Visit Paper Tabby and Igloo Letterpress’ Combo Shop in Columbus

Greeting-card illustrator Collin Williams and printmaker Allison Chapman joined forces to create a physical storefront called Paper Tabby Wonderful Stationery and Igloo Letterpress Community Workshop in Columbus’ Clintonville neighborhood. The shop opens Nov. 14, and while its not the first collaboration between the artists, it certainly is their largest and most significant to date. 

The duo’s relationship dates to 2020, when Williams interned and eventually worked for Chapman at Igloo Letterpress’ Worthington storefront while attending the Columbus College of Art and Design. He later launched his own stationery brand, but he and Chapman never lost touch, always brainstorming and bouncing business ideas off one another.

“It was probably every other time we got together, [we’d say] ‘hey, wouldn’t this be fun?’ Or ‘doesn’t this space look cool?’” Williams says of their early conversations about a shared space.

A different route home one day led Chapman to pass a “for lease” sign she couldn’t wait to tell Williams about; after getting the keys the space Oct. 1, they began finding furniture and painting the space. Now, customers can experience the pair’s creative vision: a stationery store up front with a communal studio and bookbindery in the back.

“There’s so much joy in that in-person experience,” Chapman says. “We’re looking for whimsy, we’re looking for community in different ways, and I knew Collin would build that space.”

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Those visiting during the store’s Nov. 14 grand opening can purchase an exclusive commemorative poster, which was designed by Williams and set up on press by Chapman. (Customers are instructed how to run the press over the outline of the image to have a hand in finishing the work of art before taking it home.) The first 50 people at the event will receive a custom Paper Tabby tote bag filled with goodies, including products from Collin and Igloo Letterpress as well as a selection of stationery.

Williams says he is looking forward to filling the shop with “every single pen you could possibly imagine,” as well as things recommended by excited patrons in the shop’s comments. 

Chapman notes the space will focus on drop-in experiences and shorter classes until the end of 2026, but hopes to offer multisession, scheduled workshops in the new year as well as events focusing on practices like bookbinding and letter-writing.

“I don't want it to feel like you can only come in if you're looking to spend money,” Williams says. “I want people to feel like then just come by and hang out … spread out at a table, work on your project, share it with the people in your neighborhood and get some supplies that you need.”

3475 N. High St., Columbus 43214, instagram.com/papertabbystationery

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