Nice to meet Becky!! She’s done all of my stationary for Upper Canada Weaving. Just like they mentioned, designed my logo by hand and Becky ‘vectorized’ it and then printed it. What a great interview.
Deborah, I went to your website to order dish cloths and dish towels, but could not find prices of how to order. I'm so old school. what am I doing wrong?
Dear Deborah, I am writing from Germany. Your work is very amazing, inspired by Rajiv´ s video I have just looked at your webpage. Merry Christmas to you and God bless. Love from Northern Germany.
Never say never Rajiv … even Gloria Steinem got married, and a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle! I’m glad you’re loving your life just as it is 💜
I’m glad you didn’t listen to the “conventional wisdom” of finding a safe office job. While many companies (even banks) do have creative teams, you would have never flourished as you have, and never would have collected the creative friends and collaborators in your life. How wonderful that it worked so well, and thank you for sharing your journey with us.
Rajiv, you are life itself, that deepest aspiration of every human whether known or unknown. You create so much joy in all of us for we see and understand what true happiness could look like if we didn't mess it up with all the unnecessary strings of attachment to the things that do not work for us....the things we bring into our lives to complicate instead of creating a life well lived. Many blessings to you and to all who follow you that we move toward that uncomplicated, beautiful way of being.
My parents' wedding invitations were embossed on a printing press in 1982 and mine were pressed with foil in 2010. We still have them and it's wonderful to hold and experience the memories of even just going through the printing process of the cards while planning the wedding plus the actual wedding.
Rajiv, Thank you for introducing us to Beckee at Paper & Poste. I love stationery and the letterpress process. I purchased a set of your flourish fish design at your first website sale and the design is exquisite and your stationery arrived so beautifully packaged! ❤ Your creativity and skill and attention to detail is extraordinary! ✨❤️ 😊
Rajiv Surendra University in session!!! Fantastic lesson!! Loved seeing a map of the Caribbean and my home country on Becky’s passport invitation. Thank you both for such informative and enlightening chat!!
I am lucky enough to have studied printmaking and be able to learn hand set type and work on the machines in past. It is such a beautiful art form. The plate technology has definitely helped keep it alive. Thank you, as always for keeping these art forms alive by sharing about them!
Thank you Rajiv, this was both inspiring and informative - again! I was recently told at work that I officially suck at typography, which I knew already. Seeing your calligraphy makes me want to level up, instead of skillfully dodging the issue. Keep spreading knowledge, it’s much appreciated. Have a productive and joyful 2025!
There is nothing better than going to your mail box and seeing a letter, card or postcard that someone took the time to mail. I love quality stationery. I mail out about 10 correspondences a week to my friends.
What is CRAZY about these videos is that on the surface it may seem like “oh cool a UA-cam video about paper,” but it’s actually SO much more because WHY did I tear up on a Saturday morning sipping my coffee when you told the story of your low point in life, leaving that bank and then happening to walk into that paper store?! Which happened to change your life! It’s crazy how it’s about so much more, it’s crazy to me how one tiny gesture like placing a foot inside of a paper store can literally change the trajectory of your entire life. And as always, Rajiv you have a way with words, or rather storytelling that touches my heart somehow every time. 🫶
Thank you! Yes, a tiny moment like stepping into a paper store can change one’s life but for me I recognize that what it really comes down to are the choices we make. Big ones, small ones.
Rajiv, great video of meeting your long time friend Beckee. Rajiv I totally understand not wanting to be tied to anyone or having children. Enjoy your life now, because no one knows what the future will bring. I'm with you on that.
@kathiekelleher5401 we went every summer for vacation as a kid. My mom moved back to Halifax after my dad passed. I haven't been there in a few years, need to get back!
What a small world! I used to go to The Paper Place very often (i used their paper for my jewellery making and coasters). I too was a wedding calligrapher, so this was such a fun video to watch Rajiv!
What a wonderful video. I love hearing about all these different businesses. We learn so much from these videos. The invitations and other items are stunning.
Bonjour! OMG, I'm right next to Mystic, Connecticut! I kind of grew up there! Your introduction was well done. I LOVE stationery and I think it is very important to have personalized stationery, notes, and cards. They are so nice to use! I make and sell/give soap, deodorant, body butter, laundry soap powder and I LOVE making labels for all of that! I make my soap labels in Word in a table and slice them on my cutter. I use glue stick to affix the label to the soap. I have a ton of soap drying in my house. I'm a retired secretary and love typing, designing forms, invitations, and cards! Thank you for your very interesting videos!
I have always loved writing letter's, pens, marker's, sealing wax and all things stationary related. It's sad that the art and personal touch of writing a letter or note to someone is gone. Thank you for showing us the work that you and Becky do to keep this art alive.
What a treat to see some of your commissioned work! Letterpress is such an elegant style of printing. You might look into the Japanese style of paper folding for a solution to wrapping your bar of soap without using any glues or adhesives.
Thank you for a wonderfully educational and interesting interview about letter press. I didn't realize that there could even be so much interaction between the creator and the letter press person. She is just lovely, knowledgeable and accommodating.
Didn’t think you could top your sealing wax segment, but this comes very close! Luckily, I spotted the wax seal on your soap wrapper, felt that thrill, so yes, this episode gets top marks!!!
I loved everything about this Rajiv and it was great meeting Beckee. I love stationary and enjoy writing letters and postcards to friends. I haven't done it in a while but have been wanting to get custom stationery to start again. I recently went to the Edges of Ailey exhibit at the Whitney and one of my favorite parts was reading the postcards and letters Mr. Ailey wrote to friends...I read them all! in today's world, these would be text messages. The other thing I loved about this video is when you confidently stated "no marriage, no children". There is so much more to life than procreating and marriage and I love that you are clear about how you want to live your life! Thank you and many blessings in the new year.
Empathetic giggle towards the end... I did end up getting married at 42 and don't regret it, but also don't regret my decision to not have children. But, yeah, so glad people no longer ask me the kids question!
Rajiv you are very special and talented person. Your attention to details is another huge level. Really appreciate your work and sharing your journey with us.❤❤
What a fun video with your friend who does amazing work as well, those trips down to memory lanes are just so cool! So proud this was in Canada, where you started your creative path! I agree on hand packaging the soaps! Now it’s making me want to get the soap and candles….did you say by putting out the flame you turn the wicks into melted wax??!! So the next time you light the candle you just light it with the rounded part of the wick???!! Thanks Rajiv for always stay true to your art! Sending love from Vancouver Canada!
What a wonderful man you are Rajiv so inter3sting ,I look forward to your new contents. Happy New year and loo forward to many more. Making this 80 year old very happy. Xx
Rajiv, so proud that a fellow Sri Lankan has found his life's purpose at a young age. I understand where your mum is coming from but you go do your thing and be happy! Not all of us have that luxury.
Recently saw you visit a hardware store and find more brass nuts for your crafting uses. Next time you are there you might pick up some of the brass bolts to go with those nuts for future use as yet unknown. Since they are rare having complete units might be a lifesaver !
reminds me of the story of Ralph Lauren in 1967 selling ties to NYC stores -and his wife and mother in law were sewing his labels to the backside of the ties....and that developed into an empire.
Suggestion....can the ingredients for your soap be printed on a sticker and used as the seal? You are very talented and i enjoy watching what ever you are sharing!
Rajiv, I do a lot of my mixed media artwork studies on different weights of vellum papers. I've painted on vellum with really wet acrylic and watercolour washes, sumi inks, oil pastels and alcohol inks (diluted with 91% alcohol or mineral spirits). Not once (so far) has anything bled through to the other side of the vellum. Hope that helps...
26:53 Maybe use the same wrapping and have a sleeve made with the Wiseman print and ingredients that would wrap around the glassine. Less of manual cutting and sticking
Just last night my husband asked what I was doing? Writing a letter. Who to? To ……. But she lives 30 miles away. No phone? It’s more personal to write and I have lovely stationery. Oh. (Still not getting it) I do have her phone number but find that writing gives you time to choose thoughts and words. It feels like I’m giving more of myself to write by hand.
I don’t know if it’s just me or your Canadian/travel equipment is different from normal but you seem to max out the microphone every time you [and your guest] laugh. I noticed the distortion on the last video as well. Trust me: it didn’t stop me from watching it to the end but I thought you might like to know. Thanks for another fun video.
Nice to meet Becky!! She’s done all of my stationary for Upper Canada Weaving. Just like they mentioned, designed my logo by hand and Becky ‘vectorized’ it and then printed it.
What a great interview.
Deborah, I went to your website to order dish cloths and dish towels, but could not find prices of how to order. I'm so old school. what am I doing wrong?
Dear Deborah, I am writing from Germany. Your work is very amazing, inspired by Rajiv´ s video I have just looked at your webpage. Merry Christmas to you and God bless. Love from Northern Germany.
@@santinabrothers I saw a few prices, but the instructions say to email for pricing and ordering. It’s not an e-commerce site.
Never say never Rajiv … even Gloria Steinem got married, and a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle! I’m glad you’re loving your life just as it is 💜
"No marriage, no children. What, do I want to ruin my life?" 🤣🤣🤣 Rajiv finds new ways to inspire me every video!!
"I have an allergic reaction to technology." Thank you, Rajiv. In my world, finer words have never been spoken.
drama much?
@@nalurodriiguesLighten up, scroll on by, bye.
It’s to maintain the balance. He would be too powerful if he was interested in tech too.
Isn't it the best when you find someone with similar interest and taste and are able to work together and to give work to each other? I love it
It says a lot about you when you introduce us to people you have known for years that are so talented like yourself. It’s a gift. 🎁
Thanks for visiting friend! So great to chat design, print/stationery and reminisce on all our collaborations!!! Cheers to many more 💌
Love you Rajiv! I can feel your enthusiasm for the life you are living. Thank you for letting us in.
It’s so nice of you to share your talented friends with us. They all do beautiful work.
I adore you for raising awareness and appreciation of everyday things we take for granted!
As a paper crafter and card maker, this was a very informative video. Thanks Rajiv.
What a breath of fresh air you bring with your filming.
Really enjoy watching how you started these skills
It's so awe-inspiring to see how many people's lives Rajiv has touched.
Interesting to think I might have even spoken to Rajiv when he was working at Pioneer Village in Toronto area.
With every new video, I’m becoming a bigger fan of Rajiv- each video feels like a piece of art in itself
I’m glad you didn’t listen to the “conventional wisdom” of finding a safe office job. While many companies (even banks) do have creative teams, you would have never flourished as you have, and never would have collected the creative friends and collaborators in your life. How wonderful that it worked so well, and thank you for sharing your journey with us.
What a gift: to live a life that embodies your interests and talents! Lucky man indeed.
Rajiv, you are life itself, that deepest aspiration of every human whether known or unknown. You create so much joy in all of us for we see and understand what true happiness could look like if we didn't mess it up with all the unnecessary strings of attachment to the things that do not work for us....the things we bring into our lives to complicate instead of creating a life well lived. Many blessings to you and to all who follow you that we move toward that uncomplicated, beautiful way of being.
My parents' wedding invitations were embossed on a printing press in 1982 and mine were pressed with foil in 2010. We still have them and it's wonderful to hold and experience the memories of even just going through the printing process of the cards while planning the wedding plus the actual wedding.
Rajiv, Thank you for introducing us to Beckee at Paper & Poste. I love stationery and the letterpress process. I purchased a set of your flourish fish design at your first website sale and the design is exquisite and your stationery arrived so beautifully packaged! ❤ Your creativity and skill and attention to detail is extraordinary! ✨❤️ 😊
Thank you for your kind words! I’m so glad you love the flourish fish design.
I've been printing on an old Vandercook for my wood engravings. Nothing is better than real printing on real paper.
Rajiv Surendra University in session!!!
Fantastic lesson!!
Loved seeing a map of the Caribbean and my home country on Becky’s passport invitation.
Thank you both for such informative and enlightening chat!!
Hello from a fellow 🇨🇦, its wonderful to hear a good news story about Toronto 😊
I am lucky enough to have studied printmaking and be able to learn hand set type and work on the machines in past. It is such a beautiful art form. The plate technology has definitely helped keep it alive. Thank you, as always for keeping these art forms alive by sharing about them!
Thank you Rajiv, this was both inspiring and informative - again! I was recently told at work that I officially suck at typography, which I knew already. Seeing your calligraphy makes me want to level up, instead of skillfully dodging the issue. Keep spreading knowledge, it’s much appreciated. Have a productive and joyful 2025!
There is nothing better than going to your mail box and seeing a letter, card or postcard that someone took the time to mail. I love quality stationery. I mail out about 10 correspondences a week to my friends.
What is CRAZY about these videos is that on the surface it may seem like “oh cool a UA-cam video about paper,” but it’s actually SO much more because WHY did I tear up on a Saturday morning sipping my coffee when you told the story of your low point in life, leaving that bank and then happening to walk into that paper store?! Which happened to change your life! It’s crazy how it’s about so much more, it’s crazy to me how one tiny gesture like placing a foot inside of a paper store can literally change the trajectory of your entire life. And as always, Rajiv you have a way with words, or rather storytelling that touches my heart somehow every time. 🫶
Thank you! Yes, a tiny moment like stepping into a paper store can change one’s life but for me I recognize that what it really comes down to are the choices we make. Big ones, small ones.
@ yes!! Absolutely.
Rajiv, great video of meeting your long time friend Beckee. Rajiv I totally understand not wanting to be tied to anyone or having children. Enjoy your life now, because no one knows what the future will bring. I'm with you on that.
What a delight to hear about Becky and her amazing work-using your beautiful art and calligraphy
Rajiv, with every video I watch I love you more. ALL the best in 2025. Coming to you from Cape Breton Island 🇨🇦
And I love Cape Breton Island (and Rajiv, too).
I also love Cape Breton Island. My family (both mother & and father's) are from there.
@@m.maclellan7147 My grandparents were from Cape Breton and my father made sure that we went back to visit every few years. It’s heaven ❤️
@kathiekelleher5401 we went every summer for vacation as a kid.
My mom moved back to Halifax after my dad passed.
I haven't been there in a few years, need to get back!
Our lovely Rajiv, curious as a corgi lol takes a big bite out of life!
You are always connected to talented people like yourself. So nice that you continued to be in touch with them. ❤️
16:16 I love that Scottish themed card, it's so unique!
You've done it again.....another one of my favourites and can't resists.
I loved this episode. Great information.
Just in time for my break at work! It’s a beautiful day each time you upload
Thank you, Rajiv, for another thoroughly enjoyable video
What a small world! I used to go to The Paper Place very often (i used their paper for my jewellery making and coasters). I too was a wedding calligrapher, so this was such a fun video to watch Rajiv!
Rajiv, you give me peace 😊
What a wonderful video. I love hearing about all these different businesses. We learn so much from these videos. The invitations and other items are stunning.
Thank you for showing us all the beauty in the world ❤
Bonjour! OMG, I'm right next to Mystic, Connecticut! I kind of grew up there! Your introduction was well done. I LOVE stationery and I think it is very important to have personalized stationery, notes, and cards. They are so nice to use! I make and sell/give soap, deodorant, body butter, laundry soap powder and I LOVE making labels for all of that! I make my soap labels in Word in a table and slice them on my cutter. I use glue stick to affix the label to the soap. I have a ton of soap drying in my house. I'm a retired secretary and love typing, designing forms, invitations, and cards! Thank you for your very interesting videos!
I have always loved writing letter's, pens, marker's, sealing wax and all things stationary related. It's sad that the art and personal touch of writing a letter or note to someone is gone. Thank you for showing us the work that you and Becky do to keep this art alive.
Absolute bomb of an episode! Loved it!
Welcome home Rajiv
To Toronto!
Enjoy the Holidays🎄
I Loved this segment
On Paper/Ink
Soo creative Thank you!!💗
What a treat to see some of your commissioned work! Letterpress is such an elegant style of printing. You might look into the Japanese style of paper folding for a solution to wrapping your bar of soap without using any glues or adhesives.
I love you Rajiv! You inspire me everyday and I hope to run into you in Toronto or in NY one day :)
What a education! I appreciate the expertise and the enthusiasm.
That wrapping paper was beautiful! It would be so pretty framed. I want those fish cards too!
Thank you for a wonderfully educational and interesting interview about letter press. I didn't realize that there could even be so much interaction between the creator and the letter press person. She is just lovely, knowledgeable and accommodating.
so good!!! hilarious on marriage and kids.
Didn’t think you could top your sealing wax segment, but this comes very close! Luckily, I spotted the wax seal on your soap wrapper, felt that thrill, so yes, this episode gets top marks!!!
What a treat!
Thank you both.😊
Im an analog girl and 100 appreciate this video!
I loved everything about this Rajiv and it was great meeting Beckee. I love stationary and enjoy writing letters and postcards to friends. I haven't done it in a while but have been wanting to get custom stationery to start again. I recently went to the Edges of Ailey exhibit at the Whitney and one of my favorite parts was reading the postcards and letters Mr. Ailey wrote to friends...I read them all! in today's world, these would be text messages. The other thing I loved about this video is when you confidently stated "no marriage, no children". There is so much more to life than procreating and marriage and I love that you are clear about how you want to live your life! Thank you and many blessings in the new year.
All of your videos are a special treat when you share your talents in so many media. This one was an especially fascinating episode! Thank you.
Empathetic giggle towards the end... I did end up getting married at 42 and don't regret it, but also don't regret my decision to not have children. But, yeah, so glad people no longer ask me the kids question!
Rajiv you are very special and talented person.
Your attention to details is another huge level. Really appreciate your work and sharing your journey with us.❤❤
This was such a nice treat
You and the artisan crew are on FIRE....Happy Holidays--love all of it and wrapping paper. Great Taste!
Wow. I learned so much more than I thought I already knew about paper.
What a fun video with your friend who does amazing work as well, those trips down to memory lanes are just so cool! So proud this was in Canada, where you started your creative path! I agree on hand packaging the soaps! Now it’s making me want to get the soap and candles….did you say by putting out the flame you turn the wicks into melted wax??!! So the next time you light the candle you just light it with the rounded part of the wick???!! Thanks Rajiv for always stay true to your art! Sending love from Vancouver Canada!
What a wonderful man you are Rajiv so inter3sting ,I look forward to your new contents. Happy New year and loo forward to many more. Making this 80 year old very happy. Xx
Aw thank you!
Namaskaram 🙏💐🙋🏼♀️all wonderful, ready for your next video 👏🙌. Thank you very much, Madhuri Gopi
I love your life, too. Thank you for sharing aspects of your working life and history .
Rajiv, so proud that a fellow Sri Lankan has found his life's purpose at a young age.
I understand where your mum is coming from but you go do your thing and be happy! Not all of us have that luxury.
I love the simplicity to your life, and sharing with us is immeasurable. Thank you. Best for 2025.
this whole video is so wholesome 😭😭
Rajiv's videos are so precious!
So interesting & beautiful! Thank you both for sharing! 🙏 And such a wonderful collaboration you have! 🥰👌🏻
Thank you!
I love this video so much thank you it’s so inspiring and educational and I love the wedding invitations and whiskey art
Great way to spend a rainy morning in NYC😊
Love your co-operation!
😂 you made me laugh when you said ain't no way I'm getting married and ruin my life!
Me too! 😂
Great video, Tajiv. I enjoyed learning about the old unique hand made processes & how they can be integrated into modern life.
Thanks for watching! Sincerely, Tajiv.
WOOHOOO! Agree, Happy with my Life...
I love this story.😊
Love this. Thank you. Happy new year 🎊
Recently saw you visit a hardware store and find more brass nuts for your crafting uses. Next time you are there you might pick up some of the brass bolts to go with those nuts for future use as yet unknown. Since they are rare having complete units might be a lifesaver !
reminds me of the story of Ralph Lauren in 1967 selling ties to NYC stores -and his wife and mother in law were sewing his labels to the backside of the ties....and that developed into an empire.
I use to operate a Heidelberg windmill printing press just like that brings back memories.
Suggestion....can the ingredients for your soap be printed on a sticker and used as the seal?
You are very talented and i enjoy watching what ever you are sharing!
Rajiv, I do a lot of my mixed media artwork studies on different weights of vellum papers. I've painted on vellum with really wet acrylic and watercolour washes, sumi inks, oil pastels and alcohol inks (diluted with 91% alcohol or mineral spirits). Not once (so far) has anything bled through to the other side of the vellum.
Hope that helps...
That was do interesting ! Thx Rajiv
I found this video very interesting and as always, I love your talent⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I would consider boxes for your soap. You could have self-adhesive labels made, or printing done directly on the hox.
Very interesting
26:53 Maybe use the same wrapping and have a sleeve made with the Wiseman print and ingredients that would wrap around the glassine. Less of manual cutting and sticking
❤❤❤❤❤ This Thank YOU BOTH
@3:05 Right On !!
Thank you for the video and have an amazing 2025!!!!
Hello from Hongkonger in UK
Waiting to buy the soap and candles. Is there a way to buy them?
Just last night my husband asked what I was doing?
Writing a letter.
Who to?
To …….
But she lives 30 miles away. No phone?
It’s more personal to write and I have lovely stationery.
Oh. (Still not getting it)
I do have her phone number but find that writing gives you time to choose thoughts and words. It feels like I’m giving more of myself to write by hand.
👏👏👏
I don’t know if it’s just me or your Canadian/travel equipment is different from normal but you seem to max out the microphone every time you [and your guest] laugh. I noticed the distortion on the last video as well. Trust me: it didn’t stop me from watching it to the end but I thought you might like to know. Thanks for another fun video.
Making me want to get back into print making
Hello! You have a book out? Can I have a link for getting your book? Thank you
Would've been great to see the print through a magnifying glass to see the detail!!
🎉
Rajiv, when's your next mail call video? I'm thinking about writing you a letter!
Welcome home
❤