Papillon Press Blog

French Ribbons and Jean-Michel Papillon

October 21, 2024 2 Comments

Long ago, wallpaper as we now know it didn’t really exist. However, in 1675, a man named Jean-Michel Papillon invented repeating pattern wallpapers, or as it was known then, “wall hangings” or “tapestry papers”.

The Dodo: Hand-Painted Block Print

September 23, 2024

It is surprising how little is known about a bird that is so recognizable, but that is the case with the Dodo. Because of its extinction in the 17th Century it was gone before much research and study was done.

Letterpress Writing Stationery

August 16, 2023

On August 5th, for Stationery Store Day, we launched our first line of fine writing stationery. It's letterpress printed on Neenah cotton writing paper, and if we may say so ourselves, it's ever so lovely.

German Blooms

June 27, 2023

Many of these German prints were generally not of a repeating pattern, and were not intended to be used as wallpaper, but rather as standalone pieces to be used for wrapping, book covers, lining small boxes and other applications.

From Dirt to Table: Papillon Linen Napkins

April 06, 2022

Many of our projects start from nature. Both of us are big nature lovers, and nature is incredibly inspiring. Our linen napkins are no exception.

Lantinga/Pastoor Wedding Invitations

January 08, 2022

In 2021, we started doing wedding invitations! Our first client was a lovely family friend and her fiancé. Their wedding was a sweet outdoor affair at her family's farm, and our task was to make letterpress invitations to match.

How We Made: Fox and Chickadee Cards and Prints

November 02, 2021

Fall is fully underway, and when fall arrives, so do our Fox and Chickadee items. These started as linocut prints which Madeleine created in October of 2020.

American Victorian, Claret and Sage

June 01, 2021

When one thinks of the Victorian Era (1837-1901), often those thoughts are of England, or maybe more broadly, Europe. However, the influence of the reign of Queen Victoria reached many English-speaking countries.

Meet the Makers

March 11, 2021 6 Comments

Vernon is the one who had the dream of Papillon, and by that we mean he literally came up with the name after dreaming about the word. The dream of starting a stationery company had already been percolating and the name stuck...