The Story Behind Papercut Apothecary

Papercut Apothecary was born from two lifelong passions: creating things by hand and helping people feel seen.

In 2020, I launched Papercut Apothecary to explore a simple idea: could a greeting card become something people would treasure instead of throw away? That journey led me to create Curious Cobweb Cards™, my signature interactive paper experiences designed to surprise, delight, and create meaningful connections.

That same year, my understanding of those connections became deeply personal.

After experiencing a series of unexplained mini-strokes, I learned I had been living with a congenital heart defect called a patent foramen ovale (PFO)—a small hole in my heart. After years of advocating for myself and navigating conflicting medical opinions, I underwent a successful closure procedure on my 38th birthday.

To thank my interventional cardiologist and surgeon, I did what I know best: I made something by hand. Inspired by the shape of my PFO closure device, I designed a custom Curious Cobweb Card™ as a heartfelt expression of gratitude. That single card led to a commission to create custom holiday cards for the cardiology team's aortic valve patients.

Today, I create concept-driven, handcrafted paper experiences that help businesses, healthcare organizations, and nonprofits communicate with care. Every project begins with a story and is thoughtfully designed to help people feel seen, celebrated, and remembered.

I believe thoughtful design can do more than communicate a message. It can help people feel seen. It can build meaningful connections.

And sometimes, it can become a keepsake that someone treasures long after it's opened.

That's the art of sending care.