Paper Source

Crafting connoisseurs flock to this paper haven. Since the original Paper Source opened in Chicago in 1983, founder Sue Lindstrom has provided handcrafted decorative papers, tongue-in-cheek greeting cards, artful wrapping paper and charming stationery. The gargantuan space hosts demonstration tables, where you can watch and participate in crafting workshops ($25–$40) such as bookbinding, card-making and rubber-stamping. Or save your bucks, and stop by for free in-store demos like holiday gift-wrapping tutorials; then take a peek at the inspiration boards to get ideas for your own crafting endeavors. But with more than 40 colors of card stock and envelopes, 500 greeting cards, countless rolls of ribbon in a rainbow of colors, and imported papers from Japan, India, Nepal, Thailand and Italy, the creativity should come easily. There are also ample gifts, including paper monkey puppet kits ($16), owl place-card kits ($14) and 2011 Wall Art monthly calendars ($28).