Papier Gourmet

The Greatest Gift - a true American classic & holiday inspiration

2011-11-28T15:27:00.001-05:00

Every Thanksgiving weekend, I love to get into the holiday spirit by decorating our house, putting up our Christmas tree and watching a few holiday movies. While we usually opt for a comedic classic like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (who doesn't love Cousin Eddie?), this year we chose a true holiday inspiration – It’s a Wonderful Life. Just last week I read “The Greatest Gift”, the short story on which the movie is based and recently had the pleasure of learning the incredible story behind both the book & movie from one of our retailers, Graphic Image, which has reprinted this timeless tale for us all to share with loved ones this holiday season.

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{adapted from Graphic Image}

In 2009, Tom Glazer, the owner of Graphic Image, found among his father’s literary possessions, an author signed original of one of the first copies of The Greatest Gift – a short holiday novella written in 1943 by a little known author Philip Van Doren Stern who, after having it rejected by The Saturday Evening Post as well as many other magazines, decided to print (200) 4-page pamphlets himself & send them out to family and friends as Christmas cards that year.

In March 1944, Stern received a Western Union telegram with a serious offer to purchase the move rights to The Greatest Gift. $50,000 later, the Hollywood screenplay by Frank Capra was underway and the story that was once a Christmas card is now one of our most beloved holiday stories of all time known as It's a Wonderful Life – a twentieth century story about a man saved from despair by a mysterious stranger who gives him a precious opportunity to understand the difference that his unassuming life makes to the world and those around him, celebrating the difference that each life, no matter how simply lived, can make.

Now, almost 75 years later, this timeless inspiration to the American movie classic is available for the first time as a recreation of the 1943 edition with the original story, as it was written, along with remastered drawings of Rafaello Bussoni’s original woodcut illustrations printed in vintage two color presswork as well as a personal account of its history by the author’s daughter, Marguerite Stern Robinson, describing how this wonderful novella became one of the most popular short stories of all time.

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(100) paper cover limited editions are available for purchase at Papier Gourmet ($25 - while they last!) or leather cover versions can be special ordered and personalized with the lucky recipient’s name or initials ($55 + personalization) - as featured in Martha Stewart Living (Nov 2011). A wonderful reminder to friends and family at this most special time of year of what is truly most important. Consider my heart warmed (and hopefully yours too!) and my Christmas shopping complete. :)

- Pamela

{images courtesy of Graphic Image}

20% off Unique Personalized Wood Holiday Cards from Night Owl Paper Goods

2011-11-16T00:11:00.001-05:00

Looking for a way to really WOW your friends & family this holiday season? Try a unique holiday card printed on eco-friendly sustainably harvested wood from Night Owl Paper Goods! With a HUGE selection of designs - modern, classic, fun & folksy - there is a style for everyone (& every photo!) Hurry in this week & you'll get the added bonus of saving 20% off your personalized Night Owl Paper Goods holiday card order! But don't wait, the sale ends this Sunday, 11/20. Don't have a photo yet or not sure what sentiment you want include? No problem! Place your order now to take advantage of the savings & we'll send in your text or photo later. You can even opt to have a 2012 calendar printed for free on the backside. Have your own holiday card design? We can submit your own custom design to be printed on a wood card & still take advantage of the sale. It's truly a win-win for everyone!

(Standard turn-around time is 10 business days from proof approval. See in-store to view the full selection of card designs. Paper holiday card designs available as well if wood isn't your thing.)

Check out a small sampling of some of the fantastic designs below, in the store or our Facebook album on our Facebook page (here).

Crane's Stationery Sale - 50 for $99

2011-11-02T14:10:00.001-04:00

Now that November is upon us (and therefore the holiday shopping season!) it's time to start making your shopping list & checking it twice. And what is the perfect gift for everyone on your list - young and old, classic or modern? Why, personalized stationery, of course! In our digital and technological age, there is nothing better than receiving a handwritten note in the mail so why not outfit all your loved ones with stationery representative of their individual personalities? This year Crane's has brought back their popular 50 for $99 Holiday Stationery Sale making the gift of personalized stationery truly affordable! Now through December 24th, order 50 personalized notes or correspondence cards with lined envelopes for just $99! With 12 predesigned templates, 4 different paper stocks (select from a folded note or flat correspondence card in either pearlwhite or ecruwhite) and 7 ink colors and matching envelope liners, the possibilities are endless! Or design your own using any of Crane's lettering styles, monograms or motifs. You can even add a printed return adress on the envelope backflap for just $40! Stop in today and let one of our sales associates help you get a jumpstart on your shopping list! At a savings of over 30%, it's a sale not to be missed!

Featured :: Postcards and Pretties Blog {Rustic Burlap Inspired Shoot}

2011-10-26T20:30:00.000-04:00

We were recently featured on the beautiful postcards and pretties blog (yay!) in a stunning rustic, burlap inspired photo shoot that we had the pleasure of providing paper goodies for earlier this spring. Staying with the refined yet tactile design, we created an invitation that incorporated a monogram & oversized swash design element for a vintage feel combined with varying typography for a modern twist. We flat printed it onto bamboo letterpress paper that is so lovely to the touch (while still being cost-effective for the budget-conscious bride). Lastly, we wrapped the invitation in burlap & tied it with a luxurious double-faced satin ribbon to give guests a glimpse of the gorgeousness that would await them on the wedding day. The same typography & design elements were carried through on both menu cards (see below) as well as placecards. A huge thanks to Sharyn Peavey Photography and A Family Affair of Maine for including us in this amazing project! The results (as you can see in Sharyn's incredible photos below) were well worth the effort! Be sure to read the full blog post here for all the delicious details & descriptions!

{all photos by Sharyn Peavey Photography}

Change is Good

2011-09-01T11:22:00.001-04:00

Photo by Christina Wnek

Change is good. It can also be exciting, nerve-wracking, stressful and just plain old scary but sometimes it is also exactly what is meant to be (in a very good way).
Just over seven years ago, I (along with my husband, father & stepmother) took a leap of faith as I left my career as an Epidemiologist at the state health department and became a stationer (a HUGE change)! And it has been a wild rollercoaster ride ever since. Within weeks of signing a Purchase & Sale Agreement we found out we were expecting our first child. A new business, a new home & a new baby all within a year – WOW! Things happened quickly and haven’t slowed down since. With the arrival of a second bundle of joy a couple of years later, I’ve been busy commuting 1.5 hours a day, carting our two little ones to/from daycare (not to mention having each of them in the store with me as infants) all while my husband traveled regularly for his work. During this busy time, I’ve also worked very hard to build Papier Gourmet into the full-service stationery store it is today.

Well, times-they-are-a-changing! Today is an important day as I pass the torch onto Papier Gourmet’s new owner (drum roll..): Valerie Beman Kyros, Yup, that’s right – Papier Gourmet is under new ownership! Valerie worked for the store’s original owner when it first opened in 1996 and always had dreams of owning it one day. Valerie and I have been discussing the idea of ownership changes since 2008 (when I had both a 3.5 year old and a 10 month old and was realizing that I couldn’t ‘do it all’) and the time has finally come for me to step down and for Valerie to take the reigns. She brings with her an extensive background in interior design, a great sense of style & taste as well as a great pen collection. I’m really excited about her vision & plans for the future of the store, as I’m sure you will be too!

Although this transition is somewhat bittersweet for me – I’m very much looking forward to spending more time with my now 6.5 and 4 year old sons, but yet I will miss seeing all of my wonderful customers I’ve come to know so well over the years. Papier Gourmet has provided me with so much flexibility to bring my children to work with me as well as many wonderful opportunities to meet and work with incredible people, including the customers, sales reps, area business owners, vendors, wedding industry experts, brides & grooms and, of course, last but not least, my employees over the years – many who have become dear friends and would not be a part of our lives (and each other’s) if not for the store.

So, I thank you all for your support & confidence throughout the years – it means more than you could ever know! I’ll still be around through the holiday season as I assist Valerie with the transition but I hope you’ll stop by to say hello and introduce yourself as she puts her own mark on & breathes new life into Papier Gourmet!

Pamela

Featured :: Greetings, Etc.

2011-08-28T17:10:00.003-04:00

I recently had the pleasure of being featured in an article ("For the Love of Stationery") in the summer issue of Greetings, Etc. magazine - a stationery industry trade magazine. It was fun sharing my story of how I came to own a stationery store as well as everything I've learned since, stationery trends & my favorite lines!

PSA Essentials Stamp Sale through September 5th

2011-08-07T21:44:00.001-04:00

PSA Essentials Stamp Sale going on now through September 5th! All custom self-inking PSA Essentials personalized stamps are now just $29.95 + tax/ship (regularly $39.95). Select from 30 designs to create a custom stamp - perfect for birthday, housewarming or Christmas gifts (that's right, Christmas...it's never too early to plan ahead...it'll be upon us before we know it!). So stop in (26 Free Street), call (207.871.9722) or email us (design@papiergourmet.com) to order yours today!

Lovely Silhouettes

2011-07-20T22:53:00.000-04:00

Photo credit: Snow & Graham

I just had to share this wonderfully creative yet unbelievably simple way to decorate using some of the great flat wrapping paper sheets we carry in the store. I love the old-fashioned look of silhouettes & even had one done of my oldest son when he was just 1. But after Snow & Graham shared this inspiring silhouette display in their booth at the National Stationery Show this year I will undoubtedly have to do some updating! I love how the traditional & timeless silhouette looks against the modern patterned backgrounds. Such a fun, modern twist to timeless wall decor! Click here for S&G's step-by-step instructions on how to create this look yourself & stop by the store to pick up some gorgeous wrap!

Featured: Maine Wedding Podcast

2011-04-27T23:02:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of chatting with Amber Small & Kathryn Ravenscraft of Sweetest Thing Weddings and Audra Medunitza Welton of Audra Photography, the three lovely ladies behind Maine Wedding Podcast. They provide downloadable podcasts (~15-30 mins in length, available on iTunes) interviewing Maine wedding vendors about their areas of expertise. A great way to get the best advice directly from the experts! We had a lively chat discussing all things paper from invitation styles, printing methods, pricing & etiquette (with some good laughs throughout!). Have a listen for yourself here & enjoy!

Timeless Invitations & The Royal Wedding

2011-04-19T16:21:00.005-04:00

Okay, so I have to admit it...I've been bitten by the bug. The Royal Wedding bug, that is, and now I'm hooked! I've taken an interest (along with the rest of the world) in the wedding craze of Prince William & Kate Middleton and will likely be glued to my DVR for the next week and a half being sure not to miss any little tidbit about the upcoming Royal nuptials on April 29th at Westminster Abbey. Even though I'm not generally one for pomp & circumstance (at least not on the grand scale of our friends across the pond) I find all the extravagance of a royal wedding quite intriguing considering it is truly an historic event. And naturally, I was very interested to see what a royal wedding invitation looked like!

Albeit a bit on the bland side for my personal taste, it is clearly reflective of the granduer & formality of the event itself. All of this got me thinking about the place a classic, timeless wedding invitation still has in today's modern wedding.

{Image from Brides.com}

With so many choices in wedding stationery these days, anything goes. From fun & funky, colorful, modern, retro, rustic or traditional, the sky's the limit. But there is something to be said for a truly timeless, classic invitation like this one we created last year for Katie & Aaron, who were married at The Harraseeket in Freeport, ME.

{William Arthur Invitation, Engraved & Blind Embossed}

Knowing they wanted a traditional invitation, we selected an oversized ecru triple panelled heavyweight invitation (by William Arthur) engraved in black using both traditional block & calligraphic fonts. The blind-embossed duogram placed at the top, a combination of both the bride & groom's first initials, gave it a slightly modern twist while maintaining the classic look they wanted. The result? A remarkably stunning, yet simple invitation. Looks like there is something to be said for sticking with a little tradition after all!

{Entire wedding suite including reception card & reply card}

The Love of Letterpress

2011-02-16T11:37:00.000-05:00

With the 2011 wedding season well underway, one thing has become very clear – brides are loving letterpress this year! Letterpress is one of the oldest printing processes involving the pressing of plates with text into soft, supple paper resulting in a crisp, clean impression that one can’t help but run a finger over to actually feel its beauty. Combined with stunning modern designs, letterpress is clearly making a comeback in the 21st century wedding invitation. Although a bit pricier than other printing methods like thermography or offset printing because of its labor-intensive nature (a person literally has to manually press the plate into each invitation piece), brides this season clearly feel it is worth the extra investment to ensure their invitation not only makes a lasting impression but truly sets the tone for their wedding as an event not to be missed!

Some of this season’s faves….

Studio Olivine's The Ingrid, Photo courtesy of Studio Olivine

Studio Olivine's The Annie, Photo courtesy of Studio Olivine

Smock Paper's Rhon, Photo courtesy of Smock Paper

Vera Wang's Love Knot, Photo courtesy of William Arthur & Vera Wang

William Arthur's Dogwood Branch, Photo courtesy of William Arthur

Get 25 Free!

2011-02-09T21:41:00.000-05:00

Well, it's one of our favorite times of year...get 25 free! Some our favorite stationery & invitation lines offer 25 free with orders placed through the end of March. See specific offers below and call today, 207.871.9722 for a bridal appointment!

William Arthur & Vera Wang: Order 75 wedding invitations or social stationery (lettersheets or notecards) and receive 25 free through March 27th.

Crane's, Kate Spade and Martha Stewart: Order 75 wedding invitations and receive 25 free through March 28th.

Checkerboard: Order 25 invitations and receive 25 free (applies to invitation only, not additional pieces) through March 29th.

Love is in the (cold) air!

2011-01-26T16:20:00.000-05:00

While looking at the calendar today I realized that Valentine's Day is only 2 1/2 weeks away! Wow, has January gone by fast! Anyhoo, we have some ridiculously fun & cute V-day cards in-stock that I thought I'd share with you to get those Valentine's Day sparks-a-flying! I know which one I'll be giving my hubby (who happens to be a chemist) on Feb 14th (who is hopefully not reading this right now...) Enjoy!


Heart-shaped die-cut letterpressed valentine's by Eggpress

Flat-printed & letterpressed die-cut valentine's by Eggpress

Letterpressed valentine by Eggpress, "you're the mac to my cheese" -- Love it!

Flat-printed valentine by Letterspace, "We've got chemistry"

Flat-printed valentines by Pinkerton (who doesn't love a steamy lobster?)

Let's get Knotty! (Letterpressed & die-cut by Eggpress) SO CUTE!

Flat-printed on sustainably harvested wood by Night Owl Paper Goods

Photos courtesy of Papier Gourmet

A New Year, A New Purpose

2011-01-20T12:55:00.000-05:00

DIY notecards from last year's Snow & Graham wall calendar

Happy New Year everyone! Hope you've all settled into 2011 nicely. I have big plans and expectations for this year - I think it’s going to be great and full of new adventures! As I usually do each year, I spent New Year's Day taking down holiday decorations, arranging the holiday photo cards we received into a wonderfully heart-warming collage on our refrigerator (that stays up all year!) and changing the calendars in my home office, dining room and kitchen. As I took down my 2010 Snow & Graham Wall Art calendar in my office and was admiring the beautiful designs of the months gone by, I started thinking about how I could continue to enjoy it even after 2010 was past. It seemed silly and wasteful to just toss it in the recycling bin so I pulled out my paper cutter and got to work. The result? (40+) A6 flat notecards, (25+) 4bar flat notecards and a handful of gift tags. I paired the notecards with plain Waste Not Paper A6 and 4bar envelopes from our paper by the piece line that we carry at Papier Gourmet and voila! A brand-new set of notecards to start off the New Year. And what did I do with them first? Why write all my holiday thank you notes, of course! Hope to see you all in the store in 2011!

DIY gift tags from Snow & Graham calendar scraps

9th Day of Christmas Deal of the Day!

2010-12-22T11:44:00.000-05:00

Today's deal of the day (actually the next 3 days as well) is 20% off holiday greeting cards, holiday gift wrap & holiday gift bags! Time to get all those gifts wrapped & under the tree! Still have some really beautiful wrap & bags in stock...but hurry, don't wait, as they are going fast! And stay tuned for more info on our End of Year Sale next Tues, Dec 28 - Thurs, Dec 30!

8th Day of Christmas Deal of the Day

2010-12-21T11:39:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe Christmas is just a few days away! I don't know about you but I'm so excited to celebrate with my family this year. My two little guys can't wait the jolly guy to come down the chimney! Anyway...our 8th Day of Christmas Deal of the Day is 10% off all 2 Fresh Threads hand-sewn crafts (all locally made!) including reversible aprons, oven mitts, pot holders, coasters, bibs, burp cloths & changing pads. Perfect gifts for all the cooks, teachers and new babies/moms in your life! Stop in today, open 10a-6p!

7th Day of Christmas Deal of the Day :: Personalized Stationery!

2010-12-20T12:26:00.000-05:00

In this week's last minute crunch to find the perfect gift for your loved ones, our 7th Day of Christmas Deal of the Day is our Personalized Stationery Promotion - 25 personalized flat white or ivory notecards & 25 blank envelopes for just $26.50! With 12 designs to choose from, and multiple ink & envelope colors you can mix & match your way to the perfect personalized gift. And, even better, you can still have them in time for Christmas! So come on by to check them out in person or feel free to view the design options, ink & envelope colors. Call us at 207.871.9722 or email us at design@papiergourmet.com with questions and/or orders!

Fifth Day of Christmas :: Deal of the Day!

2010-12-18T11:26:00.000-05:00

On this Fifth Day of Christmas all holiday gift wrap rolls & holiday gift bags are 10% off! Make sure all your thoughtful gifts are beautifully wrapped so the recipient will know just how special they are to you. Lots of great styles left but hurry, they are going fast now that Christmas is only 1 WEEK FROM TODAY! :)

Fourth Day of Christmas :: Deal of the Day!

2010-12-17T13:55:00.000-05:00

Save 15% off all candles & soaps this Fourth Day of Christmas! We have beautiful & wonderfully scented candles and soaps by Ecoya & Lucia that are perfect hostess, teacher & Yankee Swap gifts! So stop on in & cross one more thing off your holiday to-do list (it is, after all, only a week until Christmas!)


Ecoya Soy Candles ($29.95) & Soaps ($11.95) in 4 different fabulous scents!

Lucia by PureLiving Soy Candles ($22.95) & Soaps ($10.95)

Third Day of Christmas :: Deal of the Day!

2010-12-16T10:51:00.000-05:00

Since tonight is Merry Madness down here in the Old Port and we unfortunately will not be staying open late to share in the festivities (family responsibilities to attend to!), stop in today before 5pm and save 20% OFF any one in-store item!

**Does not apply to special orders, in-house printing services or the purchase of gift cards.

Second Day of Christmas :: Deal of the Day!

2010-12-15T12:14:00.000-05:00

Today's Second Day of Christmas :: Deal of the Day is 10% off all boxed holiday cards! We still have a great selection of holiday cards from traditional to whimsical so stop in & stock up before they are gone (and they are going fast!)

On the First Day of Christmas...

2010-12-14T11:48:00.000-05:00

...my true love gave to me -- a Pilot/Namiki Retractable Fountain Pen! Yep, that's right, the Twelve Days of Christmas are actually upon us (hard to believe!) so in the spirit of the season we'll be offering a Deal of the Day from now until Christmas. The First Day of Christmas Deal of the Day is 10% off on all Pilot/Namiki Retractable Fountain Pens, by far our most popular fountain pen. Features a 14K gold nib for super smooth writing and can be filled from either a cartridge or from a bottle with the included converter. We just received a new shipment yesterday so stop in today, have your pick of colors, save 10% and really surprise the writer in your family with a pen they will surely never put down!

Photo by Sharyn Peavey Photography

Think Outside the Box, Wed Dec 8th

2010-12-07T18:13:00.000-05:00

Shop the Arts District on Wednesday, December 8th until 8pm for Think Outside the Box sponsored by the Portland Downtown District. Shops will offer sales (like 10% off in-store merchandise @ Papier Gourmet) as well as exhibitions, demonstrations, live music, raffles & more. Click here for a complete list of participating stores. Happy shopping!

Holiday Gift Guide 2010, Part 1 :: Make it Personal!

2010-12-04T14:18:00.000-05:00

During the holidays, gift giving can often become a stressful endeavor. You set out with the best intentions of selecting personal gifts reflective of the true interests of the recipients. But then the craziness of the holiday season gets the best of us and we find ourselves aimlessly wandering the mall or local drugstore on Dec 23rd buying Snuggies and Chia Pets for everyone on your list. Ugh. Blah. Blech. Why not do something a little different this year? What if buying personalized gifts could be fun & easy? Well, it is! This year the new trend in gift-giving is personalization! From stationery, notepads, platters, placemats and self-inking stamps, there is truly something for everyone! Here's the first part of our Holiday Gift Guide for you to check out! Give us a call at 207.871.9722 or email us at: design@papiergourmet.com for more info or to place an order! (Don't wait too long since the personalizing part does take a little time...see below for order cut-off dates by company).

1) Personalized Gifts from Boatman Geller: I've written about how fun & cute this line is before here but wanted to revisit since their line has some of the greatest gift ideas! Melamine personalized holiday platters, plates, placemats, recipe cards, notepads, stickers, wine tags, address labels...the possibilities are endless! Order cut-off date to receive by Christmas is Dec 10th!


10" Round Melamine Plates, $26 (24+ designs)


Holiday Melamine Platters, $42 (12 designs)

Personalized Double-Sided Laminated Placemats, $22 (multiple designs)


Personalized Double-Sided Recipe Cards (Set of 24), $35

Personalized Notecards (Set of 25), $66

Return Address Labels (Set of 48), $30 (multiple designs)

Holiday Photocards & Invitations too!

2) PSA Essentials Custom Self-Inking Stamps ($40) & Embossers ($60)
These are the best gifts! I've given them to everyone I know as holiday gifts, housewarming presents & wedding gifts. They can be as simple as a monogram with a name ora return address. And with the new cool Peel & Stick technology it is super-duper easy to switch out the middle and replace with a festive design for all different holidays and events. Two weeks for delivery so order soon!

Self-Inking PSA Essential Stamp, $40 (see design options below)

PSA Essential Embosser, $60 (see design options below)

Design Options for Both Stamps & Embossers

Ink Color Options (1 & 2 color choices)

3) $99 Crane's Stationery Sale: I just wrote about this incredible sale here the other day but wanted to remind you since it's such a great deal! For just $99, you can order 50 folded or flat notes with lined envelopes. Choose from 4 stocks, 8 ink colors & envelope liners and voila, the perfect personalized gift!
Order now through December 15th to ensure delivery for Christmas. See in-store for details.

Digital Holiday Photocards

2010-11-29T16:12:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving has come & gone and we are now into full holiday mode! If you are like me, you are probably starting to panic about getting your holiday cards mailed in time as well as stressing about when you will even find time to sit down & start looking for a possible design, photo, etc. Instead of putting it off and then having to settle this year, why not make it fun, keep it local & cost-effective and have them in your hands, ready to mail in as little as 3 days? Check out our brand-new line of digitally-printed holiday photocards designed exclusively for Papier Gourmet (by the incredibly talented Brooke Hamilton, Visual Communicator extraordinaire & part-time PG employee). With 16 designs (see below), all of which can be customized with personal messages, 10 fonts, 9 ink colors & 10 envelope colors, you are sure to find something perfect to send holiday wishes to all your friends & family! And at just $1.65 apiece (includes blank envelope), you can keep it inexpensive all while feeling good about keeping it local as well! See in-store for details & to order or feel free to email us at design@papiergourmet.com

Design Name: CRISS CROSS, 5"x7"
Photo by Kari Herer Photography

Design Name: SWISS DOTS, Size 5"x7"
Photo by Kari Herer Photography

Design Name: SCALLOP - HORIZONTAL, 5"x7"
Photo by Kari Herer Photography

Design Name: TAG - HORIZONTAL, 5"x7"
Photo by Kari Herer Photography

Design Name: ARGYLE, 5"x7"
Photos by Kari Herer Photography

Design Name: PINSTRIPE, 5.5"x5.5"
Please note, square cards require additional postage
Photo by Kari Herer Photography

Design Name: BRACKET, 5.5"x5.5"
Please note, square cards require additional postage
Photo by Sharyn Peavey Photography

Design Name: STAMP, 5"x7"
Photo by Kari Herer Photography

Design Name: CLASSIC BAND - HOLIDAYS, 5"x7"
Photo by Kari Herer Photography

Design Name: CLASSIC BAND - NEW YEAR, 5"x7"
Photo by Kari Herer Photography

Design Name: STITCHED RIBBON, 5"x7"
Photo by Kari Herer Photography

Design Name: CIRCLE STITCH, 5"x7"
Photo by Kari Herer Photography

Design Name: SCALLOP - VERTICAL, 5"x7"
Photo by Kari Herer Photography

Design Name: MERRY, 5.5"x5.5"
Photo by Sharyn Peavey Photography
Please note, square cards require additional postage

Design Name: CLASSIC BAND - GREETINGS, 5"x7"
Photo by Kari Herer Photography

Design Name: CLASSIC BAND - MERRY CHRISTMAS, 5"x7"
Photo by Sharyn Peavey Photography

Crane's $99 Stationery Sale

2010-11-27T13:58:00.000-05:00

Add personalized stationery to your shopping list this year during Crane's $99 gift-giving sale! Purchase a set of 50 notes or cards with lined envelopes for just $99! (a $66 savings!) Your choice of a monogram, name only or name with motif thermograph printed using one of eight stylish ink colors with matching lined envelopes. Going on now through December 15th! Stop by for details & to view stocks, ink colors, envelope liners & design options.

Featured on WedLoft.com

2010-11-23T16:29:00.000-05:00

When Michelle from WedLoft.com first contacted me about doing a Vendor Interview, I was very excited to share a little about Papier Gourmet as well as how I came to be it's owner (read the blog post here for more info on my pre-stationery life!) The Vendor Interview was featured on their blog today so I hope you all enjoy learning a little bit more about Papier Gourmet as well as being treated to some incredible pictures taken by some very talented area photogs (& Unlimited, Sharyn Peavey and Mark Davidson). Enjoy!

Discounts? Yes, please!

2010-10-29T17:23:00.000-04:00

I'm the first to admit that I'm a bargain shopper. I love to shop a sale & get a great deal (& my friends will surely attest to that!) So when I heard about MainelyMara, a local membership-only website (it's free to be a member!) that offers great deals to local boutiques & salons, I signed right up! I've already taken advantage of a great 90 minute massage from our Free Street neighbor, Head Games as well as a mani/pedi at Cherry Pie, both of which were so deeply discounted I couldn't pass them up! Why am I telling you all of this you ask? Well, that's because if you haven't signed up yet, you will definitely want to because Papier Gourmet will be featured next week on November 4th. You won't want to miss out on this great deal just in time for all your holiday shopping! Sign up now & stay tuned...

Featured on Design*Sponge

2010-10-28T13:15:00.000-04:00

Check out our friend Cate's Before & After feature on Design*Sponge this morning showcasing her super creative idea for the Sukie Alphabet Wrap that we currently have in the store. Part of an afternoon spent cutting & laminating made for an easy project for mom & a fun (and educational!) game for her 4 year old. So simple, yet brilliant! Thanks for sharing Cate! You can check out Cate's own blog, Life Comes Round here. Enjoy!

Photos provided by Cate Wnek

2011 Wall & Art Calendars

2010-10-19T12:37:00.000-04:00

We have a plethora of 2011 Wall & Art Calendars in stock right now perfect to brigthen up any home or office! They even make a fantastic Christmas gifts (I give beautiful wall calendars annually to several family members). Stop in soon to pick up yours before they are gone! Here are some of my favorites...

First up...
Linda & Harriet's Letterpressed Wall & Postcard Calendar, $30
and the best part is that each calendar page becomes a postcard after the month has passed by!

Snow & Graham's Art Wall Calendar, $27.50
one of personal fave's year after year

Annie Catherine's Poster Calendar, $29.95
beautiful painted New England scenes, also available in desk size 5"x7"

Pikku's Wooden 'Pods' Wall Calendar, $48.95
patterned beautifully printed onto wood background with letterpressed refillable calendar pages displaying 3 months at a time, also available in a red colorway

Waste Not Paper's Wall Art Calendar, $24.95
comes with templates on the reverse of each month to make file folders, pillow boxes, cards & gift tags!

Waste Not Paper's Postcard Desk Calendar, $14.95
same beautiful designs as the wall art calendar (above) but in a handy little desk size so you can bring a little beauty into your office

Night Owl Paper Goods Little Critters Desk Calendar, $24.95
Adorable little creatures beautifully printed on sustainably harvested wood sheets & comes with a handy acrylic holder for display

Snow & Graham's Write-On Wall Calendar, $24.95

All of the beautiful designs S&G are known for but in a grid format so you can use it for keeping track of monthly events. Perfect for the kitchen to organize your family schedule!

SusyJack's Deluxe Wall Calendar, $34.95
Gorgeous designs certain to brighten any room. Hang one month at a time or for a greater impact, 3 months at once!

And last but certainly not least...
Linnea Poster Calendar, $29.95
A true classic year after year...

Baby Shower feature on Bump Smitten!

2010-10-05T11:58:00.000-04:00

Here is a link to a baby shower I helped plan for a former Papier employee & dear friend (along with two other former Papier employees) that was featured on Bump Smitten last Friday! It was lots of fun to both plan as well as attend. So hard to believe that our friend's little guy is now almost 10 months old! Wow, time really does fly! I can't take credit for all the incredibly beautiful ideas shown in these pics (taken by our fabulously talented friend & co-host Kari Herer) but did enjoy printing the banner, picking up flowers & tasty treats, baking cupcakes, and spending an afternoon with Christina (of 2 Fresh Threads & third co-host) making some pretty adorable little pinwheels to decorate with. I hope you enjoy!

Holiday Card & Photocard Promotions!

2010-10-02T14:32:00.000-04:00

Even though we’ve been experiencing what seems like the never-ending summer here in Maine (I was wearing shorts on Wednesday!) it’s now the beginning of October, time to admit that summer is ending and getting ready for what’s next…holiday season! Yup, that’s right, it’s holiday card & invitation time! And the sooner you order, the more you save! With great deals from 10%-20% off your entire order to free return address printing offers running from now through mid-October (some through early November) on all your favorite lines including William Arthur, Checkerboard, Page, Vera Wang, Smudge Ink , Prentiss Douthit (and many more!) now is the time to dig through your summer pics and find the ‘ONE’ that will you’ll share with family & friends this holiday season. And of course, we also carry traditional (non-photo) personalized as well as corporate holiday cards as well. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Here's just a few samples of the HUNDREDS (and I really do mean hundreds!) of choices!

Smudge Ink – 10% off through October 15th

Photo courtesy of Smudge Ink

William Arthur – 10% off through October 17th

Photo courtesy of William Arthur

Vera Wang – 10% off through October 17th

Photo courtesy of Vera Wang

Page Letterpress – 20% off through October 30th

Photo courtesy of Page Stationery

Checkerboard -- Free return address printing through November 1st

Photo courtesy of Checkerboard

Prentiss Douthit -- 10% off through October plus additional savings if you have a dog in your photo (another 5% off), a funny story about taking your kids' picture (another 5-10% off) or admit you hate an item of clothing someone in your photo wore (another 5% off!)

Photo courtesy of Prentiss Douthit

Stacy Claire Boyd – free return address printing OR free return address stickers through October 31st

Photo courtesy of Stacy Claire Boyd

Fall Wedding Promotions

2010-09-14T13:50:00.000-04:00

Well, it seems everyday my inbox is being flooded with new fall wedding promotions from invitation companies so I wanted to share them with you all so that you can take advantage of some of these great savings (including all you 2011 brides & grooms!) Give us a call at 207.871.9722 to set up a bridal appointment!

William Arthur & Vera Wang
Order 75, get 25 free! Applies to all pieces ordered including reception cards, reply cards/envelopes, envelope liners, etc. Offer good through November 1st, 2010.

Photo courtesy of William Arthur

Rita Renning
Receive 20% off your entire order through September 27th, 2010.

Checkerboard
Receive 25 free invitations through November 1st, 2010. Applies only to the invitations themselves, not other accessory items. Minimum order of 25.

Photo courtesy of Checkerboard

Wiley Valentine

Receive free Save the Dates with any wedding invitation suite order (including invitation, printed envelope & reply set) placed through December 31st, 2010. Promotion includes free matching save the dates & one color printed envelopes. The Save the Date promotion can also be used for a free invite insert card if save the dates have already been ordered. All pieces must be ordered at the same time.

Photo courtesy of Wiley Valentine

Smock
Free outer envelope backflap printing with any wedding invitation order OR free save the dates with any wedding inviation order (must be ordered altogether) through December 31st, 2010.

Photo courtesy of Smock

Back to School (or not!)

2010-09-13T13:08:00.000-04:00

Rachel's First Blog Posting...enjoy!

----------------------------------------------------

As you may have read in my recent post for Papier Gourmet, I graduated from college this past May. For over sixteen years, I attuned myself to the paradox of summer vacation: a regimented three months of freedom. I always tried to fill my Junes, Julys and Augusts with a mixture of exploration, work and relaxation. However much of a success or disaster my summer turned out to be, though, I knew that early September would bring it all to a close. I found a certain comfort in that deadline; regardless of what I did during my time off from school, after a week of small talk it faded into memory while my friends and I recalibrated ourselves to our familiar school ways. Now, as I face the summer vacation of the rest of my life, I feel a certain melancholy in knowing that September is just as arbitrary a month as any other. How strange to know that my day-to-day schedule will not dramatically change as the temperature shifts!

Working at Papier Gourmet has kept me in the whirl of back to school spirit even as I have no plans to head back to school. We just received our 2011 planners from variety of companies, including Moleskine, Exacompta, Filofax, Letts of London, MomAgenda and WhoMi. I couldn't resist a Moleskine that started in academic year 2010 (aka this July). Along with all of the other Moleskine planners, it has a calendar on the left (I chose weekly, though we carry daily and monthly as well) and lined paper for notes on the right. I love writing down various details about my week on the right side, which has become littered with to-do lists and addresses that correspond with appointments on the left. Moleskines are famous for housing the scribbles of the likes of Picasso and Chatwin (and more recently, every hipster worth her weight in skinny jeans) and have lovely faux-leather covers and an accordion folder for important scraps. I feel like an analog girl in a digital world, but I have such an easier time using my tangible Moleskine than a computer or phone program to organize my hours.

For those more interested in scribbling than arranging, we also have a humongous selection of notebooks, filled with blank, graph or lined paper. Their crisp pages remind me of the joys of September; I always cherished the feel of a pen on a fresh notebook. With Clairefontaine and Rhodia, you can pick between various sizes to suit your needs. If I were a private investigator, for example, I would surely pick up a slim Rhodia black pad to jot down my observations.

I’ve also noticed an upswing in wrapping paper purchases, which people use to cover their textbooks. I wish that I had thought to use Kate & Birdie’s Grey Forest gift wrap to protect all of my books. It’s a creative way to add cheer to academic settings, particularly when children learn visually. I love Grey Forest in particular because, unlike most gift wrap, the sheet portrays one forest scene instead of exhibiting a repeating pattern. The continuous treescape would look lovely wrapped around an oft-read text. Please come in and check it out. I would love to live vicariously through your back to school purchases!

My, how time flies...

2010-08-02T11:56:00.000-04:00

Seven years ago today I wore a white gown, said ‘I do’ and began the rest of my life with the only person with whom I could ever imagine sharing such a grand adventure. Our wedding day itself, despite how quickly it flew by, seems like only yesterday. But when I stop and look at all that has happened in the last seven years, I’m shocked it actually hasn’t been longer. As a newly married couple, you have the rest of your lives ahead of you and the possibilities of what the future holds are truly endless. It’s a wondrous time in life & one that I love to see in the couples I work with each day. For me & my husband, it seems as though our lives have been full speed ahead since Day 1. In our first year of marriage alone, we bought our first car, bought our first home, bought a business & changed careers and found out we were expecting our first child. Since that first year, we haven’t really slowed down. A job change for my husband and our second child combined with lots of travel and commuting has made for busy, busy lives - but I wouldn’t want it any other way. Like every couple, we’ve had our ups & downs, our highs & lows but I can truly, honestly say that I’m just as happy, if not more so, than that very first day. With everything we’ve experienced together as well as watching our family grow has brought us closer together, taught us more about each other and given me a multitude of new reasons to love him even more. He’s a wonderful, thoughtful, caring husband and father, and I am so lucky to have him in my life. Happy Anniversary, babe…I can’t wait to see what the next 7 (or 70) years have in store. And to all you newly married, or engaged, couples out there - enjoy the adventure!

Photo by Sharyn Peavey Photography

Introducing Rachel!

2010-07-28T13:03:00.000-04:00

With the store being so busy this summer, it was time to start searching for another talented paper-lover to bring on board to help out as well as give me some much-needed time off to spend with my kiddos, especially since my oldest starts kindergarten in 31 days (not that I'm counting...Sniff!)

Luckily, I did not have to search far or long! Rachel called one day asking if I was hiring & after meeting her the following day, I could tell she'd be a great fit as Papier Gourmet and for our clientele as well as handle all the different aspects of her role here superbly!

Rachel will be helping me in the store part-time with a little bit of everything --customer service, writing invitation & stationery orders, merchandising, and just generally providing an all-around friendly smile! You may even see her do a little guest blogging as well as updates on our Facebook page, so stay tuned! Below is a little background about her in her own words so you can get to know her. In the meantime, be sure to stop in & welcome her to Portland!

Hello! My name is Rachel and I am the newest employee here at Papier Gourmet. Originally from New Jersey, I came up to Maine to attend college and felt a strong pull to stick around. I graduated this past May with a double major in English and Women and Gender Studies. In my spare time, I love to read, write, hike and dance. I find walking into work every day pleasant; I savor Papier Gourmet's stimulating atmosphere of colors and chipper patterns. One of my favorite tasks on the job is helping customers choose ribbon to match some of our wrapping paper - the possibilities are endless!

Though I haven't planned a lavish affair that necessitates much of the fine printing we do here since my bat mitzvah, I do my best to keep up my correspondences with a personal flair. While thank you notes have garnered a reputation as formulaic, I love to take my time with them. Sometimes, there is nothing better than moments spent writing heartfelt sentiment by hand. Even as the internet becomes a more ubiquitious medium for communication, it can never replace a thoughtful, handwritten note. That's why I made Smudge Ink's boxed Dahlia Thank You notes my first purchase at Papier Gourmet, though I need a replacemet set sooner than anticipated...

My current wishlist at Papier Gourmet keep growing. I have a soft spot for Hydrangeas, which draws me to Kate & Birdie Paper Company's fabulous hydrangea gift wrap. The antique turquoise has just enough funk to keep it vibrant -- it's a wrapping paper that could very well serve as its own present. We recently started carrying Lucia Soy Candles, and I surprised myself by loving the scent of Lindseed Flower & Goat's Milk best of all. I never expected that I would long for the smell of Goat's Milk in my room!

Well, I better get back to work(ing on my wishlist). Wishing everyone a delightful week. If you're in the area, please stop by and say hello!

New for Summer!

2010-07-20T16:19:00.001-04:00

Well, it's been a while since I've posted because it has been busy, busy, busy here in the store printing & assembling all kinds of invitations (mostly wedding...Phew!) but so much fun new stuff has been arriving these past few weeks that I didn't want to waste any time sharing it with you! Be sure to stop in & check it out in person as well as say hello to our new employee, Rachel (more on her soon!) Enjoy!

Lucia Soy Candles & Soaps by PureLiving
{4 incredible scents :: perfect hostess gifts!}

Floral patterned thank you notes by Pinkerton Design

Floral patterned reuseable shoppers by Smudge Ink

Letterpessed Boxed Notes by Smudge Ink

2011 MomAgendas & MyAgendas

Adorably letterpressed birthday cards by Dee & Lala {love the whale!}

Brightly patterned summer notepads by Boatman Geller
{perfect camp stationery for kids!}

Adorable gift wrap by Kate & Birdie Co.

Letterpressed birthday cards by Dutch Door Press

2011 WhoMi Day Planners {get yours soon because they go fast!}

Colorful screenprinted greeting cards by Two Trick Pony

Super fun & brightly patterned reuseable gift bags

Tips + Trends: {Not-So Mellow} Yellow

2010-04-30T13:48:00.000-04:00

Like in any industry, the trends, hot colors and styles change year to year. In the stationery world, we see the new "it" color, typestyle or pattern emerge at the National Stationery Show every May in NYC. But this year, it's clear to me that one of the new 2010 stationery trends has already emerged :: YELLOW! And not your pale, blah, boring yellow either. We are talking bright, fun, vibrant yellow! The kind that makes you automatically smile and dream of sunny summer days or remind you of the beautiful forsythias blooming all over town. Now I can't say that yellow is one of my personal faves (I'm a green girl as anyone who knows me would agree) but I find myself drawn to cheerful hue this year (I even tried on a pair of bright yellow summery flats the other day, although I did wimp out and buy the boring, neutral color but they were fun to wear for at least a few minutes!). And I realized just how how popular this color seems to be as it's all around the store these days making it a very cheery place to be! I hope you enjoy these pics and that they brighten up your day as much as they do mine! Enjoy the beautiful weekend ahead everyone...

Cherry Blossom Noteblocks, Boxed Notes and Notepads {Snow & Graham}
Forsythia Pencil Cup and Notebook {SusyJack}

Ribbon Invitation & Brunch Card {Kate Spade}

Yellow Roses Boxed Notes {Kate Spade}
Dragonfly Boxed Notes {Martha Stewart}
Yellow Lattice Boxed Notes {Jack and Lulu}

Gift Wrap {Pikku and Ink & Paper}

Hello Boxed Notes {Vera Wang}

Featured Invitation {Kristin & Jay}

2010-04-23T11:59:00.000-04:00

Just mailed out this great invitation yesterday for Kristin & Jay, who have been engaged for 1.5 years and decided a couple of weeks ago not to put off getting married any longer & go for it--so they are planning their wedding in just under two months! When Kristin called to see if we could help her send invitations out right away, we, of course, said "Yes"! We are always up for a challenge! Even though they had a limited timetable, they still wanted to create a beautiful invitation. Working with the extensive & completely customizable Envelopments line (along with some upgraded shipping), we were able to design an invitation that included all the information they needed to provide to their guests (directions, accommodations, reception information & rsvp postcard) in an all-in-one square pocketfold while keeping their color scheme in mind (originally navy & white since he will be wearing his dress Marine uniform). The added red ribbon square knot gave the invitation a burst of color and helped the bride narrow down her flower decision (red roses) and check off another "to-do" on her checklist! Congratulations Kristin & Jay...it was a pleasure!

Designer Spotlight: Boatman Geller

2010-03-22T21:18:00.000-04:00

With all the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been having it has totally given me spring fever and makes me yearn for the warmer days soon to come in the next few months. Spring has always meany bright, fun colors to me after the dreary winter months. What better line to complement springtime & prepare you for the summer than Boatman Geller. This colorful line has a little something for everyone—flip-flops, wellies, nautical, seashells, wellies, preppy plaids and stripes as well as some fantastic gifts like personalized stationery, plates, notepads, address labels & more (perfect Mother's Day & hostess gifts!). Makes me nostalgic for my childhood days when I lived in Izod polo shirts & Tretorn tennies…

Social Stationery

Party Invitations

Birth Announcements

Children’s Stationery

Personalized Notepads

Personalized Melamine Plates

All images courtesy of Boatman Geller.

This blog has moved

2010-03-10T22:24:00.001-05:00

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Baby Fever

2010-03-02T21:22:00.000-05:00

So I got to hold a baby this morning who is only 10 days old and all I can say is I’ve got baby fever…again. And this time it’s bad, and I mean, REALLY bad. But who can blame me? With my own “baby” recently turning 5 a couple weeks ago (holy crap!), my youngest morphing from a baby into a toddler right before my eyes and so many friends popping out incredibly cute little bundles of joy (including the latest, a good friend & former PG employee...Congrats S&S on Little G!), one can only naturally be nostalgic for those early baby days. (Ok, so maybe my husband isn’t when it comes to the late night feedings, multiple diaper/outfit changes & spit-up but somehow us Moms have the ability to forget all that and focus only on the good parts, like the snuggling - that's my favorite!) So I figured what better way to treat my baby fever (at least temporarily) than by showing you all the fun baby things we have at Papier Gourmet! From baby shower invitations & birth announcements, to baby books & growth charts, thank you notes & brag books there are lots of things to help you prepare for your little’s ones arrival! Visit our Baby page for more info!

Elephant Tower Birth Announcement, Kate Spade Baby

Rag & Bone Growth Charts

Nesting Imprintable Baby Shower Invitation, Snow & Graham

Storytime Photo Announcement, Simply Put by Ashley Woodman

Loralin Baby Book Gift Set (Feed Me Nursing & Feeding Journal, Special Moments Journal & Look What I Got Journal)

Dragonfly Path Birth Announcement, Luscious Verde Baby

Photos courtesy of Kate Spade, Rag & Bone Bindery, Simply Put, Loralin, & Luscious Verde

Winter Wedding Promotions

2010-02-24T16:08:00.000-05:00

William Arthur Engraved Invitation, Photo courtesy of William Arthur

Every time I turn around these days I seem to be getting an email or fax with yet another incredible promotion from one of our great wedding invitation lines so I wanted to make sure that I shared them all with you so that you (or someone you know!) could take advantage of these ridiculous savings and cross yet another item off your never-ending wedding to list!

William Arthur Weddings Volume I & II, Vera Wang On Weddings & Rita Renning Weddings: Order 75, get 25 free through March 28th

Vera Wang Zinnia Invitation, Photo courtesy of William Arthur

Crane’s Classic Weddings, Crane’s Bliss, Crane’s Letterpress, Kate Spade Weddings & Martha Stewart Weddings: Order 50 & get free return address printing (or free engraving or letterpress dies) through April 12th

Martha Stewart Peony Wedding Suite, Photo courtesy of Crane's

Prentiss Douthit: Free return address printing on all orders through March 31st

Smock Letterpress: Free Save the Dates with a Wedding Invitation order OR Free return address printing on outer invitation envelopes through December 31st

Smock Rhon Letterpressed Invitation, Photo courtesy of Smock Paper

Checkerboard A Marry Occasion & Blue Moon: Order 25, get 25 free through March 28th

Checkerboard Thermographed Invitation with Ribbon, Photo courtesy of Checkerboard

The Perfect (last-minute) Valentine’s Day Gift

2010-02-12T16:03:00.000-05:00

Some people say that I can be hard to shop for because I’m, well, let’s just say ‘particular’...but these beautiful prints & mini wood blocks that just arrived from Kari Herer Photography would undoubtedly be a Valentine’s Day homerun in my eyes! Even though many of Kari’s works already adorn the walls in my own home, I always seem to find something new to go crazy for every time I look at her prints. So what’s my new favorite, you wonder? The ever so simple yet stunning white Anemone 2045. This one will surely make its way into my living room one way or another (ahem, hubby, I hope you read this between now & Sunday!).

However, you could make this year’s Valentine’s Day one to remember with one of these free-standing 4”x4” mini wood blocks ($18.95) or one (or maybe even a couple!) of the 5”x5” prints ($13.95). Happy Valentine’s Day!

Wedding Invitation FAQs, Part 2: Timeline

2010-02-05T10:26:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday everyone! Hopefully you all found Part 1 of our Wedding FAQs helpful so here is the second installment - Timeline. We are often asked about the timing of invitations from when to start looking, to when to mail Save the Dates, and when to order & mail invitations so we hope the FAQs & Timeline below will be helpful to you in your planning for your big day! Enjoy the weekend!

Q: When should I start looking for wedding invitations?
It is best to begin browsing for invitations early—the earlier, the better. Casually browsing through an array of albums will help generate ideas and allow you to “see what’s out there”. However, before you start browsing it is good to have a general idea of the type of event you are having (formal vs. casual), the location of the ceremony/reception, the number of guests and a general color-scheme.

Q: When should I order my invitations?
Once you finally select an invitation, an additional appointment is generally necessary to place the order so that you will have a sales associate’s undivided attention. Filling out our Wedding Invitation Worksheet in advance will make the ordering process go smoothly and also provide us with all the pertinent information. Our knowledgeable staff will provide you with guidance regarding proper wording and etiquette during this appointment.

Q: When should I mail my invitations?
A: Invitations should be mailed 6-8 weeks in advance of your wedding day. The enclosed reply card should request guest’s replies somewhere between 2 and 4 weeks before your wedding day.

Timeline
6-12 months before: Begin browsing for invitations, gathering ideas and price quotes. Simultaneously, look for Save the Dates (usually sent 6-9 mo. in advance of your wedding date).

4-6 months before: Narrow down your invitation selection and make an appointment to place your order. Once an order is placed, proofs are generally received within 2-5 business days. Upon proof approval, orders are usually shipped within 7-10 business days for flat printing and thermography or 2-4 weeks for engraving and letterpress. We generally recommend allowing 3-6 weeks to complete the ordering process.

8-10 weeks before: Upon receiving your invitations, take one to the post office to be weighed and purchase the proper postage including postage for the reply envelope. Address & assemble your invitations.

6-8 weeks before: Mail your invitations. Finalize orders for ceremony programs, tablecards, menus, placecards and favor packaging, if applicable.

2-4 weeks before: Keep track of responses as they are returned.

Photo courtesy of Studio Olivine.

Annual 20% off Sale

2010-02-03T23:09:00.000-05:00

If you are a bargain shopper like I am then you are going to love our Annual 20% off Storewide Sale* going on this Friday, February 5th & Saturday, February 6th. And it only gets better - we are joining together with Blanche & Mimi, a great home, bath & baby store just around the corner on Middle Street. So once you are done loading up on goodies at Papier Gourmet you can mosey on down the street, grab a cup 'o joe on the way & enjoy a 20% off storewide savings at B&M as well! The perfect opportunity to find that special gift for your Valentine! We hope to see you soon!

*Discount does not apply to the purchase of gift cards/certificates at either store. At Papier Gourmet, discount does not apply to special orders, current promotions & in-house printing services.

Designer Spotlight - Smock Paper

2010-02-02T21:46:00.000-05:00

If you are a lover of all things letterpress, like we are, then you are going to go ga-ga over our Designer Spotlight this week: Smock Paper. Based in Syracuse, New York, this new letterpress line combines all of our favorite things – sustainability and gorgeous, fresh design - into one truly beautiful invitation line. Smock believes so strongly in being sustainable that they’ve gone the extra mile to not only include using renewable materials (bamboo paper & soy-based inks) and recycling at their offices but by also doing things like providing bus passes for their employees and donating a percentage of their profits to environmental organizations. Their luxury bamboo paper is so soft & supple that you’ll want to stop in just to feel the beautiful samples for yourself! From floral & graphic designs, patterned pocketfolds, printed envelope liners, printed back patterns and hand-calligraphy, all of which are completely customizable, Smock has something for everyone! And as if we couldn’t love this line enough already, Smock is currently offering two incredible offers for 2010 – free return address printing on outer invitation envelopes OR free Save the Dates with a wedding invitation order (WOW!!!) I think we’ve died and gone to letterpress heaven! So, contact us soon to set up your bridal appointment so we can show you the full Smock invitation line in person. We promise you’ll be as head over heels as we are!

All images courtesy of Smock Paper.

The Ultimate Organizer for Mom: momAgenda

2010-01-26T22:54:00.001-05:00

For all you moms out there, you know how crazy life gets trying to juggle not just your own schedule but those of everyone else in your household. Soccer practice, music lessons, dance class, doctors appointments...how can you keep it all straight? Well, there's finally a daily planner out there made just for you! The momAgenda has space to track not only your own daily schedule but also space for up to 3 kids. Missed appointments no more! And with two versions, the Desktop (a week & month at-a-glance layouts) and the smaller Mini-Daily (two days at a glance & month at-a-glance layouts), there is a perfect size & fun, bright color for everyone! 2010 momAgendas are now 30% off (in-store only) so hurry in to get yours before they're gone!

Wedding Invitation FAQs : Part 1

2010-01-22T21:06:00.000-05:00

While talking with brides recently at the Maine Wedding Association Bridal Show we were asked several common questions – questions we are very used to answering but have to remind ourselves that as a bride, you’ve never had to think about before! Such as "How much do wedding invitations cost?" (by far the most popular) or "When should I order my invitations?" So I thought it would be good to share some of our Frequently Asked Questions (included in our Bridal Packets – if you’d like a copy, just give us a call, 207.871.9722 or email us at design@papiergourmet.com & we’ll pop one in the mail to you!) I hope you find these helpful as you begin the wedding invitation process.

Stay tuned next week for Wedding Invitation FAQs: Part 2!

Q: How much do wedding invitations cost?
A: Although this is certainly the most common question, it is truly the most difficult to answer. The cost of wedding invitations is dependent upon many factors - paper type, quantity, printing type, the inclusion of enclosure cards, embellishments, etc. On average, an invitation (with a printed return address on the outer envelope) and reply card/envelope set costs between $4 and $8 per invitation/reply card set. A price quote by one of our knowledgeable sales associates is the only true way to get an idea of pricing for invitations for your wedding.

Q: How soon before my wedding should I order invitations?
A: Wedding invitations should be ordered 4-6 months before your wedding – allowing 3-4 weeks for the ordering, proofing and printing as well as time to assemble, address and stamp your invitations. Additional time (4-6 weeks) should be allotted if ordering engraved or letterpressed invitations (more labor-intensive printing methods) or plan on having a calligrapher address your envelopes.

Q: How much does it cost for a bridal invitation consultation?
A: Nothing! Coming in to look at wedding invitations and gather price quotes does not cost anything. We do recommend, however, that you call ahead to make an appointment so that you will have a sales associate’s undivided attention, especially if you’d like to come in on a Saturday. Bridal appointments are available Tues – Fri starting at 10:30a through 3p and on Saturdays at 10a, 12p & 2p. You have no obligation of payment until an invitation order is placed at which time a 50% deposit is required with the balance due upon receipt.

Q: What are the advantages of buying my invitations from a stationer such as Papier Gourmet rather than an online retailer?
A: Although online retailers are plentiful in our modern age of technology, nothing replaces the tactile experience of feeling the paper stock and the quality of printing in person. Also, as colors are often different in person than when viewed on a computer screen, it is always best to see exactly what you are ordering. As you wouldn’t purchase a wedding gown without feeling the fabric and trying it on or a wedding cake without tasting a sample first, it’s advisable to know what you are getting when ordering wedding invitations. Other intangibles such as guidance on proper etiquette and wording as well as design and creativity are provided when ordering your wedding invitations with an experienced stationer.

Shhh, I have a secret...

2010-01-16T15:27:00.000-05:00

...but one that I'm willing to share! Looking for a deal on a Papier Gourmet gift certificate? If you act fast, you can purchase a $50 gift certificate for only $25 on WCLZ's Half Price Online Outlet! There are only 22 left though so don't wait! Limit 2 per person and only 1 can be used per order/purchase. Would make a great Valentine's Day gift for that special someone!

Featured Wedding: Hilary & Glenn

2010-01-15T16:06:00.000-05:00

Had to share this wonderful "Real Wedding" post featured on theknot.com of one of our favorite 2009 wedding couples. Hilary, who owns the wonderful Old Port shop Blanche & Mimi just around the corner (sidenote: if you have not been there before, you have GOT to go - so many cool things including antiques, bath/body, baby & my personal fave, Orla Kiely handbags!) & Glenn were married this summer in Dublin, NH and my good friend (and former employee) Kari Herer captured it all with her beautiful photography. Hilary selected a gorgeous invitation from one of my favorite letterpress lines, Studio Olivine, based in Portland, OR. The handmade, 100% recycled, textured paper went well with the rustic setting (the bride's sister's backyard) yet still imparted a sense of elegance, while the bright blue & orange color scheme set the tone for a light-hearted, initimate event, as you can see from Kari's incredible photos! To view more photos of this beautiful event, visit Kari's blog. Congrats again, Hilary & Glenn! It was a pleasure working with you!

Favorite Valentine of 2010

2010-01-14T12:24:00.001-05:00

I had to share this super cute letterpressed Valentine's Day card from Eggpress, one of my favorite letterpress lines, because it totally makes me smile every time I look at it (as well as crave some extra cheesy, yummy goodness on this chilly Maine winter day!) It just might have to be "the card" for my husband this year, we'll see ;) Definitely my favorite Valentine for 2010! Now time to go eat lunch...

Bridal Show, January 9th & 10th

2010-01-08T15:00:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year to you all! Hope the holidays treated you all well & you are ready for the coming year. I don't know about you but I've got a good feeling about 2010!

Here at Papier Gourmet, wedding season is officially underway. Congratulations to all of you who got engaged over the holidays! Now comes the fun part ~ WEDDING PLANNING! Yahoo! We think wedding planning, and especially selecting your Save the Dates & Invitations, should be fun & enjoyable, not a dreaded task. So start your year & planning off right by visiting us this Saturday, Jan 9th, 6p - 9p & Sunday, Jan 10th, 11a - 3p at the Maine Wedding Association Bridal Show at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. (Click here for more information as well as a $1 off coupon for your admission: http://maineweddingassociation.com/) Come say hello, check out all the fun samples we'll have on display & sign our Guest Book for a chance to win a $100 coupon towards wedding invitations! Hope to see you there!

Stay tuned for info on all the GREAT Winter Wedding Promotions going on now ~ more to come soon. In the meantime, have a great weekend...

NEW Winter Store Hours: M - F 10a - 5p & Sat 10a - 4p

2009-12-28T17:15:00.000-05:00

Phew! We survived! It's been a busy few weeks here at Papier Gourmet! It was a wonderful holiday season full of cheer here at the store. Shoppers were jolly & excited and as always, it's a great time of year to see some familiar faces of some of our 'regulars' in the store. Now with Christmas behind us, it's time for our Annual Winter Sale! Right now all holiday merchandise is 40% off (and some is even up to 60% off!) while it lasts so be sure to stop in and get 'em before they're gone! We still have some great styles of boxed holiday cards so stock up for next year (just remember where you stash them!) New Year's Week Store Hours: M - W, 10a - 5p; Closed Thurs & Fri; Sat 10a - 4p.

After this week we'll be switching back to our Winter Hours: Tues - Fri, 10a - 5p & Sat 10a - 4p (Closed Sun & Mon during the winter).

I look forward to seeing you in the store in the coming year--Happy New Year!

20% Off Coupon

2009-12-05T17:21:00.001-05:00

Well, things are sure getting busy here at Papier Gourmet these days! It's like everyone realized this week that Christmas is just a few short weeks away (even if the weather was fooling us all...) and the store has been a-hoppin' these last few days! We figured while you are all out there searching for the perfect gifts for everyone on your shopping list that we would actually give you a little 'gift' this holiday season too! Print off this coupon, good thru December 24th, & bring it in to save 20% on your entire purchase! (Of course there is some fine print...limit one per customer, applies to in-store purchases only, doesn't apply to special orders & in-house printing services...see coupon for other exceptions/limitations). Oh, and don't forget, there is still time to order personalized holiday cards but be sure to come in soon so you can get them in time to mail before the holidays. We've got some fantastic new in-house holiday card designs as well that can be ready to mail in just a few days! Hope to see you in the store soon & Happy Shopping!!

Save the Dates 101

2009-10-28T20:33:00.000-04:00

So, you are engaged, planning your dream wedding & so excited to let all your friends and family know about your upcoming celebration! But with wedding invitations only mailed 6-8 weeks in advance (or, at most 8-10 weeks ahead), how can you ensure your friends and family reserve the date, and start planning their travel arrangements and accommodations for your nuptials? That is where the modern (and these days practically necessary) Save the Date comes in. With the busy lives we all lead and the fact that every wedding is a destination wedding for someone on your guest list, it has become customary to send a Save the Date informing your guests that A) you are getting married, B) the date of your not-to-be-missed wedding bash and C) the location (city & state, mostly) of your wedding. Save the Dates often also include a list of recommended accommodations since many reserved hotel blocks expire before a wedding invitation is even mailed. It is particularly important to include such information if you are getting married in a popular tourist destination, on a holiday weekend or if you have a large number of out of town guests. Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding Save the Dates that we hope you find helpful in your planning!

Should my Save the Date match my wedding invitation?
Save the Dates certainly can match the wedding invitation ensemble but don’t necessarily have to. There is no rule when it comes to whether it should match—it is truly a personal preference. Many people want their Save the Date to be a more whimsical and fun version of their invitation, yet still coordinate in overall color scheme, perhaps using the same typestyles and motif or ‘logo’ that will be carried through on the invitation, ceremony program, menu, favors, etc. Others want it to have a completely unique and different feel than the invitation.

Is there any other information that I should consider including in my Save the Date?
If your wedding is being held in a popular tourist destination or if you have a lot of out of town guests it can be helpful to include a list of things to do in the area so that you can make sure your guests see all that there is to love about the place you’ve chosen to exchange vows. If you are planning multiple events that all your guests are invited to (such as a Rehearsal Dinner, Golf Outing, and Morning After Brunch, for example) then you may want to consider including a Schedule of Events. Lastly, as many couples have a wedding website where your guests can find out more details about your wedding, you’ll want to be sure to include that as well!

Who should I send Save the Dates to?
While Save the Dates originally started out only being sent to out of town guests, it has become customary to send a save the date to everyone on your guest list including people who already know about the wedding (family members, bridal party members). Otherwise you run the risk of having friends and/or family members start talking to each other and wonder why so-and-so received a Save the Date but so-and-so did not. Better to provide everyone with all the same information from the beginning so no feelings are hurt and everyone can start being excited about celebration to come!

Annual Holiday Card Sale

2009-10-13T22:08:00.001-04:00

Hello! The Papier Gourmet blog is finally up & running! Yahoo! Well, it has actually been around for a little whilebut now it is finally linked to our website so you can check in regularly for updates on new products, the latest stationery & invitation trends, invitations tips & FAQs and features including weddings, custom invitations & designer spotlights. There is a lot in store so be sure to stay tuned!

Most importantly though, the Annual Holiday Card Sale is still going on! Many of the sales on personalized holiday cards & invitations have been extended so stop in to the store to view the lines in person & let us help you select the perfect holiday card sure to make your friends & family smile! See below for the complete list of 2009 Custom Holiday Card promotions.

Personalized Holiday Card Sale Promotions:

Crane's, Kate Spade & Martha Stewart: 10% off entire order through Dec 31st

William Arthur & Vera Wang: Order 75, get 25 free through Oct 31st

Prentiss Douthit: 15% off OR free return address printing (your choice!) through Oct 31st

Baby iDesign: Free return address labels through Oct 31st

Page Stationery: 15% off through October 15th

Simply Put by Ashley Woodman: 10% off through Nov 1st

2008-10-07T16:45:00.000-04:00

Papier Gourmet - located at 26 Free Street in Portland, Maine - 207.871.9722 - www.papiergourmet.com