Lunalux

A friend and I signed up for a 2-​hour stationery letterpress course with Jenni. The classes are capped at six or so, but we were the only two signed up so it was an especially intimate class. Classes are BYOB so a friend brought a bottle of wine to enjoy as we learned how to typeset our own stationery. Jenny was incredibly patient and kind as we took our time choosing type face, text color, and the phrase to put on our stationery. The shop was inviting and airy with two resident kitties on the premises. We made two sets of twelve cards and envelopes with personalized envelope liners, which Jenny packaged beautifully for us to take home. She also has a great selection of high quality notepads, cards, and posters for sale. I’d highly recommend her classes — very fun, especially if you capitalize on the BYOB perk.

You might think you can buy paper at any stationery store. Not so. I located this «stationery» store using Unilocal,but it wasn’t exactly what I expected. This is a great store if you’re looking for hip cards and posters with beautiful handprinted patterns, birds, clever Minnesota iconography, and sassy proverbs. However, if you want paper for any DIY projects or homemade poster/​card-​making, they won’t sell it to you. If you’re an artist or want to make something yourself, you’re better off looking at the Utrect art store around the corner, which has lots of stationary.

Sometimes you have the happy fortune to be in a spot where you need the perfect thank you card. In my case, my boyfriend’s father had hooked me up with tickets to Nashville, a gesture so generous and kind that it rocked my world, and instead of being able to whip out a thank you card in an instant, I was completely paralyzed by the gesture’s awesomeness and NEEDED the perfect card. No ordinary, stock, Target thank you card would do– I needed something FINE.
Luckily, I was volunteering with Minnesotans United for All Families (and you should, too) and happened to pass this place on my way in– it’s tucked into that row of cute stores by Café and Bar Lurcat. It’s an airy, bright shop reminiscent of small towns everywhere, and the moment I stepped inside a friendly lady asked if I needed help.
I explained the situation, and she pointed out a section of seriously killa thank you cards. Some were made in-​house, and some weren’t– they were all lovely, and made of extremely high-​quality paper. And whattayaknow– there was the perfect card, just waiting for me.
PLUS, they had amazing stationary that I’m going to have to go back and acquire. Their things aren’t cheap– but for special circumstances, you don’t WANT cheap. You want something that is a small token of an immense gratitude, and this place has that niche on lock.

If you are someone that enjoys crafting notes with pen and paper, or simply appreciates fine printed products, you owe it to yourself to stop by Lunalux. The shop has been in its current location since 1993 and (from the website —
) is known for creating «charming paper goods using vintage letterpress equipment and modern photopolymer technology.»
On the edge of Loring Park, Lunalux transports the visitor to a time where presses were the only way to get the word out. The products they create run the gambit from clever to cute to down-​right cheeky. You’re sure to find a unique gift idea or two.
What’s more is the specially designated «Stationery Saturdays,» where shoppers can go home with customized paper products, or just enjoy coffee and cookies while you watch the staff work.

I was on the way back from the Walker Art Center and stopped here both before and after my lunch at Joe’s Garage (see separate review). I agree with Michelle W. that there perhaps could have been a little more selection. However, the cozy space (with the printing equipment in the same room and the friendly house dog) makes for perhaps a more authentic and personal shopping experience.
I ended up with a really cool set of note pages set in a cigar box, a neat brown paper pad, and a card or two. I took quite a bit of time looking through their selection and could have easily done more «damage». The designs are indeed unique and the letterpress quality is excellent.

Although the selection is lacking on the surface they have great paper products. I always get my «signature» notecards here. They have extremely unique designs and they do it all in this location. You can even have personal designs made for you!