National Stationery Show Favourites 2014 !

Above: One of Margins’ beautiful moon phase calendars.

Over the past few days, I’ve been calling out some of my favorite emerging trends from this year’s Design Week and National Stationery Show. So far, we’ve taken a look at 2014′s slew of canine-covered stationery and the new tropical color palette we saw everywhere. Some of my favorites from the National Stationery Show, however, defy categorization. From Margins‘ stunning moon-phase and snowflake cards to Azuline Design’s herb-scented scratch-n-sniff stationery (you read that right, and it’sfabulous), these designs are awesome by their own merits. Check out all of my best-of-the-rest faves from NSS after the jump!

Above: This card from Ladyfingers Letterpress speaks the truth.

Above: Fawn Paper Co’s sympathy card is sincere and funny—a great combination!

Above: These scratch-n-sniff herb garden cards from newcomer Azuline Design are pretty and they smell like the real deal!

Above: This encouraging card from Ghost Academy wins ten points for sheer adorableness.

Above: Wish your favorite millennial happy birthday in style with this snazzy card fromHolstee.

Above: This bunny clearly knows how to have a good time. Card by Dear Hancock.

Above: Wish a favorite pal good luck and congratulations with this awesome card from9th Letter Press.

Above: Santa doesn’t mess around—duly noted. Card by Power & Light Press.

Above: Same-sex marriage was making its way into cards this year in a big way. Let’s hear it for gay! Cards by Red Cap Cards.

Above: These fabulous birthday cards from Smudge Ink are perfect for any age.

Above: These wonderfully multi-function cards from Rock Scissor Paper double as snazzy decorations.

Above: You can never have too much Dowager Countess. Downton Abbey Coasters bySmokey Road Press.

Above: Take your relationship smugness to a whole new level with this awesome “I’m taken” buttons from Regional Assembly of Text.

Above: All of the buttons at Regional Assembly of Text knew how to keep it real (and cute).

Above: I would be remiss if I didn’t speak for all the cat ladies (and lads) out there. This lovely newsprint wrapping paper from Knot & Bow is right up your alley.

Above: These floral woodcut cards from Katharine Watson are just lovely—beautiful and simple.

Above: This gorgeous card from Margins depicts actual snowflakes—designed by NATURE.

Above: Show of your NYC pride with style with this wonderfully understated pennant from Three Potato Four. 

TOTALLY OBSESSED: SIDESHOW PRESS GOES SCOUT CHIC

Of the newcomers at the National Stationery show this year, one of my very favorites was the South Carolina-based Sideshow Press. Established in 2004, the small letterpress company is comprised of Amy Pastre, Courtney Rowson, and Virginia Gregg, three designers with a passion for keeping things old school. Originally created as a full-service print shop catering to independent designers, Sideshow has made a name for themselves by crafting on vintage presses with unusual materials. “We often print on materials beyond paper that modern automated presses can’t run,” notes Amy Pastre on the company’s website. “I love that we can put a piece of fabric through the press and it holds the detail of the design to perfection.”

Although the company has garnered wide acclaim for their custom design projects, it wasn’t until this year that they produced their own branded collection. And let me tell you—it makes me swoon. Of the many design trends that have pervaded 0ver the past few years, I am probably most partial to the whole “scouting” thing. Perhaps this stems from my own youth as a cub scout or just a deep love for anything that produces pangs of nostalgia (real or imagined). Still, I am absolutely no match for designs with a throwback, woodsy, Americana vibe—and this collection brings that in spades. From their adorable canoe-shaped pencil cases to their arrow-patterned wrapping paper, one look at Sideshow’s scout-chic products will make you want to throw down a tent, bust out the s’mores, and sing songs round a campfire. Who’s with me?

Above image:With some bare canvas and yellow piping, the gals at Sideshow crafted these cute canoe-shaped pencil cases—perfect for stowing away in a knapsack.

Above image: A behind-the-scenes look at the printing studio at Sideshow Press.

Above image: This charming  mail tape provides space to fill in addresses while adding a special touch to your correspondence.

Above image: From images of hikers to archery arrows (featured above), Sideshow’swrapping paper collection is a simple yet charming option that works the whole year round.

Above image: Want to get even fancier with your wrapping? Check out these printed cloth wraps that easily double as pocket squares or neckerchiefs (coming soon)!

Above image: How cute are these “Handy” notebooks? I love the “Secret Codes” caption on the green one.

Above images: I love these muslin snack bags, embellished with retro typography. Although they look excellent for carrying around packed lunches and candy, I imagine they’d also be great for filling with produce at the farmer’s market!

Above image: I love a cute pink eraser. This one definitely fits the bill.

Above image: A fun take on a bicycle bag—a miniature tote that fits perfectly over your handlebars, great for holding your keys, glasses, and a paperback book!

Above image: One of Sideshow’s many camp-themed greeting cards.