How’s everyone’s Thinking of You Week going? Remember, focus on putting something amazing out into the world, without necessarily expecting anything back other than general good vibes. If you get a letter in return (and possibly even a new pen pal), that’s just the icing on the TOY cake!
Part of what I love about stationery is that its climate is always evolving. Makers rebrand, collaborate, and best of all, jump into the paper fold with new brands full of marvelous fresh designs.
That is certainly the case with Vicky Enright, who wrote me that for years she worked for greeting card companies, mainly Crane & Company, and then as a custom invitation designer. “I wanted to break out of selling to one company at a time, and one bridal family [at a time],” she explained.
Vicky’s new brand is called Elsabelle Paper Co. Her hope, she wrote, is to create joyful designs. “I mean, when we send cards, are we not spreading joy and love around?” she rhetorically inquired.
Vicky was also gracious enough to take my additional questions.
SS. What prompted you to start your stationery brand?
EV: When doing invitations for brides, a good many asked for thank-you cards, and in showing a few to a friend, I realized I should create cards for many people to enjoy and send!
SS: What are your inspirations?
EV: I started with flowers, as I had been painting for brides for a good few years, but now with starting seasonal cards, it’s just what my eye catches on my journeys and what I love: the shape of acorns, the cuteness of sandpipers, for example.
SS: Can you share anything about your creative process?
EV: I pencil sketch an idea, but I have started to “watercolor sketch” as well, to break down the fear of perfectionism when I am painting with watercolor. Watercolor sketches help me to get used to the medium. I still love paper and watercolor paint and brushes; I love the unexpected qualities that come with watercolor. Procreate is great, but I use it more with opaque painting.
SS: Would you like to eventually expand your stationery product offerings to extend beyond greeting cards? If so, to what?
EV: I long ago designed wallpaper, so I can see gift wrap, notebooks, and possibly wallpaper!
Start your shop of this flower-fresh range here, and if you want to see more of Vicky’s work, head here. To my friends in the trade, Elsabelle Paper Co. is also on Faire!
