{2012 national stationery show} fig. 2 design studio

Just a bit of a taste of Fig. 2 Design Studio's new collection! I am salivating at the mere thought of visiting Claudia's booth again this year. I was incredibly impressed in 2011 and I'm confident that Fig. 2's sophomore efforts won't disappoint. Here's a hint: more neon, gorgeous foil, festive confetti and a debut gift wrap line!

Run, don't walk to Fig. 2 Design Studio's Booth at the start of NSS. I guarantee it will be the place to be - Booth No. 1671

{images via fig. 2 design studio}

creative crush: modern rubbish

I find this series of cards by Modern Rubbish particularly charming. You know how some things just strike your funny bone in exactly the right way? After reading more about Charley and Pete (the geniuses behind Modern Rubbish), I'm even more smitten: "They are prone to fits of creativity such as making extravagant halloween costumes, fixing up thrift store furniture, organizing adult field trips and making cards. Flipping through her teenage journals, Charley got the idea to turn her bad poetry and melodramatic rants into cards." I so wish Charley and Pete were my neighbors.

{images via modern rubbish}

introducing: shhh my darling

I was very pleased to receive an introductory email from Jenny and Gra of SHHH MY DARLING this week. A young Italian creative duo based in Italy, offering unique stationery and gorgeous custom suites. These two are definitely a pair to keep your eyes on, they aren't currently selling in the US, but I suspect that won't be the case for long!

I'm also quite excited to begin C&C's 4th annual National Stationery Show coverage beginning in May. This year I'll not only be blogging about the show, but also exhibiting with my rep group - I'm exhausted just thinking about it! Luckily, my crazy awesome friend, Amy Ferguson of Old Sweet Song, will be helping out on the blogging front. A more formal introduction of Amy to follow, but I just wanted to reassure you that you won't be missing out on all the usual May paper goodness you may have come to expect.

{images via shhh my darling}

12 days of holiday cheer: banquet workshop {no. 6}

I had the pleasure of meeting Kimberley in Chicago this weekend for some planning for our New York International Gift Fair debut next month. More on that soon! Kimberley mentioned seeing Banquet Atelier & Workshop's stunning holiday collection at McNally Jackson recently and I simply had to share them here on the blog. If you haven't found the perfect holiday card yet, these may be your solution. See the entire collection here.

{images via banquet workshop}

pacific nw pride: the regional assembly of text

I've had a bit of a love affair with The Regional Assembly of Text the last few years. It's one of those lines that I can't help but pick up a few of their cards when I spot them at Urbanic or Greenwich Letterpress. They also have a legendary store front in Vancouver, BC that is outfitted with vintage office furniture and of course, their own sweet paper goods. I think it may be time for a road trip up North!

{images via the regional assembly of text}

par avion: candyspotting

Hot off the press, err... laser, I present these glimmering and sweet laser cut cards from Candyspotting. Could they be any more darling?

{images by candyspotting}

paper schmaper's gocco goodness

{gocco 'balloon girl' card}

{gocco 'carnival' card}

{gocco 'glee' card}

I have a total card crush on Paper Schmaper! I love the element of whimsy in their cards and the photo styling absolutely receives extra credit. Paper Schmaper also pens a lovely, paper-centric blog. I always find something to drool over when visiting.

{images via paper schmaper}

dark and divine dioramas

I discovered the work of Laura Plansker, at Perch last week, and haven't been able to get my mind off of it since! I bought one of her cards and was delighted to find out that her dark dreamscapes are actually miniature sets that she creates and photographs herself.

{images via laura plansker photography}

the eyes have it

{Lisa Jones Studio}

{Nicole Gastonguay}

I've been meaning to post about Lisa Jones' cards since the inception of my blog. Discovering the work of Nicole Gastonguay was an excellent reminder. It's really quite a simple equation: eyes + inanimate object = awesome. I'd like to add that the two cards above were gifted to me from the ever-lovely Jennifer of Prize in Ashland, Oregon. You, must, must, must visit her shop if you are in the area. It is exactly what I would aspire to if I were on the retail side of the biz.