Design
Erika Stefanutti is behind Parvum Opus
Paper pattern gallery.
Image courtesy of: Parvum Opus
You’d never expect Parvum Opus to be located in Michigan! The products and even the name are about as Florentine as you can imagine. However, the passion project of Erika Stefanutti was indeed founded in Birmingham, Michigan. The idea behind the company was formulated after Stefanutti reflected upon her career following many years of working as a studio artist and training as a painter, printmaker, and metalsmith.
Courtesy of Italian Stationary Blog, Stefanutti said, “The seed for Parvum Opus was planted a few years ago, when I embarked on a study of traditional bookbinding and decorative arts history and began producing bespoke calendars, hand-bound books, desk accessories and art objects from my studio in Michigan.”
A glimpse into the hand-marbling process, a craft practiced for nearly a thousand years.
Image courtesy of: Parvum Opus
Stefanutti says the inspiration behind Parvum Opus came from the Grand Tour era, a time when travelers would purchase mementos from their travels to remember the far-away places they visited. Those high quality pieces served as visual reminders before photography was invented. In addition, those products were a way of celebrating the art of the handmade craft.
The darling owner herself, Erika Stefanutti!
Image courtesy of: Italian Stationary Blog
Stefanutti began producing pieces in 2010; initially, she began with a small collection of notebooks, folios, and handmade boxes for desk calendars. As the pieces became more popular, the designer realized the need and desire for “handmade, bespoke decorative accessories and desk accessories.” In such, customized blotters, paper toys, and picture frames became part of the beautiful collection of available items.
Parvum Opus has clients throughout the world; the designers love nothing more than collaborating with clients on making their dream designs a reality… from production to delivery. There are more than forty in-stock paper variations, in addition to a plethora of paper-pattern options that are only availability via special order.
Stefanutti told Veranda, “To me, a beautifully appointed desk inspires creative and productive work, and finding the perfect tools to suit your own aesthetic and working style can be a rewarding (and low-stress) project. There is a well-worn quote from William Morris about true happiness being found in attending to the details of daily life. There is great wisdom in this notion: being mindful of the objects we surround ourselves with and use on a daily basis can indeed bring deep satisfaction.”
Image courtesy of: Veranda
Imagination is the most important and primary starting point… from there, Stefanutti uses the highest quality pencils and paper. The craft of hand-marbling paper is close to one thousand years old; the designer feels very fortunate to collaborate with two artisans who produce the most gorgeous bespoke papers for the company: Jemma Lewis in England and Renato Crepaldi in Brazil.
The most amazing color fan.
Image courtesy of: Parvum Opus
Large or small, every piece begins with precision-cut book boards that are assembled with acid-free adhesives. Following this step, the items are finished in fine paper or book-cloth depending on the blueprint. The attention to detail is of the highest regard; the designer confirms, “I’ve always held craft tradition in the highest regard, and it’s my great privilege to make our handcrafted works. Our goal is to make each one heirloom-worthy.”
Mission accomplished!
