Thanks for your comments on recent posts, both through the blog and email messages. Day Two at NSS included meeting a few new vendors as well as reconnecting with existing vendors.
A terrific example of the new trend in eco-friendly production was a new exhibitor Bird Dog Press from Lyons, Colorado. Their studio and the mill which provides them paper operate off the grid when wind and water power provide enough juice. And their designs were fun and original. If only I had pictures to show you. My bad. When the goodies come into the store, I'll post some nice shots. I ordered coasters, monogram cards, and note sets.
From Los Angeles, Evil Ink showed off some super-hysterical cards. The "hook up" and the "break up" collection gave me the giggles. I only ordered a few cards from this collection, as some were a bit rough for our customers. Check out the collection online for a good laugh. They also displayed some very cool melamine plates (yep, I got a thing for melamine) with amazing graphics. I ordered a few sets. Again, no pics. Could I be more inept?
Urban Bark, another new vendor, does very nicely composed layered graphics. This technique is not new or unique, it's just that they execute it very well.
New exhibitor, Ilee, showed beautiful florals and a terrific calendar. The line has a lot of breadth and obvious talent in their designs; not everything worked for me, but overall a very strong showing.
Returning stars, those vendors I've decided to continue with also made a strong showing. Most of these card-makers have been around for a few years and know the business by now. There's no evidence of boredom or a lack of inspiration in their work.
Stacey Pancake of Pancake and Franks, displayed several new designs. I picked up a few and reordered a few that always sell well. This line represents from San Francisco!
Also from the 'hood is Le Vu's line, Paper Ink Studio, a wonderfully lighthearted collection of cards. Always a strong seller in the store with sweet messages and endearing graphics. Le delivers the cards seconds after I place an order.
Two Trick Pony out of Milford, Massachusetts, offers original graphics featuring animals and botanicals, as well as strong geometrics. Also a strong seller in the store, I'm happy to continue on with them.
Hailing from Westville, New Jersey, the gals at Spruce Avenue continue to create inviting images and graphics on their screenprinted cards. A wonderful palette and unique illustrations make them an easy inclusion in our permanent collection.
Last year, I picked up the calendars from Pikku. This year I added pillows and wrapping paper from this entrepreneurial East Burke, Vermont couple. Their cards are elaborately constructed with the use of a sewing machine; though as much as I adore them, I don't think we could sell them. Pikku has that scandinasian look I'm a sucker for.
From Portland, Brian Reed's line, Old School Stationers consistently delights me. The new designs this year were very different from past years. I'm happy to see Brian expand his line. His cards and wall art impress the toddlers and the old timers alike. Beefy paper and bold inks capture our shoppers' attention
Canadian card line That Sky Blue also showed new designs that still call to me. Everything from the whimsical to the classical is available from these gals. A strong seller in the store, thus I'm anxiously awaiting delivery.
For today's post, last and certainly not least is Lucky Start Press. Sarah's collection of type only cards speak to me. I love type. Her clever idea of stacking related terms on an unfussy card make it easy for the less-eloquent card buyer. As well, the monograms are a strong seller for us.
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