Art Journaling: A Creative Outlet for Everyone

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I’ve been art journaling for many years, but unlike traditional scrapbooking, my approach is a little different. My art journaling happens right in my daily journal—the same place where I keep my weekly calendar, to-do lists, work notes, and personal reflections. Instead of keeping a separate book just for art, I let creativity spill into my everyday pages, making my journal a mix of planning, expression, and memory-keeping.

I wouldn’t call myself an artist in the traditional sense. I can’t paint or draw in a way that feels natural, but I’ve found a way to bring beauty into my journaling. I collect images, graphics, and snippets from magazines, newspapers, and anything else that catches my eye. When something speaks to me—whether it’s a color, a feeling, or a memory—I save it for just the right page. These pieces often hold meaning, and I love pairing them with words, thoughts, and reflections.

Over the years, I’ve realized that art journaling nurtures my creativity. It gives me the freedom to create without pressure. I use mixed media, washi tape, layered textures, and found objects to build pages that feel visually engaging and personal. Funny enough, this is also how I design stationery. Whether I’m creating a journal spread or a greeting card, I approach both in the same way—layering elements, playing with composition, and telling a story through design.

Getting Started with Art Journaling

If you’ve ever felt drawn to creativity but weren’t sure where to start, art journaling might be the perfect outlet. You don’t need to be a painter or a skilled illustrator—just someone who enjoys collecting, arranging, and expressing yourself through images, words, and mixed media. Start small: save a magazine clipping that inspires you, add a swatch of washi tape, or write a short reflection next to a photo you love. Over time, you’ll build pages that feel uniquely yours.

One of the most beautiful things about art journaling is that there are no rules. It’s a space for self-expression, for capturing moments and emotions, and for letting your creativity unfold naturally. Whether you keep it simple or layer elements like I do, your journal becomes a reflection of you.

Have you ever tried art journaling? Or do you have another creative practice that helps you unwind? I’d love to hear about it!

How To Dress Up Your Notecards

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The Answer is in How You Write the Envelope

These past few weeks I have been playing with envelope designs…and I wanted to see if they made a difference to the receiver of the notecard.

When we get a handwritten note in our mailbox we get excited …but what about when you see a fancy designed envelope with your name and address?

I love this Facebook post from my sweet friend Karrie in Ohio. I sent her a beautiful vintage notecard with a note to let her know I was thinking about her and I also created a beautiful printed envelope to send it in…I love how she noticed the envelope immediately.

It’s that extra added beauty that makes people feel loved. And don’t worry…you don’t have to run yours through a printer to make it beautiful…you can create a gorgeous envelope through art, beautiful lettering, and stickers.

My handwriting is not the greatest. I suffer from arthritis in my hands and so writing can sometimes be painful for me. But I have a system that helps me…I use a piece of hard backer board to help me keep my writing straight and more consistent. It improves my handwriting, keeps my lines straight and uniformed and for whatever reason…my hand hurts less.

Here are some fun ways to make your envelopes beautiful:

1. Rubber Stamps - I have some beautiful rubber stamps that are bordered and one that says ‘Kindly Deliver To”’ that I love to use. They can be used around the mailing address to give your envelope an extra pop.
   

2. Try mixing up the sizes of your handwriting for the mailing address. For instance make the name a bit bigger than the mailing address (line 2 & 3) and then drop the zip code down on a line by itself and make it the same size as the name.
   

3. Instead of writing your return address on the front of your envelope…buy some beautiful return address labels to add the back of the envelope flap. We also will print your address on the back flap of your envelopes that come with your notecards - we can make them look beautiful for you.
   

4. Another fun add is to use washi tape on the back flap of your envelope. Make sure you really seal it on the envelope or it will get ripped off during the mailing process. I have also added clear scotch tape across it to hold it in place. It really depends on the stickiness of the tape.
   

5. You can also add stickers to your envelope - again making sure they adhere to the envelope really well or you will lose them.
   

6. And my favorite…if you are an artist or just creative you can create beautiful designs on your envelope.
   (Just make sure your address stays clear and readable.)

There are so many ways to dress up your envelopes - tell me what is your favorite way to make your envelopes stand out?

Why Sending Thank You Notes Is More Important Than Ever

In an age where digital communication is instant and often fleeting, the tradition of sending a handwritten thank you note holds more value than ever before. While a quick text or email may be convenient, a tangible note expresses genuine appreciation and thoughtfulness in a way that digital messages simply cannot replicate or create the same feeling.

Here’s why taking the time to send a thank you note is a meaningful and impactful practice in today’s world.

1. Adds a Personal Touch

Handwritten thank you notes convey sincerity and effort. The time taken to select a card, put pen to paper, and mail it demonstrates a deeper level of gratitude than a generic “thank you” text or email.

(Sometimes when things are busy…I will do both. Send a text or email to say thank you and follow up with a card. It may come a little later, but I always want the person to know that I appreciate them immediately…and when I am delayed in getting cards out the double connection lets them know they weren’t forgotten.)

2. Strengthens Relationships

In both personal and professional settings, expressing gratitude through a handwritten note strengthens connections. It shows the recipient that you truly value their kindness, time, or generosity, fostering goodwill and deepening relationships.

3. Make a Lasting Impression

A thank you note is something people can keep and revisit. Unlike digital messages that get buried in inboxes, a physical card stands out, reminding the recipient of your appreciation long after it’s received.

(When I design cards…I keep in mind that some should be beautiful enough to frame. There is nothing like looking over to see a card framed on your desk and feeling the love and gratitude all over again.)

4. Encourages Thoughtfulness

Writing a thank you note requires reflection on what you’re grateful for, helping you develop a greater sense of appreciation. This practice not only makes you feel good but also cultivates a habit of gratitude in your daily life.

5. Acknowledge the Special Moments

Whether it’s a thank you for a gift, a kind gesture, or simply someone’s support, acknowledging their actions in writing makes the moment more special. It allows both the sender and the recipient to cherish the kindness exchanged.

(Have you ever done something for someone or gifted something to someone and never heard anything from them? You don’t do the thing or give the gift to be recognized for it…but we do, do the thing or give the gift to help or make a difference and when our kindness is recognized or at least acknowledged it makes us want to do more of those things.)

6. Spreads Positivity and Kindness

A simple act of gratitude can brighten someone’s day and inspire them to pass on the kindness. In times of stress or uncertainty, receiving a heartfelt note can have an uplifting and encouraging effect.

Make It a Habit

Incorporating thank you notes into your routine doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Keep a set of beautiful notecards on hand, along with stamps and a favorite pen, so you can easily write and send a note whenever you feel grateful.

A thank you note is a small but powerful gesture that leaves a lasting impact. Now, more than ever, taking the time to send one can create meaningful connections and spread appreciation in a world that often moves too fast. So, why not pick up a pen today and send a little gratitude through the mail?

(And if you need a little help with notecards – we can help you out!)

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

What a special day for all of us Mums!

There is nothing better than spending time with your kids and grandkids. It's so rare to get them all together because our adult kids are busy with life and their own kiddo's. So knowing that I get to spend Mother's Day having breakfast with all of my kiddo's and grandbabies makes my heart sing LOUD!

And it's extra special this year because we are back in Florida, close to them...and that is the icing on the cake.

But Mother's Day is not a good day for everyone. I lost my Mom many years ago and I miss her everyday...and a whole lot more on Mother's Day. But I have so many women in my life that have stepped up and filled that gap with much love.

So to all the moms this Mother's Day...or the women who fill a gap for many of us...Thank you for all you do for us and for always being there.

You are ALL THE BEST!

National Smile Day Card Challenge!

National Smile Day - May 31, 2024

I don't know about you but a smiling banana makes me smile! HaHa!

No seriously we're celebrating National Smile Day (May 31st) with a Card Challenge and we want you to join us! The week of May 26th through June 1st we're on a mission to make our people smile! 

For 7-Days, Send 7-Cards to 7-People!

And we created the most fun card to use for your challenge - you can purchase this pack of 7-cards to use for your challenge and reach out to 7-people and make them smile. 

How do you make them smile you ask? Well just hearing from you will make them smile. Letting them know you were thinking about them will make them smile and knowing that you took the time to handwrite a note and mail it...well that will really make them feel loved and special, and will definitely make them smile!

So grab your pack by clicking here!

You get 7-cards for your challenge along with lime green envelopes for only $11.55!

Come join us for this fun card challenge!

AN INTERVIEW WITH A PAPER LOVER . . . FEATURING BRANDY THORNTON

Paper notes and notecards carry so much intent and meaning, and we wanted to hear some paper lovers put that meaning in their own words. We hope you enjoy this first installment of our Interview series! If you’re a paper lover, and you’d like to send in your own responses to these questions and be featured in our next blog, please email shop@beamazingpaperco.com with your responses! We can’t wait to hear what a handwritten note means to you.

Question 1: What makes a paper note or card special to you?

The message written by a friend or loved one makes the note or card special to me.  While the words written are what I love the most, also just knowing that someone thought of me and took the time to write out a handwritten note and put it in the mail to me in this time of text/email means so much!  I love friends and loved ones that, like me, favor snail mail over digital correspondence!

Question 2: How do you typically craft the messages you include in your cards?

OFten times, I'm writing someone to say hello, to check in and see how they are doing, or I'm writing them for a specific occasion such as a birthday.  I also like to send cards to friends and loved ones on the anniversary of a loved one's passing or a day that I know is hard for them for whatever reason just to let them know they are thought of and prayed for as they face that hard day.  I also love to send cards out to remind friends and loved ones that I am thankful for them and their friendship.  Those 'just because' cards are so fun to send too because you know that the person receiving it will be so surprised to receive a card and that's just so fun!

Question 3: What feelings or emotions do you experience when you receive a card in the mail?

Opening up the mailbox to find a card from someone instantly puts a smile on my face! Receiving a card in the mail makes me feel loved and special.  Receiving a card in the mail reminds me that someone thought of me and that's a wonderful feeling! 

Question 4: Have you ever kept a card for a long time after receiving it? If so, what made you hold onto it?

A fun fact about me is that I've kept all the cards I've ever been given!  I have boxes of cards and letters I've received throughout my lifetime! I have the birthday cards from my first birthday and every card, note, and letter I've received since!  I keep these cards in boxes I call my "Joy Boxes" because it brings me such joy to look back through those cards.  It makes my heart smile to know that I am loved by so many people. Now that I've lost all of my grandparents and my Mama, the cards and letters they gave me over the years are some of my most cherished possessions.  

A couple of years ago, I decided that I wanted to keep the cards I receive in a year on display throughout the entire year.  There's a fun, colorful, garland of pom poms hanging above the doorway in my living room and since New Years Day of this year, I have clipped each card I have received in the mail to that garland.  At the end of this year, I'll take down the fun cards I received throughout the year and add them to my "Joy Box" to make room for the Christmas cards when they begin to arrive!  I love walking into my house and seeing these cards hanging above the doorway and every time I glance up at those cards, I smile!  

Thank you so much to Brandy for sharing your thoughts and feelings about paper mail and writing messages from the heart. Let us know in the comments what resonated with you most.

National Thank You Note Day!

National Thank You Note Day is indeed a special occasion for expressing gratitude in a thoughtful and tangible way. Writing thank-you notes is a wonderful tradition that allows people to convey their appreciation for others and reflect on the positive aspects of their lives.

On December 26th, National Thank You Note Day provides a perfect opportunity to take a moment and express thanks to those who have made a difference in our lives. Whether it's friends, family, colleagues, or mentors, a handwritten note can carry a personal touch that makes the sentiment even more meaningful.

Consider jotting down your thoughts on paper, expressing specific reasons for your gratitude. It's a simple yet impactful way to show appreciation and strengthen connections with the people who contribute to your well-being.

So, on National Thank You Note Day, take a moment to reflect on the positive influences in your life and send a note to express your heartfelt thanks. Your words may brighten someone's day and create a ripple effect of gratitude and kindness.

10-Tips to Help You Write a Thoughtful Note

Have you ever sat down to write a note or send cards and you find yourself at a loss for what to say?

Writing a thoughtful note involves expressing genuine sentiments and consideration for the recipient. Whether it's a birthday card, a thank-you note, or a message of sympathy, here are 10- general tips to help you write a thoughtful note:

1. Select the Appropriate Type of Notecard: sending the correct notecard doesn’t have to be difficult but you should make sure it’s appropriate for the message.

2. Start with a Warm Greeting: Begin your note with a friendly and personal salutation. Use the recipient's name to make it more personal.

3. Express Your Feelings: Clearly state the purpose of your note. Whether it's expressing gratitude, offering condolences, or celebrating an occasion, be sincere in your expression.

4. Be Specific: Include specific details related to the occasion or reason for the note. This shows that you've put thought into your message.

5. Share Personal Memories or Experiences: If applicable, share a relevant personal experience or memory. This adds a unique and special touch to your note.

6. Use Positive Language: Frame your words in a positive and uplifting manner. Focus on the positive aspects of the situation or the person you're addressing.

7. Show Empathy: If the note is for a difficult situation, express empathy and understanding. Let the person know that you are there for them.

8. Express Appreciation: If the note is a thank-you, express your appreciation explicitly. Mention the specific actions or gifts that you are thankful for.

9. End with Well-Wishes: Conclude your note with well-wishes or a positive sentiment. This leaves a lasting impression and leaves the recipient with a good feeling.

10. Add a Personal Touch: Consider adding a small drawing, a quote, or something that adds just a little more to your note.

If possible, consider writing your note by hand. Handwritten notes often feel more personal and thoughtful. Remember, the key to a thoughtful note is sincerity and a genuine connection to the recipient. Take the time to consider their feelings and tailor your message accordingly.

And never forget the impact that a thoughtful note can have on the person receiving your note.

Keeping the Spirit of Christmas Alive...

It’s a tradition, for me, that I will never let go of until I am physically or mentally unable to do it. Yes, it means that much to me. Every year I sit down and review my list of names and every year it gets a bit longer.

Rarely do I remove a name, but I always seem to add a few new ones each year and that makes me smile. To me that means I have met someone new who I am grateful to have in my life.

Receiving a Christmas card often evokes a range of positive emotions, contributing to the warmth and joy associated with the holiday season. Here are just a few of the emotions that people feel when receiving a Christmas card:

1.    Gratitude and Appreciation: Christmas cards are typically sent with good intentions, and receiving one can make individuals feel appreciated and valued. The effort put into selecting, writing, and sending a card demonstrates thoughtfulness and care.

2.    Connection and Thoughtfulness: Christmas cards serve as a reminder that someone has taken the time to reach out and send well-wishes during the festive season. This can create a sense of connection, especially when the sender includes a personal message or shares updates about their life.

3.    Nostalgia: Receiving a Christmas card may trigger feelings of nostalgia, especially if the sender is a friend or family member with whom one shares memories of past holiday celebrations. The act of exchanging cards can reinforce traditions and a sense of continuity.

4.    Happiness: Positive and uplifting messages commonly found in Christmas cards can bring joy and happiness to the recipient. Whether through humorous anecdotes, heartfelt sentiments, or simple well-wishes, the content of the card can have a positive impact on the recipient's mood.

5.    Surprise and Excitement: Receiving unexpected mail, especially during the holiday season, can be a delightful surprise. The anticipation of opening a card and discovering its contents can evoke a sense of excitement.

Christmas cards have the power to evoke feelings of warmth, connection, and joy. They serve as tangible expressions of goodwill and contribute to the overall positive atmosphere associated with the holiday season.

For you history buffs…here is a little history about how the ‘Christmas Card’ got started…

The history of sending Christmas cards dates back to the 19th century, and the practice has since become an integral part of the holiday season.

The tradition can be traced back to the United Kingdom, where the first commercial Christmas card is believed to have been produced in 1843. Sir Henry Cole, a prominent British civil servant and educator, is credited with commissioning the creation of the first Christmas card. The card featured a festive scene and was designed by John Callcott Horsley, an artist.

Early Christmas cards were not only a means of festive greetings but also a way to promote goodwill and charity.

In the United States, the tradition of sending Christmas cards gained traction in the mid-1800s. Louis Prang, a German immigrant and lithographer, is often referred to as the "Father of the American Christmas Card." He began producing popular and artistic Christmas cards in the 1870s, contributing to the widespread adoption of the practice in the United States.

Over the years, Christmas cards have evolved in terms of design, style, and messaging. From traditional religious themes to modern and humorous illustrations, Christmas cards offer a diverse range of expressions.

Customized Christmas Cards

Sending Christmas cards during the festive season has been a tradition for hundreds of years, enabling people to spread love, joy, and warm wishes to friends, family, and loved ones near and far. This tradition, while seemingly simple, plays a significant role in reinforcing personal connections, sharing goodwill, and offering a thoughtful and intimate gesture during a special time of year.

While any Christmas card can deliver these sentiments, customizing these messages elevates their meaning, demonstrating a level of care and attention that makes recipients feel even more special.

Here are some reasons to customize your cards:

1. Shows That You Care - A customized Christmas card adds a touch of uniqueness and personality to your messages. Instead of choosing from generic designs, customizing allows you to reflect the individual's interests or your personal relationship, demonstrating that you’ve taken time and effort to make the card just right.

2. Creates Long-Lasting Memories - A customized card often means much more to the person you are sending it to…the uniqueness of the card is what sets it apart, making it a memorable keepsake that people are more likely to cherish longer.

3. Adds a Personal Touch - In a world that is becoming more digital and less personal, receiving a customized Christmas card provides a meaningful and physical symbol of your relationship. Your loved ones will not only appreciate the beautiful card design but also the heartwarming note from you.

Studies show that receiving Christmas cards…or any personal note or letter makes people feel good inside. It makes them feel loved and shows that you care. Think of your family who live far away or even those family and friends that you can’t celebrate with… getting Christmas cards conveys love, affection, and thoughtfulness. More importantly it helps people feel connected, appreciated, and included.

The holiday season is the perfect time to remind those around you how much they mean to you. Let us help you customize the right card to help spread a little extra joy this holiday season.

You can email us at shop@beamazingpaperco.com to get more information.

Adam Trest Christmas Cards

Adam Trest 2023 Christmas Print

The holidays are almost here!

Last week, we mentioned how we've been prepping for holidays shoppers, and this week, we wanted to officially announce that Adam Trest Christmas cards will be available starting November 5th at our Christmas Open House!

His work is beautiful, but his seasonal pieces are really special. Adam likes to release a new Christmas print every year, and this year is a black and white piece titled "Road to Grace" which features the nativity in the center of the work, the Three Wise Men on their journey through the dessert, and a choir of angels above.

The other cards we will be printing are from previous years, including a print of Santa, a partridge in a pear tree, the woodland scene, the "Crowded Barn" nativity scene in color, and last year's print, "Songbird Tannenbaum."

Each card will be available for purchase as a single or a pack of 8.

We're very excited about Christmas Open House, so make plans on November 5th to stop by the shop in person or shop Adam's cards on our site!

A "Note" for the Artists

Postcards by Photographer David W. Smith.

Creating Notecards with Your Art - Wholesale for Artists

Whether you're a painter, photographer, or other artist, exposing people to your work is going to make all the difference in your success. Especially artists who produce one original piece, learning different ways to digitize and adapt your art to various price points and uses will allow more people to support your work. For example, you could offer not only the original work but also prints on quality art paper at a lower price point and then notecards in a pack or a single card at an even more accessible price point. These different pieces get your work more and more out into the world, but the notecard is one of our favorite pieces to print for artists because it can be sold as a product or used as a fun marketing tool.

Notecards are the most affordable option for your art, but they're also great marketing for you to use any time you need to send a note. For example, if you're communicating with a gallery and want them to know you appreciate their consideration, send them a note with your art on the front. When you're packing an order, slip in a thank you note. Another fun idea would be to use your art as the background for an invitation or marketing for your next showing or open house. At Be Amazing, we've even had an artist use one of her paintings for her Christmas cards. There's no shortage of ways to use notecards and subtly promote your art at the same time.

If you want to digitize your art so it can be printed and used in more diverse ways to market your talent, then we would love to help you! Email shop@beamazingpaperco.com to start the process of creating your own notecards.

Adam Trest Notecards - From The Lantern House book he illustrated with Erin Napier of HomeTown.

4 Ways to Send Notecards as a Small Business

4 Ways to Send Notecards as a Small Business: Market your business and make an impact one notecard at a time.

As a small business owner, you want to get your name out there and stand out from other boutiques and specialty shops people have seen before, but how? Social media is a major marketing tool - and it helps a lot - in getting people to recognize your business and learn about your services, but posts, comments, and likes are quick to do and leave little impact once the recipient closes the app.

To move your business from a name people recognize to a business they feel connected to, we suggest you add sending notecards to your marketing strategy. If you don't have notecards branded for your business yet, then be sure to reach out to us so we can design and print notecards for you.

Here are 4 occasions you could easily send someone a branded business notecard that makes them feel special and helps your business stand out.

• Congratulations on a business or work anniversary
  If a business is celebrating its anniversary or you're celebrating a customer's anniversary of when they went into business with you, don't just comment congratulations on their posts or send an email. Take a moment to write out a note and put it in the mail. Those few words in a card say so much more than an electronic communication.
  

• Thank you for meeting with me to a prospect or customer
  When a prospect is looking for a service or product your business provides, more than likely they are considering more than one option. Stand out from your competition by showing the heart and humanity behind your business with a note and let your product or service features speak for themselves.
  

• Thank you for your order
  We all have some sort of thank you when a customer checks out or pays an invoice, but printed on a receipt or a final pop-up after checkout doesn't come from the heart. Choose a few repeat or special customers each quarter to personally thank with a note.
  

• It was great meeting you
  When attending business conferences or bumping into someone who could be a great fit to work with, sending a handwritten note reinforces and conveys the importance the meeting had on you. Follow-up is important, and the most impactful way to follow up is with something more tangible than a message on a screen.

Whether you send notecards with your orders already or we gave you a few new ideas on how to start, we can't wait to see how this marketing strategy will impact your business by strengthening your connections.

The Knight Butcher Reception

Join us for the Knight Butcher Cookbook Reception!

This Thursday, July 20th, 6-7:30 pm, you’re invited to help us celebrate the collaboration of two small downtown businesses at the paper shop.

We've partnered with the Knight Butcher to sell their coloring cookbook created and written by Terri Knight, and drawn and designed by her friend and colleague, Bridget Prater, of Blended by Bridget.

Terri will be preparing recipes from the cookbook for you to taste and experience, so make plans to grab a glass of wine and taste some of her delicious creations.

Terri and Bridget are attending the reception, so you'll be able to chat with and support both women and ask them any questions you have about their endeavor to create a family-friendly cookbook with simple recipes customized to your family's tastes.

This book lets your kiddos color the pages, and then you and your husband can cook dinner with some help from your kids. Besides, dinner is about coming together to spend time with one another anyway, right?

We hope you drop by and come spend some time with us as we celebrate this brand-new collaboration and even pick up a copy for yourself after sampling some of the recipes! See you there!

Paris or Venice Anyone?

Have you ever traveled somewhere… and then love to come across little reminders of those past adventures in your everyday?

That's what we love about Michael Underwood's new notecard packs. He's taken beautiful, scenic photographs of Paris and Venice, made them more moody and dreamy with his own touch, and has compiled them into 2 notecard packs of 8 scenes of Paris and Venice.

Michael has spent his whole life creating whether it is with film or photography. He was part of the creative team that brought the world TV channels such as HGTV, Home and Garden Television, and Fine Living Network. 

Now, he produces photos that go beyond all expectations as he gives them the lighting and appearance of being between a photo and a painting. He produces very unique, detailed images that pull at your heartstrings. We held a reception for his "Frozen" collection in April and are glad to add these 2 new card collections, Paris on the Loose and Venice on the Loose, to our Michael Underwood selection in our shop.

Whether you or someone you know has visited either of these destinations while studying abroad, taking a honeymoon, or going on a trip, these card packs offer a great way to send a note to someone you traveled with to remind them about the crazy times you had together and the wonderful memories you made. Or, you can always frame them as they are works of art to begin with.

Michael's new notecard packs will be available in the shop and online on July 17, 2023. You can stop by and pick up a pack or shop online.

National Stationery Store Day is Coming UP!

As paper lovers, you're some of the few people who can share in our excitement for Stationery Store Day on August 5th!

Be on the look out on our social media and this newsletter for how we're going to celebrate with all of you! We have a few surprises planned that you won't want to miss.

Field Trip to the Paper Shop

The Laurel Garden Club, a local Laurel photography group, visited us in the print shop a few weeks ago, and they learned how we offer printing for artists and photographers.

We allow artists and photographers a way to take their work from a digital image to a printed piece of art that they can enter into competitions, hang in their homes, or even sell prints of their work. As a boutique print shop, we work one-on-one with artists and photographers to bring their work to life.

The image, colors, and textures of the printed image are all affected by the paper and ink it is printed with which is why we love working with artists to find the perfect paper, finish, and texture to portray the image to its pinnacle form. If you have the photos, Elizabeth will print the proofs on different papers and we'll make sure you're happy with the print before delivering your final product in your desired quantity.

Want to learn more about how paper and ink can transform your prints? Schedule some time to chat with Elizabeth to learn more.

Another Flat Stanley Visit

Another Flat Stanley comes to Laurel for a visit…all the way from Tarpon Springs, Florida. My grandson Kaden sent Stanley to learn more about Laurel, Mississippi.

Stanley had a great time participating at the Crawfest Festival in Laurel. It’s a pretty big deal here. We have many teams participate in the competition to see who can make the best boiled Crawfish.

Look at this big bucket of Crawfish – these are still alive and waiting to be cooked.

Next Stanley got to walk around downtown Laurel for the En Plein Air event. Stanley learned that this event is all about painting outdoors. He walked around and got his picture taken with a few of the young painters who were participating in the event.

 He even got his picture taken with Adam Trest. He is an amazing artist that lives in Laurel and has been on the HGTV television show, HomeTown many times.

 Papa and I enjoyed showing Stanley around our little town and sharing some history and fun facts about Laurel. For those of you who might watch HGTV you might recognize our town Laurel, Mississippi because of the TV show called “HomeTown” with Ben and Erin Napier.

 Over the last 7-years the community of Laurel has been working to revitalize their downtown. There wasn’t much left downtown after Hurricane Katrina came through. So many homes and businesses were damaged, and life changed a lot.

However, the community has worked hard to revitalize the downtown businesses and the homes in the area. Ben and Erin work hard to bring new life into many of the old homes by renovating them so that new families can move in them.

New businesses have opened, and the downtown is now a beautiful and quaint little town with restaurants and stores to shop in. Tourism from the HGTV show has impacted the community and allowed us to continue to improve and grow our little community.

PS - Stanley hung out with me at the Be Amazing Paper Company which is my business downtown. Stanley got to learn all about printing, paper and books! I think he is a real fan of reading books now and writing letters!

We're Focusing on Intention This Quarter

The team at Be Amazing Paper Company is focusing on Intention during the second quarter and we're starting with listing ways that we can be more intentional in our day to day life.

Here's a little journal download to help you get started if you're interested in joining us.

Click Here to Download!

Finding a Good Pencil - Blackwing Checks Off All the Boxes!

Some of our favorite brands that we're proud to find and to stock in the shop are ones created with the mission of using time intentionally in order to slow down and give our minds a rest from fast-paced technology. 

One of our favorites has to be Blackwing, a pencil company that produces different pencils and leads created with a specific use in mind. The leads of each pencil vary in hardness and finish. 

Plus, my personal favorite feature, their erasers are refillable. Read on to learn which of the four pencils are good for the mindfulness habit that fits your routine. We have all 4 Blackwing pencils in stock, Matte, Pearl, 602, & Natural, and we wanted to go through the differences and what each pencil is best used for. 

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THE MATTE PENCIL

The Blackwing Matte has the softest and darkest graphite but holds a point well. It's the top choice for artists and doing sketches. 

It's ideal for: 

-Rekindling a sketching or drawing hobby to let yourself unwind 

-Starting a daily sketch journal 

THE PEARL PENCIL

The Blackwing Pearl has a graphite that is not too soft nor too hard which makes it very adaptable for both drawing and writing. 

In fact, this is the choice pencil for one of our favorite local artists, Adam Trest. 

This is your pencil if you: 

-Prefer to draw instead of sketch 

-Bullet journal or like to draw and write as you journal 

-Want to elevate your doodle game when you're in meetings or on the phone 

THE 602 PENCIL

The Blackwing 602 has a firm graphite but is still very smooth. 

We think it's best used: 

-Keeping score while playing cards or a board game 

-Jotting down notes

-Start a daily journaling habit to manage stress and process emotions 

THE NATURAL PENCIL

The Blackwing Natural has extra firm graphite and requires the least amount of sharpening. It's preferred by writers and is best when you want to be very precise and detailed. 

With that in mind, these are best for: 

-Detailed drawings 

-Crossword puzzles in the newspaper  

-Writing a letter

FYI - It's the one I prefer to use in the shop when marking and measuring prints.

We hope we gave you some ideas of new mindfulness hobbies to try out or at least a better pencil for you to continue doing what you love. It makes our day when we find a brand like Blackwing that supports mindfulness and creativity during any stage of life. 

With the best tools in your pencil pouch, you get to focus on your thoughts, art, or new habit of clearing your mind and managing stress. 

Stop by the shop and pick your own box of Blackwing Pencils or purchase them online - Click here to view them online!