Paper-Ya on Granville Island

always fresh always fun always new

Paper-Ya offers the creative individual a unique and inspired collection of decorative and unusual papers from around the world. We specialize in all areas of contemporary personal and office stationery including photo albums and wedding invitational papers.

The complexity of envelopes! Who knew. Part 1.

August 19, 2012  /  Paper-Ya

How can something so simple cause so many problems? Over the years we have had more than a few customers come in somewhat flustered because the invitations that they have designed and often finished printing do not fit well in any available envelope.
You have heard of the saying "don't put the cart before the horse". This is one of those situations. So, "forwarned is forearmed"...(I'm just full of ancient wise sayings today!) The moral of this story is to choose your envelope first. In doing so, you will have a much more interesting and beautiful invitation.
Envelopes can inspire and influence your invitation design. Decorative pockets and pouches in  colors from natural kraft to luscious pomegranate.
What was once industrial is now a contemporary string and button envelope. This is just a mere smattering of our envelope selection. Of course, if you only need a few envelopes, there is the option of making them. More about that in envelopes part 2.

tags / inspiration and tips, invitations

Our new Aunts & Uncles post bags, knapsacks, and briefcases are styled with care and character.

July 27, 2012  /  Paper-Ya

The Aunts & Uncles line is designed by Angelika and Sven of Germany. They think of their passionately designed leather bags as "bags for life".
Treated with oil and wax and produced by hand give each bag its individual charm. Your bag will gain its own leather patina and character with daily use. These are not bags to fuss over, but to be used.
Manufactured in medium sized Indian and Italian leather shops we are assured that the working atmosphere and fair wages are fundamental to this company. The workmanship is carefully guided and a high standard bag is produced for a remarkable price to our customer.
Some of my favorite highlights of the Aunts & Uncles bags are the rain flaps over the corners, the hidden back zippers, velcro latches, and the padded ipad and computer compartments. There are lots of pockets and storage inside. These are well stitched bags with sturdy hardware. Wear with pride!

tags / presentation, on the shelves

Duct Tape, yep, there's an annual festival for that!

July 06, 2012  /  Paper-Ya

It is called the Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival. It is held during the Father's Day weekend, because we all know how much men love duct tape. They often consider it an actual "tool" like a hammer or saw! Other than basic carpentry tasks, there are a lot of other fun things to make with decorative duct tape. Covering old books and journals as seen here is useful, quick, and fun. I am not going to list all the things I have seen made from duct tape...like bows, wallets, dresses, necklaces, hats, and a whole array of wild imaginative items. It is pure duct tape madness out there.
Some samples of our tapes in the store right now are candy cane, denim, paisley, polka dots, chevron, gingham, skulls and the linen pattern in an assortment of colors.
It might be time to duct tape something in your household!

tags / crafts, on the shelves, journals