The Paper Place

Green may be the predominant tone of Trinity Bellwoods Park, but colour reigns supreme across the street at The Paper Place.

Inside the store, a panoply of paper covers almost every horizontal and vertical surface. Some of the highlights include: large sheets of Japanese and Nepalese on paper racks, Chiyogami Papers, and hand-stencilled Katazome-shi.

But, TPP doesn’t only sell handmade paper. They also offer card stock and envelopes in a range of colours, ready-made cards, art supplies (stamps, ink pads, and designer hole punches), and a variety of books on origami and scrapbooking.

For those who aren’t artistically inclined, a series of journals, photo albums, and guestbooks are also in stock. And, if all else fails, the helpful staff is always there to lend a hand to the confused and befuddled.

Undoubtedly, there’s a something for everyone, and that’s why it’s difficult to leave TPP without buying something. It could be that they found the secret to being a successful store.

For more information, visit 887 Queen Street West (Toronto, Ontario), or www.thepaperplace.ca.

Bungee wallet

Since the cut and style of pants are slimmer than in the past, it’s difficult to hold a wallet in a pocket without an unsightly bulge. What to do? Carry a slim wallet.

With a design pedigree coming from BMW, the Bungee wallet is sure to make a slick impression. The pocket-sized carrying case has a translucent acrylic front, an aluminum back, and a molded cap attached by elastic cord.

Even though it’s small, it can hold paper bills, a credit card, ID, keys, and some protection (just in case).

Best of all, it’s available in four colours to match any outfit.

For more information, visit www.umbra.com.