All News News Posted May 25, 2021 By

Marshall Spotlight: paper & i

Stop by and see what creative projects are taking place in the popular crafting store, paper & i.

For first-time customers, paper & i is a colorful, fun discovery when they visit historic Marshall, Michigan. For regular customers, the independent brick-and-mortar business is almost like a second home that’s been around for over eight years.

“So happy to know you and support your wonderful store. It’s my happy place!” writes frequent customer Mary Jo Cove on Facebook.

Owner Audrey Hoffman has been growing her business on the principle of making customers’ days a little brighter. She has a passion for entrepreneurship, sales, and people. After a long career as a nurse, Hoffman decided she was ready for a new challenge and adventure. In her own words: “I love creativity, and it all fell together at the right time.”

So what’s the appeal of paper & i after these years of business? Customers appreciate that it has two colorful and creative halves. First is the paper crafting side, with all the papers, die cuts, embellishments, and tools that paper crafters both beginning and experienced can enjoy. Hoffman strives to find unique products that customers can’t find anywhere else. Over the past year, the store has launched exclusive Michigan stamps, dies, and stencils, perfect for giving all paper crafting projects a touch of the mitten state. The latest exclusive is “Summertime in Michigan,” a gorgeous stamp set featuring Michigan sand dunes, going “up north,” and other Michigan summer activities. The store also has other local products, such as papers and dies for the nearby schools and universities. If you have an idea but don’t see the pieces you need, chances are Hoffman can find them for you and help you make your crafting dreams come true.

On the other side of the store are fun and funky gifts. These range from stationery sets and single cards to wall signs and Michigan-centric items. Hoffman says she loves finding unique and often locally made products to meet all gift-giving occasions: birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, just because, and more. The products rotate regularly. No two visits to the store are the same!

If you can’t make it to the store in person, you can still visit paper & i from the comfort of your own home. New this year are virtual events. Every Friday at 2 pm Eastern, Hoffman holds a Facebook Live demo to share tips, techniques, and the latest trends in paper crafting. Her customers rave about these demos on Facebook. She also hosts weekly virtual sales on Tuesdays at 6 pm Eastern, showcasing the latest products in the store.

The store also offers virtual classes for you to enjoy any time at home. Upcoming classes include:

●       Keeping it Slim Class: All about slimline cards! (3 projects) Video arrives in your inbox Thursday, June 10, 2021. Cost is $25.00 + shipping, or you can pick up your class kit in-store.

●       Rejuvenate in June: Brand-new techniques learned from our favorite companies (3 projects). Video arrives in your inbox on Thursday, June 24. Cost is $25.00 + shipping, or you can pick up your class kit in-store.

●       Zoom Sip & Paint Party: Try your hand at our paint-by-number kit and make new artsy friends. Live on Zoom Wednesday, June 30. Cost is  $35.00 (paint kit) + shipping, or you can pick up your paint kit in-store.

●       Made in Michigan: Creative ideas featuring our Michigan exclusive products (3 projects). Video arrives in your inbox on Thursday, July 8.  Cost is $28.00 + shipping, or you can pick up your class kit in-store.

●       Rejuvenate in July: More brand-new techniques from our favorite companies (3 projects). Video arrives in your inbox on Thursday, July 22. Cost is $28.00 + shipping, or you can pick up your class kit in-store.

●       Christmas in July: Make holiday cards and tags ahead of the holiday season (5 projects). Video arrives in your inbox on Thursday, July 29. Cost is  $40.00 + shipping, or you can pick up your class kit in-store.

“Our customers have always been important, and their support means more than ever now,” says Hoffman. “Whether a longtime patron or first-time visitor, we’re eager to hear your ideas for events, products, and more. We want to be your happy place!”