Features Product Features

There’s been a lot of talk lately about the necessity of in-person trade shows. While it was certainly far easier to work from the comfort of my office in 2020 and 2021, to fully comprehend our market I need to hit the road to experience all that gorgeous product in person.

Lucky for me, I got to do just that in January and February as I wandered Atlanta Market, NY NOW and Shoppe Object. I was actually in a shuttle heading to Pier 23 when the news broke that it had been purchased by IMC! There is no pleasure like feeling once again in the thick of it all. So, whether you hit every last market in winter or just shopped various online platforms from the comfort of your home office, here are 10 maker discoveries I just can’t get out of my mind. 

Girl w/Knife.

This was the bona fide gem in the Daniel Richards crown in Atlanta. This multi-award-winning paper brand expanded into lifestyle in a big way with candles and pillows. The crowd was such that I was lucky to get this shot.

Furbish Studio.

Meet yet another Daniel Richards find. The clever messaging of greeting cards jumps onto luxe needlepoint pillows for the next home must-have. 

Iron Curtain Press.

Spotted at both Daniel Richards and Shoppe Object, the technical artistry and flair for color just cannot be topped. Simply put, the design world needs this letterpressed gingham task pad, encircled by an informative belly band no less.

54 Celsius.

This brand distinguishes itself from other candle makers with its conceptual approach — and as such, this Twist design stood out in both Atlanta and Shoppe Object. How better to burn your candle at both ends? 

Designworks Ink.

From their clever messaging to their glorious typefaces to their contrasty colors peeking out from inside, these mugs spotted in Atlanta have got major game.

417 Press.

This Canada house of paper showcased its new Shifting Perspectives range in Atlanta and NY NOW. If correspondence is the domain of the thoughtful, these letterpressed missives encourage us to reframe our challenges, in brightly colored envelopes no less!

Twentysome Design.

Meet my favorite new stationery maker, discovered in the wonderful GCA Village of NY NOW. Sadie Teper’s wit, wisdom, and perfectly imperfect typeface begs the question, where have these cards been all my life?

Paint Anywhere.

All the amazing color and craft that was packed in a small NY NOW booth was impossible to pass up. Amanda Perl connects with artists, and transforms their work into artful paint-by-number kits, making these masterpieces accessible to all.

The Completist.

The crowds were such at Shoppe Object that it took a bit to get this shot of this British brand’s vividly colorblocked offerings. Everything is fabulous, but combining washi tape and stamps … that’s genius!

Cotton Clara.

Also discovered at Shoppe Object, this DIY brand is all today’s good things: colorful, crafty, stylish and entertaining. Also note the cleverly packaged scissors — these are the season’s must-stock!