Paper Source

Walk into any Paper Source, and you'll get it immediately. This isn't your average office supply run. It's basically a playground for anyone who's ever gotten a little too excited about the perfect shade of cardstock or spent way too long picking out wrapping paper. And honestly? That's kind of the whole point.

Founded by Susan Lindstrom in 1983 after a trip to Japan exposed her to refined stationery, the first Paper Source store opened in Chicago's River North neighborhood to showcase handcrafted papers from around the world. What started as one woman's obsession with beautiful paper has grown into something much bigger-117 stores across 28 states, to be exact. But here's the thing: even with all that growth, they've managed to keep that original spirit alive.

The company's mission is simple but surprisingly effective: "Do Something Creative Every Day." It sounds like one of those corporate mantras that doesn't mean much, but when you're standing in front of their paper bar (yes, that's what they call it), surrounded by hundreds of envelope colors and paper weights, it actually makes sense. They're not just selling supplies-they're selling the idea that you should probably write that thank-you note by hand, or wrap that gift in something other than whatever's left in your closet from last Christmas.

What sets Paper Source apart is their focus on original design. Over half of the company's products are original Paper Source designs from their Chicago-based team, offering a unique aesthetic and exclusive color palette. So when you buy from them, you're getting stuff you literally can't find anywhere else. Their proprietary color system means you can coordinate everything from wedding invitations to gift wrap to party supplies in ways that would make any Pinterest board jealous.

The product range is pretty extensive. We're talking custom invitations, greeting cards, craft kits, party supplies, personalized stationery, and enough paper varieties to make your head spin. They've got handmade paper from around the world, specialty envelopes in every size imaginable, and a whole section dedicated to helping you DIY your wedding invitations if you're feeling ambitious (or budget-conscious).

But Paper Source isn't just about selling products. They run workshops-both virtual and in-store-where you can learn everything from hand lettering to card making. It's become this whole community thing, which makes sense when you think about it. Crafting is way more fun when you're not doing it alone at your kitchen table at 11 PM the night before someone's birthday.

The sustainability angle is worth mentioning too. The majority of their paper is created domestically and produced with certified mills who practice responsible, sustainable forestry. In an age where everyone's trying to be more conscious about what they buy, that matters.

So yeah, Paper Source is basically where you go when you want your stuff to look really good. Whether that's a wedding invitation, a birthday card, or just your everyday desk setup. They've turned paper-literal paper-into something people get genuinely excited about. And in a world where most of us communicate through screens, there's something kind of nice about that.