I’ve been asked many times about my love of paper. When did it happen? Why did it happen? Is there any known cure for my obsession? I can never articulate the perfect answers on the spot, probably because it holds so much meaning for me. So, I’m going to give it a shot right here, right now. And I’m not even going to warm up first!

As a kid, I loved paper. I made cards and books, “published” my family newsletter with hard-hitting exposés on random things happening in my house (from an 8-year-old’s perspective), and even designed an invitation for my Barbie doll wedding. Who knows for sure if any of those things directly correlate to what I’m doing now, but I like to think that maybe – just maybe – that was a sign of things to come. 

My current paper-fueled obsession, though, can be traced back over a decade ago. Up until that point, I had seen washi (Japanese paper)  – specifically chiyogami (screen printed washi) – used in more traditional ways: shoji doors, lanterns, folding fans, etc. I was about to start my wedding invitation business and, almost immediately, something clicked in my head and I began to think of ways that I could incorporate traditional washi into my contemporary stationery business. 

As luck would have it, I found myself in Kyoto on a family vacation at just about the same time as when my paper dreams started forming in my head. I researched places to shop for washi and upon entering the very first shop, time stopped and angels began to sing as a warm glow of light embraced me. (Ok, it wasn’t that dramatic, but for this paper junkie, it was pretty close!) 

What I found in that charming, family-run washi shop was vibrant colors, gorgeous floral designs, modern patterns mixed with elements of traditional touches…it was an extensive collection of washi that I never knew existed! It was as if I was seeing color for the first time!