Paper crafters on the South Shore will soon have a new destination to shop, create, and connect.
Paper Willow Shoppe & Studio is preparing to open at 123 Centre Avenue in Abington, about 35 minutes south of Boston. The new storefront marks a major milestone for owner Maureen O’Sullivan, who recently announced she’s leaving behind a nearly four-decade career in finance to pursue her longtime passion for paper crafting full time.
“After 39 years in finance, I’ve decided it’s time to retire from my real job and begin an exciting new chapter,” O’Sullivan shared in a social media announcement. “About 10 years ago, I made myself a little sign that simply said: ‘Don’t Give Up Your Day Dream.’ I kept that sign where I could see it every single day because I knew that someday, somehow, I wanted to turn my love of paper crafting into something bigger.”
That dream is now becoming reality. Paper Willow Shoppe & Studio will offer a curated selection of supplies for cardmaking, scrapbooking, art journaling, stamping, mixed media, and junk journaling. Beyond retail, the space will feature a dedicated creative studio where customers can attend classes, demonstrations, make-and-take workshops, and day crops, creating a welcoming hub for crafters of all experience levels.
O’Sullivan has spent more than two decades immersed in the paper crafting world, beginning with South Shore Scrappers before launching her own brand, Making Memories with Maureen. Through the business, she has taught classes, created custom kits, hosted meetups, and organized retreats, building a creative community centered around storytelling and preserving memories.
While the business is expanding into its first brick-and-mortar location, O’Sullivan says the sense of community that has defined Paper Willow over the years will remain at its core.
“The retreats, classes, pop-up events, and creative gatherings that so many of you have supported over the years will continue to be an integral part of Paper Willow,” she wrote. “Building a creative community has always been my greatest joy, and I’m excited to expand those opportunities in our new home.”
The shop is targeting a late September 2026 opening, pending final preparations. In the months leading up to opening day, O’Sullivan plans to document the process with her followers, from renovating the space and unpacking inventory to setting up displays and planning the first round of classes.
“Opening this shop didn’t happen overnight,” O’Sullivan said. “It represents years of hard work while working full time, more than 4,000 kits created, countless events, and a dream that simply refused to go away. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has encouraged me, attended an event, purchased a kit, shared my posts, or simply believed in me over the years. You helped make this dream possible, and I will never forget that.”
