For over 26 years, Paper Scissors Stones’ mission has been to aid in the teaching of painting, drawing, music, handwork, and creative play. Our in-house artists and former Waldorf educators thoughtfully test and curate our art and school supplies so that your children can receive the most from their art experiences.
Origin: Our founder, Annette Park, had a love and appreciation for Waldorf education and its dedicated teachers, parents and communities. In 1996, as an entrepreneur and Waldorf mother of five, Annette created Paper Scissors Stone.
Six months later, PSS sent out its first catalog, With a small, yet thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, high-quality items that fit into the Waldorf home and classroom. Annette also introduced new, American-made alternatives to Waldorf staples such as our own Stone brand paint and natural fiber paint brushes, locally sourced wool and a large selection of locally produced main lesson books.
~A selection of products we have created for us
Transition: With the passing of our beloved founder in 2016, The new owner of Paper Scissors Stone, Philothea Bezin – Our number one cheerleader! Who truly believes in the value, history and intention of this business, purchased Paper Scissors Stone in 2018 to support and strengthen our vision and invest in the exceptional service we provide to the Waldorf community. With great entrepreneurial insight and enthusiasm, Philothea has been involved in many community projects over the years, including the conception and establishment of Pleasant Ridge Waldorf School. She remains involved in public projects and programs on the daily and embodies the friendship, care and hard work that is found in the heart of every thriving community.
~ A selection of our products made in the USA
Today’s Vision: We serve all schools, parents, homeschools, artists, and crafters with products produced in a non-toxic & sustainable way. Paper Scissors Stone continues to promote quality, from the very beginning of this business, it became apparent that certain critical products for the Waldorf market were not being manufactured in this country. We believe it is essential that the economic realm supporting Waldorf and Waldorf Inspired learning be based in the United States as much as possible.
We continue to celebrate the whole child philosophy that comes with Waldorf education, how the three ideals of truth, beauty, and goodness are reflected in the materials themselves, and how these values weave into our lives. We sincerely love our products, and we strive to continue our own education at Paper Scissors Stone every day: we roll wool, we pack paint, we cut felt and dye silk, and best of all, we play with our products, challenging ourselves to explore the sense of wonder that comes with creating colorful things with beautiful supplies.
Growth: More items have been added and our catalog is now this online store. www.waldorfsupplies.com We’ve seen the Waldorf movement expand to include the ever-growing Waldorf Charter Schools and Academy’s, Waldorf homeschooling, Montessori, Forest Schools and many other Waldorf Inspired learning groups.
We are grateful to be part of this wonderful like-minded learning community united in protecting the sanctity of childhood .
Stability: Our warehouse is still located in the small town of Viroqua, Wisconsin, nestled among the rolling hills of the driftless region. We are just one block from the main-street business district and two blocks from Pleasant Ridge Waldorf School and Youth Initiative High School. We now sell a selection of our supplies at Ewetopia’s retail Fiber Shop.
Paper Scissors Stone, although small, has a huge heart. We care about what we are here to do, and we care about how we came to be. We value our roots being firmly secured in the Waldorf community, in the schools that inspired our founder to form this business, to the community that helped build and support its vision, and to the people along the way that took the hand we offered and expanded our network outward beyond Waldorf education.
We share in decision-making and prioritize the well-being of our employees. All of our employees have been involved with Waldorf as students, teachers or parents. We consider all of YOU – teachers, parents, artists, crafters and suppliers – in the choices we make as a small business in the ever-changing economic climate.
We strive for fair prices and shipping rates, to be responsive to your inquiries and concerns, and to use the twenty-five plus years of experience and understanding this business has to support you in your families’ journey in the arts and imagination.
We welcome all comments and feedback.