By Oluwa Dami

By Dami Studios

Paper is powerful. It is that tangible note you hold onto that has the fading handwriting of your dearly departed loved one.

A couple of weeks ago while cleaning out one of my many catch all drawers I stumbled upon a “going away book” I created when I moved from Nigeria to the United States in 2000. It had a page dedicated to each of my friends. They wrote their name, age, likes and dislikes, favorite song, etc and a going away message for me. Sort of like a facebook profile before facebook .

I was so drawn to my handwriting from 21 years ago. I was immediately transformed to that moment in time. The texture of the paper with its worn edges had become a keepsake. I could identify my friends just by the different quirks in their handwriting. What a treasure.

I guess without knowing it, I was always working my way to becoming a stationer. A lover of using paper intentionally.

The card you receive that lets you know that you are loved. It holds so many of your emotions as you journal daily, it brings words to life as you cozy up and read your favorite book. It holds your dreams as you write your vision and goals for the year, week, or day.

It presents the anticipation of a good time when you receive that invitation in the mail. It helps honor a life well lived or announce a new life yet to be lived. See, I told you paper is powerful!

In an age where “fast” is glorified, I urge you to slow down just a little bit.

When you are hosting your next celebration (big or small):

• Consider sending a paper invitation.

• Consider folding up paper and personalizing them as place cards.

• Consider sending a thank you note in the mail.

• Pick up a card for the next birthday you attend.

• Get lost in an actual book, feel your fingers turning each page and enjoy the smell of that paper.

Oluwa Dami is the founder and creative director of By Dami Studios. A NYC based stationery and gifting design house. You can follow her on instagram @bydamistudiosnyc or visit her website www.bydamistudios.com