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Paper-Ya
Category: Event Planning & Services Cards & Stationery Shopping Arts & Crafts Cards & Stationery Shopping Flowers & Gifts Cards & Stationery Cards & Stationery [Edit]
9 - 1666 Johnston StVancouver, BC V6H 3S2
Neighbourhood: Granville Island/False Creek
(604) 684-2531
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
52 reviews for Paper-Ya
52 reviews in English
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Review from Trudi C.
9/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is *dangerous*. To my purse that is! I could quite happily spend a ridiculous amount of dollars every time I go in here on things that I don't realllllllllly need but omg isn't that so cool?!
As I live far from home, my favourite old-fashioned thing to do is write letters. I go here for the paper! There's some cute writing paper that doubles as both the letter and the envelope - people have seen me in cafes writing letters, and asked where I got it from - I always direct them here.
I wish it were a little cheaper, but it's to be expected. I will never go in alone anymore, I simply cannot be trusted in here ;D -
Review from Emilie C.
Vancouver, BC
2/9/2012
Sooo much to peruse! From journals, sketchbooks, papers, stamps, ribbons, nick-nacks, even wax seals, their selection considering the small size of their space is quite extensive. I do find it to be a tad overpriced compared to other craft stores around the city, however they do have a wonderful variety of unique purchasables. It's always enjoyable to have dorky chats with the staff about the products, I love being able to share my simple interests and happinesses with others :)
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Review from Vannessa S.
Burnaby, BC
12/26/2011
I'm eclectic, I'm artsy, I'm writer, so you would think I'd like this store a whole lot more than I actually do. Don't get me wrong, there are a number of cute things here that I would get for myself or give to others as gifts. However, I can't get past the pretentiousness and the crappy customer service. Treasures drown in the overpriced crap and hideous knick knacks that are all too common here on Granville Island. The layout is crowded and it's not really worth the trip. It's certainly not one of the things that makes me want to cross the bridge.
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Review from Siri W.
6/14/2011
This place made my little nerd heart glow :) You know that amazing feeling you get when you walk into a really beautiful library or bookstore and just have to stop for a moment to take it all in? Yeah. You'll get that here.
This store is so dainty and adorable, I defy you not to "Aww" over paper. Paper! That's the magic of this place - it sells delightful possibility to the book/journal/word lover and makes you dream of sitting under a tree somewhere with one of their exquisite leather bound journals writing your first great novel. Well. A girl can dream!
But if you are ever on Granville Island, this place is a must. You won't leave empty-handed I promise you. I never do! -
Review from Robin M.
6/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Stationary-fetishists, here is your mecca. From beautiful hand-crafted letterpress cards to kitschy Japanese journals to mouthwatering washi paper to everything in-between, this treasure trove of writing paraphernalia is drool-worthy.
A store that celebrates paper in all of its forms and iterations, this enchanting and impressive shop makes me ache with nostalgia for the simplicity of proper post and the letter-writing club I never had.
*sigh* -
Review from Emily-Anne P.
Vancouver, BC
6/15/2011
I have to be totally honest, this place is a stationary nerd's wet dream. Honestly.
The staff are lovely, always busy in the store, the staff make a conscious effort to make sure you have what you need and are right there if you have any questions (both because they are paying attention and because the shop is quite small).
I am a pen freak. I have a number of fountain pens that are my babies and I am always looking for new eco-friendly inks and trinkets to go with them. Paper-Ya has a lovely selection of pens as well as inks and other toys for those into calligraphy.
I went in here to get a new notebook for someone as a gift and I, as usual, was blown away by the selection of fun books, stamps and papers that they had.
I highly recommend checking them out if you need a gift for someone and you aren't sure what or if you just love stationary the way I do. -
Review from Tiff T.
7/2/2011
This place is absolutely amazing and is a designer's dream store.
They have a notebook for anything you can think of. Need a tabbed journal to organize lists of your favorite websites? Check. Dreaming of a Doodle Jump notebook? Check. Or maybe just a journal to record all of your dreams? Check.
Beside journals, they have a ton of really unique gifts like stamp sets, pens, bags, books, greeting cards, stickers...the list goes on and on. Everything is very carefully selected and high quality, including many Japanese and German notebooks and writing tools. I easily spent an hour looking through as much of the store as I could. I was totally blown away! -
Review from Monique B.
Port Moody, BC
6/21/2011
When I used to work in Kits, just up the street from GI Market, if I had a bad day I would walk down to Paper-Ya to cheer myself up. That's how amazing this store is!
They sell beautiful books and journals, cards and wrap and some more interesting items like pencil sets, bags and small toys. This is the kind of place where you can find a gift for almost anyone (and the card & wrap to go with) and will undoubtedly leave with something for yourself as well.
The only thing preventing me from giving them five stars is that it is often so busy that if you need service you will have trouble tracking it down. -
Review from Annie W.
5/28/2011
This little store always sets my heart aflutter!
I'm the kind of person who dreams about one day having my own "wrapping room," and one day when I win the lottery it's going to be fabulous, but for now this little stationary haven will just have to suffice.
Beautiful print and hand crafted cards, specialty origami papers from Japan, colourful moleskin notebooks, photo albums & scrap books, gorgeous wrapping paper and ribbons, decorative rubber stamps, and all sorts of books and random knickknacks that make great unique gifts!
As always "special" comes at a premium and indeed some of the items aren't cheap. However, the store has such a great selection that there really is something for every budget. If you're not sure, just ask one of the incredibly friendly and helpful staff. -
Review from Dan J.
Vancouver, BC
12/18/2010 7 Check-ins Here
I've been in love with Paper-Ya since the mid 90's. Sharon the owner taught book binding & paper making courses at Emily Carr University and her knowledge of the history and use of papers from around the world is mind boggling. Her handmade books and papers are exquisite.
I still make books all the time and have become a paper geek. Paper-Ya is the only place in Vancouver I go to for exotic papers and the various materials I need for book binding.
They have many products that you can't get anywhere else in Canada. I started using one of these products for direct mailers and it became a sort of branding for my business. I thought I was in trouble when one of them was discontinued but the manager tracked down the product and placed a special bulk order, gave me a discount and phoned me when it arrived.
Shrapnel is a local company that makes beautiful handmade portfolios. Their one retailer closed down so when I ran into Sharon I told her I thought that Paper-Ya would be an excellent place to carry their product line. A few months later there there they were on the shelf.
They listen and care about the customer's needs. They support local businesses while still maintaining an inventory of exotic products from around the world.
A one of a kind resource for Vancouver's book & paper geeks. I have noticed more and more of the small store is being dedicated to the stationary items that people love so much. But personally I hope Paper-Ya is able to maintain it's exceptional inventory of exotic papers. Like Curly from City Slickers said "You know what the secret of life is? One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and the rest don't mean sh*t."Listed in: Useful!
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Review from Melody M.
3/23/2011
I love paper, pretty paper to write notes, special paper to draw . And this is the place to go.
When I go to Granville Island, I must, must always stop at this place. I love looking at the beautiful paper, the artistic notebooks, and I never leave empty handed :) -
Review from Lindsay C.
Vancouver, BC
9/21/2011
I adore this place! If you're a stationary nerd like I am, then you won't be able to walk out of here with out purchasing something. Great place for unique gift ideas as well.
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Review from Jasmine T.
Burnaby, BC
9/13/2010
I am on the hunt to find some paper to make a mock up of a wedding invite. I have to give a sample to my mother to make sure she orders exactly what I want my invitation to look like.
Drawers and drawers of paper. I love paper... so pretty. If I wasn't so focused on finding sheets of yellow and green, I would have taken a better look at all the other notebooks and pens. I couldn't find a shade of green that I needed. The woman working was so helpful! She tried to help me find the right shade of green, she even let me look in the stock room with her, but still no dice. Then she suggested something I would have never even thought of: RIBBON! Eureka! I got a yard of ribbon the right shade of green I needed to tie up the mock invite.
I am so happy I went there. She was so knowledgeable of all their stock and really took the time to help me find what I needed. -
Review from Jane F.
12/4/2010
A shop that sells sealing wax and stamps? Looking for that elusive imported notebook? Well this place has it. Any everything else a calligrapher could hope to have. A place that inspires and revives old fashioned correspondence.
As a stationary addict, this place is a must, all I can say it that it could be a lot bigger! -
Review from vanessa G.
Vancouver, BC
If your looking that perfect, original card for that special someone.. this is the place to go. Especially if you have no idea what to get for this person, this place will make you want to buy everything in it. It technically is everything to do with paper and pretty accesories that make letter writing activies and DIY fun and exciting.
I basically just want to touch everything in this store. -
Review from Lynn H.
Vancouver, BC
8/10/2010
A conversation I had with my mother last winter:
Me: But it's a stapler... in the shape of a fish!
Mom: Yes...
Me: A fish stapler! So cool!
In case you are wondering, despite my mother's slight confusion at my obsession with marine animal shaped stationary, I received the fish stapler for Christmas that year... about 13 months after first spying it at Paper-Ya.
One of my favorite things about Vancouver is that the major tourist destinations are equally if not more popular with locals. This is probably what gives the city its air of friendliness. I have been going to Vancouver Island since I was knee-high to a grass hopper (my best childhood friend's dad used to run the frozen yogurt/ice cream place in the center of the main market) and I have more than a few fond memories of this place. Paper-Ya fits into my adult-memory bank as a fun place to go all year round and window shop for gifts, notebooks, ornaments, and of course... FISH STAPLERS! The store is cleverly laid out because once you peek in the door you have to actually walk in to get a look at the fun and fanciful wares. Sure some of these items are absurdly beyond my budget (some particularly appealing leather-notebooks come to mind!) but looking is almost as fun as buying.
Verdict: come to Paper-Ya to explore... you will be surprised what is hiding around and under the display tables and maybe you will leave with a novelty item that brings you as much joy as my fish stapler brings me! -
Review from Erin M.
Vancouver, BC
5/2/2010
A trip to Granville Island isn't complete without a stop at this little gem of a stationery shop. In fact, stationery shop isn't even the right term; it's more like a store full of awesome.
Paper-Ya carries a well-selected mix of papers, stationery, notebooks and albums, and cute gift items.
On my most recent visit, I picked up a hot pink Belvedere notepad portfolio. The staff were friendly and obviously having fun. -
Review from Katie S.
9/29/2008
Oh man.. I've yet to see anything like this shop in Seattle. Papyrus doesn't even come close.
Lovely selection of paper, origami, cards, Moleskine products, knick knacks, and scrapbooking stuff that makes me want to take up the hobby. As far as product and merchandising goes, this place has it perfected.
I found the most lovely little japanese lunch kits for kids here, as well as these darling little metal water bottles with cute little pictures and sayings on them. Needless to say, if you're in the gorgeous Granville Market, please PLEASE make a stop in here. It's absolutely lovely.Listed in: Gifts a' Plenty!, Oh, Canada...
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Review from Anita C.
Vancouver, BC
11/1/2009
I never want to go into stationary stores because I know that I will come out broke.. so broke.
But I broke down, and finally went into Paper-Ya.
I didn't regret it but I did have to tell my friend to give me a time limit.
I didn't get to travel through the whole store but I did see all their big sheets of paper and huge selection of pretty ribbon. I went through every drawer of paper just looking. The sales lady said I could touch and i'm happy that my hands were clean. I was happy. very very happy.
The service was amazing. Friendly staff helping me through the whole visit.
I will definitely be back again, but only under supervision. -
Review from Nik C.
Halifax, NS
8/2/2009 ROTD 11/8/2009
Going into this store is like stepping into the stationary Bermuda Triangle: You will enter, but it will take you years to leave. Hours seem like minutes as you walk through the tiny store for the 8th time, finding a new and exciting notebook or other piece of stationary. It's tiny, it's fun, and every time you go to Granville you have to go back.
Pack a lunch, and tie a rope around your waist and attach it to a pillar outside so a rescue party can yank you out when you don't return after 4 hours. -
Review from Jena J.
Vancouver, BC
7/9/2011
This is a shop you could find a gift for anyone, everything is fun to look at. i love the coffee table books and crazy wrapping paper
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Review from Kreag S.
Vancouver, BC
12/16/2008
Paper-Ya is pretty much the only reason I go to Granville Island..well..and now for Edie Hats...
They have such an eclectic selection if wares...beautiful papers, cards, journals and note books, watches, bags, wallets, vases, globes, my God you name it..they have it! I can pretty much do the bulk of my Christmas shopping in one stop...no lie...most of my partners stocking stuffers last year were purchased here..his fave was a kitchy aluminum water bottle... and just when I think I'm done I get to the counter and they have more cool little things at the cash wrap...fun pens and cute mini horoscope books..I'm suck a sucker for "cute" crap...
I was in recently and one of the staff was very chatty...taking about what was new in the store..showing me her favorite products....I like it when you can tell people love where they work..it says a lot! -
Review from Jill Y.
6/14/2011
It was okay, but nothing you couldn't get at the Paper Source in Seattle.
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Review from Michelley W.
7/7/2009 1 photo
Letterpress cards, pretty paper, stationery-making kits, little wallets, hedgehog brooches, journals, books, origami...oooh this is a craft-and-bauble lover's delight!
Leave it to the Japanese, who perfected the art of washi and origami, to market paper in such an attractive manner (the ending "Ya" in a store name stands for "shop" in Japanese).
Although it was a bit of a splurge at C$6.95 each, I bought two glaze-print notecards--one of a yellow rubber ducky with Pacman eyes and another of a '50s-style metal electric fan--to frame for my bathroom. So cute. -
Review from Matt S.
Vancouver, BC
5/18/2010
Every time family or friends visit us in Vancouver there is at some point a trip to Granville Island. It always includes dropping in to Paper-Ya, and even though I've been there plenty of times I never cease to find new interesting and cool things.
The store has fantastic inventory, unique items, and a great vibe. -
Review from Max H.
Vancouver, BC
11/7/2009
One of those funny little stores that always seems to capture my imagination and attention. Although I must admit I've always had a bit of a bizarre fascination with stationary (perhaps because my grandfather was a cartographer?).
After discovering it several years ago, it always seems to be a perennial favorite on walks through Granville Island. Their stock is varied and is a great mix of practical and whimsical (think: rich leather-bound day-timers, to ceramic faux white paper coffee-cups, with matching latex lids)
When we were preparing our invitations etc. to our wedding last year, my wife was adamant that we'd have to go to Paper-Ya. We managed to find everything we needed (beautiful card stock; envelopes: sealing wax & seals) for what seemed a fair price given the evident quality.
Definitely will continue to browse on our way through and keep it at the top of our list for stationary needs. -
Review from T'sters M.
8/16/2010
Paper-Ya has a wonderful selection of decorative papers, including Florentine print, Japanese, Unryu, lotka, natural and handmade papers. They also have a nice selection of machine-made sheets of paper featuring whimsical and sophisticated prints and patterns.
Everything is well-organized into drawers and the sales staff is there to help you select what you need. Prices are comparable to other paper shops I've visited.
The shop also stocks a large collection of journals and notebooks, along with basic crafting supplies such as glue/adhesives, Japanese masking tape, and embellishments.Listed in: Arts & Crafts
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Review from Alison S.
3/27/2009
I've heard and read that Paper-Ya was awesome, so I finally had to come see for myself. It was everything I had read and more.
I've always had a soft spot for stationary and I could easily unload most of my chequing account at this store. For $14 I caved and bought the potpourri mix of papers, a luxurious mix of texture and colour. Only barely did I pry myself away from the wooden stamps, the felted flowers, the sheets of pressed papers, each one unique and artistic.
A fan is born!!!Listed in: Vancouver Spots
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Review from Trischa A.
Vancouver, BC
12/1/2010
Love it! Whenever I have a party invitation to send out, I visit Paper-Ya. They have the most decorative and classy paper one can find in Vancouver. I always get amazing comments about my invitations thanks to Paper-Ya!
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Review from Noa G.
Vancouver, BC
9/23/2008 2 photos
Offering up gorgeous stationery, handmade and textured paper, beautiful greeting cards, notebooks, journals, and other paper treats, Paper-Ya will surely delight and inspire anyone who loves to write.
The store, located in Granville Island's Net Loft building carries some of the most original textured, handmade paper (often inspired by the Japanese washi paper) you've likely seen. Be sure to save some time to sort through the drawers of paper, arranged by colour, and the shelves displaying handmade accessories.Listed in: Give Good Gift!
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Review from Mercedes G.
Vancouver, BC
11/21/2008 1 photo
While the joy's of Paper-Ya have been mentioned here once or twice, my sentiments of this store are nevertheless, joyful! I like to set myself apart from the masses, but how can I go against the truth? Paper-Ya is the definitive store for all of your creative, writing and paper needs, as well as being a supplier of quirky items from all over the world.
I have a bit of an obsession with purchasing (or being gifted, ahem) beautiful journals and I have no qualms with wanting to spend what might appear to be absurd amounts of money on a writing tome. Paper-Ya offers up some of the more unique journals from around the world, whether they be bound in metallic leathers, quirky designs or have held the words of the greats (the entire line of Moleskin sketchbooks and journals are available), you are likely to find something that will hold your words and designs with style.
Paper-Ya also carries, prepare yourself, paper! We're not talking about computer printing paper here, but all sorts of natural, Japanese, decorative and Origami papers. You can even buy supplies to make your own paper, an art that I am not familiar with but I imagine to be deeply satisfying and interesting. Should you be planning a wedding soon, Paper-Ya has many options for invitations, as well as beautiful guest books in various sizes. Anything you may need for book binding is also available here, along with rubber stamps, punch-out stamps and everything to make unique wax seals.
Paper-Ya is a gem and absolutely worth a gander should you be in the area and if you're not, make a special trip! -
Review from Edric C.
Vancouver, BC
5/20/2009
Been to Paper-Ya everytime I had to make a present a little extra special.
Though the parking in the area is a little tricky at times, well it is Granville Island, the selection of paper related products are worth it. IF you want to forgo the Hallmark cards and paper wrapping for something extra special check them out! -
Review from Liv F.
West Vancouver, BC
5/12/2011
A beautiful shop with quirky cards, notebooks, stationery, pens, wallets and exciting wrapping paper (if you like wrapping paper to begin with, that is).
It's pricey, but a good place for a gift or a little something to make a gift more special. -
Review from Mehs m.
Vancouver, BC
9/7/2009
Definitely a fabulous find as far as stationary stores go . Its small but they have an excellent merchandiser. I love those li'l leather bound travel journals with the leather string wrap around . Those are super cute. Also some sleek metallic finish leather bound journals caught my eye.
I am going to be spending more time here for sure.
Luxurious / clever stationary makes my heart smile. -
Review from Gelsey B.
1/27/2011
This is one of my favorite shops in Vancouver. It has the cutest things... stationary, wrapping paper, agendas & notebooks, etc. Everything is unique and pretty and I want to buy it all! I bought a casual canvas-like material purse there and now (6 months later) I still use it every day. I love this store... a must-go for paper/stationary needs.
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Review from Lara O.
3/18/2011
I love paper-ya! Great for card makers, scrap bookers, journalers etc. They have a great selection of things. I don't know where I would be with out my "all out of" grocery shopping check list, and my "what to pack" check lists.
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Review from Lauren N.
12/5/2008
"Yay for paper!' would be the universal chant for all Paper-Ya fans. This place is stuffed inside-out with all kinds of notebooks, stationary, and handmade fibre papers. It's practically a dream for those weird people who love to buy notebooks for anything and everything, and who like to repeatedly run their hands over paper. And yes, I'm one of those people.
I love looking at all the notebooks, and seeing what kinds they have for different purposes. The store is organized into various sections, like notebooks in one spot, and then letter-writing and supplies in another, and stamps and fibre papers in yet another. Paper-Ya has some really unique stuff, particularly the handmade papers. You'll rarely find them elsewhere.
As much as I love gazing at all the beautiful things, there is never any way the prices will ever seem justified to me. It's just so crazy expensive in this place, you really need to close your eyes and just take the plunge to pay that much for something here. Maybe I'll work my way to it one day. But for now, I'll settle for browsing and creepily running my hands over the paper. -
Review from Eric B.
8/8/2008
Paper-Ya is neatly tucked away within the pletora of shops, galleries, artist studios, markets, restaurants, etc. that you'll find on Granville Island.
The store space is relatively small, but packed within is a very comprehensive and diverse selection of papers, pens, notebooks, stationary, etc. And it's closer to say a Japanese Maido in approach. It's a fun place to look around and imagine journalling or organization projects that may or may not happen when you take your treasures home. -
Review from Kate B.
3/18/2010
This shop is lovely! However, I was going there specifically for greeting cards and though the ones they had were beautiful and the style I was looking for, I was disappointed by the amount of selection. I bought one card and ended up buying something else that I was not shopping for at all! :)
The lack of greeting cards aside, the shop is excellent. I love journals and this was heaven! -
Review from Sonya L.
9/17/2008
Talk about paper galore! This place is great. It has all sorts of paper items: journals, gift wrap, stationary, cards, etc. It also has other cute gift items like wallets and purses.
This store is fantastic for browsing and I found myself coveting most of the journals. Too bad the last thing I need is another gorgeous journal!Listed in: Vancouver, BC
