The Business of Stationery Workshop

I started my stationery business back in 2005 with a product line of 12 cards. Since then, I've sold at local craft sales, designed for friends of friends, exhibited at the National Stationery show in New York, sold wholesale to stores across the country, opened an online shop, and designed wedding and party stationery for custom clients and Tiny Prints/Shutterfly.

Have you ever thought about opening up a stationery business? Do you love paper? Have you ever wondered how to start your own stationery or paper goods company? Are you currently running a stationery business, but struggling to figure out your next move?

Today I've partnered with Modern Thrive who just launched a three-day live online workshop that will show you how to build a successful stationery business. They have brought together three successful stationery designers who built totally different types of stationery businesses. The workshop will include (3) hour-long sessions that will explore the different ways you can monetize your skills as a stationery designer.

There are many different paths you can take to building a stationery business--you can create a product line and sell wholesale, or open a custom design studio and retail shop. You can even build a completely online business that gives you the flexibility to sell your stationery from home.

Here is a look at the schedule:

Session One – Creating a product line & selling wholesale, with Alexis Mattox Design
Alexis is the Founder of Alexis Mattox Design, a Utah based stationery design studio. Alexis creates classically modern paper goods, wedding decor and lifestyle products. She started making her beautiful laser-cut stationery in 2011 and the word spread quickly! She has since expanded her talents to party supplies and artwork. Her products are carried in retailers nationwide including JCrew, Daivds Bridal, Urban Outfitters and Dillards.

Alexis will be teaching a one-hour live session discussing how she built her stationery product business from the ground up. You will learn how to develop a cohesive collection that exemplifies your style, so you can find retailers who are interested in carrying your products.

Session Two – Starting a custom design studio & retail shop, with Trisha Logan
Trisha Logan is the Founder of Shindig Paperie, an eclectic stationery shop filled with beautiful prints, stationery, and various paper goods. Trisha worked in product development as the creative director and designer for a large gift and paper line for 9 years. Seeing so much beautiful product at trade shows and in trend research, she realized most of it was unavailable in Fayetteville and many local brides were frustrated by the lack of great letterpress. Shindig Paperie offers a well-curated collection of personalized stationery, greeting cards and gifts, as well as invitations for every occasion.

Trisha will be teaching a one-hour live session on how she started her custom design studio and retail shop. You will learn how to find retail space for a stationery shop, develop your product line and grow a successful business.

Session Three – Building an audience & selling stationery online, with Katie Almazan
Katie Almazan is the Founder and Designer of The Paper Gold Co. Katie found her passion for carving and creating stamps two years ago, and began selling her custom designs on Etsy with the goal of being able to work from home. The Paper Gold Co quickly grew into a thriving online business with an international following.

Katie will be teaching a one-hour session discussing how she built an audience around her work, and developed a successful business. You will learn how to start selling your stationery products online, and get proven strategies for building your audience.

The workshop will include three hour-long sessions, daily email lessons and access to a community of like-minded illustrators. The live sessions begin July 13th. Don’t worry if you aren’t able to attend live. Everyone who signs up will get lifetime access to all of the content.

Modern Thrive is giving Good on Paper readers $30 off on the workshop with discount code "goodonpaper." See the full schedule and reserve your spot here.


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+ Top photo by Gary Ashley and all others provided by Modern Thrive
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Favorites: The Butterfly Joint

Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper

Last weekend I took Lucas to the grand opening of The Butterfly Joint in San Francisco. Visiting this amazing woodworking studio has been on my to-do list for quite some time now and I'm so happy we had the chance to go.

The Butterfly Joint is a woodworking and design studio for children ages 18 months and up (and adult classes are offered as well). There are individual classes as well as camps. Students clock in with their own punch cards, strap on an apron and start working on their projects. I love that the goal is to create an heirloom-quality piece to bring home and keep in the family forever. Could you imagine how proud the kids would be?

Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper
Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper
Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper

The grand opening party was so much fun! There was a tool treasure hunt where Lucas had to complete a different task at a work station--luckily there was always someone there to help him out. He got to use tools he'd never heard of before--a vise, a dozuki saw and a bit brace! Once he completed the treasure hunt, he got a bag full of goodies from some of our favorite companies like Petit Collage, Hello Lucky, Bitte, Mapamundi Kids, and Plae. Lucas' favorite part was pulling that steam whistle at the end!

Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper
Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper

Safety first! Love that homemade first aid kit!

Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper
Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper
Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper
Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper
Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper
Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper
Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper
Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper

Lucas accidentally cut himself with the dozuki saw and owner Danny Montoya came to the rescue!

Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper
Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper
Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper
Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper
Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper
Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper
Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper
Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper
Favorites: The Butterfly Joint  /  www.goodonpaperdesign.com/blog  /  @good_on_paper

Find out about more events in the Bay Area like this one at Red Tricycle.

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