New Retailer: Heyday

November 7, 2016October 24, 2016 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ Leave a comment

Raise your hand if you live near Fort Collin, CO! If your hand is in the air (like you just don’t care), chance are you’ve already heard of Heyday, the ultra-chic fashion, home and gift boutique in the Jessup Farm Artisan Village.

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Owner Jen said it best, “Our philosophy is that simple-living doesn’t mean going without; it’s about effortlessly incorporating classic elements and well-worn pieces into your wardrobe and home — blending simplicity with luxury, old with new, large with small, fun with serious.”

And so in that vein, she chose a variety of cards—some funny, some heartfelt and all different occasions. Perfect to stock up for the holidays and well into the spring!

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New Retailer: Assembly

October 14, 2016October 4, 2016 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ Leave a comment

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It’s been a few months since I added a new store to my stockists, but I’m feeling like it was worth the wait! Assembly in Stevens Point, Wis. is owned and operated by Quyen—that’s her smiling mug above—a recent Twin Cities transplant with superb taste.

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Assembly offers quality, modern and fairly minimalist clothing, accessories and gifts in the heart of downtown Stevens Point. The space feels like it belongs in a bigger city, with its high ceilings, exposed brick and seriously fashionable wares, but this gem of a shop is flourishing in a town of less than 30,000.

I was “up North” (as we Wisconsinites say) anyway while I was home, so I took the opportunity to deliver her goods in person. I haven’t visited my alma mater in quite a few years, so it was almost eerie driving along streets I used to know so well, past places where I used to work and houses where I once lived.

There’s something really poignant about having my work for sale in the place where I first learned about letterpress. Despite being a fairly small order, it feels significant somehow, like here’s the signal that I’ve finally “made it”… whatever that means.

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Quyen, in keeping with her minimalist brand, chose a palette of primarily black and hot pink ink with one robin’s egg card in the mix. She chose some of my favorite designs, so I’m hoping they fly off the shelves! Next time you’re headed “up North” along I-90, make a pit stop in Stevens Point to check out Assembly: You’ll be tempted by all her beautiful goods, but be sure to pick up a few cards!

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On blogging

January 1, 2012 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 2 Comments

Happy New Year! 622 press has had some exciting developments that I’m so excited to share with you this morning!

First of all, I owe you a big thank you! On December 29, this blog had 216 page views—our biggest day yet! Thanks to everyone who stopped by and checked out 622 press. And welcome to any new readers!

Next up: While I took a break from blogging last week, I of course didn’t really take the week off. I’m happy to announce that Bess (my letterpress) now has her very own fan page on facebook. Follow her for up-to-the-minute updates on what we’re printing and even more photos and content… all from Bess’s point of view!

And finally, if you’re a comment reader, you noticed that Spin. Sew. Sketch. nominated me for a Leibster blog award in December. Honestly, I’ve never heard of this award, so while I was honored to be nominated, it took me a little while to get a grasp of what exactly it is. In the best way possible, Leibster kind of reminds me of a chain letter you used to send as a kid. Passed from blogger to blogger, it’s simply a way to share the love for small blogs just doing their best to create great content. Without further adieu, here are my nominations for Leibster awards!

I know I said I wouldn’t write about Mollie for a while, but if I’m being honest, hers is the only blog I read with any consistency these days. She lives in Utah, she has a cool life, funny dogs, beautiful insights and great adventures. What more could you want from a lifestyle blog?

Second, Fashion at Liberty—hub of all things fashion, fair trade and fabulous. Stephanie Carnes was an intern at BRAVA many semesters ago, where we were all impressed with her interview skills as well as her home decor aesthetic. She’s extended that taste level beyond the home to bring light to designers, manufacturers and retail outlets with a conscience.

While I’m certainly not getting married again any time soon, I do love the idea of throwing a beautifully decorated party. I follow the Perfect Palatte on Pinterest like nobody’s business and I love all the inspiration she lends!

One Fine Day is a production company based here in Wisconsin. Their blog isn’t exactly a blog for blog’s sake, but if you are seeking inspiration (or are in the mood for a good cry—seriously, these videos choke me up every time), just hit play!

And finally, Peach Farm Studio’s blog. A letterpress-photo-poetry studio, I appreciate the organic nature of their blogging and navigation, it encourages getting lost in their world!

Gift guide: For the birds

December 10, 2011December 11, 2011 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 1 Comment

Hello, my name is Kristin and I am addicted to bird-themed accessories. There’s a 12 step program for this, right? First step, admitting you have a problem. Truth be told, I have no less than two feather necklaces, one bird necklace, two pairs of feather earrings, a feather ring and a feather bracelet sitting on my dresser right now. Oh, and a feather-print dress in my closet. So anyway, I see no reason not to continue the theme!

We’ll start with something practical. This transparent resin bracelet by Rosella Resin features a polka dot feather from a spotted guinea fowl. It’s graphic enough to spice up any simple, modern ensemble, yet earthy enough to appeal to a granola girl as well.

Now for something a little more fanciful—amazing feather headpieces by Arturo Rios. I know hats are just starting to catch on over here in the U.S., but these are really just too beautiful to pass up. If you can’t imagine placing them on your head, what about on a table as your centerpiece or affixed to a light fixture in your home?

Feather hair extensions were very trendy this summer, but I think they’ll stick around for a couple more months. Many shops on etsy offer them, including this set from futska. I love the look, but I’m still trying to decide if they’re worth it! Luckily, these are so affordable it’s worth the gamble.

Fall Trend: Rose Gold

October 19, 2011 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 1 Comment

Perfect for fall, going rose is the latest trend in fine jewelry. I love the way rose gold flatters any skin tone and instantly gives you a creamy glow. Plus, it mixes beautifully with either silver or yellow gold, so it’s great for watches or rings you want to wear every day. Here are a few great finds to get you started!

Tri-color skinny stack by J. Lorlee Designbytes.