Paperish Mess

Three cheers to Paperish Mess for being my go-​to stop to nab some really cute, locally crafted stuff (for friends but all too often for myself)!
From individual or packs of cards (for a huge variety of occasions) to jewelry to artwork/​prints to other Chicago-​related goods, I can see why a lot of people come here for unique gifts.

My initial assumption was that «Paperish Mess» was a stationery store, but the most paper-​like object for sale in this shop are greeting cards and unique art prints, many of which are Chicago-​centric with bold graphics depicting different neighborhoods.
There is a lot of jewelry too, and if you love gold tone jewelry or items crafted from rough materials like druzy and stones, you will love Paperish Mess. I’m still thinking about a necklace I passed up in a gold geometric shape with a diamond-​like stone stuck in the center. It was $ 32, a fair price for eclectic, hand-​crafted jewelry.
I got lost in a sea of solid perfumes with silly names, especially the men’s scents like «Gentleman» and even one called «Douchebag,» but they all smelled pretty good. One of my favorites was the female scent «Hipster» and «Socialite.»
This boutique is off the beaten path of many shopping meccas, but it’s still worth a look for all small shop lovers.

Such a great little store. From now on I am only coming here to buy their adorable cards and support a local business instead of hallmark crap. Amazing selection of local finds and unique gifts.

Looking for something unique? You’ve found your utopia.
Paperish Mess is a creative person’s heaven. The owners carefully curated this cornucopia of eclectic art/​jewelry/​candles/​cards/​etc on Chicago Ave that will knock your socks off with their affordability. If you love an adventure, take a trip to Paperish Mess and prepare to spend an afternoon perusing their lovely treasures.
PS Keep an eye out for the ShopKitty! She’s adorable!

Awesome, friendly gift and card shop and gallery. Staff is friendly, and they allow dogs. I try to buy all my cards here to support local business (the shop itself and their locally designed cards) and also to browse the jewelry reminiscent of street festivals, darling housewares, Chicago-​themed goodies and local artwork.
I recently purchased a fantastic 24×24 print of Darth Vader popping a pink bubblegum for a wedding gift — although it did stink that they had no bags its size to protect it, because I immediately put a small crease in it when I stepped outside into the wind. Regardless, people went bananas when I went to get it framed. It’s a great find. I also got my Hulk-​obsessed buddy a Hulk flask. There is truly something for everyone here (and too much I love… it’s hard not to buy everything!).

This is an awesome little art boutique! Honestly, I am scared to spend all my money here. I’ve settled for getting all my presents for people here. Speaking of presents, they have an amazing card selection. Yes, they’re $ 4 – 5 but they’re from local artists and they’re super cute cards.
I love all the artwork they have. I’m pretty sure everything that’s on display is for sale.
I came last month and saw a particular kind of mug that I liked. It wasn’t there today, but all I had to do was ask! They had one more left. Lucky me!

I rarely give ratings but when I do, it’s exclusively for 5 star establishments, which this is. This is a beautiful shop full of beautiful things run by beautiful people. If you’re in Chicago and want to find some great local art or just a gift for a friend, go here.

This shop is so awesome. I popped in on my birthday with my boyfriend who is definitely NOT the artsy type. He tends to find a lot of galleries highly pretentious, but we both ADORED this shop, we probably spent an hour or so in the space just touching and looking at everything even though the store isn’t that big. It’s an awesome mix of local, curated products from candles to t-​shirts to jewelry and screen-​printed artwork in between. So lovely, the guy working the counter said that the store does candle-​making workshops which I DEFINITELY have to check out. Wander around this place!!!

Really wonderfully curated shop. They sell some unique and truly beautiful items (jewelry, candles, cards, art etc) great vibe and great service. They owner was knowledgeable and friendly. wish I could take this shop home with me!

Cool everything and awesome owners! My go to spot for the holidays and neat gifts. And they have performances in the back from what I understand.

Stumbled on this store when attending West Fest 2014, it was new since I had been there last. A fantastic find: local artists, creative art, affordable art! You just don’t find many places with this trifecta. I had to tone myself down and only buy a few things which I promptly framed since they were perfect for the condo. Drawings, prints, canvas, repurposed art, textiles, and other wall hangings galore. Very friendly and helpful service, I need to get back soon!

Cute local place to pick up great presents for loved ones. Most things are local and or hand made. The lady that works at the front desk is always pleasent and helpful.

While visiting a friend in Chicago, I stumbled upon Paperish Mess which turned out to be the best shop during my first visit to the city. It was Monday, so the store was closed, but luckily the owner was working inside and let us shop! I found amazing art prints by local designers, one of a kind letter press cards and even a gift for my boyfriend. What a great shop! Unfortunately I left Chicago the same day, but the owner let us know that they put on art shows. I will be back!

The store has cool unique gifts that are made by local artists. The owners have events to bring the community together while exposing local arts.
The owners are super nice and go out of there way to find unique treasures, that are displayed artfully. It’s rare to find places like this, it’s a good alternative to Papyrus and the big boxes to find cards.

I’ve never been much of an art fan. Like, if you’re sad, just tell me you’re sad. Don’t go through all this rigmarole where you’re splotching paint on canvas and forcing me to interpret your feelings (and pay for it no less). «The drops of paint represent my tears.» Boo hoo!
But I found my way into this place. I’m finding it hard to accurately describe the place. Their website says «art gallery /​handmade wares» and I think that’s about as good as it gets. They have some wonderful photos of Chicago and beyond, colorful paintings, unique jewelry, cards, «artisan» soaps, clocks made out of books, t-​shirts, flasks, masks, and the list keeps going.
The owners, Sean and Lisa, are just delightful. They are genuinely excited about the stuff they sell and the people who make them. Lisa also makes some of the jewelry herself and Sean does woodworking. He made a lot of the display shelves & tables, and he also makes these cool record crates in a variety of finishes. Collectors of vinyl would do well to grab one or more of those; your records will look that much cooler in them.
All in all I can’t say a bad thing about the place. There’s something for everyone at Paperish Mess and the handmade nature of most of the products gives everything a unique and personal edge. No one else is going to have a clock made from an old Bambi book. Quite a novel-​ty. Get it? I’m so funny.

A great little shop. They hold art showcases and events to support local artists and bring in prints and work from smaller names in other cities. I never feel like I’ve wasted time when I spend 20 – 30 minutes perusing this tiny shop. Fun jewelry and gifts. Some great artwork and prints and a handful size selection of cards –but a good selection. My favorite little gift shop in the city for sure.

Tonight is the one year anniversary of the winsome, delightful and eclectic shop: Paperish Mess. I recently discovered the store nestled snugly between some dreary buildings just east of Damen on Chicago Avenue. I walked right into my dream emporium replete with local artisans, dreamy, handmade pieces, original art, super cool mini match boxes (The cover is a tiny print of a book. Mine? «To Kill A Mockingbird»). What else do they sell? It’s more like: What don’t they sell?! I have purchased, one off, unusual, über cool cards, a super glam ring with intricate metal work and 3 stones, artwork and most recently a designer looking leather wrap bracelet with a unique gold Clasp. It was $ 58 and just looks super classy, elegant and rich bitch. Someone asked me if it was Hermès! I simply smiled and walked on.
Oh, and you may care to know Paperish Mess is also an art gallery. I have seen (and purchased) some very well done pieces, again, at reasonable prices.
And, of course, I do not want to forget about the proprietors: Lisa & Sean. Double like. Very nice, down-​to-​earth, cool and genuine folks. If I could rate this store as a 10+ I definitely would do so. I highly recommend the experience.
So, If you see this review before 10:00p.m. tonight (Saturday November 9 2013) head on over to Paperish Mess to say: Happy Birthday/​Anniversary.
See you there!

This place was amazing. I am one of those lame people that didn’t actually buy anything during my first trip there. But it’s on my radar as a spot that I must purchase things from. I worked at Sprout Home right around the corner for years, and well. I’m very happy to see something else really great, retail wise, come into the neighborhood. Why not 5 stars… who gives 5 stars? This place is full of really rad Chicago based creations. Do yourself a favor, and leave your dumb trixie shops in the past, and give these upstarts some love.

I went to their opening night because I knew one of the artists that had some of his artwork showcased.
I wasn’t sure at first what to expect but this shop is filled with amazing stuff from local artists!
Jewelry, t-​shirts, bags and a ton of prints make up this shop. There is also a lot of Chicago inspired artwork and all fairly priced.
5 words best describe this place… «Put a bird on it!» And in a good way!!!

It is neat to have another little shop open on Chicago Avenue. They have a great location, in the old Rotofugi gallery space. I went last week when I was dropping off fliers for DIY Trunk Show and one of the owners, Lisa, and I talked while I was browsing. There are a lot of great Chicago artists stocked here. There were some great ceramics with birds as the handles and their beaks were painted gold. I feel pretty up on Chicago’s art scene and those were new to me. Lisa said they would have art shows and film screenings in the back space. Very neat addition to Chicago Avenue!