Theresa's Table: A Curated Shopping Experience at Open to Being

Step into our cozy Arlington studio + shop for a “slow shopping” experience where you can discover the artistry of letterpress stationery, shop handcrafted sustainable jewelry and decor, and mingle with makers and fellow guests who value local maker businesses and good company.

This month at the table, we're excited to feature Ashley Kurth-Reinhart of Paloma Vintage Designs, who transforms vintage and reclaimed costume jewelry into bold, modern accessories and sustainable home decor. Her combination of whimsy and elegance are unmatched, and you will discover one-of-a-kind treasures that bring the past to the present.

You can also out how we use letterpress to give antique form and function new life in Open to Being holiday cards printed on premium paper, handmade notebooks, and luxurious stationery sets. In the shop, you'll also find locally grown tea blends from Rough Seas Productions for winter evenings and festive screen printed totes from Lavender Lizard Press to bring joy throughout the New Year.

As a special treat exclusively for Early Access guests ($10 tickets, 11am-1pm), Erin Eileen Fine Stationery will be available for the first two hours only, offering personalized calligraphy gift tags and elegant gift wrapping with kraft paper, ribbon, and wax seals. Elevate your gift-giving this month with this luxury service that creates a complete gifting experience honoring both giver and receiver.

Instead of overwhelming choices at crowded holiday markets, you’ll enjoy quality time in our peaceful studio + shop. You’ll have more time and space to talk with makers about their work. The atmosphere is joyful, and community is everything! You are conscious about your choices, so this is an ideal setting to shop local and small (and all woman-owned!) this holiday season.

Early Access, 11-1, $10

• Exclusive access to handmade treasures in a limited-capacity setting
• Complimentary morning treats
• One complimentary wrapped gift (a $10 value), with additional services available for purchase: gift wrapping ($10/additional gift), calligraphy tags, written on site (1 for $5; 3 or more for $3.50 each), or the complete wrapping + personalized tag experience ($14)

About Theresa's Table events

Theresa's Table brings together stationery lovers and creative entrepreneurs at Open to Being's letterpress studio + shop in Arlington. These curated events showcase fine paper goods, luxury writing tools, and handcrafted accessories.

Founder Theresa Esterlund curates each gathering around our central communal table, featuring select local creative entrepreneurs and exceptional handcrafted goods. Our bright, welcoming space creates an atmosphere where shoppers and makers can connect through genuine conversation.

About Open to Being®

Open to Being is an artisanal brand offering elegant, handcrafted stationery for the heart and soul. Our fine paper goods, from premium greeting cards and journals to art prints and custom letterpress work, are minimal yet exquisite. Beautifully-rendered, heartfelt messages are designed with care to foster authentic and meaningful connection. We believe in the power of artfully-crafted words to honor, celebrate, and embrace life's journeys with joy, acceptance, and compassion.

Founder Theresa Esterlund opened a letterpress studio + shop in Arlington Ridge neighborhood of Arlington, VA in April 2025. This working studio includes a boutique retail destination open for special shopping events and showcasing Open to Being products as well as a curated collection of handcrafted goods from local makers. A highlight of the studio is our 1910 treadle-operated Chandler & Price platen letterpress.

2025 Theresa's Table Dates:

September 20

October 25

November 22

December 6

Host or Publisher Open to Being