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Fav Paper Stores & Resources in NYC

What is it about paper and print that we can’t get enough of? Is it the texture, the smell, the idea that it has some permanence to it? Personally, I love to find ephemera that I can reuse in various ways. Ephemera by definition is transitory and not really intended to be permanent. Still when I find that special piece, I always find some paper craft project to incorporate it into.

One of my favorite places to find ephemera is at Strand Books near Union Square. I am always amazed to find personal hand-written notes, photos, train tickets, love letters and other such items in the books that I purchase. I call them random bookmarks. Strand is also great for finding great source material for altered book art, jewelry-making, or other DIY projects. There’s always a revolving collection of $1 books outside - great price for stocking up. There are often old books with great illustrations that you can upcycle in a dozen ways.

There are other interesting sources for used books in NYC as well. Community Bookstore at 212 Court St. in Brooklyn is a musty, crowded store with odd hours. But if you like to happen upon treasures, or if you simply want to wander through a maze you should check it out. It is filled with used books and you might see some unique finds if you have the time to dig.

If you are looking to purchase paper for your paper arts - try Print Icon (printicon.com) in Flatiron at 7 W 18th St. They even have handmade paper from around the world. They also offer a host of printing services including letterpress, offset, and screen printing.

Paper Presentation (paperpresentation.com) is right down the block at 23 W 18th St., so you will want to check it out as well. Depending on what you are looking for you may find it here. Paper Presentation seems to have more crafty, party stuff. I love their collection of specialty envelopes.

If you are wanting to explore bookmaking, you should check out The New York Center for Book Arts (centerforbookarts.org). They always have a great selection of classes during the weekday and on weekends. You can learn bookbinding basics, as well as specialized techniques such as Paper Marbling and Japanese Bookbinding.

Coming up at the Center for Book Arts:

Screening: Skipping the Page
Featuring artists from the exhibition
Friday, March 7th , 6:30 pm

Professional Development Workshop
Legal Issues for Artists
Friday, March 14th , 6:30 pm

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