A paperweight is defined as a decorative weight that is commonly used to hold sheets of paper on a desk or table to prevent them from being blown away by the wind. Today, paperweights are rarely used in modern office environments, but in the past they were a frequent feature in both homes and offices.

Made of resin, acrylic or glass, paperweights are available in a wide variety of sizes and designs, including engraved paperweights; and they are more commonly used now as decorative objects in the home, or objects that have been passed down from older relatives. Due to the move towards paperless offices, the need for paperweights has drastically decreased. Whereas when originally produced, paperweights were soon widely available due to the industrial revolution and were widely used in homes and workplaces for their decorative and functional benefits.

With an increase in letter writing, paperweights had a designated purpose and would be objects that were used on a daily basis; However, as we moved into the electronic age, the need for letter writing rapidly declined, replaced by email, significantly reducing the need for paperweights. The main use of paperweights now is as decorative objects around the home, or corporate paperweights that are often presented as custom engraved awards used for decorative purposes in the office and to signify a special achievement.

Now it is possible to make your own paperweights at home, perfect to use in your own home or to give as gifts to friends and family. All you need is a kit from your local arts or crafts store, or some easy-to-buy items, such as a picture you’d like to fit onto your paperweight, a mold, sharp scissors, and resin. These personalized paperweights would make the perfect gift to decorate a side table or wall cabinet.

Collecting and making paperweights is a hobby that many people enjoy. These simple objects are relatively easy to make and it is possible to start your collection on a small budget – you can often purchase paperweights at your car boot sale or at a charity store. These collections can become so extensive that some are transferred to museums that show the beauty of these objects.

If you are interested in seeing some of the original paperweights, famous for their intricate works of art and crafts, why not visit a specialized museum? You’ll find everything here from early glass paperweights to more modern designs. With displays incorporating the many paperweight designs available, including those with enclosed images, carved designs, or hand-painted pictures.