We recently had the pleasure of hosting Jessica Garwood, the art director and store manager of Annie P. Paperie in Perth, Australia. Jessica was in New York for the National Stationery Show and flew up to Syracuse for an afternoon to tour our studio. Today we’re sharing a tour of the Annie P. Paperie boutique and a little Q&A with Jessica – take a look!

Annie P. Paperie began its life 30 years ago as an art supply store. Then in 2002 the owner, Bob Poolman, decided to change everything and create a design stationery boutique, including designing our own range of papers. Today our main passion is working with our clients to design and print their ideal invitations and being able to offer Smock and Bella Figura’s wonderful range of letterpress and foil invitations gives us great joy! We love to source unique products from around the world so that our customers in Perth have access to the best of the best.

What do you love most about your job? What’s the most challenging part? I love coming to work in a creative environment every day, being surrounded by beautiful things and all of the great friends I’ve made since I started working at Annie P. Paperie. Most challenging is probably the drive to and from work – especially with the amount of road works we have in Perth at the moment!

Does your shop support any special causes? Yes, we love to support local causes when we can! This includes donations of products and children’s birthday party workshops for fundraising events and providing boxes of our paper offcuts to nearby schools. Every year we also support the annual Variety WA Kids Christmas Party, which brings joy to sick, disadvantaged and special needs children at Christmas time.

Hottest color palette right now? Navy, blush and gold

Name your top 5 prized possessions:  1. My cocker spaniel, Jack  2. Having Begun I Had To Go On – a screen print by Australian artist, James Jirat Patradoon 3. A collection of ceramic sugar skulls from Mexico 4. Photos of my family and friends. For the past 2 years I have been taking a photo a day and uploading it on Instagram. It’s great to reflect back on those memories. 5. My oblique pen holder and nibs. I started learning calligraphy last year and it has opened up a whole new world for me.

If someone is visiting your shop, what are the other essential stops in your neighborhood? Hire Society – just over the road – is a mecca for everything you would want to hire for an event or party. Typika – our favourite local café to visit for breakfast or lunch. It serves up delicious food and has a great atmosphere. Martineau’s Patisserie – our go to when we need a sweet treat. They have the best French pastries. Corner Store – a great selection of fun vintage homewares and gifts. Touched by Angels – amazing wedding stylists.

Many thanks to Jessica for giving us a peek inside Annie P. Paperie!