Since she was a young girl, Cathy Grandalski of La Grange Park loved to draw.

“I was always drawing and doing something in school with art,” she said.

Little did she realize her work would incorporate her love of art and her talents.

When Grandalski started to dabble in calligraphy, she explored avenues whereby she could improve that craft. She discovered the Chicago Calligraphy Collective, a nonprofit organization founded in 1976. The mission of the group is to promote the study, practice and appreciation of calligraphy in all its historical and present-day applications. During the past three decades, the group has helped develop many hundreds of calligraphers, many of whom now are known nationally. With more than 250 members worldwide, the organization cultivates an active community of calligraphic artists. As a member of the group, Grandalski has carved a unique niche: glass etching.

Several times a year, major department stores have a promotion – sponsored by perfume manufacturers such as Coty, Ralph Lauren and Angel – in which Grandalski etches customers’ glass items for no charge.

“This is a special event put on by the stores and sent to their favorite customers. It is a great gift idea — it is something special and very nice. It also really makes people happy,” Grandalski said.

Understandably, the holidays are busy.

Because Grandalski and her husband, Dennis, own and operate La Grange Printers at 106 W. Burlington Ave., La Grange, Gran-dalski does her etching on the weekends.

“It is not work to me at all — it’s fun,” she said.

La Grange Printers recently celebrated its 35th year, with the Grandalskis having bought the shop in 1993. Services encompass all types of printing, from offset to engraved cards and letterpress. La Grange Printers provides its customers with a uniquely artistic eye thanks to Cathy and designer Ken.

“We design logos and work very closely with our customers to ensure they get the exact look they want — design and color.”

They also can take drawings by an artist and scan them for posters, note cards and greeting cards.

“We can take large pieces of art and work with them. We welcome that business,” Grandalski said.

Additionally, the shop does wedding invitations, Christmas cards, custom invitations and design. Also, calligraphy services for place cards, invitations and cards are available through Cathy.

The Web site for the shop is www.lagrangeprinters.com. A revamp of the Web site is in the works, so plan on returning to the site in August for an updated view.

When I walked in the shop, I immediately noticed the pet portraits on the wall. When I asked who the artist was, Cathy said, “Me.” They are renderings of pets, one of whom is the Grandalskis’ own Holly, who is a part of the operation at La Grange Printers.

Grandalski also takes art classes. She is enrolled at Morton Arboretum in the Nature Artists program, botanical art.

“I am always learning,” she said.