THE ART OF CUSTOM STATIONERY AT PAPER & POSTE with Rajiv Surendra - Toronto

[@uppercanadaweaving5589]

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.

[@santinabrothers]

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?

[@Lexer584]

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.

[@heatherwhite2788]

@@santinabrothers I saw a few prices, but the instructions say to email for pricing and ordering. It’s not an e-commerce site.

[@heatherwhite2788]

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 💜

[@bettenotap4791]

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. 🎁

[@KellyMcKee-f3z]

"I have an allergic reaction to technology." Thank you, Rajiv. In my world, finer words have never been spoken.

[@nalurodriigues]

drama much?

[@kalayne6713]

​@@nalurodriiguesLighten up, scroll on by, bye.

[@BelindaM44]

It’s so nice of you to share your talented friends with us. They all do beautiful work.

[@user-dn4ox5tz3h]

Love you Rajiv! I can feel your enthusiasm for the life you are living. Thank you for letting us in.

[@doloresminson931]

What a gift: to live a life that embodies your interests and talents! Lucky man indeed.

[@KGMT95]

I adore you for raising awareness and appreciation of everyday things we take for granted!

[@lorrets9775]

What a breath of fresh air you bring with your filming. Really enjoy watching how you started these skills

[@bonnerdebbie]

As a paper crafter and card maker, this was a very informative video. Thanks Rajiv.

[@kavitha9540]

With every new video, I’m becoming a bigger fan of Rajiv- each video feels like a piece of art in itself

[@TheMDelima]

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.

[@robinbaker3346]

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! ✨❤️ 😊

[@rajivsurendra]

Thank you for your kind words! I’m so glad you love the flourish fish design.

[@luapkirner5331]

I've been printing on an old Vandercook for my wood engravings. Nothing is better than real printing on real paper.

[@beckeekavanagh]

Thanks for visiting friend! So great to chat design, print/stationery and reminisce on all our collaborations!!! Cheers to many more 💌

[@Chaqade]

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.

[@yvettemuise]

Rajiv, with every video I watch I love you more. ALL the best in 2025. Coming to you from Cape Breton Island 🇨🇦

[@kathiekelleher5401]

And I love Cape Breton Island (and Rajiv, too).

[@m.maclellan7147]

I also love Cape Breton Island. My family (both mother & and father's) are from there.

[@kathiekelleher5401]

@@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 ❤️

[@m.maclellan7147]

@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!

[@linaD08]

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!!

[@efkharisto]

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!

[@DeniseMarieplaylearnteach]

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.

[@gkr7019]

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.❤❤

[@HollyEBrown]

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!

[@andreajgunn]

What is CRAZY about these videos is that on the surface it may seem like “oh cool a KZbin 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. 🫶

[@rajivsurendra]

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.

[@andreajgunn]

@ yes!! Absolutely.

[@cosmiccoyotedog-doreenb9605]

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.

[@annwright1885]

Welcome home Rajiv To Toronto! Enjoy the Holidays🎄 I Loved this segment On Paper/Ink Soo creative Thank you!!💗

[@sharonferris9343]

I love your life, too. Thank you for sharing aspects of your working life and history .

[@kassieschwan6515]

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!!!

[@claudiamann7111]

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.

[@celinefederici6951]

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.

[@DwarfDragonwulf]

Thank you, Rajiv, for another thoroughly enjoyable video

[@SusanGeyer-l4k]

You've done it again.....another one of my favourites and can't resists.

[@joycemansfield1108]

Our lovely Rajiv, curious as a corgi lol takes a big bite out of life!

[@nancytimpa1981]

That wrapping paper was beautiful! It would be so pretty framed. I want those fish cards too!

[@Carin-m9v]

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.

[@Mrsmadamenobodypersonne]

Thank you for showing us all the beauty in the world ❤

[@KarthikaMayandi]

Absolute bomb of an episode! Loved it!

[@tinkerbell2939]

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!

[@AllisonBlunt-hl5my]

Rajiv, you give me peace 😊

[@lavenderpatchouli1343]

Just in time for my break at work! It’s a beautiful day each time you upload

[@madhurigopimari]

Namaskaram 🙏💐🙋🏼‍♀️all wonderful, ready for your next video 👏🙌. Thank you very much, Madhuri Gopi

[@cynthiakammann7368]

What a treat! Thank you both.😊

[@carolinebenforado]

What a education! I appreciate the expertise and the enthusiasm.

[@MarjeMills]

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

[@rajivsurendra]

Aw thank you!

[@slane_design]

Im an analog girl and 100 appreciate this video!

[@rebecanelson207]

You and the artisan crew are on FIRE....Happy Holidays--love all of it and wrapping paper. Great Taste!

[@snehanair3559]

I love you Rajiv! You inspire me everyday and I hope to run into you in Toronto or in NY one day :)

[@macarmenadoree]

"No marriage, no children. What, do I want to ruin my life?" 🤣🤣🤣 Rajiv finds new ways to inspire me every video!!

[@Adrianamountainview]

Rajiv's videos are so precious!

[@KathyDavenport-i3u]

😂 you made me laugh when you said ain't no way I'm getting married and ruin my life! Me too! 😂

[@winromeo]

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!

[@desertrose128]

Great way to spend a rainy morning in NYC😊

[@VeretenoVids]

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!

[@sydneydileo]

I’ve been a long time subscriber to this channel- since almost the beginning! It always makes me happy to watch. I have noticed though that Rajiv doesn’t interact in the comments at all. Just bothers me.. as this is a smaller channel.

[@andreajgunn]

Try giving thanks. It’s literally a button called “Thanks” that you can click under the video to give back. Your comment under the donation may allow your comment to stick out a bit more if you’re hoping to receive a response. Even then, it shouldn’t be expected though. I can’t imagine he (or any other creator) has the time to respond and interact w every person on every video.

[@Christine-y1u]

Love your co-operation!

[@tifi29]

This was such a nice treat

[@JaneWeb-b9d]

so good!!! hilarious on marriage and kids.

[@m.maclellan7147]

Great video, Tajiv. I enjoyed learning about the old unique hand made processes & how they can be integrated into modern life.

[@rajivsurendra]

Thanks for watching! Sincerely, Tajiv.

[@GoogleAccount-hz2co]

I found this video very interesting and as always, I love your talent⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@bennyboy0421]

Love this. Thank you. Happy new year 🎊

[@kenthomas1109]

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.

[@lion.hearted.1]

Exquisite stationery. Would love some personal stationery from them. Rajiv, how about some hotel and restaurants favs in your hometown? Getting ready to visit there on the train.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Thank you for the video and have an amazing 2025!!!!

[@rajesseeny7074]

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.

[@stephaniesharkey3538]

That was do interesting ! Thx Rajiv

[@powersandassoentdorothya8981]

❤❤❤❤❤ This Thank YOU BOTH

[@tiwantiwaabibiman2603]

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...

[@edlyndsouza134]

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

[@smusz]

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.

[@Asian34]

Hello from Hongkonger in UK

[@melissafrausto955]

Very interesting

[@torontocan]

Waiting to buy the soap and candles. Is there a way to buy them?

[@Linda-l9x8m]

Making me want to get back into print making

[@blancadiaz7622]

Would've been great to see the print through a magnifying glass to see the detail!!

[@angelagrimes8237]

Hello! You have a book out? Can I have a link for getting your book? Thank you

[@btd3375]

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.

[@rajivsurendra]

👏👏👏

[@bex-fl-1]

❤❤❤

[@Ipanema-xk8wi]

🎉

[@maricarmenzagal5769]

Rajiv loneliness is good while we grow but eventually we all need someone to love. Loneliness then is not so wholesome . ❤

[@rajivsurendra]

I spoke of solitude, not loneliness. The two are very different. And I have someone I love very much - myself.

[@itsaaronscott]

Rajiv, when's your next mail call video? I'm thinking about writing you a letter!

[@Curt.dammit]

All the bankers who watch your channel are like 😦

[@deborahgobbi5223]

❤

[@AkbarZeb-p6f]

When you are young, that is not the time to overly indulge in frivolous stuff like this, especially in this housing & job market. You need to focus on the hustle so that by the time you're in your upper 30s & 40s, you can start entertaining more expensive & frivolous hobbies when you have some extra cash to spare & you really want to try the hobby. It's mostly what's left of the silent gen & some boomers that care about hand-written letters & it's mostly as a form of control, not communication. (Anyone else remember being held hostage by being forced to write thank you notes as a kid, despite being there in person to exchange gifts & thank yous?...) =p

[@andreajgunn]

What!? lol! I had to write thank you cards as a kid and it has made me so much more aware of my own gratitude for even the smallest of kindnesses as an adult.

[@Morpha-Ahprom]

💖