The PRESSED story

Hi, there! 

If we’ve not met before, nice to meet you! My creative journey has been an ongoing adventure which I'm sure will continue my entire life. 

I've spent the first 34 years of my professional career working as a registered nurse both in the operating room and as an administrator. I worked very hard as a nurse and patient advocate, but always found my heart being pulled toward the creative world. As a child, I always loved coloring and creating things with my hands. Throughout the years, I learned glass blowing, metalsmithing, watercolor and calligraphy which I truly enjoyed. 

I’ve always been drawn to stationery, especially greeting cards. This was so obvious that each member of my family would gift me a minimum of two greeting cards each birthday or holiday! I still have most of them safely tucked away and visit them often. Artfull Messages was born in 2016 with the intent of creating designs that were “full of art”. Stationery designs that combined calligraphy and watercolor.

As I began exploring this world, I found handmade paper and loved working with it! The only road block I ran into was the lack of variety in terms of color. White, grey and ivory were abundant, but when I couldn't find wine colored handmade paper for my son and daughter-in-law's wedding, a new to-do was added to my list.

Forever the curious, creative student, I decided to take a stab at making my own handmade paper. Many days were spent doing research and tons of experiments with lots of duds. But the process was so fascinating and the rhythmic motion was quite therapeutic for me so I PRESSED ON. I had found my true creative calling! I put my stationery design work on the back burner and slowly started building my own, unique handmade paper recipes. Creating paper weights and textures I knew would cater directly to calligraphers, print operators and artists. Of course I had to learn the art of letterpress too, oh my goodness, so stinking satisfying! Is there anything better then a deep letterpress on pillowy handmade paper, I think NOT 😉

Now, I'm the proud owner of PRESSED paper + print, a sustainable, unique small business, specializing in handmade paper and printing. I am a full-time productpreneur working with the most amazing designers, artists and brands that, at one time, I only admired from afar. It’s truly a dream come true! I've PRESSED ON through years of ups and downs and have finally found my true niche. Not only am I creating one-of-a-kind handmade papers in a large variety of colors, but I've expanded services to include a variety of printing methods. 

Pressing is part of my business, whether it's pressing paper, letterpress, foil press or PRESSING ON through the busiest days of a wedding season and I LOVE every minute of it!  

PRESS ON my friends and I look forward to creating beautiful work with you!

hugs,

Sharon

p.s. My family is everything to me! I thank them with all my heart for their never-ending support, advice, patience and inspiration throughout my creative journey. 

love you bunches,

your wife, momma and Mimi