Story behind “GP”

Graphic-Poetry was originally founded in 2001 as Elizabeth Rose Designs, named after its owner Elizabeth “Liz” Rose Maute. The company then helped businesses with branding, website design and printed marketing materials. In 2011, Liz expanded to include wedding and event print design after she discovered the opportunity to customize wedding invitations while researching for her own wedding. Then she did her sister’s wedding invitations…then a friend’s… then another friend’s…. then their friends… and co-workers… and well, you get the idea. Soon Liz was doing bridal shows and with the encouragement of her husband began turning a side hustle into a full fledged brand, Graphic-Poetry.

In 2018 Liz retired the original business name and Graphic-Poetry was made official. Boasting a marriage of imagery and words, Graphic-Poetry helps couples, businesses and event organizers design their stories.

Almost like a fairy-tale ending, a dream came true in September 2021.

After a difficult 2020, and losing her step-father in May of 2021, the little vision Liz had of a boutique stationery and gift shop became a reality when Graphic-Poetry moved into the space of their current location in the Village of Hamburg. The shop carries greeting cards, leather journals, notebooks, notecards, notepads, graphic tees and sweaters, jewelry, wax seals and supplies, stickers, pens/pencils, tote bags, tea towels, mugs and glasses, candles and other gift items. It also serves as the studio for Liz’s wedding invitations and graphic design services.

Custom items are available to order: Christmas/holiday cards, personalized note cards, promotional items /favors for events, wax seals stamps and address stamps.

OUR PRODUCT VALUES:

• Small-batch / small-maker / artisanal / handmade

• Mix of national and local brands by inspired independent artists and small businesses

• Women-owned businesses make up at least 80% of the store brands

GP’s CORE VALUES:

• Spread joy and beauty wherever you go

• Love is Love.

• Be a Kind Human

• Celebrate the little things in life {and definitely always order the dessert}

Graphic-Poetry is located at 38 Main Street, next to Coyote Cafe, in the Village of Hamburg, NY.

Fun Facts: I was a banquet waitress in college and have worked hundreds of weddings // I’m a 200hr certified Yoga instructor & Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist // My living room (aka library) is full of antique books // I’m a sci-fi fantasy and classic literature nerd // I could live on ice cream, pizza, & good beer.

Hi, my name is Liz and I’m obsessed with pretty paper . . .

A passion for designing, paper and the art of printing is in my blood and has been in my life for as long as I can remember. I was influenced as a child by my mom, who is a porcelain artist, and by my step-father, who was a silk-screen printer. I began my career at his family-owned silk-screen company in high school and college. While screen printing is not something I do daily anymore, I do push a squeegee once in a while and pickup a paintbrush with my mom. I even sometimes dabble in setting type for letterpress printing (another obsession of mine!).

Learning is something I believe you never really stop doing in life. I’ve earned associates degrees in Graphic Arts & Printing and Humanities from SUNY Erie Community College, a BA in English/Professional Communications from Hilbert College (where the “Poetry” in Graphic-Poetry comes from), and my MA in Integrated Marketing Communications from St. Bonaventure University.

I’ve served as the Media Director for the Niagara Wine Trail USA since 2008 and enjoy being an Assistant Professor in the Visual Communications/Graphic Arts & Printing department at SUNY Erie Community College, teaching future graphic designers and printers.

Most importantly, I’m mom to Genevieve & Isabelle, wife to my amazing husband JJ, and fur-mom to our 2 rescue cats (Rufus & Blue), and Phinn (our rescue dog). Our first rescue baby, Reggie (below) left us in early 2022.

When I’m not working and being a mom you can probably find me either at Target (with a Starbucks in hand), or buying all the things I don’t need at HomeGoods.