Stationery Trends Magazine

Put a Face on It

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 idea I shared during my seminar was an anecdote about an editor I once had. No matter what the story was - school board meeting or new store opening - I was invariably told to "put a face on it." Essentially, instead of focusing on an event, I was directed…  » Read more

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Could You Die?

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 that category to stationery — in a very high-end manner, no less — is completely brilliant.   Kimberly Warren, Associate Publisher — Editorial & Multimedia 1. 2. 3. Sapling Press. Always a sucker for intelligent wit, I simply couldn't pass up this line of "Dear Blank Please Blank" cards. Besides,…  » Read more

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Designer Profile: Cheree Berry

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 to today's trends, it's unintentional, Cheree noted. "Our clients strive to have unique, one-of-a-kind events, so going against trends is usually where they want to be when it comes to their stationery." Stationery Trends interviewed Cheree, CEO and founder of Cheree Berry Paper, to learn more about her background and…  » Read more

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Celebrating Success

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 developed partnerships with licensed artists and saw their market share blossom. Nineteen years later, entrepreneur Greg Gartner launched Gartner Studios. The stationery, greeting card, office and party company soon found success with several big-name, big-box clients, so he tapped into the boutique market with the acquisition of Mara-Mi in 2006.Gartner,…  » Read more

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The Inside Track

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 as well as pertinent directions in design elements and product categories for stationery and related product. Frankly, 60 minutes allows me to just scratch the surface! There's no way to encapsulate the hour-long speech and 152-slide presentation into a short, so I'm not going to try. However, I will outline…  » Read more

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Spreading Gratitude

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 friends. A stationery wardrobe needs to be ready for every occasion. When our clients have all of the supplies, love what they are writing on and feel confident about their words, they will be more apt to write. Talking PointsYou: How's your supply of thank-yous?Client: I think I have a…  » Read more

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