Here at the home office, we’re awfully proud of designer Erin‘s popular Canning Jar motif.  However, no one’s prouder than Erin’s own mom!  Instead of the typical cafe curtains that most use on their kitchen windows, Erin’s mom Daryl has always used tea towels.  And of course, when the opportunity to use a tea towel featuring her daughter’s design presented itself, she immediately seized upon it.

“I [typically] change [the tea towel curtains] out depending on the season or holiday,” says Daryl, “but these will be staying because they are beautiful and Erin designed them.”

How do you use Paper Source products to showcase things your children have accomplished?

From crafters to brides-to-be to home design enthusiasts it seems chalk is inspiring DIY projects across the board (pun totally intended). The Paper Source Design Team grabbed a few everyday items and went to town with our own chalkboard products, creating a dozen easy-to-execute ideas with simple chalk and chalkboard accents.

We also love the possibilities for kids. Let them doodle away with classic chalk, bistro markers, or even a white gel pen (if you’re seeking a permanent print that takes on the appearance of chalk).

Around the house you can adhere removable, repositionable Chalkboard Wallies to a kitchen wall or back entryway for notes, reminders, or even a running grocery list! Or, try using chalkboard paint on a porous surface. Secure a repurposed frame, window, or shutter to create a DIY memo board with chalkboard paint.

Last week, RealSimple.com listed Chalkboard Wallies as the #1 Item to Simplify Your Life. Our Summer Party Ideas post shows you how to use these must-haves as labels, just like the jars featured above.

What ways have chalkboards inspired your projects?

Are you a paper person? Someone who, like our founder, can get lost in the history and the magic of this worldly craft? Do you also struggle to find ways to use those gorgeous sheets? Well, struggle no more. We asked Paper Source stores across the country to weigh in with ideas–many of which came from PS customers!–to get your creative juices flowing.

From Ardmore to Apartment Therapy and Houston to Headquarters, read along as we unwrap the mystery of fine paper crafts.

Tips from Paper Source Store Locations…

Ardmore,Pennsylvania: Anne S. created this card sample using pleating and our Silhouette CAMEO to create the flower appliqué at the waistband.

Bellevue, Washington says:

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Like the little black dress that sits in your closet, we’ve found the little black (or white) gift offers the same reliability and versatility. So, in addition to a springtime ode to daisies, we’ve compiled a beautiful assortment of black and white products.

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Add rustic charm to your Thanksgiving table using recycled jars and our Small Leaves Die Cut Pack. Assemble a cluster of jars at your table’s center and dress up mantles or shelves to add a warm welcoming glow.

–Annie
PS colors: peacock & paper bag
Latest fave: Spritzer Rubber Stamp Cleaner and Rubber Stamp Cleaning Pad

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I may not be heading back to school with a fresh supply of notebooks or have a locker in dire need of personalization, but that doesn’t stop my urge this time of year, to get organized. And of course, in the prettiest way possible! This cheery bulletin board made with our brand new Marigolds Wrapping Paper, envelopes and fun accessories will make putting things in their right place an absolute joy!

P.S. If there are kids in your family who would love a project like this, check out our Tween Message Board Workshop in stores August 21 (for ages 9-12).

–Annie
PS colors: peacock & paper bag
Latest fave: Spritzer Rubber Stamp Cleaner and Rubber Stamp Cleaning Pad

Materials needed:
How to PDF
2 pieces of 9 1/2″ x 13″ Bookboard Read the rest of this entry »

Handmade picture frames as easy as 1-2-3! The beauty of this workshop is that we’ve done all the hard work of pre-cutting bookboard pieces for you. That means no fear, no sore fingers, no worries…leaving you with the fun part of simply creating! I know – you love us, don’t you?

At our Fun Frames Workshop you’ll mix PVA and that mysterious methyl cellulose, as well as learn tricks like how to master those “corner turn-ins” for a professionally finished project! Register now, seats are limited and the class is tomorrow – Thursday, June 3 (don’t worry, we love last minute sign ups!). We can’t wait to show you the easy steps so you can continue to create frames for everyone this year.

We know you’re always looking for the next new project from Paper Source! If you love the idea of making something that looks like it took a lot of skill, but is super easy (cause you want all the credit, we know), this is the workshop for you. These frames make the perfect Father’s Day gift, or use them for new grads, summer weddings, or to frame that precious baby photo you’ve been dying to display. There are just too many reasons to create these prefect handmade frames.

P.S. Frame kits will be available in our stores soon! If you’re interested in purchasing one of these kits even before they hit the stores, please post a comment to this blog entry and we’ll follow up with more info.

Cheers and happy gluing!

–Linda
PS colors: chartreuse & pool
Latest fave: Circle Stickers and Presentation Envelopes

My dad is a pretty handy guy, and so growing up, I was always encouraged to build, tinker and create. I remember as a little kid I was always outside in the tool shed with dad (yep, I was a daddy’s girl!) while he was working. Sometimes he’d give me a piece of wood, a handful of nails and a small hammer, and there I’d sit, hammering nails into the wood, and then sometimes finishing off my “project” by stringing twine around the nails. Now, all grown up and living on my own, I still go to dad when I need help constructing items to decorate my living space. And, of course, since I work at Paper Source, I have to incorporate paper! This is my favorite home decorating trick: paper-covered wall art.

It’s a good idea to select your paper first, because that will affect how large your piece of art can be. For the base, all you need is a wood frame (this is where my dad helps!) Using scrap pieces of wood, he constructs a simple frame to the dimensions that I need. Canvas stretcher bars, which are quite inexpensive, also work well, and you can customize the size by choosing the lengths you buy. An old wooden frame without the glass/picture might also work. If you don’t have access to wood (or someone who can build the frame for you) you could also try old shoe boxes, shirt boxes, etc. Read the rest of this entry »

The folks at Better Homes and Gardens are experts in finding keen uses for Paper Source product! In the spirit of the New Year and the urge to organize, I thought I’d share their ideas for a very stylish and inspiring closet and craft space. The oranges, greens and blues of our wrapping paper, suitcases and storage containers feel so fresh and energizing.

Featured: Poppy Riveted Suitcases and Colonial Indian Chintz Riveted Suitcases

Featured: Papaya Pool Gravel Stripes Office Organizer and various wrapping paper. Don’t you love how they’ve decorated their plastic tape dispenser with Poppy Dots Wrapping Paper!

I have to admit, I’m still feeling a bit lazy from the holidays – maybe next month I’ll give organizing a shot. Or, I’ll go sledding with my kids instead!

– Cindy
PS colors: pool & red
Latest fave: Dutch Woodcut Floral Wrapping Paper