http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/article en kwarren@greatamericanpublish.com Copyright 2012 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:56:27 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/10-designers-to-watch-in-2012/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/10-designers-to-watch-in-2012/#id:15540#date:20:56 There are so many talented stationery designers out there, what garners one admission to ST's exclusive 10? I thought a lot about this as I compiled this year's list, since although I knew whom I wanted to include, I wasn't sure exactly why. I finally came up with these criteria: Do their designs feel completely of our time, yet still one-of-a-kind? Is there a surprising quality to their work? These are difficult, subjective qualities to distinguish, true. But hopefully learning more about the engaging personalities behind some of most distinctive lines out there will give… Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:56 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/designer-profile-amy-graham-stigler/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/designer-profile-amy-graham-stigler/#id:15532#date:20:44 Like many working mothers, Amy Graham Stigler, Smock's creative director and designer, has devised her own method to juggle a fruitful career with family. Unlike many working mothers, her method involves an interesting form of telecommuting - she designs for Smock, based in Syracuse, N.Y., from her native Wisconsin. Her studio is housed in the back of her boutique, monograham, which purveys a carefully curated selection of paper and gifts. These objects and designs inspire her letterpressed work - as does family history. This is, after all, an individual whose wedding took place in the… Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:44 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/keeping-tradition/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/keeping-tradition/#id:15531#date:20:39 Although we live in an era dominated by email, social networking and online chats, many people still yearn for more personal connections. The Elegant Setting's owner Stephanie Finkelstein cherishes a time when entertaining was truly an art form. Formerly a social worker, Finkelstein was inspired to change careers when she found herself lured by the elegance, fine taste and formality of event planning while planning her own wedding. In September 2002, she founded a business in New York City - a by-appointment showroom and consulting service for gift giving, home décor and tabletop design. In… Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:39 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/you-be-the-judge/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/you-be-the-judge/#id:15530#date:20:17 In past issues, Stationery Trends has taken readers behind the scenes to show how a line or product is brought to life. When it came to doing so with MikWright however, it was quickly realized that only a more personal approach would suffice for this outlandish outfit, which turns 20 this year. The company is the brainchild of Tim Mikkelsen (the "Mik") and Phyllis Wright-Herman ("the Wright"), who became friends in 1985 while working as ticket agents at the Tri Cities airport in Tennessee. "It's probably better that we're gone," Tim laughed, recalling how they… Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:17 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/the-ultimate-luxury/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/the-ultimate-luxury/#id:15522#date:19:40 As the economy plummets, so too do our lifestyles. The birth rate is shrinking, vacations often become stay-cations and new home builds are still looking great, but often lack great rooms. But as Americans, we are consumers born and bred, and still need to exercise that urge to splurge. Interestingly, the definition of what makes a luxury, even among the super-wealthy, has changed with the financial climate. Blue Carreon, a contributor to Forbes.com, recently dissected this topic. "No longer is luxury defined by excess and conspicuous consumption. Now luxury means products with higher perceived value… Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:40 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/email-etiquette/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/email-etiquette/#id:14396#date:15:23 Between managing our Twitter accounts, Facebook pages and email inboxes, there is a lot to juggle. That doesn't even include following up with our clients so projects go off without a hitch. In today's digital world, how we choose to communicate on a professional level is key, and each interaction can make or break our personal and professional brand. As we depend more and more on technology, let's be honest: It's easy to become sloppy with so much on our plates. Regardless, statistics show that people still value the art of a professional, well-written email.… Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:23 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/belle-of-the-ball/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/belle-of-the-ball/#id:14395#date:15:13 Much like a union between groom and bride, a perfect partnership was born in April 2010 when entrepreneurs Jane Bensel, owner of The Stationer, a paper and gift store, and Amy Casbarian, owner of the bridal boutique Wedding Belles, united. Together, these dynamic women created Wedding Belles & The Stationer - a cozy stationery shop and bridal boutique located on bustling Magazine Street in New Orleans. Just as a couple may meet serendipitously, the shop also got its start rather unexpectedly. Casbarian first went to The Stationer in search of wedding invitations for her own… Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:13 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/designer-profile-kseniya-thomas/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/designer-profile-kseniya-thomas/#id:14393#date:14:51 Like many letterpressers, Kseniya Thomas runs a shop, Thomas-Printers, in Carlyle, Pa., where she prints both her own work as well as that of other designers. She also recently launched Thomas-Printers Invitations, which licenses designs from select designers, then prints and sells them. "A lot of people don't understand that you can design and have someone else do it, not that I am the Kinko's of letterpress," she laughed. Unlike many letterpressers, Thomas teamed up with Jessica White, of Heroes & Criminals Press in Asheville, N.C., to found Ladies of Letterpress (LOLP), a trade organization… Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:51 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/the-four-bs/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/the-four-bs/#id:14392#date:14:24 "Another bride, another June, another sunny honeymoon ..." goes the standard that always remains true. In addition to the brides each season offers, there are babies born, birthdays celebrated and Bar and Bat Mitzvahs commemorated. While the numbers hopefully grow in tandem with our population, what changes are the trends related to these four B's. Stationery Trends queried several industry insiders on the most recent looks in each market. Jilly Jack Designs B#1: BridesFancy Finishes: Brides still swoon over letterpress, but marry it to elements like "blind hits or printing with varnish, poster style typography,… Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:24 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/stationery-not-so-stationary/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/stationery-not-so-stationary/#id:14391#date:14:00 No, this is not a rant about the hazards of spelling "stationery" incorrectly - although many might argue it's warranted. Rather, it's a rant about those who are quick to deem this industry dead. Honestly, it's come to be as predictable as the seasons: Every time the economy nosedives, the stationery eulogies begin. Obviously as an editor of a thriving trade publication focusing on stationery, I'm going to disagree. But even on a personal level, I always recall some excellent advice I received years ago: Never listen to naysayers. As a result I've tuned out… Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:00 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/spreading-gratitude/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/spreading-gratitude/#id:13376#date:13:37 If I had a dollar for every time I heard reasons for why people don't write notes, I'd be sipping a cocktail under a palm tree, on a private island ... that I bought in cash! Typically, the reasons for steering clear of thank-you's have to do with "time," "stamps" and a five letter word: "G-U-I-L-T." Unfortunately, our friend the thank-you has lost his luster and has become a "have to" rather than a "want to." However, with a little positive energy, the stationery world can revive the reputation of one of our most noted… Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:37 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/the-inside-track/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/the-inside-track/#id:13375#date:13:01 I've had the amazing opportunity to give a seminar on trends at National Stationery Show for several years now. It's evolved into what I refer to as a "reader's guide" to accompany both our last several and next few issues of the magazine. It is a treat to have the opportunity to interact with readers in a way I'm unable to the rest of the year, and also expand on certain ideas that I don't necessarily have the space to do in the actual magazine. I really enjoy talking about macro lifestyle and color trends… Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:01 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/celebrating-success/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/celebrating-success/#id:13373#date:12:45 It's not really a surprise to discover that the Stillwater, Minn., paper and gift store Mara-Mi, which engages the shopper with a sea of eye-popping colors and unexpected features like a cozy cafe, actually reflects several stationery businesses that were created by a fusion of entrepreneurs, each with a distinctive vision. The oldest of the businesses is Mara-Mi, which was founded in 1979 by Marilyn Rothschild and Mimi Fisher. The two launched a collection of social stationery marketed to independent boutiques and specialty chain stores. Mara-Mi's team realized the company had growth opportunities, so they… Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:45 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/designer-profile-cheree-berry/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/designer-profile-cheree-berry/#id:13372#date:12:14 Although our industry is driven by trends, true visionaries have the inner confidence to ignore them and follow their own muse. Even the quickest review of the dynamic designs created by Cheree Berry reveals her individual brand of whimsy, articulated through hidden envelope details, unexpected paper dimensions, foil touches and vintage wallpaper inspirations. This distinctive quality has garnered the St. Louis, Mo., designer a lot of media attention - from creating Chelsea Clinton's bridal invitation trousseau, to multiple TV appearances, to having her own 2008 wedding profiled in "Martha Stewart Weddings." If her designs speak… Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:14 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/could-you-die/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/could-you-die/#id:13367#date:20:25 The creative minds behind ST share our favorite show finds. Sarah Schwartz, editor 1. 2. 3. English Paper Co. Leave it to the Oklahoma City paper dive to invent a new printing method, digital letterpress. Essentially, designs are digitally printed and then blind letterpressed, offering significant savings plus the ability to use light and white inks. Figs & Ginger. Playing with positive and negative space, this eco-friendly line combines wood with simple silhouettes and letters for a jaw-dropping, über-cool effect. The Pink Door Paper Co. I see personal care product flourising, so I think infusing… Wed, 29 Jun 2011 20:25 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/put-a-face-on-it/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/put-a-face-on-it/#id:13366#date:20:19 As another Memorial Day weekend fades into the past, I am thrilled to report that my National Stationery Show (NSS) brain is finally wearing off. Despite the uncharacteristically gray days outside, the positive energy inside was palpable, the swag bags overflowing! For me, the show was a whirlwind of friends, old and new, punctuated by lots of amazing product. Sunday, day 1, kicked off with my seminar, which is always such an enjoyable experience. As a result, for the rest of the show my rose-colored glasses were firmly in place. And speaking of perceptions, one… Wed, 29 Jun 2011 20:19 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/spring-issue-corrections/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/spring-issue-corrections/#id:12747#date:16:48 Unfortunately, some of the vendors were misidentified in our Spring NSS Issue. Stationery Trends sincerely regrets the errors. Please see the corrected information below.  Page 47 The following products were switched, and the proper information appears below: Foxy Blunt   Quiplip   Page 77 The Darling Press & Stationers image misidentified Jason, left, and Alia Hoffman.   Page 77 Oblation Papers & Press was launched in 1989. Page 133 Natalie Wargin's image was incorrectly credited to Crane & Co. Wed, 04 May 2011 16:48 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/sweet-treats/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/sweet-treats/#id:12738#date:16:43 With Lilly Pulitzer, Jonathan Adler and Susan Barnes playing starring roles in its roster, Lifeguard Press has unveiled enough licenses to establish itself as an upscale lifestyle brand. Anything the company releases is certain to raise the eyebrows, if not knock the proverbial socks off. So it's not really a surprise that their latest license, Dylan's Candy Bar, being officially unveiled at National Stationery Show, is a bit of surprise. The new line represents not a traditional brand, but rather a boutique that evolved into a brand. To enter one of the five Dylan's Candy… Tue, 03 May 2011 16:43 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/meet-the-bloggers/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/meet-the-bloggers/#id:12736#date:16:33 2011 marks the fifth year I've covered the National Stationery Show (NSS) for my blog, MyMomShops. Back in 2007, I was one of just a handful of bloggers walking the show. Since then, the number of bloggers there has increased exponentially. Bloggers have become a major force within the NSS aisles - not to mention the stationery industry itself - and coverage of the exhibitors' booths on bloggers' sites has skyrocketed. Perhaps never before have small companies had such a direct link to their consumer audience. It is therefore in an exhibitor's best interest to… Tue, 03 May 2011 16:33 GMT http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/the-giving-tree/ http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/magazine/article/the-giving-tree/#id:12734#date:16:23 "I've always had a knack for finding and giving thoughtful gifts, so I created a place where people feel inspired to ‘love, gift and smile,'" explained Grace Kang, founder and chief buyer of Pink Olive, two New York City lifestyle boutiques specializing in whimsical gifts for happiness and home. Pink Olive opened its first shop in May 2007. Located in New York City's hip East Village, the cozy 500-square-foot store is nestled in a friendly block that houses an eclectic mix of shops. Inviting and enticing, the space's exposed brick walls cast a vintage, yet… Tue, 03 May 2011 16:23 GMT