Not just any space.
As soon as I saw it I knew I was going to love it.
Old world charm
This was my initial impression when I walked past this little shop, tucked away in the mountains of Banff, Alberta, Canada. I had been invited by owner Niccela to pay her a visit. And of course, being the paper aficionado I am, I never turn down an invitation of this caliber.
I arrived a bit early so I spent a few minutes gawking at her wares through the windows. The anticipation was mounting. After having found a little breakfast joint and enjoyed some yummies, I returned to find the beauty of the place wide open to me.
Although the shop itself is but an infant, having opened its doors in May of 2013, the ‘atelier’ part of the name is already very real. It is indeed a workshop for artists and those who want to design. Workshops cover a myriad of topics such as calligraphy, cartonnage , card making, and book binding.
Click Clack
The other very cool thing that goes on at Gingko and Ink Atelier is that it is the home of the Banff Snail Mail Society. This remette typewriter and many others like it are put into crazy clicking action when folks hang out here and create and write snail mail. I was so enchanted with the concept, and the travelling typewriter gal who puts all this together, that I will save that story for a another day. But, for those of you locals who are interested in participating, the group gets together most Thursday evenings and you can sign up by emailing Niccela at gingkoandink@gmail.com
Later that same day a workshop was running on making a collaged tea journal such as the one above. Isn’t it a beauty? I just love all the textures and beautiful papers used. Gingko and Ink houses a vast collection of Japanese and Tibetan paper, washi tape, cards, and crepe paper flowers from Mexico all of which participants can incorporate into their projects.
Inspiration in a leaf
A gingko is a Chinese tree with fan-shaped leaves and yellow flowers. Did you notice the gold leaf knobs, in the first photo, that complete the displays on either side of the paper? These are gingko leaves.
This kind of attention to detail permeates throughout the store. From the beautiful orchids to how you will find your purchase sealed with re-useble washi tape, you are treated as someone special when you visit Gingko and Ink Atelier. You can find the shop in the Harmony Lane Building at 111 Banff Avenue downtown Banff. For more photos and information on upcoming workshops visit the shop’s facebook page.
So, what can you do with Japanese paper?
1. frame it and hang as unique art
2. cut in smaller pieces and use it to make beautiful cards
3. use as a window covering – the light shining through will be beautiful
4. wrap a very special gift
5. wedding invitations
6. book binding
7. cover boxes or tins
While we are talking about it, do you own a typewriter?
P.S. If you have plans to attend the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival be sure to stop by Gingko and Ink Atelier as it will be hosting the opening art exhibition on October 28 of “Into Blossom Rain” from 7-8pm. I know that Niccela would love to say hi.
Oh, how I’d love to visit this shop! Since the Banff area is on my bucket list of places I’d like to visit, perhaps I’ll get there yet. If my fellow note writing evangelists and I are ever successful in truly reviving the art, it will be in large part because of the availablility of such exquisite papers and workshops.
You must come to Banff Elizabeth! You will so love not just the scenery but this little paper shop is a gem.
What wonderful things this little shop has to offer. Your lovely photos capture it well.
Hello Bella, Yes, isn’t this shop just darling?! So glad you stopped in to share your delight. Hope you get to visit it one day.
Oh my goodness! I would so love to go into this shop. 🙂 It’s certainly my cup of tea! 😉 It seems she offers lot’s of cool art workshops. And, the Snail Mail Society is definitely something I would join if I lived nearby. Perhaps if she offers a special event in future I will have to see about making a trip out west. I’ve never been to your part of Canada before. Oh, and by the way, I mailed off a letter to you on Wednesday so it should reach you by next week. Happy Thanksgiving! Hugs, Jacqueline
Hey there Jacqueline, Isn’t this shop just awesome. I can’t get enough of it. I am hoping to participate in one of her workshops in the spring with my girls. It is definitely a beautiful part of this vast country of ours. You definitely try to visit the western provinces – well worth it. Can’t wait to receive your letter! Have lots of turkey and pumpkin pie. xoxo
Wow typewriters are quite a blast from the past, and those papers have such beautiful colors!
Thanks for sharing at Wine’d Down Wednesday. I am pinning this onto our new WDW Pinterest board. Hope to see you back again next week!
Hi Kristin, there seems to be quite the interest in typewriters these days, the more vintage the better! Thanks for pinning this and for stopping in for a visit.
Absolutely beautiful paper! I would love to check it out one day when I’m out visiting some fave cousins of mine 🙂 Wouldn’t it be wonderful to own your own type writer??!
Hey there fellow paper girl, A trip to gingko and ink can be arranged any time should a favorite cousin come to visit! I’m keeping my eye out for a type writer too. Nice to see you here Julie. 🙂