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“Do something creative every day” is the motto of Paper Source, a ravishing retail paper chain and idea factory founded by Susan Lindstrom. “The whole notion of making something yourself is fundamental to who we are,” she says. So her stores offer a spectrum of decorative papers, card stocks, and journaling and bindery supplies through which people can express their inner artist. From paper-covered diaries and paper flowers to hand-stamped stationery and enticing invitations, Paper Source feeds the creative appetite. Susan opened the first Paper Source in 1983 after attending an international paper show in Japan. Inspired by 10 days of paper-making workshops, she sold her frame shop and opened a store in downtown Chicago. Though people were awestruck by the pretty patterned sheets she offered, they didn’t understand how to use them. So with help from shop manager Cady Liederbach, she began teaching workshops in bookbinding, invitation making, rubberstamping, and other paper pretties. “When you’re passionate about something, you just keep taking one step at a time,” Susan says of how she grew her business. Some of those steps included inventing a more functional, deep-flap envelope, creating invitation kits, buying paper direct from paper mills, and building a signature color palette. Now with 20 shops and 400 employees across America—and adding three to five locations yearly—Paper Source has always been at the leading edge of the crafts resurgence. |
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“At Paper Source, we emphasize great color and large scale,” says Susan, who was influenced by artist parents and her own extensive travels. She introduces three or four new colors annually, and each millrun uses 20,000 pounds of custom paper to make envelopes, folded cards, stickers, and more. Choosing color is an intuitive process: she surrounds herself with literally thousands of paint swatches, then carries a select few around in her pocket to get a feel for them. “One of our newest colors is Curry, a complex yellow with a hint of orange and green.” Based in a Chicago warehouse, the 100-staff corporate operation includes an in-house bindery headed by Linda Barrett that assembles paper journals, date books, photo albums, and other products (marketed wholesale under Waste Not Paper Company). Always in pursuit of something new and better, Susan’s latest brainstorm is ribbon that coordinates with Paper Source colors. She also gives back to the community through Make-A-Wish® Foundation and the Love & Forgiveness Campaign, which encourages letter writing for a peaceful world. What next? “More of the wonderful, creative same,” she assures us with a grin. (e) Whether you’re in the mood for journaling or crafts, Susan’s got just the sheet for you. (f) Strong graphics reflect Susan’s Scandinavian heritage. (g) Besides its own line, Paper Source carries products designed by other artists who have a flair for fun and style. (h) “We’re open to anything if it’s well designed,” Susan says. These 1920s suitcase replicas are typical Paper Source finds. Susan’s Sensibility Want to turn your art into a business? Susan suggests:  Don’t quit your day
job. Start small and be willing to do anything.Let ideas percolate. Use ordinary things in unexpected ways. Establish creative parameters. Don’t try to do everything at once, or be all things to all people. There’s an advantage in being constrained. Start with three colors and limit your subject matter. Be passionate. Be proud. We all need to be creative. Find something you love to do, and success will follow. |
