COLLATERAL DEVELOPMENT

Paperglee started in 2016. That year, at Christmas time, I used my Cricut to create some big posters with a quote about paper and sent them to people I hoped to work with. While I designed this one in the computer, there was a lot of tedious letter-by-letter gluing once the Cricut cut them out!

This started a tradition of making something unique and fun, related to paper, for folks to receive at this joyful time of year; both to spread some joy (glee!) and yes, to remain present in their minds so that I might be who they think of next time they have a rockin’ project to collaborate on!

If you would like one of these promos, please let me know—I have spares sitting around of a few of them. They track my evolution as a designer and artist.

In 2017, I sent out Moleskines with the company logo foil-stamped on the cover. On some of these I hand-lettered quotes. This was right after I learned “modern calligraphy” and right before I started my journey into watercolor (so they’re lettered in black :D )

In 2018, I screenprinted a quote about happiness on watercolor paper, and hand-painted butterflies on each one. They came in a big variety of colors. I bought the watercolors I used on these from some guy off craigslist :D I have since upgraded.

In 2019, I failed to get a Christmas mailing out. Something about being so stinking busy! It turned out to be good timing. I ended up putting that budget toward a COVID-19 quarantine mailing of a cheery song I grew up singing. I hand-lettered this composition and digitized it for printing by the wonderful Genghis Kern in North Denver on fabulous bright yellow paper they had sitting around when I called them for emergency letterpress services :D

2020’s mailing continued the theme of cheering folks up during the pandemic. I created sets of letterpress coasters with a recommended act of kindness on one side, and a recipe for a wintery drink on the other. Since I had to print a decent quantity of these to make the job worthwhile, I sent them to everybody I could think of :D But I do still have a few sitting around here!

By Christmas 2021 I was firmly on the New Year’s schedule for holiday gifts! I figure this way, people notice them more! That year I sent something really special to a select few clients, and created a free printable for anyone else to download here.

In early 2023 I commissioned a custom roast of small-batch whole-bean coffee and created some beautiful packaging for it. My house smelled SO GOOD y’all.

What’s next? Reach out if you have a collaboration idea!