【Sunday Slow Moments】Ink & Print, Stamping Class in an Old Fabric Shop

This is where Ink & Print is located — nestled within the old fabric market near Yongle Market on Dihua Street. A row of cultural shophouses serves as hidden art hubs in the old community. The rustic square red floor tiles under the arcade, the bold fire-engine-red mailbox standing just outside the wooden door, and the gracefully winding small tree offer a refuge from the summer sun. The warm-toned wooden door is adorned with diamond-shaped red spring couplets, while a red lantern casts a soft yellow glow. The ancient age of the grey stone wall contrasts yet harmonizes with the freshness inside the shop, as if it had always belonged here. Over time, the old fabric store has been revitalized through the efforts of young artistic creators. Upon closer look, vibrant flowers made of Taiwanese mynas and racket-tailed drongos, vintage tiles from old building bathroom geometries, and faded green iron lattice windows come to life through rolls of printed fabrics — as if stepping into a time machine to relive a bygone era when neighbors would visit each other, share homemade braised pork knuckles, and everyone knew each other well enough to feel perfectly at ease, with doors always open to welcome guests.

In addition to book covers, shoulder bags, and cushions featuring Taiwan’s native birds and vintage floor tile designs, another eye-catching item at Ink & Print is its series of food-themed placemats celebrating Taiwan’s most beloved culinary delights. Bright yellow, sky blue, and pink represent Taiwan’s classic snacks, street foods, and sweets. Items instantly recognizable to many from their childhood — such as bibi candy, toothpaste chocolate, the Japanese-favorite xiaolongbao, and bubble tea — are given a uniquely Taiwanese flair through playful illustrated placemats, paired with wooden chopsticks and spoons crafted from bamboo in Nantou’s Zhushan. For foreign tourists, these offerings not only confirm their experiences in Taiwan but also deepen their impression of the island, making them perfect souvenirs to take home.

 

Ink & Print preserves every delicate detail of the olden days, awakening shared memories and passion for Taiwan among people and injecting youthful energy into a gradually declining old district. The story began with three high school friends who shared a common dream of artistic creation. They agreed that ten years after graduating from university — once they had each experienced life — they would start a business together. But life is full of surprises, and the trio ended up opening a studio in their graduation year, marking the beginning of Ink & Print. With backgrounds in fine arts and textile design, the three combined their expertise to define the brand’s direction in fabric printing and chose the Taiwanese myna — a common bird seen in everyday life — as their logo. “The myna is a species unique to Taiwan, but unlike the more rare Formosan blue magpie, it’s a bird you see everywhere,” said one of the founders, Chiu Chiung-yu. Just like the brand spirit of Ink & Print: staying close to life, while also representing shared Taiwanese memories and landscapes.

This inspiring story now sees Ink & Print thriving, but the journey wasn’t without challenges. Lacking experience, the team had to learn everything from scratch, and failure was a frequent companion. Step by step, they gradually figured things out — from business management and building their own production line, to product R&D and learning tricks from master artisans at textile factories. Their generous sharing of skills gave the founders a deep sense of mission to continue this traditional craft.

 

It’s as if an invisible thread guided them forward to this corner of Taipei’s West District, where the old era’s essence still lingers. The trio approached their venture with fearless courage and drive. What started as a mismatch gradually earned the recognition of long-time local residents. Chiung-yu recalled, “At first, the uncles and neighbors were all observing us. We were such a strange bunch of youngsters. Eventually, someone came in and asked, ‘Is this really going to work?’ Their words were filled with concern. This place really doesn’t feel like Taipei — it’s more like central or southern Taiwan.” For Chiung-yu, who hails from southern Taiwan, such direct and warm concern felt like coming home.

“Ink & Print stands for joy derived from printing. We want to show people that bringing art into daily life can be a delightful experience.” For this reason, the Ink & Print workshop was established alongside the retail shop.

 

Hidden upstairs next to the main shop, the new classroom of Le Academy was transformed from an old fabric warehouse. The grey-white polka-dotted green pebble floor hints at the space’s long history. A full-wall blackboard, four green vintage pendant lights, and walls painted in yellow and light pink create a visual treat that’s both sweet and serene. A few pieces of Ink & Print’s floral fabrics with Taiwanese flair serve as the perfect decoration. A simple wooden table is paired with several custom round stools made from modified IKEA wooden chairs — a charming touch that makes you wish you could take one home. This small classroom fills up with students of various ages and backgrounds: young women, office workers, graphic designers, and even moms bringing their young boys. With the philosophy that anyone can easily get started, the classes promote DIY stamping that can be done at home — no advanced art skills or complicated equipment needed. Everything is handcrafted and can be incorporated into daily life. Starting with cultural promotion courses at Shih Chien University, then moving to in-store workshops, the trio has created a wide range of lifestyle print items — from coasters and placemats to fabric wraps, framed prints, and even printed cloth bag buttons. Their engaging and accessible teaching style has earned them a loyal following of students and fans.