Write Here...Write Now! 

This Pre-NSS Trend issue is chock full of great insight from the seasoned editors who provide their forecasts for Paperclips each spring – a “get ready” for this business event.

Now, get set. There’s been a lot of discussion in various social media circles about written vs. digital communication. What’s clear to me now more than ever is that both will live harmoniously, providing different experiences for the sender and receiver.

I have two firm beliefs: One, that we are in one of the most exciting times in history, with communication taking center stage. And, two that technology provides those of us in the “business of written communication” more avenues to grow and prosper.

Go! The proof is in the greeting cards and social stationery products you’ll see at the NSS, what you’ll learn about at the Future Conference or a seminar, what you talk about during a Tweet & Greet, or experience by using the NSS Mobile App. And, particularly how you use the NSS website now to prepare – register for Attendee or Exhibitor badges, review exhibitors by product category, buy tickets for Party on the Battery or the LOUIEs…And, for fun, watch the new video posted on our Home page.

There will be many new experiences between the people you’ll meet – click here to see a list of new exhibitors, the products you source and all that you learn. But wait, there’s more! We are proud to unveil the new mark of the National Stationery Show at this Show - the 65th edition!

Enjoy!

Patti Stracher
Show Manager  

PS – Please say hello when you see us on the exhibit floor!

Kelly Bristol Sales Manager		Aaron Hazard Sales Representative		Alison Milbourn Sales Manager		Melissa Gray Marketing Manager		Stephanie Leon-Santiago Exhibitor Marketing Manager

NEW NSS Logo Unveiled at the Show: Meet the Designer

Paper Runway Sneak Peak

The paper-fashion synergy is a trend that’s here to stay.  Visit The Paper Runway exhibit in the connecting corridor between both sides of the NSS to see women’s apparel designers, an exhibitor’s creations and student designs presented side by side.  Sponsored by Kate’s Paperie, the student designs will be judged by NSS participants through Monday.  The winner receives $1,000 cash and a feature in the windows of Kate’s Soho store during Fashion Week.

Susan Woo		Exhibitor DCWV		Exhibitor DCWV		Donald Deal

USPS in Booth 1112

The United States Postal Service will make its debut at NSS in Booth 1112.  The USPS is dedicated to providing mailing and package solutions for retailers and mailers.  At the booth, there will be seasoned specialists ready to answer your questions and offer cost-saving programs, services and packaging materials.  Please stop by the USPS booth to speak to one of the specialists and start saving time and money.  The USPS is also a gold sponsor of this year’s LOUIE awards.
 

Eco Trends in Stationery 

By Patricia Norins, Publisher GIFT SHOP / GREENRetailer

Eco-conscious consumers have been voting green with their wallets for a while now and green paper has consistently been a top eco-staple. As technology makes new kinds of papers and recycling options available, the variety of green stationery grows ever stronger and attractive. Here are some enduring trends in environmentally and socially conscious stationery that no retailer can afford to ignore.

Inking the Deal
Vegetable dyes and soy inks are environmentally friendly alternatives to petroleum-based inks. Green vendors are increasingly switching to these inks and dyes to create vibrant and colorful patterns on a variety of stationery.

Recycled Still Rules
Looking for a “must-have” when it comes to green stationery? Look no further than recycled paper stock—a no-brainer for true greenies. Even better, recycled paper is more than just a nod toward the eco-conscious; it looks chic and far removed from the dull papers of yesteryear. It’s no wonder—recycled rules!

Going with Wind
The devoted eco-conscious consumer pays attention to every aspect of the production cycle. Sure, a stationery product might be made from recycled stock but is its manufacturing process truly green from beginning to end? Wind energy is being harnessed by vendors who are pushing the envelope when it comes to green production—and customers are sitting up and taking notice. 

It’s Only Fair
Cultures around the world have much to contribute to the global market in terms of styles and trends. This is especially true when it comes to colorful and bold stationery designs. The socially conscious consumer pays attention to the sourcing of everyday products. As a result, fair trade products are booming. Stationery fairly traded from around the world is increasingly popular with the socially conscious, globally aware consumer.

Tree Huggers
Who says you have to cut down trees to make paper? Not any more. Paper made from stones and other easily renewable materials is catching on. Even better, the manufacturing process consumes significantly less energy than traditional ones. 

Can’t Pooh-pooh This!
Talk about true recycling! All manner of dung is getting a second look as a component for fun stationery. Elephant dung leads the charge here. Stationery products made from this truly renewable material look great and, as an added bonus, tell a great story. And yes, they don’t smell.

Judge the Product by its Cover
Most stationery needs a good and attractive cover and the question of how to make stationery sleeves green is now taken care of. Biodegradable sleeves are made in with a wide assortment of natural materials—including corn. The resultant sleeves are attractive and green

Sow Green!
A veritable garden in a card. Such is the thesis of the plantable card which was introduced a couple of years ago and has grown in popularity ever since. The cards (and bookmarks too) are impregnated with seeds and the entire package can be planted in any garden. The idea continues to please green thumbs and non-gardeners alike.

Doing Good
It’s a twofer that most consumers love—buying a gift that will also do good at the same time. Socially conscious stationery vendors are coughing up proceeds of sales to a variety of charities and consumers love to join in the effort.

A Good Wrap
Gift bags have long been an important category in stationery. The fact that they can be reused over and over again makes them naturally green. These days a colorful variety of cloth wraps is also sharing the spotlight—making reusable packaging even more cheery, and sales, bright.

It's Showtime!  

By Sarah Schwartz
Editor, Stationery Trends magazine

For most people, the most important event in May is Memorial Day weekend, that relaxing three-day bridge into summer. If you’re in the stationery business, however, May is all about May 15, the first day of NSS.

The show itself is an amazing cavalcade of design, literally offering exquisite treats to feast the eyes upon around every corner and in every booth. In this environment, getting overstimulated isn’t just an occupational hazard — it’s pretty much expected. To combat it, here are a few macro trends shaping the industry right now:

Clever Design
Look for products that are going to dazzle your customers with an element of surprise. Unexpected die-cuts, silver and gold foiling, vintage wallpaper-inspired envelope liners …. these are but a few currents shaping the most innovative stationery products. Interestingly, all are typically not so impactful on a computer screen. A great backstory or an obvious sense of utility — and don’t forget a high perceived value — always score extra points with today’s discerning consumers.

Honeysuckle
You’d have to be under a rock to not be aware of Pantone’s color of the 2011. High-energy, impactful, hopeful and engaging to all the senses, this beguiling shade is making its presence known in a big way.

Minimalism to the Max
Simple, clean lines speak to the modernist in all of us, and can be mixed with more traditional offerings for an eclectic look purely of our time.

Quoting the Past
That’s not the only current stationery designers are picking up from bygone eras. Vintage looks alluding to everything from Victorian times to the Great Society of the 1960s are tweaked via color, presentation or usage to speak to today’s shoppers.

World Style
If you’re going to travel through time, you might as well sample foreign cultures while you’re at it. In the capable hands of North American designers, the foreign is always fun. With the difficulties Japan is facing, expect designs that speak to it (especially with charitable elements) to really stand out.

Bicycles
These lean, green, riding machines are everywhere. Part lifestyle statement, part amazing design device, just the type of bike shown can denote a new baby, a new marriage, or just the wonder of directly experiencing nature.

Bold on Bold Palettes
Taking a cue from the last Fashion Week in New York, bold on bold color combos are making their presence felt in what seems like the direct descendent of all the pattern mixing we’ve seen in the last several seasons. These are not for the faint of heart!

The Digital Age
One of the biggest impacts of our brave new world has been that made by digital photography. Way back in the 20th century, the baby and holiday markets were filled with photocards in which an actual photograph was placed. Today, design advances allow digital output to feel as polished as the posh fashions filling high-end clothing stores.

Is Stationery Stationary?

By: Caroline Kennedy
Editor in Chief, Gifts & Decorative Accessories

I don’t know whether it is just me, or if the market is getting harder to read these days. “What’s new” isn’t always an emerging trend. That’s not to say that there isn’ great product being created out there; there is, and lots of it. Here are a few things to be on the lookout for:

Just for Kids
The fine art of putting pen to paper should not be lost on the next generations. So, whether they are stationery companies, toy companies or gift companies, vendors are focusing more on getting kids writing – not just on the computer but with their own pens, pencils and papers. One teacher has noted that if they have papers and pens designed for them, it makes writing more special and interesting to them. And adding interest with stickers, stamps and other craft materials doesn’t hurt the cause. Making writing fun, like art and story-telling combined, enhances the interest for them.

Celebrating the Cupcake
We have been having a love affair with cupcakes for the past year or so. Witness the popularity of reality TV’s D.C. Cupcakes. They are easy to serve, portion controlled and hostesses can satisfy different likes by offering a variety of flavors rather than having one cake with one flavor. In stationery, the cupcake motif has been a popular design staple for more than a year (and that is not going away!), but stationery companies are looking beyond the motif and taking their creative love for the cupcake in new directions, and addressing – should I say “dressing” – the real cupcake itself. Look for cupcake papers to match paper tableware; cupcake gift boxes for party favors or hostess gifts; cupcake bands to surround the humble cake for a special occasion.

Going Gifty
With more communication being done electronically, more companies are expanding their paper designs into coordinated non-paper items – and not just through licensing arrangements. We are seeing more emery boards in full sizes and matchbook packs, purse mirrors, drinkware, as well as giftbooks that repurpose the art and sentiments from the greeting cards into sweet greeting gifts. One growing area that embraces the new technologies rather than fight it is the development of coordinated accessories for our various tech gadgets – from laptop skins to e-reader cases to mobile phone covers, not to mention laptop sleeves and totes.

Dressing Occasions – Beyond the Invitation and Cocktail Napkin
With more focus on entertaining at home, vendors are helping to show customers easy ways to add a little pizzazz to casual get-togethers and celebrations. Stationery designers have long focused on setting the tone of a party through their invitations. But now they are taking things a step or two or three further with coordinated paper party sets, such as Madison Park Greetings’ new Party Perfect Kits, as well as creative party kits from Meri Meri.

Of Peacocks and Hedgehogs
Cats and dogs, our faithful companion animals still reign supreme; they are used with humor and sweetness to make us laugh and to capture our hearts. But some other more exotic species seem to becoming favored motifs: the noble peacock, popular again in home décor this season, fans its tail and struts its stuff on stationery and accessories, while the simple hedgehog emerges from its burrow to endear.

The Color Purple
Honeysuckle, a saturated bright pink, may be the “2011 Color of the Year” according to Pantone, but light and bright pinks, those ultra feminine hues, have long been a popular staple in stationery, and they are not going away. Turquoise, “2010 Color of the Year” and other serene blues, also continue to hold court in stationery. But it seems that the color of royalty, purple, that is wearing the crown in paper designs, often being paired with serene blue or bright pink – or both! With bright pink, it is playfully sophisticated; with serene blue it is elegant. It is also used with a riot of other bright colors and ethnic design elements in a mix of global influences.

Girls Wanna Have Fun

By Dorothy Creamer,
Editor, Greetings etc

The party market experiences a boon with a fresh focus on girls’ nights out, bridal showers and bachelorette parties.

Good times are here again for the party market and it’s all about girl power. The niche for girls’ night out favors and party accessories has grown as the sector has enjoyed an increased popularity. “Girls just wanna have fun!” Dennis O’Brien of C.R. Gibson says, quoting Cindy Lauper. “We see this trend really embracing a fun, girlie aesthetic and sensibility. These occasions are not meant for buttoning down.”

In addition, final fling-inspired events are no longer strictly male territory and bachelorette parties are becoming established norms along with girl power soirees that celebrate everything feminine. Within this niche market, several trends are emerging that will continue to drive sales.

First and foremost, HOME ENTERTAINING is a strong category in general as more and more consumers prefer to celebrate at home. Girls’ night out themes are very popular for home-based parties and there is a need for party products to accommodate. O’Brien believes this is a result of the economic times. “Consumers are opting to entertain at home. We see an increased interest among consumers to spend more for the perfect party or casual entertaining accents -- that make a gathering in the home special – and are reflective of the hostess’ own personal style,” O’Brien notes.
Madison Park Greetings has also seen an increase in sales of goods for girls’ night parties and has added new lines to appeal to this growing demographic. The Party Perfect Paper Decorations for Stylish Soirees and coordinating Petite Label and Sticker Sets. Each Party Perfect paper decoration set is color-coordinated with a festive theme of mix-and-match designs to appeal to a range of preferences.

It’s all FUN ‘N’ GAMES when it comes to parties for the ladies. Creative and entertaining diversions are becoming increasingly popular and make great hostess gifts. Brands like Lolita, through C.R. Gibson, have embraced the girls’ night out theme and offer the “Last Night Out” bachelorette game, Bunco, Gift Exchange Party Game and the Wine Tasting Party Game.

The party industry has been saying “cheers” to WINE TRENDS and it remains a strong selling point. The popularity of wine themes persists and can fall into either sophisticated or more relaxed categories. Design Design recently added the Girl’s Night Tableware to its product mix. The set includes Girl’s Night Humorous beverage napkins, Swiss Dots dessert plates, a Wineaux bottle tote and Just More Fun plastic cups.

PINK IS HOT for girls’ nights out and bridal party functions. The ultra-feminine hue simply won’t fade as the shade to symbolize girl power! Amscan’s Bachelorette Party Ensemble boasts a chic pink and black color scheme and includes Girls Night Out napkins, Last Night Out napkins, I Do napkins, Bachelorette Party napkins, plates and folded invitations.

THE SWEET SIDE of the girl-centric soirees is also staying strong. Confection motifs continue to drive sales. These sweet treats are a perfect theme for bachelorette or girls’ night out events because they are cute and very girly. “One of the hottest trends right now is cupcakes,” Austin Moore of Event Blossom contends. “Cupcakes are everywhere! They are being used as favors, desserts and adornments. They really add color and can make an event pop.”

LADIES GO GAGA FOR “GREEN” and eco-friendly goods for their parties. Eco-conscious consumers are looking for responsibly produced goods even for frivolous events. Shannon Martin offers products that are all printed on FSC-certified recycled paper. Martin notes that the market has increased for girls’ nights out and she believes that is due to the growing usage of cyber social networking. “With the increase in Facebook, Twitter and smart phones, finding real face time is more important than ever,” Martin notes. “People want to make that next book club meeting, girls’ night out or cocktail party extra special.” The Shannon Martin collection has expanded its line of napkins, coasters, bags and wine tags that are perfect for parties.

GIRLY ICONS continue to trend upward when it comes to girls’ night out events. Feminine motifs reign with images such as stilettos, girly flip-flops and purses as the main design on favors and other party accessories. Bonnie Marcus has made a career out of combining feminine charm into the paper industry with items that are both functional and fashionable. Bonnie Marcus magnetic notepads like the “Special Shoes” model are wonderful favors for girls’ night out parties.

RETRO INSPIRATIONS will shape girls’ night out goods. Throwbacks to the era of Donna Reed and the days when “a woman’s place was in the home” are a wonderful juxtaposition to the girl power parties that are popular in today’s market. Anne Taintor combines her sass and witticisms with vintage photos that are featured on a variety of items including flasks and shot glasses that make unique favors or hostess gifts for a girls’ night out. 

Welcoming Baby: Paper Trends for Moms-to-Be

By Melody Udell
Associate Editor, Giftware News and Baby & Kids

Newbie moms and dads have a lot to be excited about: a parade of adorable outfits, innovative baby gadgets, the sheer thrill of being a new parent. Welcoming your little one is an important first step, and baby-themed stationery has come a long way since the exclusive blue or pink color palettes. Look for the following trends in the realm of baby shower invites, thank-you cards, announcements and more.

For Laughs
Nothing sends a welcoming message like a clever card, and for most sleep-deprived, diaper-changing parents, a sense of humor is much appreciated. Keep an eye out for humorous cards that don’t overuse sarcasm. A gentle blend of wit and humor can express the perfect sentiment.

Sketchy
A picture may be a thousand words, but a breezy, unpolished sketch brings the glamour of fashion designers to baby-themed stationery. Look for designs that don’t need words to complete the card — sometimes, a striking image can do just the trick.

Carnival Fun
Relive childhood memories of sky-high Ferris wheels, bright cones of cotton candy and giant stuffed animals with carnival-themed paper products. The trend in carnival-esque fonts and images makes for a whimsical greeting card.

Color Me Happy
Pastels are no longer the only acceptable colors for baby stationery. Find products with a twist of classic color schemes, such as a saucy red hue with navy blue or vibrant orange with turquoise.

Keep it Classic
Stationery is a great lead-in for giftware, so be sure to include timeless keepsakes to your baby product offering. Frames, albums and room décor are classic items that won’t go out of style.

Touch Tones
Unexpected textures lend a little pizzazz to greeting cards. Look for thick cotton rag paper, wood textures and letterpress.

In the Details
Paper accessories can be just as fun as the stationery itself. Tie in your baby shower invitation suite or announcement cards with fun details such as bellybands, envelope liners and address labels that coordinate with the rest of your paper products.

Eyeing Elegance
Decorative flourishes bring elegance to a card without overdoing the formality. Look for sweeping typography or a swirl pattern that doesn’t clutter the paper or look too ceremonial.

Streak of Genius
Stripes come and go in the design world, but bold, multi-color stripes are always welcome in baby stationery. Skip the pastels and use loud, multi-colored stripes that bring fresh perspective to a classic design.