Life began in a garden, but what is a farm if not a productive garden? Just ask Lauren te Velde, proprietress of Paper Farm Press. This bountiful house of stationery hails from Kingsburg, California, AKA “the fruit basket of the world.” Both Lauren and her husband are third-generation farmers, with both sets of grandparents hailing from the Netherlands.
Lauren’s studio is across the street from her home, which sits in the middle of her farm. Her perspective, then, is shaped by not just her farming life, but all those within her five-mile radius. So with that backstory, much of the focus from which everything flows is inspired by one of my all-time favorite icons: Fruit!
I must note, summer is my favorite season in large part due to its lavish produce section. Growing up, I really wanted a monkey for a pet — but also to be a monkey, primarily for its all-banana diet and mad climbing skills. I still have a letter my mom sent me at overnight camp in fifth grade where she wrote how quiet the house was, sadly noting that “the cherries just sit in the refrigerator all day.” Thus, full disclosure: I am the ideal Paper Farm Press customer!
Accordingly, the collections are divided around fruit. And as we are now in in strawberry season, the always-lush Strawberry Patch is literally of the moment.
Meanwhile I am completely smitten with the notecard set format you see above. Lauren has produced one for each crop. There’s nothing I don’t love here: the easy wordplay, sweet scalloped edges, to say nothing of those fantastic backsides. The presentation inside is so carefully considered and exquisite — that red backing helps the stationery pop, and that belly band is as practical as it is gorgeous. A few more delectable varieties follow.
Meanwhile, if you have trouble committing to just one fruit (like me for example), these gold-foiled notebook sets are just the solution.
I love how Lauren uses farm wisdom — all centered around a simple apple — to set the grad on the right path. The different bindings on all the books are a crowning touch.
Paper Farm Press produces not one but two perpetual calendars. Choose from The Fruitful Seasons (shown below) or The Fruitful Garden. Speaking personally, a bountiful year would be one in which I remember every last birthday and anniversary (it has yet to happen!).
I am a big believer that the best patterns shouldn’t be limited to just paper. Lauren’s tea towels bring her lovely work into living spaces. Given the subject matter, it’s a perfect fit.
I’ve barely scratched the surface of this flourishing house of design here — there are stickers and coloring books, and even a club. Each seasonal box comes with six cards, an art print, a recipe card (!), a sticker and a cute pen, and can be a one-off purchase or a subscription.
To my friends in the trade, you can browse these farm-fresh delicacies 24/7 on Faire, where this woman-owned brand is a top shop. All other nerd friends, start your tasty shop here.
