22 September 2024

A Field Trip: Parcel Gift Shop

Hello everyone, let's go on a field trip!

blah to TADA, gift shop, gifts, crafts, stationery, stationery store, cute shops in New Jersey, Montclair New Jersey, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, stationery

We are going to a destination in New Jersey, U.S.A. called Montclair. It has both the charm of a small town and the modernity of city living. 

blah to TADA, gift shop, gifts, crafts, stationery, stationery store, cute shops in New Jersey, Montclair New Jersey, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, stationery

Welcome to PARCEL! The word "parcel" means: a package, a present, a collection of things. This shop is all that. They describe themselves as a "purveyor of fine paper goods and curious objects." You can check out their items online and read more about the creative geniuses behind it, here. 

blah to TADA, gift shop, gifts, crafts, stationery, stationery store, cute shops in New Jersey, Montclair New Jersey, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, stationery

I love this place because of the vintage display cases like wooden bookshelves and antique desks, boxes, and baskets. 

blah to TADA, gift shop, gifts, crafts, stationery, stationery store, cute shops in New Jersey, Montclair New Jersey, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, stationery

They have a huge assortment of paper and crafting supplies.

blah to TADA, gift shop, gifts, crafts, stationery, stationery store, cute shops in New Jersey, Montclair New Jersey, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, stationery

One side of Parcel looks like a workshop! This is where purchases are rung up and packaged, but I wouldn't be surprised if this is where new ideas begin to take shape.

gift wrapping paper,blah to TADA, gift shop, gifts, crafts, stationery, stationery store, cute shops in New Jersey, Montclair New Jersey, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, stationery

Look at this wall of paper lanterns and gift wrapping paper {swoon!}

vintage ornaments,blah to TADA, gift shop, gifts, crafts, stationery, stationery store, cute shops in New Jersey, Montclair New Jersey, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, stationery

All around the store are vintage embellishments like tinsel and twine that can be used to dress up a package or for other crafting purposes.

notebooks,blah to TADA, gift shop, gifts, crafts, stationery, stationery store, cute shops in New Jersey, Montclair New Jersey, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, stationery

There is no shortage of handmade stationery either.

pens,blah to TADA, gift shop, gifts, crafts, stationery, stationery store, cute shops in New Jersey, Montclair New Jersey, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, stationery

Writing utensils like pens, nibs, and wax seals. {I'm in love with this little desk!}


It feels like going inside a cabinet of curiosities where I can stay forever. 


Inspired by all the lovely things I saw at Parcel, I'm super stoked to make my own notebooks, like these ones up here.

recycling cardboard to make notebooks, notebooks, cardboard packaging, recycle old notebooks, scrapbook paper, Cath Kidston catalog, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I made these notebooks using recycled materials: printed cardboard for the covers, the spiral wire and unused pages from old notebooks...TADA!

Let me show you how:

TheoPhilo, recycling cardboard to make notebooks, notebooks, cardboard packaging, recycle old notebooks, scrapbook paper, Cath Kidston catalog, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

This was packaging for some delicious artisan chocolates. It's now empty but I saved the box. 

TheoPhilo artisan chocolate, TheoPhilo packaging, graphic design, recycling cardboard to make notebooks, notebooks, cardboard packaging, recycle old notebooks, scrapbook paper, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I trimmed the box to make it into a notebook cover...TADA! If you are interested, I followed these steps.

TheoPhilo artisan chocolate, TheoPhilo packaging, graphic design, recycling cardboard to make notebooks, notebooks, cardboard packaging, recycle old notebooks, scrapbook paper, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias,

You can't really see it here but the cardboard cover has some gold foil making it look extra fancy!

recycling cardboard to make notebooks, notebooks, cardboard packaging, recycle old notebooks, scrapbook paper, Cath Kidston catalog, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I used the same process to make this notebook.

recycling cardboard to make notebooks, notebooks, cardboard packaging, recycle old notebooks, scrapbook paper, Cath Kidston catalog, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

The cover is from an old Cath Kidston catalog, showcasing an equestrian print.  

recycling cardboard to make notebooks, notebooks, cardboard packaging, recycle old notebooks, scrapbook paper, Cath Kidston catalog, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I now have these pretty notebooks that I can fill with new ideas...TADA!

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