Every Invitation Has a Story

A Short History

For as long as I can remember, I have always loved making things. When my three children were young, they would often invite friends over for a craft activity. As they grew older, the craft afternoons stopped—but I kept going!

More than 15 years ago, I made some cards for family and friends. Christmas cards led to birthday invitations. Graduation announcements spilled over into save-the-dates. Soon I was making cards for every possible occasion! From there I expanded into craft fairs and finally, in January, 2013, I took the plunge and started my Etsy™ store. It's been an exciting road and so much fun!

My Studio

For the last couple of years, I have been using my eldest daughter's bedroom as a studio—and then, of course, vacating it every time she came back for a vacation. This Christmas, my family got together and retrofitted the room into my personal studio. Out went the bed, soft toys, and books, and in came an extra work surface, Ikea™ storage unit, and best of all, from my son, lots of custom storage for 24" X 12" paper and ribbon.

The business is now pretty much contained to the one room and I can quickly find everything I need. What started as an old homework station is now a fully functional assembly line complete with more than 100 steel dies, two die cutting machines, and more than 1,000 stamps. Paper in more than 80 colors is stored in filing cabinets, ribbons, twine, glitter, and washi tape are at arm's reach. Daylight lights over the desk mean I can be sure of a good color match whatever the weather.

Since 2012 A Paper Paradise, has created unique invitations for all occasions, including weddings and bridal showers. Choose from a variety of designs ranging from formal and elegant to fun and playful, or have me make something special just for you.