The tradition of scrapbooking and making custom stationary sets has become a growing interest and a unique recreational hobby for a couple of years now in Istanbul. Gaining inspiration from big greeting card companies like Hallmark, Paperless Post, Pear Tree and Papyrus, these stores, such as Paperie and Kağıthane, have the cute and original stationary and greeting card concepts you can find. Let's get to know them both a little bit better.Kağıthane (House of Paper) in KaraköyWith its name translating to "House of Paper," this little shop in Karaköy is a must-see paper haven. Owned by Emine B. Tasavul, this shop is perfect for people who still believe in the importance of sending cards and notes to loved ones, even with email and social media making things quicker but less personal and thought out. When you enter Kağıthane, you will immediately be drawn to the neatly organized and colorful cards, notebooks, wrapping paper, magnets, coasters and paper fans.Tusavul decided to open her design boutique right behind her sister Lal Dedeoğlu's cafe Bej Kahve in 2010. Tusavul and her team design and make all of the items in the shop with great care and interest to give you the most original and thought-out gifts to give to that special someone. Although being a design boutique, the architectural structure of the shop is actually pretty simple. Even though it is only a four-walled space selling paper, the esthetic appeal of the store is amazing. The dark grey shelves with white outlining and internally-concealed lighting really make the displayed paper projects seem as if they were displayed in a museum.The items sold in the store are mostly Tasuvul's designs – 90 percent – while 10 percent are designs of students that Tasuvul teaches at a university in Istanbul. Tasuvul said that she encourages her students to transform their designs into products and then put them on the market.You will instantly understand the major theme of the products when you enter Kağıthane: Istanbul. The starting point of all the designs in the store is based on the timeless and beautiful city of Istanbul. Gaining inspiration from simit (sesame seed bread) sold on the street and the traditional Turkish tea glasses, to the famous cats roaming about the city's districts, it's easy to find all nostalgic aspects of the city in this little store.With a range of customers from all ages, sizes and nationalities, anyone can find something they want to buy at Kağıthane. The store's prices range from TL 1 to TL 250 ($0.38 to $96.15), so buying something, no matter what your budget, is possible.Their slogan says it all: "You do not need anything here, but you will want everything you see."Don't forget to check out this amazing little store when in Karaköy.Address: Kemankeş Caddesi, Fransız İş Geçidi no. 11, Karaköy, IstanbulPhone: +90 212 244 15 83Website: kagithane.com.trInstagram: @kagithanePaperie in NişantaşıGiving a cute stationary set or an amazing pop-up card to someone on their birthday or a special anniversary will never get old. When roaming the narrow streets of Nişantaşı, you will come across a chromatic and vivid shop that you can't resist going into called Paperie. Owned by Zeynep Sumer Ayverdi, Paperie opened in 2009 and was the first paper and paper product boutique in Turkey. Before that, Ayverdi was the owner of a graphic design studio named ARA in Ankara, which later moved to Istanbul and turned into what the shop is today.With an immense array of cards, custom invitations, stationary, wrapping paper, coasters and office organization items, it's almost impossible to walk out empty-handed from this unique shop.Getting her inspiration and curiosity from her father who was a journalist, Ayverdi spent most of her childhood at a printing press learning about paper. Her love of paper kept growing until it turned into what it is today: A cute stationary shop in Nişantaşı. Along with the imported cards sold in the store, there are also handmade cards that are even more breathtaking. There are also workshops you can attend to design and make your own cards. You can even seal your card with a wax stamp to add another touch of nostalgia to the process.In addition to the make-your-own card workshops there are also origami workshops you can attend to kindle your love of paper. One of the most popular cards in the shop are the big cards, which are 23x30 cm and cost TL 18, and are worth giving to someone special on their birthday. Another popular item is the pop-up cards for TL 25, which are the most fun and special cards you can give. The customized invitations are another bestseller in the store. Whether it be a wedding, henna night, baby shower, bar/bat mitzvah or just a birthday, you can customize your invitation for the most personal celebration.When you make your way to Nişantaşı, be sure you stop by this unique shop.