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}

spring is here.

I hope you all had a lovely holiday weekend. Here in Portland, the weather has finally begun to act a bit like spring (for the time being) and I was loving every second of it! The mister and I also made time to dye eggs together, which I haven't done since childhood. My grandiose ideas didn't really translate, but we sure had a ball with the process and it inspired the mini photo shoot above. Speaking of eggs... Did you catch the PANTONE eggs that Jessica Jones crafted for her blog? Definitely one of my favorites this year.

{images by crow and canary}

chronicle books: collaboration sensations.

{stay golden journal by the great lakes
for chronicle books}


{color-me-in notecards by the great lakes
for chronicle books}

{all-occasion notecard set by two trick pony
for chronicle books}

{girl scout cookies stationery by pie bird press
for chronicle books}

{girl scout cookies journal by pie bird press
for chronicle books}

Unless you've been living under a rock, you're likely already acquainted with Chronicle Books' line of fabulous paper goods and gift items. I'm quite pleased to see find that Chronicle has partnered with three C&C designers for their latest release. Congratulations to The Great Lakes, Two Trick Pony and Pie Bird Press!

{images via chronicle books}

{shop} portland: troolie

I can't begin to tell you how delighted I am that Troolie has hit NE Portland. Proprietress, Kate Fulford, has clearly put an incredible amount of thought and research into choosing the perfect Portland location and she really located an amazing spot and neighborhood to open shop; her ultra savvy background in retail and merchandising really shine through! Run, don't walk to check out this TROOLIE (had to!) modern stationery boutique.

{images by crow and canary}

time lapse love from ghost academy

Our crazy talented friends at Ghost Academy just finished up this time lapse video that shows the process of carving and printing from a linoleum block. The majority of Ghost Academy's card line is printed in this manner. It's such a cool process, take a gander!

viva new york international gift fair

We are beyond thrilled to be making our debut at NYIGF on Sunday! If you'll be at the show be sure to stop by our booth and say hello, we have limited amount of laser engraved "send more letter" pins that we're giving out to friends and VIPs. And most importantly, tons of new product from the likes of Dear Hancock, Enormous Champion, Ghost Academy, Greenwich Letterpress, Red Cap Cards, Sapling Press, Susy Jack* and more!

And one more bit of exciting news -- yesterday my post for the Biz Ladies series on Design*Sponge went live! Take a little gander, if you're so inclined.

{images by crow and canary}

printmaker dujour: dear musketeer

My family's mariner influence likely made me a sucker for this print by Dear Musketeer, but really how could you resist the sentiment combined with that brilliant hand lettering? Love at first sight, friends...

{image by dear musketeer, spotted via dellie}

martha stewart + avery = true love

Have you heard the latest news in hip office supplies? Martha Stewart and Avery have collaborated on a line of chic labels and bands available exclusively at Staples! I'm going to seriously stock up on these, more organization is definitely a part of my 2012 world domination plan.

On an unrelated note -- I've received several emails from past participants of our Valentine Swap, so I wanted to be sure to let you know that I'm taking a hiatus from the swap this year. It was a hard decision for me, but I simply have too much going on over the next four weeks. Planning on resuming the swap next year, and perhaps I can sneak in a fun summer swap...

{images via staples}

happy 2012!

{card by cleanwash press}

Can you believe that the new year is here? 2011 seemed to go by at warp speed. Though, I have no complaints about last year, I'm ready to bring in the new! Have you seen Dellie's beautifully designed free printable January calendar? I love the modern aesthetic, I need to track down some 11x17 paper today, so that I can print my own copy.

So many exciting events on the calendar for January. I'm off to Alt Summit mid-month and C&C is making our debut at NYIGF on January 29th. I'll be posting some sneak peeks and more gift fair related goodness soon.

guest post: oh so beautiful paper

Be sure to pop over to Oh So Beautiful Paper today. Nole has kindly had me back to profile a few of my favorite stationery shops: Broadway Paper, Monograham and GREER Chicago. A very fun post to put together!

And, don't forget that tomorrow we announce the winner of the Two Trick Pony giveaway on Facebook. You can enter here, if you haven't yet.

{12 days of holiday cheer}: two trick pony giveaway {no. 12}

Today is the last post in our "Holiday Cheer" series and I'm excited to say that it comes along with a generous giveaway from two of my favorite ladies at Two Trick Pony. If you didn't get your Hanukkah or Christmas cards in the mail, there's still time to send a cute card welcoming the new year!

To enter the giveaway:
First, like Two Trick Pony on Facebook and while you're there, head over to the Crow & Canary page and like or comment on the giveaway post at the top of the page. Really, that's all. We'll randomly choose one winner on Friday afternoon and announce it on the C&C Facebook page.

The winner will receive their choice of a Happy New Year boxed set AND Two Trick Pony's much lauded 2012 Year of Type calendar. Just a reminder: Comments on this blog will not be considered an entry.

{all images via two trick pony}

12 days of holiday cheer: diy with smock {no. 11}

{diy gift bows}


{diy holiday garland}

Smock has really pulled out all of the stops with these latest DIY tutorials showcasing their luxe bamboo gift wrap. How amazing are those bows? I seriously can't wait to try both of these projects!

{images via smock, links via monograham}