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StoreFront

Watermark

Watermark
Photo by Stephanie Colgan

February 2009

By Abby Van Ness

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The art of paper is something so often overlooked. Tiny graphic details, the feel of high-quality paper stock, and the customization of a card—it’s these simple things that keep Watermark Stationery owner Alexis Harsh passionate about her store, its inventory, and her devoted clientele. “It becomes an addiction,” she says.

Storefront - Watermark
Photo by Stephanie Colgan

Originally opened by the Burnet family in 1990, Watermark was housed in a 600-square-foot space with barely enough room for its crowd of merchandise. Four years ago, Harsh bought the store and began re-envisioning its mission. By summer 2008, she and her staff were ready to relocate.


The lovely new boutique offers an idyllic, airy setting—three times that of the old store—with classic white shelves and tables that display the expanded gift merchandise. Your eyes will focus on the crystal chandelier, which hangs grandly above the center counter. The style is feminine, yet warm and modern.

Storefront - Watermark
Photo by Stephanie Colgan

Brightening the shelves are rows of greeting cards, handpicked by Harsh and her staff. Customers find plenty of room to ponder over the perfect sentiment. “I always get a kick out of people who stand there and laugh as they read them,” Harsh says. Many are handmade and adorned with layers of cutouts and fabrics, others are neatly letter-pressed with designs and patterns.


Gift items range from stunning decoupage plates by Ben’s Garden to recycled journals by ecojot to multi-hued office items by russell + hazel. Shoppers also discover an array of delicate trinkets, including intricate stamp dispensers and glass paperweights.

Storefront - Watermark
Photo by Stephanie Colgan

One of the boutique’s most enticing attributes is its customized invitation service. A cozy consultation area with dozens of inspiring examples ensures that choosing invitations is a fun part of planning your event. “Brides come in with all sorts of budgets,” says Harsh. “We ask about everything—the dress, the flowers, the colors, the style—and then we pull out our books and find something they’ll love.”


This involved customer service carries throughout the store, whether you’re having something customized or are just trying to obtain the perfect gift for a special someone. “I hope people find that they’re being paid attention,” she says. “We become part of peoples’ stories—a moment in life, a celebration in life. I’m just honored to be a part of that.”

1160 Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata, 952-473-7230

What We Love

+ Creative decoupage plates, coasters, and trays by Ben’s Garden (especially those adorned with sweet love quotes)
+ Distinctive and design-savvy wrapping papers
+ Beautifully scripted invitations
+ Delicate glass paperweights by Spaceform London

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