Last week in Part 1 of this blog post series, I shared my trip to the 2016 National Stationery Show (NSS), my intentions for going, and some of my fave exhibitors, booths and products from current wholesale vendors.

Today, I’m back to share some new-to-me vendors, trends and products.

I was only in NYC for two and half days, which was plenty for this introvert. I wouldn’t have been able to handle any longer and I’m still debating if I’ll even go next year. Right when I landed, I freshened up at my hotel and then ran, OK skipped, with glee (yipee!), to the show. My goal was to meet as many of my wholesale vendors as possible.

2016 National Stationery Show

On day two of the NSS, I met an internet friend for coffee and then got to walk a little bit of the show with THE Sarah Schwartz, the founding editor of Stationery Trends and the genius behind The Paper Chronicles. You can read her guest post here for the #sendcardsspreadlove challenge. I’m not gonna lie, it was like walking around with Leonardo DiCaprio at the Oscars. Sarah is the Leo of the stationery world. She is also nothing but kind and attentive, and introduced me to many new vendors.

Here are a few of my favorite new-to-me designers, products and trends.

First off is Fox & Fallow, run by Darrell and Janet, the lovely husband and wife duo from Down Under. A bunch of my images just up and disappeared from my iPhone, so I had to grab an image from their IG, because I didn’t want you to miss out on their beautiful sign.

Bright, bold colors were in abundance everywhere. And F&F was “on fleek” (I talked to these two for 5 minutes and I think I’m an honorary Aussie) with their aloha line, which is inspired by the lush, tropical Hawaiian landscape.

Not only were bright, bold colors everywhere, but pink and gold was a consistently seen, popular color combo. Which was great for me because I can’t get enough.

You know that I love cards, but did you also know that I’m a planner girl? I have a fabulous collection of planners that I switch in and out of depending on my mood, so I was beyond excited when I saw this planner from Loft & Lake in the special NSS issue of Stationery Trends. I knew that I had to see it in person and it was a planner girl’s dream.

This is not a planner that you carry around. It is for your desk and let me say that it will be a lovely accessory to your desk too and/or your office. I ordered a few for the shop and I can’t wait to get them! In fact, those planners and some extremely cute notebooks and cards were the only order I made at the show. That’s how in love I am with Loft & Lake.

Here’s a peek of the inside of it.

Remember Sasha (my outfit twin) from last week’s post? Not only does she represent Richie Design products, but she also introduced me to Fox & Fallow and our next featured designer, Paula & Waffle. Talk about grateful!

Paula is hands down the sweetest woman. And it shows in her hand drawn illustrations. PLUS, Waffle is her Havanese pup and from one dog lover to another, this means her and I are BFFs for life.

Next up is Scotch & Cream. I fell head over heels with their booth decor.

Scotch & Cream is a Mid-Century inspired paper and design brand. They say it best: “We’re inspired by the optimism and classy aesthetic that was born during the era gone-by…”

Unfortunately, the images I took of their products were lost, so you’ll have to make do with this image I took of their cards and a page right out of their catalogue. Feels a little Mad Men-ish to me.

Lastly, I was drawn to Stefanie’s stationery line for Tack & Ward. She hand paints these one of a kind foil cards and adds in matte gold foil.

I wish my pic did these cards justice, but the lighting in some of the smaller booths wasn’t very camera friendly – OH and the non-existent skills and rather impatient person behind said camera didn’t help either.

As amazing as the NSS was, it was also overwhelming and extremely crowded. When I mentioned above that two and half days was enough for me, I meant it. And I wasn’t even at the show for all that time either.

If I wasn’t meeting friends then I was running back (or rather walking extremely slowly with sore feet and sore shoulders from carrying all my catalogues and free swag) to the hotel, to retreat from all the people, noise and chaos. I lugged around and dog-eared a ton of catalogues (no joke, I had two separate men help me put my carry on in the overheadand then get it down on the trip back) and took notes on products I’m interested in. Note to self: next time, I need a much better process for capturing images and taking notes.  

I’m not complaining or whining! I’m just being honest &and if you’re an introvert then you’ll understand that large groups drain my energy. I prefer one on one conversations and even when I’m in a group of five or so people, I return home exhausted. So, this was a great learning experience and a reminder that being spontaneous and adventurous means different things for different people.

I’ll be back next week for the reveal of the 1 year anniversary special curated collection! It’s absolutely amazing and double the size! Also, a reminder that the June giveaway is still going on. Don’t miss your chance to win!