Washington, D.C. - October 02, 2009

Verbal Agreement

Verbena Paper & Gifts Shop Opens Tomorrow

Next up on paper-view: a story of love between woman and penmanship.

For this affair, Angela Phelps, owner of Le Village Marché, makes a new match down the road at Verbena Paper & Gifts.

Set in a towering, light-filled space — which looks more like an antique showroom than a paper shop — the store sells a noteworthy roster of cards and stationery, including Snow & Graham, Orla Kiely, Waste Not Paper, Elum, and Oblation.

Using her flea market prowess, Phelps assembled props like an old factory lunch table (with intact stools), a railroad cart, vintage cameras, and farm tables to pimp her wares. Cards mounted on reclaimed doors evoke a museum display.

Canvas calendars, gift books, agendas, and journals beef up the offerings.

Watch out: Things could get inky.

Verbena Paper & Gifts, 2800 South Randolph Street, suite 110a, Arlington (703-379-7001 or verbenapaper.com).

  Good for Gifts