A digital drawing of the owner of Papel Arcano, Jack Saucedo, and the store mascot, a black cat named Pepita, journaling.

July 2025 Journaling Meet-Up — Summer Stories & Fresh Spreads

Saturday, July 19, 2025 · 12 PM – 5 PM · Papel Arcano, 569 N York St, Elmhurst, IL

Sun-soaked pages, anyone?

Summer’s in full swing, and that means day-trip ticket stubs, concert wristbands, and iced-coffee stains begging to live in your journal. Whether you’re catching up on spring memories or sketching plans for late-summer adventures, our July meet-up is the perfect place to glue, doodle, and chat the afternoon away.

RSVP to reserve a seat on EventBrite. This is a free event - you're welcome to still stop by the store during the meet-up, we just can't guarantee you a seat unless you RSVP. However, limited extra seats will be available for walk-ins on a first-come, first-serve basis.

What happens at a Papel Arcano meet-up?

I (Jack) push tables together, set out a rainbow of supplies, and watch everyone turn blank pages into tiny galaxies. We call it “journaling,” but embroidery hoops, postcard writing, and sketchbook spreads are equally welcome. Spoiler: we’ll probably spend half the time swapping pen recs and snack tips. That’s part of the magic.

What to bring

  • Yourself—and a friend if they love paper too.
  • Any project you want to tinker with (BuJo, embroidery, school planner, secret fan-fic draft).
  • Optional: headphones + playlist if chatter will tempt you away from “real” work.

I’ll have shared tools, including glue, scissors, scrap paper, and washi, ready and free to use.

Schedule & seating

  • 12 PM – 5 PM: come whenever, stay as long as you like.
  • About 30 seats available; as long as you RSVP, you can take your pick of open seats. 
  • Store stays open until 7 PM; feel free to keep crafting after the meet-up “officially” ends.

Drinks, snacks & nearby bites

Questions?

DM @papelarcano on Instagram or @papelarcano.bsky.social with questions. I’m always down to talk pens.

See you under the A/C, glue stick in hand.

Happy journaling!
- Jack

📍 Visiting the Chicago suburbs? Here’s how to find us.

Tags

Things to do in Elmhurst, IL / Events in Elmhurst near me / Elmhurst Networking / Elmhurst Hobbies / free meetup / free event / journaling / stationery / cozy / papeleria

Back to blog