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In the not so distant past, connections of the heart and soul were made through the simple use of pen and paper.  Business was conducted in these mediums too. We as humans went blissfully along accepting the new technological age not understanding the loss that has occurred, by simply trading pen and paper, for keyboard and screen.  There is an entire generation, if not soon to be two, which are lost to the world of handwriting.

A film by Ryan Couldrey delves into the writing renaissance that is upon us and features the incredible work of Tanja Tiziana.

Please, take a 7 minute break, follow the link below, and watch this truly incredible film.

https://vimeo.com/132785867

When we say long hot summer around the shop, it is usually with the rolling of eyes and a tongue firmly planted in a cheek.  We don't really have air conditioning, but we do.  The building as old as it is (built in 1910) has quite a lot of charm, but not the most efficient of cooling systems. So the little air conditioning unit we installed to provide some relief is doing a sufficient job.  It's the little engine that might ... depending on the temperature outside.

When we say long hot summer around the shop, it sometimes means the extra-long hours we are putting in receiving our summer, fall and now Christmas stock.  Yes.  Christmas in July.  We set a standard, almost a year ago, to keep the shop ever changing with new products.  To this promise, we are delivering.  Sometimes Daily.  The ladies in the shop really have their work cut-out for them.

The term "Long hot summer", is also used when we talk about our progress on construction. The long days and late nights working on the storeroom, workshop and office have taken its toll on all of us.  Especially when the little air conditioner that might, decides to not.  So yes, through shear tenacity, stubbornness and determination, the construction will be completed soon (thank you Mr. Contractor - we are tired of dust) and programs will be posted shortly.

But really when we say long hot summer, we smile and feel light of heart.  Because of YOU.  Even in the warmth of the old building, surrounded by great new stationery, while fanning ourselves with that brilliant birthday card, you stop in to say hello and linger to talk about the lake or that party you are going to. You stop, for a minute, to ask what's new. You stop. To breathe and share your time with us.  And that is why; it's a long hot summer.  That is why we do it.  For Community. That's You.

Thank you all for an incredible summer!

This month we have been pining to get into the workshop/studio, crack open some acrylic paints, dirty up some brushes and get our hands dirty. Every year, around this time, when the cold of winter has settled in and the snow is still on the ground, we yearn, as many artists do, for that embrace of creativity. Although we have had snippets of creativity and a smattering of inky hands and sticky paper, it has not been the same this year.

We have been creative in other ways ... with our minds planning workshops, events and tradeshow travel with our team and supporters, like you.  With notepads with our vendors, suppliers and other creatives that supply us with great products.  But mostly, we have been creative with saws, and hammers, and paint, and wire, and wood. To be honest, we are physically putting the finishing touches on the workshop. We want it just so when we officially open to the public. 

We are so close to opening, that we have had to re-organized our art supply area, to make room for all the new products (yep ... gonna use em in the workshops!). Had to source and found a large format paper storage unit (thanks to Mid Mod Vintage & Hidden Stitch). We even scored a few other display units from some other businesses (thank you Periwinkle). There has been a ton of work in the back ground that will be revealed soon.

But in the meanwhile, come on in and check out the updated Art area! We are sure you will find something worth dirtying your hands with.

 

Soul Paper is Open!!  We are so excited to finally be able to share all the great products we found.  We have imported some exquisite stationery writing sets, journals and paper from Italy.  We also have a wonderful line of notebooks and notecards from England.  We have brought in some different cards, some from artists who design, illustrate and print their own.  We also have a selection of art journaling and mixed media supplies. So drop in and say hi, we would love to help you find something that touches your soul or the soul of someone you love.