Tell us about your brand; what inspired you to start your brand?

Where did you get the idea for your products? I'm Elizabeth Forbes, the founder of Little Paper Soul, a Letterpress studio making greeting cards, stationery and prints. My journey into the world of Letterpress printing started with a serendipitous discovery of an antique printing press and an instant connection to their craftsmanship. Thanks to the incredible support of the Letterpress community and some fantastic mentors, I was able to dive into this wonderful craft and put my own modern twist on it. At Little Paper Soul, our mission is simple: to pay homage to the timeless art of Letterpress printing while infusing it with a contemporary vibe. Each greeting card I create is a vibrant celebration of tradition and modernity, carefully crafted on century-old presses. With joyful messages bursting with colour and texture, our cards are more than just paper—they're a reflection of the love and passion poured into every print. I'm deeply dedicated to sustainability, which is why I strive to use eco-friendly materials and practices in every aspect of our production process. Join us in celebrating the beauty of tradition while paving the way for a more sustainable future—one card at a time.

What’s your biggest highlight of owning your brand?

Why do you love what you do? For me, the biggest highlight of owning Little Paper Soul is the joy of creating each card on my antique printing presses. It's incredibly rewarding to breathe new life into these old machines and infuse them with modern designs that bring joy to people's lives. With the rhythmic clunk of the machinery and the scent of ink in the air, each card becomes a labor of love, meticulously crafted. Knowing that my stationery will bring joy to others is what makes it worthwhile. Letterpress printing grounds me in the beauty of slow, intentional craftsmanship and the power of meaningful connections. So, while there are many highlights of owning my brand, for me, it all comes back to the simple pleasure of creating something beautiful with my own two hands and sharing it with the world

Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself when you first started out?

Looking back on my journey, I've learned to believe in my idea, even when it seemed impossible. Despite facing bumps along the road, like relocating my business and my family from Australia to Scotland, and then starting up again, I held onto my belief in the wonder of Letterpress printing and that my work could bring joy to people's lives. Don't go it alone. Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow artisans and makers who understand the challenges and triumphs of bringing a creative vision to life. They offer practical advice and encouragement when you need it most. Collaborating with retailers who believe in your brand can be a game-changer. These partnerships help you expand your reach and validate your brand's value in the marketplace, providing opportunities for growth and exposure that you may not achieve alone. I've been fortunate to experience this firsthand, and it's been incredibly rewarding. So, trust your instincts, believe in your idea, and don't hesitate to ask for help along the way. With determination and support, anything is possible.

What can we look forward to seeing from your new collections that you are bringing/launching at Home & Gift?

Do you have any personal favourites? I am thrilled to introduce my Squiggle Story at H&G—a whimsical collection that layers playful, joyful messages on top of vibrant squiggles. These cards embody a celebration of fun and creativity. Each card bursts with color and energy. By employing the classic Letterpress technique of layering ink colors and deep impressions, I've created a tactile overlapping of inks for a dynamic visual experience. Whether you're sending birthday wishes, expressing gratitude, or simply spreading a little joy, the Squiggle range is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face.

Can you describe the experience that buyers can expect when visiting your stand at Home & Gift?

I absolutely love chatting about what I do, and I'd be thrilled to share my passion with the buyers at H&G! When visiting our stand, I'd love to show them a film of our letterpress process and let the buyers experience the full range of our products—an explosion of color and joyous messages. I'd be delighted for retailers to feel the cards and experience the quality of our letterpress products firsthand. There's nothing quite like running your fingers over the debossed ink and feeling the texture of the beautiful paper.

What are you most excited for when exhibiting at Home & Gift?

I'm incredibly excited about exhibiting at Home & Gift because it offers a platform to reach a wider audience and connect with retailers who might share my passion for letterpress and sustainable stationery. This trade show presents an opportunity to expand our wholesale partnerships and bring Little Paper Soul to even more stores and boutiques. Meeting with retailers allows me to share not only our products but also the story behind Little Paper Soul—the passion for Letterpress, dedication, and creativity that go into every card we create. I can't wait to connect with retailers, forge new partnerships, and spread the joy of Little Paper Soul.

How do you operate your brand sustainably?

At Little Paper Soul, sustainability is paramount in everything we do, and we take great care in sourcing environmentally friendly supplies. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in several key practices. First and foremost, we are proud to say that our packaging is completely plastic-free. Moreover, we prioritize the use of recycled and CO2 neutral papers in our production process. By utilizing papers made from recycled materials and opting for CO2 neutral papers, we're able to minimize our environmental impact and support a more circular economy. A significant amount of time and thought goes into sourcing these environmentally friendly supplies and making our studio practices more eco conscious. Like reducing waste by reusing off cuts in other projects and products and reducing our chemical use by using eco friendly alternatives when we can. We're dedicated to making responsible choices every step of the way. Ultimately, our goal is to create beautiful, high-quality products that not only bring joy to our customers but also help to build a more sustainable future.