About Us

At the heart of this brand’s foundational vision lies a mission to fill everyday life with warmth and joy, while nurturing deep‑seated human relationships through the transformative power of creativity. It firmly believes that well‑thought‑out design paired with premium‑grade materials can encourage people to slow down their fast‑paced routines, embrace uninhibited self‑expression, and form genuine, one‑to‑one bonds with those around them. Rather than treating creative pursuits as a luxury reserved for a small group, the brand views artistic expression as an experience open to everyone, capable of brightening ordinary days and strengthening emotional ties in simple, profound ways.

This guiding philosophy grew out of a long‑held culture of curiosity and a passion for discovery. Founded by Sue Lindstrom, the brand traces its beginnings to her endless fascination with the wider world. Driven by a powerful urge to seek out new experiences, she embarked on extensive travels and immersed herself fully in a rich variety of international cultures. Throughout her journeys, she encountered beautifully‑made paper‑based goods and hand‑crafted artifacts shaped by generations‑old techniques and cultural heritage. Instead of simply collecting these rare handicrafts as souvenirs, she dug deep into their traditional production methods, skilled artistry, and the moving human stories attached to each piece. She brought these treasured finds back home and carefully selected items to stock a family‑owned retail shop. Before long, this store developed into a welcoming creative gathering place for artists, makers and everyday shoppers alike. What once began as a deeply personal passion gradually blossomed into a thriving community bringing together artisans, design experts and imaginative minds united by their shared appreciation of timeless beauty, exceptional craftsmanship and unbounded creativity. This enduring spirit still guides the brand today, seamlessly blending vintage‑inspired charm with modern‑day aesthetics so that every physical shop inspires visitors the moment they step inside.

The brand opened its flagship Chicago store in 1983, originally conceived as an elegant showroom displaying hand‑picked paper products sourced globally. In the decades that followed, its business steadily expanded, yet it has never drifted away from the core principles established at launch. Its main headquarters remains located in Chicago, and its retail footprint now covers more than one‑hundred storefronts spread across multiple U.S. states. Every location maintains a cozy, welcoming atmosphere and an unwavering commitment to creative design, delivering customers a relaxing, uplifting environment that is easy and enjoyable to explore.

Drawing inspiration from the paper wasp, a small but remarkable insect that transforms simple natural resources into elaborate, delicate and breathtaking structures, the brand created its distinctive emblem. This symbolic image carries a heartfelt message: ordinary sheets of paper can turn into stunning works of art with careful planning and vivid imagination. Much like the complex nests constructed by paper wasps, every hand‑finished product starts out as basic raw material and gains its own special character through careful workmanship, intentional design choices and clear creative purpose.

Environmental care sits high on the priority list throughout every stage of product creation and manufacturing. Having a profound appreciation for paper as a natural material has fostered a strong sense of responsibility to protect our planet. The brand consistently makes eco‑friendly decisions, conducts its business with strong ethical standards, and continuously refines its production workflows. Most paper supplies are sourced from domestic manufacturers, cutting down carbon emissions created during long‑distance shipping while lending stable support to local industries. Long‑term partnerships are maintained with certified paper mills and print studios committed to sustainable forestry practices, ensuring all raw‑material harvesting protects long‑term ecological balance.

Recycled and renewable resources are incorporated into manufacturing wherever practically possible. Many product lines are made from repurposed waste materials, produced using renewable energy, or built from plant‑derived components. Specially curated paper collections feature the highest achievable percentage of recycled content, while innovative alternatives such as stone paper deliver durable, reusable options that reduce dependence on traditional wood pulp. The brand also keeps refining its packaging strategy, actively working to eliminate unnecessary plastic and excess wrapping materials across its full supply chain.

Moving far beyond paper‑focused merchandise, its wide‑ranging catalog of goods is thoughtfully created to help customers showcase their individuality and preserve precious life‑long memories. From fine stationery for writing sincere hand‑written messages to attractive everyday gifts balancing practicality and beauty, each item is crafted to deepen human connections, deliver gentle comfort and spark creative self‑expression. Whether marking major life milestones, exchanging heartfelt notes with loved ones, or adding quiet artistic charm to routine moments, these products are designed to become cherished parts of daily life and shared personal stories.

All of these core beliefs and operational practices combine to shape a brand built upon creative ambition, environmental accountability and an open‑hearted community spirit. Through intentional design selections, sustainable manufacturing processes and an unyielding passion for creativity, the brand stays true to its founding mission. It strives to create an inclusive, comforting haven where every creative‑minded visitor can find fresh inspiration, build meaningful connections, and experience a genuine feeling of belonging.