About
Greetings, Dear Ones!
I’ve been on the hunt for charming and distinctive objects since I was a kid. My art dealer parents generously shared their knowledge about special old things, and took me to many museums and historic homes, as well as auctions, estate sales, and antique shops galore.
An English major at Dartmouth ultimately led to studies in bookbinding. Then it was off to UT
Austin for a degree in book conservation and library science followed by jobs at Harvard and MIT. A love of books and paper had become my livelihood. But I longed for something more – more flexibility to care for my family, more professional autonomy, and more daily creativity.
In 2015 I founded Caldwell’s Miscellaneous Fancy Goods to create an online shop of antique and vintage treasures, as well as a community of kindred spirits who appreciate the poetry, wit, and craftsmanship of objects from a bygone time.
So, you may wonder, where does the gift wrap come in? Well, one day, as I sorted and organized my beloved books, prints, and ephemera for the umpteenth time, I realized something. Perhaps I could be of service to you, my precious customers, in an exciting new way.
What if images and patterns from my collection could be repurposed to give you some truly unique gift wrap designs to enjoy? After all, gift wrap is something we all need, use (and use up) regularly. Why not make it fabulous and fun? And thus, Caldwell’s Pretty Papers was born.
Thank you so much for your ongoing enthusiasm and business - both mean the world to me!
Our Wish for You
If there is one thing we know unites YOU, our beloved customers, it is an appreciation of how antique and vintage aesthetics can enhance your very modern lives.
You deeply care about your people, and when it comes to gift-giving, you want to go the extra mile with your presentation. Our unique and gorgeous gift wraps can help build anticipation and excitement, while bringing creativity and delight to the gift giving experience. Foster emotional connection with family and friends by creating a keepsake moment – one that can become a treasured memory for both giver and receiver. That is our wish for you.
We are here to help you “scatter joy,” one beautifully wrapped gift at a time.