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De Medici Ming Fine Paper
Category: Event Planning & Services Cards & Stationery Shopping Arts & Crafts Cards & Stationery Shopping Flowers & Gifts Cards & Stationery Cards & Stationery
1222 1st Ave(between Seneca St & University St)
Seattle, WA 98101
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(206) 624-1983
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 5:30 pm
Sat-Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
40 reviews for De Medici Ming Fine Paper
40 reviews in English
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Review from Gregg L.
San Francisco, CA
2/27/2012
De Medici Ming Fine Paper has some of the best hand-made paper you could ever hope to want. I've been in here so many times. It's very tiny, but a gem you will be so happy you discovered. Just going into the place will inspire your creative spirit. I highly recommend it. I first became acquainted with De Medici Ming in the mid-1990s. Every time I visit Seattle, I go back and spend a lot because it is worth it!
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Review from Amie S.
Seattle, WA
8/17/2011
Since I've graduated high school, I now feel the need to act like an adult and start writing thank you letters... however, I never really thought much about stationary until I visited my parents and we went to a picnic, and I was told to write a thank you note.
When I got home, I went on yelp to look for stationary stores, and saw that this store, had 5 stars. I thought, if I'm headed Downtown the next day, then why not?
The place was really small, but was packed with wonderful stationary and gift wrap paper. I found a card to send to my in-laws. The price was even cheaper than Hallmark, where I usually get my cards. However, everything else is pretty pricey. Not as pricey as Papyrus, but you get the point. -
Review from Naomi W.
Seattle, WA
2/18/2012
You can find all kinds of things while walking the streets of Seattle. That's how we found De Medici Ming Fine Paper. The shop is tiny, but the selection is extensive. Letterpress, boxed cards, lovely papers, calendars, gift tags-- the list goes on.This little shop is amazing. I went in here out of curiosity, but fell in love. I was inspired to take up letter writing just from one visit! They carry cards, papers, inks, pens and other paper products. The quality is top notch and the selections beyond belief. If you want a quality and thoughtful card go here. Hallmark has nothing on them.
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Review from Oriana I.
Seattle, WA
10/5/2011
I LOVE PAPER!
There's nothing like a beautiful handwritten note or fabulous gift wrap that you don't want to rip. This place has a great collection of stationery, cards, journals and gift wrap among other things, and is totally worth a special trip downtown to go visit! -
Review from Tabitha T.
Seattle, WA
1/13/2012 5 Check-ins Here
This little shop is amazing. I went in here out of curiosity, but fell in love. I was inspired to take up letter writing just from one visit! They carry cards, papers, inks, pens and other paper products. The quality is top notch and the selections beyond belief. If you want a quality and thoughtful card go here. Hallmark has nothing on them.
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Review from Tamara S.
5/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow... This place is pretty spectacular. I have more than a slight obsession with gift wrap and greeting cards and this shop was complete heaven to me. For such a compact space, they have an amazing selection of stationery and all things paper. I loved how they utilize boxes to group the card types to maximize space. The price points of cards and wrap are line with stores of this type (note- not for the bargain basement shopper). They had the widest selection of single sheet gift wrap that I have ever seen in one store.
The guy working at the shop was friendly but limited in conversation as there were several other customers at the same time. I was left to my own to browse and make selections which was fine by me.
De Medici Ming will definitely be on my must shop list for my next trip back to Seattle. -
Review from Michelle P.
Seattle, WA
3/17/2012
I am very grateful for this store! I recently was searching all over Seattle for a fancy vellum paper and found out that NOBODY carries it! I called De Medici Ming and although they do not carry vellum, she felt sorry for me and told me she would see if she could order the vellum from her supplier!! I ran straight down there, and one week later, I have the most beautiful iridescent vellum! I give this place 5 stars for excellent customer service!! While I was there I also discovered they have a gorgeous selection of stationary and greeting cards, and many of the cards were the same price as a Hallmark card, but so much nicer!! I will definitely be a returning customer!
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Review from Kristine H.
Seattle, WA
8/4/2011
It's a small shop but sweet mother of pearl, I could spend all day and a LOT of money here. Do you love paper? Pens? How about the outdated art of sitting down to put pen to paper and writing a friend to brighten their day? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you need to find a way to come here. There's gorgeous gift wrap and cards, paperstock and handmade small toys. I could gush on and on but truly just stop in and see for yourself...
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Review from Peter W.
Seattle, WA
2/29/2012
Really nice letterpress card designs, vast assortment. I go here every time I need to send a card or message - no more Hallmark for me.
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Review from Merrill H.
Redondo Beach, CA
7/19/2011
You can find all kinds of things while walking the streets of Seattle. That's how we found De Medici Ming Fine Paper. The shop is tiny, but the selection is extensive. Letterpress, boxed cards, lovely papers, calendars, gift tags-- the list goes on. I didn't end up buying anything because I didn't want to carry paper outside in the rain. The sales guy was very friendly and helped my friends out very well with their purchases. If you don't live in Seattle, check out their online store.
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Review from Joa K.
6/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
hmm i think since the last time i was here their "asian" paper stock grew quite a bit. but i feel like the more graphic and cute prints have shrunk. their card selection is a bit outdated in terms of truly fresh/trendy designs (see urbanic) but you can find some really classy things here. price is a bit steep but that's because they are so small probably!
it's a nice place to visit :) -
Review from Katie S.
San Francisco, CA
10/1/2009 1 photo
Did you know that paper can be made from beets? Me neither.
Not until yesterday afternoon when I popped into De Medici. Probably the most amazing collection of fine paper goods I've ever seen in my life. As an artist, I've always loved paper. As a child, I would draw and paint for hours on whatever I could get my hands on. If I grew up with a silver spoon in my mouth, I would have begged my parents to buy me paper here.
Gorgeous cards, wrap, pens, calendars, origami paper, journals and art. Beautiful handmade hand-printed stationery- expensive, yes- most of it nice enough to frame.
I cannot really say enough about this store... it's lovely. I would love to give or get anything from De Medici.
Especially some of that fancy beet paper. It's right behind the door, near the window on the wall if you want to get me somethin' pretty.Listed in: Gifts a' Plenty!
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Review from James E.
5/4/2010
One of my coworkers asked me to wrap the gift we got our boss. I don't wrap my own gifts, I pay someone to do it for me. That's my contribution to the economy.
Thank you, Yelp, for clueing me in to De Medici Ming Fine Paper and its gift wrapping prowess. I selected the sheets of paper I wanted to cradle this group gift, and James did the rest for me. Watching him fold whole sheets of gorgeous paper into an ornate gift was magical: no tape or glue was used on the paper or ribbon. I purchased a birthday card that compliments the gift beautifully, and it will be attached by a tiny clothespin. Brilliant AND sustainable. Quintessential Seattle.
I have to agree with Katie S, this place will the only store I go to for my fine paper needs! -
Review from Reg L.
Woodland Hills, CA
1/16/2007
When I started Yelping, I swore to myself that I would only yelp restaurants. Otherwise? It could take over my life. But I have got to give props to this little bitty place in downtown Seattle; I think it's actually smaller than my bedroom.
I live in LA and was told about this place by a woman who lives in SF. So when I was visiting SEA, I absolutely had to stop by. I also had in mind an object I knew only they would sell (an itty address book; I'm a digital girl but when I write letters, I don't want to break out the laptop). They did indeed, it was worth the walk up a long hill in hideously cold (for an Angelena) and windy weather.
This is not your typical paper store. Most paper stores are in actuality stationary stores. And while I've yet to find me a good stationer's in this country, many art stores sell stationary and pens. Not so De Medici Ming. They sell a few card sets, many single cards, and paper. Beautiful, handmade, colorful paper. What you do with that paper is up to you, but it's not of a convenient size to write upon.
If these two chicks (and they are both lovely women) could tap into the scrap booking crowd, they would have it made. They do mail order and could benefit from some internet usage, as antithetical to a paper store as that might sound. So, if you're looking for Teh Perfect paper for that special gift, scrapbook, collage, art, frame, decoupage, you name it, give them a call. Or better yet, stop by. You'll be as amazed by the selection as you are that they fit so much into such a small space.Listed in: Shopahol
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Review from Anita U.
Seattle, WA
1/23/2011
i love pretty paper and was blown away by the selection in this little shop in the shadow of the Hammering Man at SAM.
Definitely my favorite paper shop!!! Highly recommended! -
Review from Lisa E.
Seattle, WA
12/18/2008
This beautiful little shop is the perfect example of when good things come in small packages. I always enjoy telling people about this place.
Whenever there is a need for elegant stationery, wrapping paper, letterpress cards, calendars and all things wonderfully correspondence-oriented, I go to De Medici Ming.
The kind and gracious people who work there make this place the finest paper shop in Seattle. I value their insight when making decisions on the proper wording for invitations and announcements.
This store will always be my favorite downtown shop. -
Review from Winston S.
Bellevue, WA
3/18/2009
Just chiming in to echo all of the other reviews here - I just "found" De Medici Ming today. I went in not intending to buy anything and came out with an amazing J. Herbin glass dip pen... I never knew such things existed but as soon as I saw it and talked with the store owner for a few minutes, I was hooked. I had to have it. My handwriting is *horrible* but it will now be *horrible* in an oh-so-elegant and bygone manner.
Even if you don't need anything from this store, go. Browse. You will find something that you cannot live without. -
Review from Cynara L.
Seattle, WA
3/15/2011
I have loved it here since I was a little girl and my mom would come home with gorgeous cards and paper from the shop. I even love saying the name "De Medici Ming." It sounds so hallowed and gorgeous.
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Review from Jessica E.
Duvall, WA
3/26/2008
After not having much luck finding a good paper store in Seattle (and being told by a girl at the scrapbooking store that the only place that sold big sheets of paper was Target), I was absolutely delighted to find De Medici Ming.
The shop is tiny but adorable and well stocked with a wide variety of papers. I'm an artist who's always on the lookout for unique papers, and this place certainly had a good range -- from handmade, fibrous papers to beautiful Japanese printed sheets. I found just what I was looking for (large sheets of funky printed paper), and left with a couple other items I just couldn't live without. The woman running the store was very sweet and helpful. I'll definitely return when I have any future special paper needs. -
Review from Shannon H.
Port Orchard, WA
4/25/2006
I first experienced the beauty of De Medici Ming in college when I attended Cornish in the early 90's. Every time I step foot in this store, I fall in love again with the art of paper making. The most beautiful papers I've found yet are here in this shop. It's a must stop for anyone who loves paper, appreciates art or just lovely things.
I used the last of my papers to send love letters and create some artwork, it took little but my fountain pen and some satin india ink to create a gorgeous background (since the paper itself was so gorgeous on it's own. You'll find wonderful gifts for anyone who appreciates the writing or creates hand crafted items. Create or select a treasure for someone you know.
That reminds me... I haven't been in a while - time for another trip! -
Review from Josh L.
Seattle, WA
12/12/2007
I always come here when I need a unique card. They also have journals and wrapping paper, but it's the cards that I come for.
The location is just across the street from the SAM, an ideal downtown location. The quality of the cards is great and I always find that extra special something that I was looking for-or, better yet, the perfect card that I didn't know to look for.
Great for those who reject the banal and the ordinary. No Hallmark here-thank god! -
Review from Katie S.
King, WA
12/22/2009
This place is awesome.
I needed 100+ cards (thank you/holiday-esque) and had been searching everywhere within walking distance in downtown. I should have went here first!
The customer service was exceptional. As soon as I told them what I wanted, she had the perfect recommendation. And adding a touch of ribbon makes all the difference!
From now on, this will be the only place I go to for cards! -
Review from ira g.
Renton, WA
10/1/2009
They got Great selections of papers!.. the place is real tiny!...
Too bad they close early around 6pm... -
Review from Sage S.
Seattle, WA
3/23/2011
I love this place! It's right down the street from my work, and I love sneaking away to the shop for little breaks. I can't get out of there without spending at least twenty bucks. I'm totally a paper-o-phile, though, so this place -- chock full with paper goods -- is heavenly, and it's the kind of shop that doesn't exist much anymore. Or at least, sometimes it feels that way. Stop in and support it!
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Review from Del rae M.
Seattle, WA
2/14/2008
You need to get a gift. There are places where the shopping begins, the curio shop or department store. You buy the perfect gift for someone you esteem. This store is the finish line. It is the best way to wrap it all up, as it were. Medici has the finest papers from all over the world, Amalfi Italy, remote France, Japan I could wax lyrical all day. If you are prone to whimsy, they can help but this store is more suited to the serious connoisseur. Too often, one receives a gift shoved in one of those terrible "I barely had enough time to buy it let alone wrap it so here is, your fucking gift that I didn't even want to get you anyway but I was obligated due to your (insert special occasion here) SO, here." bags with tissue. Um, thanks. Sorry you had to go to so much trouble....See what I mean? Get yourself to the paper store and buy wrappings and notions to "finish" the gesture. There is nothing better than a well thought out beautiful present. PRESENT the gift! Statements are made in the small gestures, a well turned note, a single look or a gracious gift.
Get thee to this shop and make someones day. -
Review from Daniel O.
Warner Robins, GA
1/17/2011
Very unique pieces in this store. Lots of great Japanese paper and unique cards and gifts. I did think the prices were over inflated, especially when i can go Chinatown and find similar things for half the price.
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Review from Paloma M.
Seattle, WA
10/14/2011
This place is a treasure. Tiny and crammed with papers from all over the world. You just feel inspired walking into the place.
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Review from T'sters M.
Sacramento, CA
8/21/2010
De Medici Ming is a wonderful little shop filled with delightful stationary, journals and decorative paper. It is well-organized and the shopkeeper is knowledgeable and helpful. It's one of the best paper stores I've visited and I'm looking forward to shopping there when I'm in Seattle again.
Listed in: Arts & Crafts
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Review from Bobby N.
Seattle, WA
1/30/2011
Tiny, awesome paper store near the art museum. It's expensive but the stuff is nicer than any other place I've been. I especially liked the Japanese art paper here. I don't have a use for any of this, but it sure is pretty. Unilke most high-end stores of this kind, the staff here is nice and doesn't treat you like dirt if you're dressed casually and not a paper expert.
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Review from Greta P.
Seattle, WA
9/19/2010
I don't understand how they fit so many paper products into one tiny space. Seriously, please go in just to see all the sheets of beautiful paper hanging from the walls, rolled up in stacks, piled over tables, all around you. Beautiful selection of paper for gift wrap (which is also available), stationary, journals, cards, calendars, and pens!
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Review from april d.
Seatac, WA
7/11/2007
De Medici Ming is a tiny treasure in the heart of Seattle's Central Business District or CBD (isn't that just fun to say?). Stepping into this postage stamp size store is like stepping into an oldworld artisan's shop. You won't find mass produced "Hallmark" items but you will find a knowlegable and helpful staff person and the most stunning paper and writing products. I had been on the hunt for hand made cardstock and searched high and low finally after searching chain paper stores and the internet I decided to check DMM and voila, there it was like the holy grail of paper and there is always something beautiful for yourself or a gift. This Christmas, skip the chain stores and buy that crafty someone you love a real work of art and craftsmanship and support your locally owned shops like De Medici Ming.
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Review from Dennis M.
CA
11/1/2008
I went here under recommendation by a Seattle local friend. At first, I found the selections to be typical of any stationery store: Journals, blank greeting cards, wrapping papers, high-quality notepads. But I asked the store keep (I think she's the owner) for paper that would be "friendly to fountain pen." I was thinking this question would lead to a selection of leather-bound handmade journals. She instead showed me several samples of handmade watermarked Italian and Czech sheet paper. Sold individually (i.e. by the sheet, each including an envelope made of the same stock), they're not exactly cheap; but I got the sense that this stuff was not any typical parchment. It was the *good stuff* -- probably the best I've ever seen. I chose Fabriano Secolo XIII. Among the selections, XIII had the most character to it. But that's not to discount the other ones; all of them were deckle-edged and cotton-rag, all exquisite. So while I was expecting to find more travel journals (which I didn't really need), I was surprised to discover some very rare high-quality writing papers. Searching now, I haven't been able to find any place you can buy these papers online.
The store is quite small, on the corner across from the Seattle Art Museum. The store keeper was very friendly and helpful. When I even asked if she had any "lined template sheets" (the ones you see-through by putting behind the paper to keep your handwriting straight), she provided one free of charge with my purchase. She also had recommendations for where to find good fountain pens, but I was already good to go in that regard.
I don't live close and they don't have a website (yet) despite being in business for 25 years. But I'll likely be calling this store for orders in the future. -
Review from Ariel W.
Oakland, CA
5/3/2009
I'm so glad I walked into this place and also that I spoke to the owner. The paper selection is beautiful, but also, she looks for things she knows people aren't going to find at your common stationary store. We had a whole conversation about alternatives to moleskine. I didn't spend a lot of money and I got exactly what I wanted without fuss. Lovely.
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Review from Catherine H.
Seattle, WA
3/11/2009
This place is amazing. if you have someone in your life who loves paper - or interesting things made of paper - and you need a gift, this is a fantastic place to find one. So many lovely and unique things here. I received fantastic service, too - a beautiful gift wrap job. A refreshingly original store. Places like this are little works of art themselves - I hope we never become such a chain-driven nation that gems like this shop can't thrive.
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Review from Maria C.
Seattle, WA
2/26/2006
Back when I did calligraphy I always got my paper from DeMedici Ming. I can't think of any other place that carries finer handmade papers and the best rice paper from Japan. These are exquisite pieces of art in their own right and don't take much to embellish them and call them your own works of art. Wrapping a gift in these papers is the ultimate "I love you" statement.
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Review from Les S.
Seattle, WA
9/21/2005
If you love paper, the art of papermaking, or just love beautiful things, you'll want to make a stop at DeMedici Ming. Whenever I'm working on fabulous giftwrapping, or want to make something spectacular to give, or just to have for myself, I fight the annoyance of downtown travels, and get myself down to First avenue. The staff is always incredibly knowledgeable, and happy to help with suggestions about whatever I'm working on. Their selection of greeting cards is refreshingly different from chain shops, and their gifts for the avid writer, journal keeper, or lover of the written word keep me coming back over and over again. Their selection of suptuous handmade papers in every texture and color will stimulate the creative mind, and you'll want to take the whole store home with you, just to be surrounded with so many beautiful things.
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Review from Andrea G.
Longmont, CO
9/7/2008
I love imported papers and use them a lot in my work, so I was excited to see this tiny shop while walking around downtown. They also sell cute little cards. The only bad thing is that it's so small and I somehow managed to arrive the same time as a gang of squealing girls looking for sheets to frame for decor (not a bad idea). These aren't really scrapbooking papers (though obviously you can use them for that) but more for bookbinding and art projects - they are also awesome for wedding invitations.
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Review from F K.
10/23/2009
found this place on yelp when i was searching for a paper store in seattle where i could get a gift certificate for my mom's birthday present.
i had procrastinated and called De Medici Ming only a couple days before mom's birthday. Capper helped me get the gift certificate, and was wonderful! she packaged up the gift certificate nicely for my mom, made sure it got to her on time for her birthday, and even mailed me my receipt in a nice, fancy card.
i've never actually been in the place so i can't comment on the goods, but i can enthusiastically recommend them based on the service! -
Review from zee s.
Seattle, WA
6/26/2010
Lovely service, small but pretty and interesting selection of cards and paper. Highly recommended for paper needs.
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Review from H H.
Alexandria, VA
3/31/2010
A very small little store, you would feel quite claustrophobic, but the place itself carries a small selection of papers, stationery, other little knick knacks, and such. If you're a huge pretty paper/stationery fan, this is a must to stop by to mosey around.
