National Stationery Show 2009 – Part One

My inaugural blog post for RiverDog Prints should be about paper and the people who love it. So this is Part One of my newcomers review of the show in one speedy, inspiring and overwhelming day.  I should have known after I printed out the floorplan and couldn’t read the numbers (even with my glasses) that it would be a challenge to visit everything I wanted to see and share here.  Photos do not do the creativity and hard work justice, but I share them to give a little peek from my P.O.V.

My first stop was Rag & Bone Bindery. They create books of all kinds that are beautifully designed. They also have a Twelve Ways line that make a lovely gift idea. Jason Thompson was a gracious host and took the time to speak to me about a custom project I have in the works that I hope will include one of the company’s books.

Next up was delphine press. Such a pretty booth… and I forgot to take even one picture. I did manage to take a calling card. delphine has been coming to the show for four or five years and it shows in their presentation.

And Erika Firm is a letterpress genius, using soy-based inks and 100% cotton tree-free paper for much of her work.

One of my favorite stationery websites visually is smock because of the beautiful photos taken outdoors to highlight their equally beautiful letterpress eco products. They offered to have the name RiverDog Prints done in calligraphy by the very talented Debi Zeinert from The Blooming Quill. She does all the calligraphy for smock.

Designer Amy Graham Stigler and Cyd Converse were enthusiastic and you can see from the photos that the booth was a beauty. Love the paper that lines the back of the display shelves – just a little detail that makes all the difference.

I was impressed by smaller stationery companies coming together in one booth with A Fresh Bunch. A great idea to feel supported with like-minded women. The booth consisted of Hen and Barley (one of my favorite logos ever!), Demby+Solomon, Evy Jacob, Artful Sentiments, Marzipan Inc., and Lucky Star Press. A Fresh Bunch’s website has a few more companies in their listings, if you’d like to sample some more freshness.

In all the running from booth to booth, I did get to break for lunch with my friend, Bridgett, and to meet PJ, who is still at the show. Enjoying their company reminded me how I was struck by the camaraderie of all the different designers and company owners. I’m excited to be a small part of such a great environment.


More tomorrow including the Best New Product Award-Winner in the Think Green category, jacki paper (Cheers!), as well as Kelp Designs, emma j cards, Hello! Lucky and Whitney English.