Paper Flowers in Seattle

May 18, 2017May 12, 2017 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ Leave a comment

I’m super excited to announce that Seattleites can find my paper flowers in not one but two local shops! Lucca Great Finds, a gorgeous shop in the Ballard neighborhood, picked a beautiful selection of delicate pastel Icelandic Poppies and foliage to complete the bouquet. Pick up one of their beautiful vessels and you’ve got a great gift or perfect addition to your own home!

Farther south, you’ll find the uber trendy Paper Hammer. They picked up a veritable garden of paper flowers: multicolor zinnias, anemones, roses, poppies and more. Definitely worth the few few blocks’ walk from Pike Place Market!

Bouquets and Bunches

December 3, 2016November 28, 2016 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ Leave a comment

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Is there anything better than an armful of colorful blooms? I don’t think so, especially when they are lovingly handmade and last forever. So when I got together with Adi of Ballyknock Photo, I brought a bunch of bouquets along with the crowns from my last post. white_arrangement_5r0a7572

This monochromatic arrangement was actually a commission for a wedding show and was shipped out the day after it was photographed. Since the blooms were all whites and creams, I wanted to create interest with a variety of flower types and textures, especially in the foliage by incorporating paper evergreens, succulents and branches berries in with my hand-dyed leaves. white_arrangement_5r0a7606

burgundy_bouquet_5r0a7372 When I was home this fall, I splurged on a super fancy Italian crepe paper in a gorgeous merlot color. It looks so beautiful with reds, fuchsias, purples… pretty much everything. I love this bouquet! I wanted to try a few shots with my scooter, and they turned out even better than I imagined! My model thought I was crazy, but I just love these funky boots with her beautiful lace tea-length gown. bike_5r0a7796

While I love color, I really enjoyed putting together this more traditional bridal bouquet of whites and pinks. Shop all flowers here!

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A Daring Adventure

June 5, 2016 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 2 Comments

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This week, we head out on a daring adventure: to Chile! Ever since I saw a friend’s photos from Easter Island a few years ago, it’s been on my short list, so when Andrew proposed taking a real vacation this year, it was one of the destinations I was rooting for.

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There will be plenty of photos and a travel post to come, but in the mean time, I’ve checked another shop update off the list! Three sizes of cotton archival prints turn one of my digital downloads into a museum quality piece! Browse all the sizes here and stay tuned for new prints soon too!

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New Retailer: Apartment 528

April 27, 2016April 23, 2016 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 1 Comment

April has really been one for the record books on the wholesale front—I have another new retailer to announce! I don’t mean to be all #blessed, but I totally am!

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Chicago’s Apartment 528 was opened in 2009 with one goal in mind: To rescue boring apartments (and homes!) with a unique mix of colorful handmade product and vintage furniture. Owner India Shannon has such an amazing eye for curating products that make a big impact and could change your space all on their own, but play nice with everything in the shop, so you could also do a full redesign!

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Naturally, she gravitated toward my brightly colored cards featuring large scale vintage wood type! She also got the last of a few designs, like “YOU’RE AWESOME” below!

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The most exciting part about her order is that Apartment 528 is the first retailer to also carry my embroidery hoops! Chicagoans can check out a good selection of my abstract pieces and the original cactus hoop, along with a few new ones! The online shop is now looking a little sparse in the embroidery department (I’m working on it!), but get in touch and I’ll make something just for you!

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New Retailer: Laurel Grove

April 13, 2016April 14, 2016 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 1 Comment

One of my main goals for 2016 is to expand the network of stores that sell 622 press goods. I’ve been working hard at this one—emailing my catalog to dozens of stores over the last few months, and sending samples to as many as I can. (Know a local shop that would be a good fit for 622 press? Get in touch!) However, the most recent addition to the 622 family fell right into my metaphorical lap!

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Laurel Grove is an adorable boutique in Sudbury, Mass. that grew out of the owner’s part-time vintage business. She was in a similar situation to mine two years ago: Working full time at a job that she loved, but also pursuing her own business on nights and weekends… plus she had a two year old. Eventually, the stars aligned and with the perfect space, business partner and her husband’s support, Laurel Grove was born!

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The shop carries a mix of vintage and handmade and select new home decor and jewelry. Kim’s goal is really to showcase artisans whose stuff she loves. She says, “I do try to stay mostly local to New England, but every once in a while if someone catches my eye (like you did) and I just love the product I’ll reach out.” The store also offers customization and furniture refinishing.

Kim picked out an awesome collection of cards that includes some of my very favorites, and got the last of a few designs, like our wood type “good luck” card and select colors of “best day ever!” Laurel Grove is also the first to carry my new calligraphy inspired “oh happy day” and “mr and mrs” cards! And, she picked up a great selection of Mother’s and Father’s Day cards, so pop in soon to grab those while they last!