Why Inkspirations?
With the closure of beloved stationery shops like Paperchase, the demand for a diverse selection of stationery in a single location has grown. Shoppers of all ages fondly recall the joy of browsing for everything from whimsical llama-shaped erasers to elegant, leather-bound journals peppered with gilded initials.
On platforms like Instagram and Facebook, enthusiasts can now discover stationery "bundles", created through engaging "lucky dip" games. Watching the lucky dip unfold, eager to see what things each customer receives, can be both soothing and surprisingly addictive. Inspired by this concept, I decided to alter the experience by including a novel, and carefully curating a stationery collection around it.
Why these books?
These old stories paint human lives that resonate with us today. We love, hate, worry and laugh the same as people in Jane Austen's time.
No matter how far we go back, humans have the same basic concerns for family, friends, and self. The love of a pet feels the same now as then; small talk, 'in jokes', gossip and missing someone when they go away, the frustration of stepping into a room and forgetting why. These aren't just notes on a page, these are the same experiences we have now.
Once you realise that having aches and pains and fears is universal not just now, but through centuries, then the characters come to life despite the distance between us.
These aren't just dusty old novels. How can they be, when there is so much of us in them?
Delivering "smile mail" to your door
When you receive an Inkspirations set, I hope you'll be so thrilled to open your parcel that you'll sit down right away and immerse yourself in its contents.
I love the process of sourcing each item of stationery. Friends and family help trying things out to check the quality. If we're not satisfied, they don't make the shop. Every piece is selected with care and an appreciation for the art of writing.
It's all part of an aim to create an experience that encourages you to dive into a captivating story anew, or for the first time.