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2008 National Stationery Show: What's Nasty and Nice - Part I By now, I'm sure you're up to your organic you-know-what with everything natural. But, once again (at the National Stationery Show, May 17-21, 2008), organic, nontoxic, recycled, post-consumer materials are here to stay in stationery. Popular color and motif reflect a love of natural forms as well. After that, vintage designs taken directly from old etching plates as well as new creations inspired by retro colors and illustrations are important. On the flip side, hot colors that "pop" brought energy to the collections. If you've ever wanted personalized goods for your shops, this is the year to order it. One strictly-for-adults trend making an impact: cards that skip the sweet sentiment and go right for the jugular (i.e. "I loathe you," not "I love you.")
STATIONERY: ANNOUNCEMENTS LITTLE ORANGES Homebase: Pasadena, CA DESIGNER: Emily DeSai Wholesale price: $2 per card There's a cool, modern aesthetic to DeSai's imagery: all fine lines, spare shapes and understated colors. Think one-level, sixties-style home in Los Angeles and you've got the look.
Outstanding offering: the "rock-a-bye, baby" card. Good wishes minus the cloying sentiment. Tel: 310-770-3332 E-mail: Sales@littleoranges.com
MR. BODDINGTON'S STUDIO Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: Rebecca Schmidt Ruebensaal Wholesale price: $2.75 each, $8 for a boxed set. Ms. Ruebensaal's quirky cards look like someone's eccentric uncle illustrated them. Mr. Boddington I presume.
Outstanding offering: The announcement possesses great color, striking imagery and an unusual description: ideal for a one-of-a-kind baby. Tel: 212-686-5953 E-mail: Rebecca@mrboddington.com
PICA PRESS Homebase: Corona Del Mar, CA DESIGNER: Susanne Duffner Wholesale price: $200 for the Bambino album that contains 21 different styles. Announcements sold in increments of 25. $450 for 100 ($4.50 each) includes a wrap-around label for the envelope. Duffner mixes a variety of unusual fonts, strong hues and sweet imagery to form appealingly bold stationery.
Outstanding offering: The announcement says "girl," but there isn't a sugary element in any aspect of the design. Tel: 949-200-9705 E-mail: Susanne@picapress.com
TWO TRICK PONY Homebase: Milford, MA DESIGNERS: Laurie Mee and Carrie Siegel Wholesale price: $2.25 The designers of this two-year-old company create delightful images then hand-screen them on to 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper. Their imagery combines the innocence of pre-sixties greeting cards with the uncluttered graphics of contemporary stationery.
Outstanding offering: The two stuffed rabbits telling secrets tap into the bond children share with their "pets." Tel: 617-448-4457 E-mail: Pony@twotrick.com
TISH & TICA DESIGNS Homebase: Brooklyn, NY DESIGNER: Ping Xie Wholesale price: $6.50 for 10 cards and envelopes in a clear plastic box. The name Tish & Tica originates from the motto: TIme to SHare & TIme to CAre. "We believe that good thoughts, best wishes and announcements should be expressed to all your favorite people in special ways," says Xie. Unlike a lot of the vivid or understated hues in other collections, Xie's mid-tone pastels are fresh and creamy, perfect tones for her whimsical, collage like illustrations.
Outstanding offering: The chicks on Xie's baby shower invitations are cheerful even in a sun shower. Tel: 718-785-7252 E-mail: Info@tishtica.com
BIRTHDAY: PAPER LOOP Homebase: Albuquerque, NM DESIGNER: Sara Cumings Wholesale price: $1.75 per card Cumings' cards are "One part retro, one part modern, 100% fun." I'd add uniquely designed with rounded corners, front and back printing, offbeat colorations and patterns sophisticated parents will appreciate.
Outstanding offering: The "Happy Woof! Birthday!" card. If dogs came in colors like that I'd have a new pet. Tel: 323-230-5159 E-mail: Hello@paper-loop.com
SUGARCUBE PRESS Homebase: Ojai, CA DESIGNERS: Elizabeth Rittmeyer and Kelsie Zimmerman The presses the designers employ are 100 years old, the metal plates for engravings are circa 1906, and the paper is tree-free cotton rag. Their approach to design and printing is old-fashioned; the look of the imagery reflects contemporary styling. Wholesale price: contact manufacturer
Outstanding offering: The "A to Z" birthday cards. The bold graphics make appealing birthday invitations, thank you cards, or any occasion notes. Tel: 805-340-5862 E-mail: Wholesale@sugarcubepress.com
Originally published June 15, 2008
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