Stationery Show

I know I'm a little late with my post about the National Stationery Show, but I came down with a version of the plague this week, and I've been pretty sick. Therefore, this bit of information had to wait... But since I'm feeling a bit more human today, I figured I'd get it in.

The show was really good. I brought my camera and meant to take pictures, but it was soooo crowded and I really didn't get to do it. Plus, some of the stationers were a little guarded about their work, and understandably so.

Honestly, it was an eye-opener. I used the show as a good lesson on current trends, what's going on with my industry faves, how to hang a show in case that lurks in my future, and basically how/how not to act at a show. Basically, my favorite designers -- Good on Paper, Luella press, etc. -- were all super sweet and kind to whomever came into their areas, but there were quite a few RUDE, MEAN booth dwellers that only wanted to talk to retailers. You just wanted to SMACK them.

I was walking the show with a friend of mine. We met a particularly rude woman who called out to us and ushered us over to her COMPLETELY EMPTY BOOTH (because her work sucked) and asked if she could show us her line. Me, being the ever-kind person, said "Sure!", even though the ever-smarter friend of mine wanted to keep walking. As soon as I went over, the woman said, "Are you looking for stationery to sell in a store?" (or something along that line). I said, "No." She said, "Well then, I need to spend my time on more important people. Thank you."

I was aghast! Aghast I tell you! And that wasn't the only time I got that treatment. My friend got treated better because she somehow received a "retailer" badge instead of an "artist" badge like mine -- so she got more of the swag and nice conversation, while I was ignored. I understand that people at the show need to work the retailers, but honestly, everyone there is a possible buyer. You don't want to insult your buyers. I've never seen that before. The ICFF is not like that -- the designers are much kinder to other designers, regardless of whether or not they have potential to pick up their furniture. They know it's a possible buyer, press, blogger, etc., and it's a much friendlier show in that way.

The bad vibe aside from some of the booths, the rest were great, and the art from the good ones was VERY GOOD. Trends this year are silhouettes, printing on wood, and styled journals. Metallics are coming back. Lots of printing with words too... some with curse words! Some just with clever, subtle phrases.

If I'm not ready to show by next year, I'll definitely attend again. It's worth going to get a sense of what's going on, meet the people that you want to meet -- to put a kind name with a kind face -- and I'll have my kicking shoes on for those rude booth dwellers!

Design Week Begins

So Dave and I attended ICFF yesterday. We had a great time this year. It was so much fun! And the work was really incredible this time. I have to say -- much better than last year. The work was much more innovative, enjoyable, and detail-oriented. We had a few friends showing, so I just wanted to give them their due first: James Murphy of James Murphy Design, who does the most beautiful, handmade wood craftsman pieces; and Eneri Abillar, currently with Vapor Studio, who was showing some interesting outdoor teak furniture yesterday.

We weren't there as long as we would have liked to be unfortunately, so, though I took photos as promised, I didn't necessarily get to jot down the names of all the designers. You'll have to excuse me for that! But I think you'll find that the work is incredible and inspiring. I do have some of their cards and will fish through my bag of goodies over the course of the week to caption the images, so I'll update the blog over the week. In the meantime, I'll just pop them on here as I can.


Celery does some really great baby and kids furniture. And you put it all together with this nifty little wooden mallot that they give you. Dave and I absolutely fell in love with them.

Then there was Tay Lighting. I thought they they were just printed glass or acrylic pieces, but it turns out that they are hand-painted and handmade! Gorgeous. A great reminder yet again of why I love the Brits.
Some great, fun drawings at the Furniture New York booth.

Dave thinking deep thoughts in a Wegner chair....

A beautiful bowl by Blutenschalen.
And some nameless (sorry!) but beautiful artwork... sigh...

Yucky days...

Just in time for our big weekend of design shows, we have.... RAIN AND COLD! What happened??? It was hot and sunny for days. What a shame. I hate doing the shows in lousy weather. It really brings down our spirits.

I have to run around like crazy today. Just wanted to pop my head in and complain. =)

Oh, and, I'm working on a few new pieces for myself... I need to get them together for some general stationery pieces. What do you guys think? It's not done yet, but...

Hot in the City!

It is HOT in NYC! At least it was today. In the 80's and steamy. Which was great outside, but lousy in our Brooklyn apartment where my workspace is. Ah well. Hopefully my MacBook will be back soon from Tekserve and I'll be able to get out and about.

It's an exciting weekend for designers coming up here in New York. First we have the ICFF -- the International Contemporary Furniture Fair -- which begins tomorrow at the Javitz Center. Dave -- my husband and resident amazing product designer -- and I like to attend this every year. It's a great display of furniture, fixtures, accessories, and textiles from around the world. A truly remarkable show. We meet up with some friends there, go to some parties... It's a real blast. I'll be sure to take some pictures and post them up on here over the weekend.

Starting Sunday the 20th, the Stationery Show also takes over a wing of the Javitz Center. This is my first year in official attendance (I used to sneak in the side doors every year while they were setting up to see friends who were displaying!). But I'm pretty excited to go this year, as it's also my first year as a professional business owner in the industry. I'll be there on Monday the 21st, meeting some other designer friends and virtual friends of mine, and then heading out to dinner with some. Again, I'll take some pictures and post them up as soon as possible.

New Blog!

Hey everyone! I'm putting together a new blog because my last one was, well, jut not working out to my liking. Let's hope this one works out better and keeps me posting!

Ciao regazze!

Nic