Cool Hunting

by Sheena Sood

Papelera Palermo, a space devoted to anything and everything paper, is a place in Buenos Aires for gifts, supplies, and inspiration. Founded in 1994 as a "space dedicated to paper and it's infinite possibilities," its home is on Honduras Street, right off of the trendy Plaza Cortazar in Palermo Soho, and it's a must-stop for artists, book collectors and anyone attracted to fine paper. (Click images for detail.)

I found it hard to choose from the array of beautiful products—sketchbooks, photo albums, loose sheets of handmade papers, batik papers, origami paper, and rolls of printed papers are all delightfully displayed. It's also a great source for books and accessories made with quality Argentine leather. The selection is irresistible and, thanks to the Argentine Peso, it's also very attainable. Batik papers are 12 pesos or about $4 each, sketchbooks run from about $4 to $10, and leather-bound books start at $25.

Their handmade paper workshop houses a Dutch-style press, a binding and silkscreen studio, a typographic press, and a design department. (See more images after the jump.) One of Papelera's specialties is the creation of limited edition artists' books. They offer classes on paper making, calligraphy, bookmaking, origami and other paper-related crafts set them apart from any ordinary stationary store. Personal help or private classes on anything involving the medium are also available. The Spanish-only website narrates the science and process of papermaking and gives a brief history of paper, from its invention in China circa 200 B.C. to its arrival in Europe.

Products can be purchased from abroad by contacting the store directly via email (info [at] papelerapalermo [dot] com [dot] ar).