House Portrait Pillow

My parents just celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary this past weekend (Happy Anniversay, Mom & Dad!) and I gave them a custom silkscreened house portrait pillow ($59 including insert) from the Etsy shop Not Without Merit as our gift. I scanned in a photo of their home in New Jersey (which they have lived in since 1985, but will eventually selll) and Not Without Merit turned it into a beautiful keepsake which they will be able to cherish for years to come. They love it. I highly recommend it as an anniversary or housewarming gift! Visit Not Without Merit.

Candy Colors

I spotted these Assorted Notes by Jack and Lulu in a local stationery shop and thought they'd make a perfect summer hostess gift. I love the palette of sweet summer colors. Each box of folded blank notes contains 5 of each color plus white envelopes. $30 per set at Jack and Lulu.

Psst...I just found them on sale for $24 at Luxe Paperie.

Bargain Alert: Welcome Guest Towels

I spotted these "Welcome Guest" towels in a spring/summer Crate & Barrel a few months ago. They're on sale now for under 10 bucks for a set of 3 (they arrive gift-ready with a white ribbon). They're made of plush 500-gram Turkish terry cotton, and are embroidered with the word "welcome." Stock up on these as hostess gifts at Crate & Barrel.

House Portrait Pillow

I just found a beautiful, unique gift at Heartsy for a wedding, housewarming, anniversary, or grandparent celebration. It's $17 for $39 of store credit at the Etsy shop Not Without Merit. You can buy anything at the shop with this credit, but take a gander at this Custom Silkscreened House Portrait Pillow ($59). I've seen house portraits as wall art before, but never as a pillow. Lovely! The artist, who lives in Salem, MA, will use your digital photo of your new (or old) house to create a custom 14 x 18" pillow cover with a hand-drawn image in your color choice of ink. For an additional $10, she will include an insert and free shipping.

Not a Heartsy member yet? It's like two of my favorite sites combined--Zulily + Etsy. Sign up to get bargain deals on fantastic handmade products.

National Stationery Show 2011: My Favorite Finds

I'm hoping that the majority of my readers are paperphiles like me. Because I have literally dozens and dozens of gorgeous items to show you from this week's National Stationery Show.

I'll write posts about several categories and themes, but first I wanted to show you 20 items/designers that I simply loved best. On a gut level, these were the products that I thought were most beautiful, stylish, or clever. And, as you'll see, not all of them are traditional stationery like notecards or greeting cards (there are also some gift products at the show each year). So there's something for everyone. Wherever possible, I've included retail prices and links to purchase them.

Please tell me what you think!

First up, as a geography/map junkie, I was taken by these Letterpressed State Art Prints ($15) by 1 Canoe 2 (Booth #1055). They almost have all 50 states available. I think they are fun and frame-worthy!


Remember how owls were so "in" a few years ago? Well, it seems robots have taken over (as well as a few other icons I'll tell you about later). Here are some letterpress Robot Thank You Cards by Dempsey Press (Booth #1350).




As an October 31st baby myself, I stopped to admire these fantastic screen-printed Halloween cards ($4.25) by L2Design Collective (Booth #1931).




Another trend I'm noticing (and enjoying) is proudly displaying one's zip code in custom stationery products. Looks like this one is ready to ship to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue! Zip code notepads by Dabney Lee (Booth #1835).



I'm a sucker for pretty packaging like these darling favor boxes by B.T. Elements (Booth #2237).



Pretty letterpress cards by newcomer Printerette Press (Booth #1467), launched by a former Target designer. One of the best debuts I saw, and lovely booth design, too.





Viva Greetings (Booth #2051), a shop I first mentioned here last year, had one of the most appealing booths of the show. Love the graphics, the color, the products (Spanish language stationery and gift wrap)...muy bien!



Ms.Taken card by Crane & Co (Booth #1620). Cute for a bridal shower!



I've watched Smock Paper (Booth #2241) grow into a prominent designer of gorgeous letterpress cards, stationery, and gift wrap. This year I admired these storage or gift boxes (about $18 for a large box). I'd love to save my own keepsakes in one of these.



Look at this "T. Hanks" card carefully. Is this brilliant or what? Would love to send these to my other pop-culture fiend friends. By Blue Barnhouse (Booth #2267)



I adore these luxurious Letterpressed Custom Coasters ($48 and up) by Haute Papier (Booth #2146). These would make a gorgeous bridal shower, engagement, or housewarming gift.



You may recognize the fabric-covered mini albums and other lovelies by Estelle Billot (Booth #1244), who has returned to NSS after an 8-year absence with stellar collections including "Oooh La La" and "Merci". Her work is sold at Kate's Paperie and Barney's. Beautiful.




Sky of Blue Cards (Booth #1746) had a stellar debut of cards last year and now has added fun, punchy gift wrap.




I just loved something about this letterpressed Chevy station wagon card ($4) by Pistachio Press (Booth #1664). Takes me back to carpooling days in the late 1970s, I guess.



More cartographic fun! I was smitten with the letterpressed city map notecards ($3) by Gooseberry Press (Booth #1545). They're a bargain, and frankly I'd even frame them.



Any Maddicts out there? Some clever humor from Greenwich Letterpress (Booth #1746).



Dylan's Candy Bar has partnered with Lifeguard Press on an exclusive line of party goods and gifts (Booth #2544). My favorite: This sweet dreams mask.



These Blackberry pouches by Jonathan Adler (another partnership with Lifeguard Press in Booth #2544) are TDF. How about some for the I-phone?



I look forward to NSS's yearly "Paper Runway" where you can vote on the most exquisite couture "threads" that are actually made of paper. This one was one of my favorites--plus check out my Twitter avatar.



Last but not least, here is R. showing off one of the samples I received...a party banner from Someday Designs (Booth #2150). Pretty much sums up my day at the National Stationery Show (R. was very happy too because I brought Hershey kisses home for her).


Phew! There's my first batch. More to come--including trends, letterpress, giftwrap, personalized stationery, and kids stuff. I hope you enjoy this coverage! If you need a "fix" before the next post, check out all of my behind-the-scenes info. and pics on Twitter.

Bargain Alert: Mudpie Gifts at Zulily

I've been a big fan of Mud Pie gifts for years--this well-known company in the gift world makes cheery, ready-to-give monogrammed products for kids, moms & home. At Zulily's Mudpie sale, you can score huge bargains on these already affordably priced gifts. That monogrammed baby bib & socks ($8.99 per set) are my favorite--what a cute, affordable baby gift! Also check out (top to bottom) the personalized tumblers ($11.99 per set), cheese plate ($6.99), and linen napkins ($5.99 per pair). Cross off all of your summer hostess and baby gifts, without anyone knowing how much you saved. The sale lasts through May 12th at Zulily.

Bargain Alert: Personalized Cutting Board & Napkins

Going to be a houseguest this summer? I just found a hostess gift bargain for you. At Exposures, you can grab these Personalized Cutting Board & Napkins for under $16 total (originally $47). The catch: only letters "E", "J", "N" and "T" are available for the block-initial cutting board...but many more are available for the napkins. See if there are any letters that you might need for upcoming visits. And check out other bargain gifts at Exposures while you're there.

We All Scream

These new Ice Cream Cone Dishes and Spoons from Williams Sonoma are a fun way to enjoy one of summer's best pleasures. The stoneware pieces are hand-painted to resemble chocolate-dipped cones with festive pink, yellow, green and blue interiors. The coordinating spoons are polished stainless steel with stoneware handles. Both the bowls ($39) and spoons ($24) are sold in sets of four, one of each color. Terrific hostess gift for this time of year. Visit Williams Sonoma.

Mary Jurek Design

I was recenty introduced to Mary Jurek Design, an artist/jewelry designer who makes modern, elegant handcrafted stainless steel tableware and home accessories. Her products are enjoyed by celebs like Posh Spice, but are sold at prices that are reasonable for mere mortals like us, starting at $40 and going up past $200. The designs include hammered-style bowls and utensils, salad tongs, and serving trays. I think they'd make unique, high-end hostess, engagement, or wedding gifts. They're not sold online, but you can find the nearest retailer at Mary Jurek Design.

A Cut Above

I think these Custom Cutting Boards from Room Service Home would make a fantastic (yet practical) hostess gift or even wedding gift. Made of solid maple wood with "sure grip" rubber feet, each board is customized with an initial monogram. Available round, rectangular, or scalloped; prices start at $89 at Room Service Home.

Mxyplyzyk (I Can't Spell It Either)

Everytime I want to visit the site Mxyplyzyk, I must Google it first. I have no idea how to pronounce it either. Anyway, in case I haven't mentioned this shop before, it's an eclectic NYC housewares store that has an outpost at Columbus Circle. I was there recently and spotted one of my favorite pop-art housewares--these photo-realist melamine bowls in your choice of "Fruit Salad," "Spaghetti," "Popcorn," or "Tossed Salad." At just $20 each, these 10" bowls make a great hostess gift or graduation gift for someone setting up their first kitchen. Buy them online at Mxyplyzyk or stop by the ground-floor shop (can't miss it) at The Shops at Columbus Circle.

Bargain Alert: ErinCondren at Zulily

Gift certificates--particularly to buy clothing or stationery--are one of my favorite things to buy at Zulily. It's like shopping for the chance to go shopping (for less). I highly recommend Zulily's current sale of gift certificates to ErinCondren.com. If you're not already familiar with this talented stationery designer, check out her colorful selection of personalized gift labels, address labels, invitations and more. I've seen these pop up often on friends' birthday gifts and holiday cards. At Zulily you can buy $50 worth of store credit at ErinCondren.com for just $20 (that's a savings of 60%). And while you may be tempted to buy gift labels for your kids, think about treating yourself to something personalized. The grown-up designs happen to be really fun, too. Visit the sale before March 13th at Zulily.

I Wonder if Countess Luann Has These

Pretentious as they may be, I can't help but think these zip code pads would make a cute hostess gift for someone with a Hamptons house or Upper East Side address (truth be told, my own zip code is in there, but it is one of the less-posh New York City ones...the closest I'll ever get to the Hamptons is as a guest). I also really like those snazzy bamboo pens pictured with the notepads; for $21 total, this is a relatively affordable gift for an upscale crowd. Buy it at The Elegant Setting.

Be Prepared

Everyone could use a Fresh Style Card File like this one from Cecily Ink. You'll never have to run out and buy a last-minute card if you're prepared with this collection of 4 birthday cards, 4 thank-you cards, and 4 sentiment cards (sorry, get well, with love, miss you). Each card comes with matching colored envelope. This makes a great hostess gift, housewarming gift, or birthday gift for a friend. $25 at Cecily Ink.

Enjoy free shipping on orders of $50 or more at Cecily Ink with code "shipme".

Your Own Eco-Friendly Towels

I'm considering getting these new monogrammed organic cotton towels I spotted in the newest West Elm catalog. First I was hooked by that awesome lowercase outline font, but I'm also impressed by the soft, 600-gram organic cotton fibers with earth-friendy dyes. Now through 2/25/08, you can get $5 off each monogrammed item, too. Washcloth for $6; hand towel for $12; and bath towel for $19 at West Elm. Perfect housewarming or newlywed gift!

Pixie Chicago, and Everywhere Else

Remember the city skyline notecards from Pixie Chicago that I raved about over the holidays (and gave several as gifts)? The shop has just added several more city skylines including San Francisco (shown), Boston, Nashville, L.A., and even Sydney. These make fantastic, affordable personalized gifts ($18.50 for a set of 12). Go see if your home city is there!

Did Someone Say Delivery?

Contrary to what my profile indicates, I do in fact cook sometimes. Nothing fancy and five-star, though, just some basic pasta and chicken dishes, and a mean grilled cheese. Nonetheless, I was intrigued by the chance to sample Susie's Supper Club, a delicious homemade food delivery service for kids (and their grown-ups) here in NYC. Chef Susie Cover spent four years as a private chef in New York and she specializes in disguising (I mean, customizing) adults' meals for kids. These are dishes that you will WANT to share with your kids. I got to sample lots of goodies from their menu including Chicken Milanese, Spinach Square, and Mini Pumpkin Cupcakes (my favorites) and Turkey Meatballs, Polenta Fries, and SSC Brownies (my kids' picks). Prices are reasonable- an adult-sized entree you can easily share with your kiddos costs about $10. Ordering on the website is easy, and the photos of the food, by the way, are lovely! Susie's Supper Club currently delivers in Manhattan and plans to expand to Brooklyn soon. Spice mealtime up a bit at Susie's Supper Club.

Hostess with the Ghost-est

I was happy to see these Spider Appetizer Plates at Wrapables.com since I own them myself (my in-laws gave them to me as a birthday gift a few years back). The set of four 6.25" diameter ceramic plates comes in a box for easy gift-giving or storage. They are microwave and diswasher safe and coordinate nicely with these Halloween striped spreaders ($9.99). So cute for Halloween entertaining (or to use all Fall, as I do!) The plates are currently on sale for $15.99 (reduced from $21.95) at Wrapables.com.

Fonts For You

Being something of a typography-phile (I am hoping to find time to watch this PBS documentary soon on my DVR), I really like this fabulous fonts gift set from Etsy seller Carolina Cottage. The set includes her best-selling wooden decoupaged tray (9 x 6 x 2 inches) with a four piece marble coaster set. All items are protected with 3 coats of varnish and backed with felt. This is a perfect gift for a teacher, writer, or designer. $32 at Carolina Cottage.