Passion for Paper: Cheree Berry

Cheree Berry Paper: Our Kind of People

Oh. What. Fun. Meet Cheree Berry Paper. One does not merely “open” their stunning invitations; one falls down them, like Alice in Wonderland tumbling down a rabbit hole. This is pure print and imaginative magic.

We’ve met many with affection for the printed object. Cheree Berry Paper (CBP) exceeds them all. This team of 20+ designers is led by Cheree Berry of St. Louis. “Many today are etiquette lazy,” says Berry. “Most send thank yous, thinking of yous, and invitations using social media, texts and emails. Not us. While there’s a time and a place for electronic communication, we encourage people to use ink and paper when they want to make an impactful statement.”

Who could say no to these invitations? How many “thinking of you” text messages have you printed out and hung on your fridge? CBP helps customers celebrate personal moments and attract an audience. They combine new methods (you know, Photoshop, InDesign, digital printing) with old—letterpress, gold foil, diecutting—to build stunning designs that “fetishize” a paper experience. You can not only see their work—you can touch it, smell it, play with it, discover it.

And Your Little Dog, Too: Why a yellow brick road popping out of the envelope? Because, because, because! The St. Louis Public Library hosted an event to celebrate the Wizard of Oz and the literature about it. Details include: Exterior envelope sticker that asked, “Which witch are you?” The stamps on the reply envelope were carried along by the Wicked Witch on her broom. Ever see an RSVP envelope with a witch trailing stamps? No.

Crazy for Paper: (In alphabetical order by first name) Amanda Mathenia, Carmi Cioni, Cheree Berry, Clare McMullin, Dawn Sparks, Devon Fahner, Hannah Waddell, Kate Disabato, Katherine Hollensteiner, Kendra Landrum, Kristen Armstrong, Lacy Shreves, Lauren Grigg, Lindsey Nenninger, Mary Kunnath, Meg Zelenovich, Meg Rathert, Megan Irwin, Michelle Leitheiser, Molly Frane, Taylor Crossland, Sydney Cavanagh

Pickles and Pie: Experiencing the crazy cravings of an expectant mother? This spinning baby shower invitation is complemented with matching printed party pieces. Craving a MOM-osa? The invitation is also a game spinner matching various food combinations only a mother-to-be can love. But the fun in it? Who can resist an event promising pickles and ice cream? Cheez Whiz and cheesecake? Bring a gift. Skip the buffet.

Hide and Seek à Paris: Opera Theatre of Saint Louis 2016 Spring Fête event celebrated Puccini’s La Bohème and the opening night of Opera Theatre's 41st season. Multifold, pop-up card takes the viewer on a micro/macro tour of Paris and La Bohème scenes. Details include: Layers of diecut illustrations unfold into a pop-up Eiffel Tower under a canopy of fireworks. Coordinating pieces included iconic French details and famous props from La Bohème—a gold key, parrot, bonnet—hidden in the illustration. Cherchez-vous?

Condo Made of Stone-a: One night, two events at SLAM: Midnight at the Oasis, a seated dinner followed by the Rock Like an Egyptian after-party. Outer envelope features triangular flap shape that unfolds into a pyramid. Inside flap printed with palm fronds. Sarcophogus sax player? Inspiration from Steve Martin.

Got something special planned? Reach out to these paper enthusiasts!