Destination: National Stationery Show 2011 was a shot of inspiration

One of the most respected letterpress shops in the country, Hammerpress, has doubled its line in the past year, looking fantastic against a backdrop of stately yet inviting green.

Still, every year I cannot resist the call of my Paper Mecca. In addition to being able to see so much in one place, I know in my heart I need that shot of inspiration; that three days of being totally immersed in the color, feel, talent and energy of the industry; of feeling at one with paper and ink; of bowing at the altar of letterpress. It re-energizes, and that’s good for me, my team and my customers. Plus there’s a little thrill of the hunt about it — if the Next Big Thing is there, I’ve got to be on hand to find it for my shop in Chicago.

Hammerpress’ boldly colored thank-you card, spiked with silver

Though the unrelentingly rainy weather this year meant I walked the show with my grooming severely compromised, my upbeat mood remained intact because there was much about the show that was warm, colorful and luscious.

I considered checking out of my hotel to move into newcomer Fig. 2 Design Studio’s colorfully sweet and welcoming booth.

In great part the energy level was set by fantastic booth designs, especially by several newer exhibitors. They’d obviously done their homework when it came to creating an environment that invited attendees to step on in, have a look around, sit down and place-a-big-order-why-don’t-you?

As I reflect on NSS 2011, I’m reassured the stationery industry is very much alive — changing to be sure, but still on fire with new companies, new concepts, new looks. Here’s a look at some of my other favorite booths and finds.

A sassy Adrienne Berry of Dingbat Press in her hand-silver-leafed booth

Apparently I wasn’t the only one enjoying the inspiration. Between taking orders, Shino Charlson of Fugu Fugu Press assembled a collection of business cards from other exhibitors.

I was also impressed by the branding and execution of this new exhibitor, meant to be sent.  Those walls, that Ghost Chair, that smile … perfection.

The Nic Studio’s cozy cocoon: Loved the custom lampshade made from fabric designed by owner Nicole Block. Thoughtful touches like this not only delight, they give you confidence you’re dealing with someone who pays attention to the details.

Urubbu’s holiday card selection was delightfully accented by hand-carved birds made in Brazil … as was illustrator Geraldo Valerio, one of Urubbu’s founders.

One of my absolute favorite spaces was the Flywheel Press booth. Amber Ellis-Seguine chalkboard-painted the walls, then hand-drew the borders and frames in chalk. I love the saucy impermanence of her idea.

This is a Twitter-inspired card from Flywheel’s Hashtag series. Ironically, a lot of my pre-show planning involved listening to what designers were talking about on social media.

I cannot wait to get my hands on these Sweet Bella vintage Italian notebooks from the ’40s and ’50s. This is a find.

The first of our purchases has already started to arrive. Here’s the Music Card Set, from Wildhorse Press, in situ at GREER — fresh colors, illustration style and subject matter.

I’m also excited about Double Bravo’s truly innovative series of letterpress-printed cards commemorating a marriage or birth in London, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland or New York.

A. Favorite Design wowed us with a whole new crop of conceptual cleverness like this homage to Etch A Sketch.

As we’ve said before, Chandra Greer has a sharp eye. Her shop, simply named Greer, in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood sports a stellar selection of cards. All designs shown here will be available on her website, GREERChicago.com (currently under reconstruction; it will be live mid-August). Selections from A. Favorite Design are available at Felt & Wire Shop, as are a refreshing array from Flywheel Press.