Rock Paper Scissors interview + a stationery giveaway!

Every morning I read through the standard stock of emails, answering the ones that are important and flagging the others that need to be followed up on, but the excitement of clicking "read" on a computer screen just doesn't seem to fulfill my correspondence needs. Every day after work I still open my mailbox (the real one at home) and hope to find something special inside, like a note, an invitation, or a package; anything that can make mail fun and wipe away a day of emails and online conversations. Unfortunately those little notes of gratitude, love, or simple hellos just don't come around that often anymore, so when a new store called Rock Paper Scissors opened up in Ann Arbor, I eagerly jumped at the opportunity to peruse their shelves of boxed letter sets from Kate Spade, illustrated notes from Rifle Paper Co., elaborate correspondence boxes from Mr. Boddington's Studio, and remarkably memorable invitations from designers like Sugar Paper (this is only a small list of their extensive store offerings). I brought the talented Heather from HMN Photography to photograph the store while I sat down with the owner of Main Street's newest creative hub, Lisa Roberts, to talk about all things paper. Lisa is a vivacious and welcoming woman who has managed to tap into the wants and needs of numerous paper lovers. She sources from local artists all the way to big name stationers. She uses the talent and creativity she learned from her years as a Target store merchandiser, while making sure her hand is in everything store related has built a company made to last.

The charm of the shop lies in Lisa's ability to blend different tastes, classic styles, bold trends, and whimsical designs into a cohesive store that would make anyone plan a party just to have an excuse to customize invitations, or send a card to the most distant of friend just to share that perfect note. Lisa and I sat down to go over the coming trends in letter writing along with the steps people should take when looking to put together a formal set of stationary, a desk staple that both men and women should have ready to go.

Lisa pointed out that note sheets are making a comeback, a tool that allows for longer letters. Masculine styles are purchased more, so significant others should take note, while paper perfume was recently released at a new york tradeshow (the rebirth of the love letter begins). Flat notecards are leading the pack when it comes to styles, while bold patterns, large fonts, and the ever popular neon are welcome trends. At this point Lisa grabbed for a flat letterpress invite customized with solid black type and pops of hot pink from her board, proving that wedding invitations are becoming increasingly more thought out and act as a preview of what the big day will hold. Also, don't skimp when it comes to the envelope, a good letter should come lined and possibly with a custom address stamp. The amazing thing I found in the store is that every price range is offered, making letters and invites accessible to everyone. Lisa noted that customization is key, so if you don't see something you like, switch it.

As our conversation transitioned into the key elements of putting together a desk fit for classic letter writing, Lisa pointed out that a good collection has one classic set along with a funky set. Saying hello to a friend is much better on a bright notecard, while sending condolences just isn't authentic when it's on a card emblazoned with neon. Use the classic set to write a thank you after an interview (you want the job don't you?) and accent your funky set with fun colored washi tapes. Moving into wedding invitations, make sure you walk in with your budget and a vision of your theme and colors in mind. Letterpress just isn't going to happen if you have $500 to spend, but a gorgeous printed version is in your range. Your invitation package begins with the save the date, so pick pieces that are cohesive. If your guests walk into a rustic wedding, but were sent formal cards fit for a country club wedding, it won't make sense. Lastly, remember that little embellishments are what makes letter writing a practice to hold on to. Calligraphy on the envelope, custom illustrations, and envelope liners will make anyone's day when opening the mailbox.

As an amazing addition, Lisa is giving away a hand selected group of cards to one lucky reader. They range from gorgeous letterpress varieties, to fun notes that can be sent on a whim.

To enter:
-Follow Stay in the Lines through the site, on Facebook, or Twitter
-Follow Rock Paper Scissors on Facebook
-Leave a message below with your thoughts on letter writing.

*Also, any tweets about the giveaway would be great as well. Share it with your friends. This one is open to international entries too!

I'll pick a winner next Monday, July 22nd

Thank you so much to Lisa for sitting down with me and sharing her amazing shop with everyone. Also, thanks to HMN Photography for the beautiful pictures!