The world has been beyond dismal lately, so any good news resonates that much more. Many longtime TPN readers will recognize the name Karla Ebrahimi-Camens. This California letterpresser and subscription box creator extraordinaire is not just a longtime supporter of this site, but a longtime and very dear paper nerd friend of yours truly.
Thus today it’s my distinct pleasure to announce the latest incarnation and evolution of Karla’s exquisite brand. So please allow me to be the first to officially introduce you to Sky of Blue Press and Papery, a newly minted design and letterpress studio and shop, located on the equally beautiful coastside of Rockaway Beach, California.
This is not just great news for Karla and residents of the charming oceanfront enclave of Rockaway Beach. It’s great news for the entire stationery community, as this flagship represents yet another tangible sign of custom invitations returning to retail, after years of being generated primarily on computer screens.
For Karla — AKA founder, CEO, and chief designer of Sky of Blue Press & Papery — the space represents the physical culmination of effort that was literally years in the making. She has always dreamed of opening a retail and workshop space that provides enough room to design products and print them on her 1942 Chandler & Price letterpress, a tiny glimpse of which you can see below.
Prior to the opening, all things Sky of Blue were generated within Karla’s in-home studio and garage press room in Menlo Park. However, this opening represents just one of many recent life changes for her. Last year, she and her family relocated from Menlo Park to Moss Beach. Then, Karla scouted the area for a full year to find and secure her ideal location, and her patience paid off. She describes Sky of Blue’s new home as “the perfect spot” — and the pictures by James Wirth Studios certainly seem to back this up!
While Sky of Blue Press & Papery will continue to accept wholesale and website orders, the elegant space will showcase the brand’s greeting cards, stationery, small gifts — and even a forthcoming luxury candle range.
Additionally, it will be the staging ground the dynamic letterpressed invitations and announcements that have distinguished Sky of Blue since its founding in 2008. Karla aims for Sky of Blue Press & Papery to become the Bay Area’s premier destination for wedding invitations, where brides can meet and place a bespoke order, or choose from an available set of wedding designs. That collection is set to launch in early 2024.
“My favorite design work has always been custom wedding invitations,” Karla shared. “I wanted to provide a warm, welcoming venue where brides, grooms and their families can meet with me over a glass of champagne or a cup of tea. Together we can browse our wedding samples while they share their vision so we can begin designing pieces that set the tone for their special day and tell their unique story.”
Starting November 25 — AKA Small Business Saturday — Sky of Blue Press & Papery will hold its first workshop. Monthly workshop schedule will be shared online for easy registration, with planned courses including watercolor painting, candle making, calligraphy — and, of course, letterpress printing.
“I envision a creative salon where people of all levels, abilies, and experience can come together for a relaxing afternoon to create and learn something new. Everyone will leave our workshops with a piece they’ve made, having acquired a new skill and a wonderful memory of the day,” Karla said.
Karla also hopes to partner with other Coastside businesses to branch out to topics like dried flower arranging, wreath making, and succulent container planting. Workshops will also be available for groups for events like bridal and bridal showers and team-building gatherings. Pricing for workshops will vary.
“When I think about the possibilities for our new studio and retail space, I get so excited,” Karla enthused. “Ultimately, I wanted to bring a bright, cheery, and friendly place to the area, where people desiring a creative afternoon can come in for a workshop, and where the local community will visit when they need a card or a gift. I also dreamed of establishing a destination for brides across the Bay Area to come in-person, or work with me remotely, to order their wedding invitations, knowing they will be well taken care of while their perfect pieces are designed and printed.”
Sky of Blue Press & Papery uses 100 percent cotton paper, a tree-free, natural, sustainable resource that minimally impacts the environment. All envelopes are made from recycled or parally recycled materials. Sky of Blue utilizes responsible printing methods allowing a minimal amount of wasted paper, if any.
While Sky of Blue now has a gorgeous flagship to shop IRL, its letterpress offerings are still available at fine stationery stores, bookstores, gift shops, bakeries and boutiques across North America. Find the nearest store here, or start your online shop here.
And, for those lucky enough to be close enough to visit, swing by Sky of Blue Press & Papery at 411 Dondee Way, Suite C, Pacifica, California, 94044. It’s open Monday through Saturday 11am-5pm. And of course, call (650) 241-9796 to speak to Karla about any pressing custom letterpress need. You’ll be in most talented, kind hands!
All photographs courtesy of James Wirth Studios
