Paperdoodles: The Stationery Store With So Much More

By Sharon White | Photography by Justin Borja

Twenty-five years ago, Susie Winkler had birth announcements printed for her newborn daughter, Emily, from a small stationery store in Temple called Paper Corner. Today, Susie owns that same stationery boutique — the only one in Central Texas — now known as Paperdoodles.

“Paper Corner opened in 1985,” says previous owner Mary Ann Nelson. “A few years later, we moved from our original location on South Third Street to the east end of Pecan Plaza. I sold the shop to Melinda Lucko in 2003. She renamed it Paperdoodles and later moved to the west end of Pecan Plaza, where Susie worked with her. And when Melinda was ready to sell the business in 2013, Susie bought it.”

These days, Paperdoodles is smack-dab in the middle of the Plaza. And you can find a lot more than personalized invitations and paper goods. The shop carries classic brands like Crane and PSA personalized stamps, and offers signature lines such as Jon Hart customizable bags, Coton Colors ceramics, s.a.l.t. sisters soups and seasonings, and an assortment of collegiate and “Greek” merchandise.

But custom wedding, shower and save-the-date invitations remain at the heart of Susie’s business. And personal service is her No. 1 priority. “We print most of the invitations here in the shop,” Susie says. “I sit down with brides and their moms and try to help them find exactly what they are looking for. Sometimes brides come in with an idea, and end up choosing something completely different.”

Paperdoodles also carries an assortment of notecards, writing paper, pens and greeting cards. Susie says, “There are very few things that are more personal than a hand-written note. It can be a thank you, a condolence, or a congratulation. It’s a permanent, palpable sign of thoughtfulness. Whether you are the writer or the receiver.”

Susie has her own philosophy when it comes to writing thank you notes. “When I was growing up, my mom stressed the importance of sending notes of gratitude. And I always told my own children that when they received a gift — before they could play with it, use it, or spend it — they had to send a thank you note.”

Susie Winkler is in the business of keeping it personal. She says, “If we don’t have what you’re looking for here, we’ll help you find it.” The next time you are searching for invitations, stationery, paper goods or unique gifts, visit Paperdoodles You are guaranteed to be welcomed with genuine Texas hospitality and a southern “Hey” each time you walk through the door.

Paperdoodles
1404 South 31st Street, Temple
(Also inside “The Hub,” 7 South Second, Temple)
254-773-8331 | www.paperdoodles.com

Can practicing gratitude be good for your health?

Still not wild about the idea of pulling out pen and paper? Consider these findings by Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., the world’s leading scientific expert on gratitude: “Clinical trials indicate that the practice of gratitude can have dramatic and lasting positive effects in a person’s life. It can lower blood pressure, improve immune function, promote happiness and well-being, and spur acts of helpfulness, generosity, and cooperation.”