TRAVELER’S COMPANY Partner Shops are stores around the world that embody and share the spirit of TRAVELER’S notebook with fans and users. Not only can you browse the whole TRAVELER’S COMPANY product lineup, but you can also share your enthusiasm with the store owners who are also TRAVELER’S notebook users. In this series, we will take you on a virtual trip to visit Partner Shops around the US. Learn about their charm, the experience, and the neighborhood that brings the TRAVELER’S notebook experience together.
Two Hands Paperie – Boulder, Colorado
When you walk into Two Hands Paperie, you’ll think you’ve stepped into a paper wonderland. This charming art and craft store is based in Boulder, Colorado, and features a plethora of paper products and writing instruments that complement any creative project.
Two Hands Paperie was founded in 1993 by Diana Phillips with the original name “Two Hands Bindery”, a small studio space where she sold custom albums, journals, menu designs, book repair and restoration—all made by her own “two hands”. Soon, she expanded the offering in the shop to include decorative paper, ribbons, pens, and stationery in the studio shop with a new name “Two Hands Papery”. The spelling of the name changed again to its current form “Two Hands Paperie” as it moved to a new location and expanded its inventory. 29 years later, you’ll now find Two Hands Paperie at its original corner on Pearl Street.
Mia Semingson & Gerald Trainor bought the store in 2010 and continued its legacy of offering cards, art supplies, unique gifts, and even expanded to creating their own line of greeting cards and stationery sets under the name “Two Hands Made”. The rustic interior is filled the evidence of years of creativity and joy these products bring to customers.
Pearl Street is located in the heart of downtown Boulder, and Two Hands Paperie is located in what is known as the “West End”—west of the Pearl Street walking mall and close to the mountains. On the fringe of this main street, they are surrounded by locally-owned shops and restaurants with a neighborhood feel.
“People live in and visit Boulder for the mountains, sunshine, and the outdoor activities – skiing, hiking, biking, and climbing. The town is situated at the base of the Flatirons, the slanted, reddish-brown sandstone formations emerging from the foothills and the most iconic landmark you see. They serve as the town’s backdrop and we’re fortunate enough to have a stunning view of this mountain formation from our front windows”
If you visit Two Hands Paperie in person, you’ll be able to collect the special Partner Shop stamp which features the silhouette of the Flatirons. Two Hands Paperie started carrying TRAVELER’S notebook through a serendipitous encounter with a customer who shared the TRAVELER’S notebook with them. All the staff uses a TRAVELER’S notebook, and you are welcome to chat and peek into their notebooks! This enthusiasm translates when you are a TN user or a beginner wanting to try it out. They love sharing how they use their TRAVELER’S notebook daily.
“We had a meeting with our new store manager and assistant manager a few years ago and the four of us who showed up to the meeting each had our TRAVELER’S notebook in tow (each one in a different color) and a fountain pen. It gave us all a good laugh. We carry so many great notebooks- but it was clear at this meeting which was our favorite.”
Mia’s favorite TRAVELER’S notebook refill is the 013 Lightweight Paper. She had picked up this refill one time when the regular blank ones were out of stock and was pleasantly surprised by the compatibility of its thin paper with fountain pen ink. She even started creating watercolor doodles and sketches in the refill and found that they hold up well. She appreciates the extra pages that come with this refill and it is now her new standard. Other TRAVELER’S notebook staff favorites are the BRASS FOUNTAIN PEN, the B-Sides & Rarities Accordion Fold refill, annual DIARY sticker sets, and the 008 plastic zipper cases for holding creative supplies.
Mia’s love for paper and its craft can be seen through her collage art that she creates in her TRAVELER’S notebook. The store is also a gathering place for people who loves all things paper. Next time you are in Boulder, don’t hesitate to visit Two Hands Paperie and experience this paper wonderland in this charming town. You might be itching to start a new project too!
803 Pearl St
Boulder, CO 80302
Have a nice trip!
