As the world moves increasingly away from paper, paper is fast becoming something special. This time of year it's especially important to show appreciation for gifts you may receive, to send cards that have hand-made appeal or to tuck pretty notes under the bows that go under the tree. It's about making the effort to show you care in ways that an e-mail can't.

Pittsburgh has a number of fine stationery stores, but the newest is Nota Bene in Aspinwall. Opened in the spring by Evelyn Diamond, it boasts a wonderfully colorful and creative assortment of cards, papers, pens and journals. But it also has an abundance of quirky items, such as Japanese Itasho erasers in the shapes of ramen noodles, tubes of toothpaste or scissors. Bouquets of fresh flowers are really wax candles. Coasters and luggage tags, decorative file folders, tooth-fairy boxes, silver frames, Mom agendas, even a men's corner are among the shop's treasures.

"I love paper, I love notes, I always have," says Mrs. Diamond. In fact, she restored a 100-year-old letterpress and was making her own cards, along with the contacts that have helped her to stock many exclusive lines. "There are a lot of independent designers out there doing wonderful things."

Nota Bene handles Crane, Kate Spade and other well-known lines, as well as Preppy Cards (with Tory Burch shoes on them!), Lulu & Merie (both Ellis grads who now live in Virginia), Jack and Lulu and Marsupial, a line of bulk stationery that you can mix and match. Best of all, Nota Bene offers printing on the premises with a 24-hour turn-around, part of the store's commitment to customer service.

"I think if you're investing in writing a note, you want to see and feel the paper," says Mrs. Diamond. "Nice stationery says something about a person. I can't tell you how far a note goes. A lot of my cards are blank inside, and I see people panic. But you don't have to write something incredibly intelligent or profound. In this paperless world, to think that someone took the time to invest says a lot about someone."

Nota Bene, 9 Brilliant Ave. Call 412-782-6300.