I’m sure you all remember back in November when I posted about my love-at-first-sight experience with Paper Pastries, a sweet + spunky greeting card company based in Los Angeles.  If you missed that post, you can read it HERE.  I’m so smitten with Margaret’s style and techniques and over the months I’ve developed some burning questions, which she’s been kind enough to answer.  Wheee!

Please tell us how Paper Pastries was born.

The name came from my two favorite things.
I’ve always enjoyed making cards and writing letters.  When I was little, I would make “really special” happy birthday cards and demanded that my mom take them to work with her to sell.  She would sell them for .15 cents each and I thought I was rich.  The cards are a little more thought out these days, and a little pricier… you know, because of inflation.  The quick version of the story: I had a job I didn’t love and after I quit, I couldn’t find another job, so i was motivated make my own.

Why stamping?

Because I can do it on my counter top, tabletop, desktop- pretty much any flat surface no matter how big or small.  I’ve always loved rubber stamps. I had quite the collection when I was little, and I wish I knew where they all went.

I originally wanted paper pastries to be letterpress. I took 3 years of letterpress classes in college, and even have a kelsey press.  At this time, rubber stamps won out because of practicality.I simply don’t have the space for a letterpress set up. Rubber stamping is so unique to each individual piece that I have grown to love it just as much as letterpress. I’m not saying I won’t ever change my method to letterpress, but it won’t be any time soon.

I love taking a drawing, then seeing my rubber stamp a few days later. I love the versatility of being able to stamp anything, anywhere. Definitely has it’s draw backs though, like the week before a show I tired my hand out so much I can’t even type.My machine is my hand!
{ Linda + Harriet, one of my favorite lines, started out stamping, then moved to letterpress. }

Can you tell us something about your aesthetic- what draws you to what you’re drawn to?

I grew up around classic cars and vintage furniture. I spent a lot of time going on road trips, shopping in antique stores and going to museums.  I have always been interested in objects that have a history and I think that definitely influences my line.

How did you come up with the awesome card shelves you use at shows?

I wanted to showcase the cards- they are the foundation of the line. I requested something useful, beautiful, and that no one else had.   Thanks to my boyfriend/handy man/carpenter, Tony, for designing and building the shelves. It was his idea to scallop the tops of them, and I chose the colors. I love hearing people talk about the shelves at shows, I’m so glad shoppers see how much effort I put into my display.  It was all the result of 4 hours at home depot and about 6 hours to build each shelf.  You can see pictures of the process HERE.

The recipe book in your first baker’s dozen is so fantastic- can you tell us what inspired you to do bacon recipes?  Any hints what the next project might be?

Bacon is just as comforting to me as baked treats.  I became obsessed with finding new recipes when I was presented A “the bacon of the month club” membership. I learned letterpress printing and bookbinding while in college, plus a million other skills. I’d like to use the baker’s dozen project to bring these skills back into my life.

What are Paper Pastries’ plans for the rest of 2010?

I really want to take paper pastries to an out of state fair!  Plans for 2010 are- baker’s dozen, and focusing on custom work, like weddings!

I have a feeling your dream might come true, Margaret . . .

* A million air kisses to Margaret for sharing her creative insight with PD.  You can find more Paper Pastries goodies and info below.

Paper Pastries Etsy Shop

Paper Pastries Dot Com- Enter code “POLLY” to get 10% off your entire order! *only applies to PaperPastries.com purchases.

The Official Paper Pastries Blog