National Stationery Show *Part 1

Last week I attended the 64th Annual National Stationery Show at the Javits Center. I had a terrific time looking at new lines and talking to some of the designers exhibiting. I had the privilege of walking the show as "Press" because I'll be writing a column for the fall issue of Stationery Trends Magazine. I was excited to meet the editor, Sarah Schwartz, in person since I'm a fan of the magazine and we had exchanged several friendly emails :)

Here, a rather ominous looking Javits Center sits just beyond the typical NYC construction area. Fortunately, I was meeting my good friend Kristine, who expresses her jubilation at being there below :)

Sure, it looks mundane when you 1st enter...

But, it gets better! I was surprised to almost immediately run into Lauren, the owner of Environment 337, a fantastic store for interiors on Smith Street in my neighborhood.

A Best New Products section is located near the front entrance, before you enter the rows & rows of exhibitors and the hustle and bustle of the show.


I particularly liked these cards by Le Canot Rouge and 10% sales go to animal welfare causes.
Murray Moose is perfection! Laura, the very talented illustrator & owner just informed me that Swallow, a beautiful Brooklyn store specializing in glass & ceramics, will be picking up her line :) If you're on Smith Street, stop in & take a look.

This tin box set of postcards is by Notables Stationery printed from Harlequin vintage cover art and you'll see more from Night Owl Paper Goods below :)

awaiting the opportunity to use this line ;)


I'm starting with Essentials Distribution because I absolutely love everything they sell! They distribute Artemis products, a Japanese company, that include Elph's Circus, Trois Monde and Papier Creature Land. Essentials recently partnered with the design duo Zero Per Zero, based in South Korea.

Oh Elph, so sweet :)

Zero Per Zero is best known for their city railway series. Above, their heart shaped New York subway map :)

Above is Sydne Didier, who not only discussed the popularity of bento boxes with us, but informed me of Hoot Suite (just signed up) a site to organize all of your online networks in one place. Not sure if I need this really, but they sure do with 4 online stores and a blog for each one!



I recommend checking out Japanistic and Shopessentials :')


I was thrilled to meet Carolyn Gavin, the designer and owner of Ecojot. If you follow me here, you know that I spoke to her brother and business partner at the Gift Show last February. They began developing a range of "green" paper products in 2007 after running what was then called, Mirage Paper Company for about a decade. Everything is biodegradable and no new trees are ever cut.

Ecojot was one of the first eco-friendly companies I noticed for it's cute, playful and unique design and not because it was "green". That was simply an added benefit! I have owned numerous notebooks over the years and I'm happy to say that Carolyn and her brother seem as cool as I would have thought :)


The series above is from their new partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute. They chose 4 endangered or threatened animals from which to start, the Chimpanzee, Giant Panda, Sumatran Rhino and Whooping Crane. All royalties go to the Institute, dedicated to preserving endangered species and their habitat.

Ecojot has also implemented a new giving campaign this year-- "Buy One, We Give One" by donating a notebook to children in developing countries in need of basic school supplies, for every journal and sketchbook purchased. They've partnered with Ve'ahavta, Free the Children & The Stephen Leacock Foundation for Children.

Carolyn's illustrations are colorful and full of charm, and although I see her influence on other artists, her work continues to stand out from the rest!


Speaking of color, the wall prints by Old School Stationers was a favorite at the show!

Husband & wife, Brian and Amy Reed are the team behind Old School Stationers. Brian draws and color separates each image before printing with their 1917 model letterpress.


Their cards, journals and wall art are all printed on the most beautiful heavy paper made in Milan, even their business card is like a miniature piece of art.


Visit their website to learn more about the process and Old School's sweet beginnings :)

*Shout out to Brooklyn!! This is Enormous Champion, great name, fun products by another husband and wife team, Jason Wong & Jordan Provost :D

This guy was mesmerized by the little wood dachshund. I don't know that for sure, but seems likely.

I thought these silhouettes, The Kingdom Animalia, were perfectly designed and cut. The shapes, type of wood and painted edges made me want them all! (available with painted edge or natural maple). I also appreciated their line of cards, tea towels and prints :)

Using recycled paper, sustainably harvested wood, biodegradable packaging & minimally treated fabrics, Enormous Champion officially opened in 2008. Still a baby, I look forward to seeing more from them!

Long-time friends and business partners, Alan Henderson and Jennifer Tatham are behind Night Owl Paper Goods.

I am a very big fan of NOPG designs! Their process of printing on wood veneer sheets is completely original and I adore their simple sweet animals, as well as the pretty patterns used on their letterpress pieces. I've purchased many cards, postcards and a couple of calendars online and from Papel NY which I profiled last winter. Some I send and some sit on my living room shelf as artwork.

Jennifer participated in a panel discussion during the show and I wasn't surprised to learn she was inspired by graphic pop characters like Hello Kitty, stickers, paper patterns and personal stationery as a kid.


Currently, as I learned from their site, they find inspiration in the works of Swedish and American folk artists, British haberdashers, as well as the colors and cute critters found in nature.


Above right, is Sarah Schwartz, editor of Stationery Trends Magazine with Kamal Patel, designer & owner of Kamal art on paper. Her Indian influence is apparent in these delicate pieces that incorporate minimal, well placed color and thoughtful design.

Kamal's letterpress cards are unique, because they look nothing like other lines using the same printing process, one showing no signs of slowing down :)

After meeting with Sarah towards the end of my 1st day there, we walked some of the rows together. Walking with her was like walking with a movie star. Suddenly, the place had a party-like atmosphere, everyone we passed looked longingly our way and those we stopped to talk to seemed totally psyched! I'm sure they were, I would be and I was ;D

L2 Design Collective silkscreens their very appealing iconic, cute & funny images. They seemed quite busy when we stopped by, so the energy was upbeat and fun much like their cards :D





Eeboo is a big favorite of mine. I've included their products on my If I Were A Toy posts in the past and I have sent a promotional mailer or two their way-- one day they will relent ;)

Of course, they employ some of the most talented illustrators for their children's products, which is why I'm so drawn to them.

Above, Roisin Ross shows Kristine the alphabet. Turns out she lives in my neighborhood and has worked with Joanna from If I Were a Toy... small world :)



We've come to the conclusion of Part 1 from my visit to this year's Stationery Show.

Check back next week for parts 2 and 3. *See an array of fabulous designers and companies, including more Brooklynites, eco-conscious, supersaturated and letterpress galore!

love ya Murray!

Thanks for stopping by :')
xo, Allyn