I write almost endlessly about new makers entering the stationery community — and I admire the vim & verve of every last one. But I write far less about makers deciding to move on, possibly because like the mob, our community tends to have enticements you can’t refuse.
But that isn’t the case with Tay Ham, the brainchild and spirit animal of Taylor Hamilton. From the moment I spied it at market a decade or so back, I knew this range was special. Can you believe, it was the first one I saw with celebrity portraits and clever puns playing on pop culture?
Accordingly, there was a crowd at her booth every time I walked by, at every show — even the quieter ones — so in 2017 she was a no-brainer for me to include as a Stationery Trends Designer to Watch. Here’s her coverage below, and might I add that her attention to card backs was definitely a harbinger of what was coming in card design?
I think it’s fair to say that Taylor’s formula paved the way for every last Schitt’s Creek card on Etsy, to say nothing of those spotlighting various celebrities. I also think it’s fair to say that no one consistently conquers any niche — be it celebrity- or pun-driven — quite like an originator or early adopter.
But, unfortunately for our community, Taylor emailed me earlier this week that she is making a change. “After a decade of serving pop culture realness and inside jokes, I’ve decided to close Tay Ham forever on December 17th. We had a really great year but it’s time to take a break and make space for something new. This has been one of the most magical and important experiences of my life. I am shocked we got away with it for this long.
“Thank you for your continued support over the years, Sarah. You made me feel special and gave me a real confidence boost in those beginning days. Your events introduced me to other stationery nerds that I am so lucky to call friends now. I will miss this world a lot. I hope our paths cross again in the future!”
So that Taylor doesn’t begin her next chapter with boxes of inventory reminding her of the last one, I immediately knew I had to do a post. Taylor tells me she’s had an overwhelming response to her announcement, so she’s blowing through inventory, but I want to send all my paper nerds over there for best dibs on whatever remains!
Shop it all here, and use the code HAMFAM at checkout for 20% off a $25 purchase. Meanwhile, best of luck to Taylor and team in your new adventures. I will very much miss laughing at your work … but I know you have amazing things in store!
