image via Anthropologie

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Spencer Pratt & Heidi Montag Break Down In Tears About “Life Changing” Public Support After $2.5 Million Home Burned Down

The world watched as the devastating L.A. fires swept away home after home last week — including reality TV icons Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt's. To say it was heartbreaking for the L.A. community would be a gross understatement, and these two have been very open about the toll it's taken on their family. In an interview with Good Morning America, the couple opened up to share about their experience — and share the incredible way friends and fans have come together to support them.

Looking for ways to help L.A. after the devastating fires? Here's a very helpful list of resources you can donate to!

Here's how fans are helping Spencer Pratt & Heidi Montag after the L.A. fires

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt joined Good Morning Americaon January 15, 2025 to talk about how the L.A. fires continue to impact them. The couple shared what it was like having to quickly leave their home in a moment's notice. Heidi explained that Spencer told her to grab anything she wanted to keep, so she ended up grabbing her kids' teddy bears because she was so flustered.

When their $2.5 million home actually caught fire, Spencer got choked up talking about watching their kids' rooms burn on their cameras. He said, "Our son’s bed started just burning in the shape of a heart. The fire started in the shape of a heart. I was like, ‘This is like, out of body insane.’"

Outside of that, the couple detailed the loss beyond the material items of it all. Spencer opened up about the memories lost throughout it all, too. He said, “I feel like a ghost. I don’t have a single photo now from before an iPhone existed. I don’t have any of the dumb little things that are on your shelves in your parents’ they’re all gone. Not a single nothing.”

And to Heidi, their home was more than a physical place to live. She shared, “It’s a place that you love that you live, it’s a refuge from the world. And to have that be gone, it’s a really difficult concept to continue to daily deal with."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

In the midst of the devastation, fans and friends have banded together to support Heidi and Spencer in a really unique way. After Spencer posted on TikTok that people should stream Heidi's 2010 album Superficial, so they can generate revenue to rebuild their lives with, people took that and ran with it. The song eventually hit #1 on iTunes, and Spencer even shared that there's potential for it to hit Billboard's Hot 100 Dance Chart, too.

And it's not just fans blasting this throwback song. Friends and fellow celebrities like Paris Hilton and Flava Flav both posted the song on TikTok. Plus, former The Hills co-stars shared the song as well, including Brody Jenner, Kristin Cavallari, and Audrina Patridge.

Heidi said, “The fan support has been such a light in such a darkness for us. It’s life-changing.”

We're sending love to Heidi and Spencer — and all the families impacted by the terrible L.A. fires this year.

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OMG, Netflix Just Confirmed The ‘You’ Season 5 Release Date (With New Video)

Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) is back for another season of snooping and stalking in New York City, and thanks to the new You season 5 teaser, we know exactly when this new TV show is returning. In addition to showing us characters from the past like Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail), Love Quinn (Victoria Pedretti), and Marienne Bellamy (Tati Gabrielle), Joe straight-up says goodbye to the one person who's always been there: you. Yep, Netflix went there.

“Every season they manage to find new space to make it interesting and relevant,” Penn Badgley told Tudum. “And this season, I think somehow coming back to where it started allowed for it to just become grounded in the way that it needs to also have this kind of spectacular finish.”

Here's a breakdown of that brand new You season 5 teaser.

"Hello, you. Do you remember me? Cause I remember you," Joe asks in the You season 5 teaser, over shots of New York City and Mooney's Books. "Here we are together again, back to where it began."

"A lot has happened these many years together," he continues. "Identities, cities, loves, complications." The trailer is a walk down memory lane for viewers and for Joe as he remembers Beck, Love, and Marienne — and locking them up. Plus some fights and escapes he made along the way.

"All that led me here to now, to where I as always meant to be," he says. "And the one constant, the one thing that has always been there for me, is you. You who have been there the whole time and will be there with me to the end. Goodbye, you."

Okay, this is totally giving me Black Mirror, metaverse vibes, especially since Joe's in his creepy underground bunker with all that blue lighting. I have chills down my spine just watching this!

Is season 5 of You coming out?

Yes, You season 5 is dropping on Netflix April 24, 2025.

We've been waiting for new episodes since season 4 premiered in 2023, but the writers and stars have been planning Joe's ending for much longer. "We have some ideas that we've been talking about pretty much from the beginning," Sera Gamble told EW when she was showrunner in 2023. "It's really the debate about what kind of justice would be fair and appropriate for a guy like Joe. And then do we believe that he would get that kind of punishment? My short answer is like, maybe not from the American system. But there might be other ways. So that's the stuff we're talking about."

But whatever these writers and directors have up their sleeves, Penn Badgley promises You season 5 will come to a "perfect" conclusion. “I would love for people to just be like, ‘Wow, it’s over and I feel good and I don’t want to watch it again,'" he told Harper's Bazaarin March of 2023. And honestly, a perfect ending is all TV fans can hope for these days, right?

Who's in the You season 5 cast?

The final season of You stars Penn Badgley, Madeline Brewer, Anna Camp, Charlotte Richie, and Griffin Matthews.

Are you excited for the final season of You? I cannot wait to see the way Penn Badgley and Netflix bring the show to a close. Follow us on Facebook for the latest You season 5 news — and updates on all your favorite TV shows!

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