947 pictures and numerous edits later, I’ve compiled some of my favourite features and finds from NSS 2009.

Address to Impress was one of my first stops.  The cheerful illustrations paired with vibrant colours make this collection oh-so inviting! The holiday greeting cards offered  just the right combination of traditional themes with a contemporary feel.

Next, I dropped by the booth of Annabelle’s Creations, where Annabelle was busy showcasing her latest albums.  The new, digital creations combined sophisticated, stylish palates with complete customization – a treat for customers new and old!

Bear Hug Designs’ booth was bright and fun, much like their stationery!  This year’s collection of hand-drawn delights included personalized note cards and tablets in an array of colourful patterns.

The beautiful booth of Bella Ink had me floored!  The rich chocolate colour and suptuous texture of the curtains, provided a stunning back drop for their pretty papers which featured ornate patterns paired with clever illustration.

There is much more to come as we continue our 2009 National Stationery Show coverage.  At the completion of the  series, we’ll be featuring a recap of new items for 2009 from our members.  Be sure to visit often or subscribe to the ISA Blog by email.  If you absolutely cannot wait, we invite you to check out our National Stationery Show photo set on flickr – featuring more exclusive photos from Address to Impress, Annabelle’s Creations, Bear Hug Designs, Bella Ink and many other ISA members!

While the current economic conditions have caused many manufacturers and retailers to remain cautious, Invitation and Stationery Alliance members are forging ahead with fashion forward designs, market-conscious pricing strategies and innovative new products sure to capture the attention of the modern stationery consumer.

Take Notice (Booths 2935, 2937) will be sharing their memorable personalized photo cards and new free-standing die-cut birth announcements.
DonovanDesigns (Booth 3245) offers an array of personalization styles from stationery to home office and more!
Annabelle’s Creations (Booth 1734) is pleased to present a new collection of stylish stationery and announcements in a variety of styles, textures and price points.
Jilly Jack Designs (Booth 2152) brings to the show their acclaimed collection of recycled stationery and matching folios from locally sourced materials.

Letters from Lilly features delicately detailed designs featuring fresh florals and fashionable motifs.
The PaperDoll Store has an exciting new line of inscribable, free-standing figures in addition to adorable note cards perfect for pooch!
Karen Cole Paper brings her popular illustrations, distinct style and bold hues to her 2009 collection.
Noteworthy Collections has taken their artful designs and translated them into bright and colorful stamps and coordinating stationery for everyone from the fashionista to the sports fanatic.

Whether you’re headed to NSS 2009 or looking for the latest stationery designs, be sure to bookmark this blog for all the details.

Don’t forget!
Invitation Stationery Alliance will be attending the 2009 National Stationery Show.  Current and potential members, retailers and media are welcome to stop by Booths 2752/2754 to learn more about the ISA, its members and its benefits!

Imprintable-Everyday ($1.75 & Below)
Bella Ink
Paper Belle
Stevie Streck Designs

Personalized Invitation/Announcement (Above $5)
Annabelle’s Creations

Personalized Invitation/Announcement ($5 & Below)
Kat Blue Art & Design Studio

Honorable Mention
Annabelle’s Creations

The Louie Awards, named after German lithographer Louis Prang, will be revealed this May at the National Stationery Show. To learn more about the Louie Awards or to see the full list of nominees, click here. Congratulations to all the nominees!

“Rather than having to rely on online searches for stationers carrying a particular style, our retailers can come directly to our site, sort by product type and find what their customers need – fast”, says Annabelle Stefanski, Co-President of the ISA.  “This is a great resource for them and showcases each of our members’ specialties.”

For our first post, I thought I would delve a little deeper into one of my favourite topics – how trends within the fashion industry translate to stationery.  It’s no secret that those with a passion for paper look to the runways for inspiration.

Trends sweeping the Spring 2009 runways this year include the pairing of citrus-y hues like pink and orange, lime and electric blue, and lemon and white.  Metallic accents, lying dormant since Fall 2007, have reappeared to make an appearance for Fall 2009 fashions.  Finally, shape and texture are still big.  From delicate lace borders to big bows, designers are adding volume to their collections – looks that might as well have been taken from the stationery playbook.  Designers like Marc Jacobs and Luella are fans of playing with these bold hues and modern styles.

While keeping up with modern design is essential for stationers and retailers alike, simply being “on trend” is not enough.  Building a collection with a strong foundation of classic, signature designs is what defines both stationers and store owners.  Preppy patterns such as argyles, polka dots and rugby stripes will certainly remain in fashion.  Meanwhile, cards featuring clever monograms and motifs make for strong classics.  Fashion brand Ralph Lauren is a perfect example of a line with a preppy, classic appeal that always remains stylish.

Ultimately, both stores and stationers must work together to strike a balance between trendy and timeless.  With that parting thought, I’d like to poll our readers.

Stationers: What trends in pattern and colors are inspiring you this season?
Retailers: What styles are most popular with your customers?