Paper Root Studios

Specialties

We’re known for an extraordinary mix of the most original cards and unique giftware you’ll find — and you will find it here: cards, wrap, bags, stationary, journals, books, and novelty products, jewelry, giftware, artworks and design accessories.

Independent: We’re an unchained, home-​grown original, with no rules.

Inspired: We only buy stuff we love; you’ll love what we have for sale.

Inventive: We find things nobody else does and we find them first.

History

Established in 1992.

The first store under the trade name Paper Root Studios was opened by Elena Evanoff and her partner, Doug Taplin, in Inglewood, SE Calgary in Summer of 1992.

The store was moved a year later to Eau Claire Market in 1993. Ten years after that, the flagship store in Market Mall opened by Christmas 2003. The store was renovated early 2014.

Meet the Business Owner

Elena E.

Business Owner

I’m an artist. I started Paper Root Studios in 1992, the year my business partner and I graduated in Fine Arts from University of Calgary. Really, we started a business to support our art careers and then it blossomed. We were inspired by a similar store in Vancouver. Back in the early 90’s handmade papers and journals were really popular. We started by making our own journals and cards in our first store in Inglewood.

What I bring to Paper Root Studios:

Energy: the store is like an animal, a living thing that is creating something every day, whether that’s looking for something new or changing a display. Assymmetry: creativity requires a bit of chaos, some mess on the floor, taking risks and not worrying about some corners getting chipped. Gratitude: it hasn’t been easy building this business but I’m always grateful for the support and loyalty of my staff and for what it has become over the years. I want to share it now with others.