Features Trade Show News

The paper community is not unlike the mafia in that many of us within it find we have two families. There’s the family I live with most of the time — and then there’s my stationery family. Since stationery family interactions are confined to Zoom most of the year, when we actually get together in life, it always feels more like a big raucous family party than a work event. 

2025 found *Noted co-located within the Las Vegas Market from July 27-31 — and I was definitely feeling that distinctive National Stationery Show blend of camaraderie and inspiration as I walked its 45 exhibitors. While the *Noted Expo row was bustling — I stepped out of booths many times to let makers write an order — the standout design and the authentic connection you can only get IRL was in abundance throughout World Market Center Las Vegas.

So for this roundup, I’m focusing on a few analog nerds I captured in the wild of their trade show booths. I hope you agree there is just something so captivating about seeing makers standing by their work. These are moments I don’t ever want to forget, and I’m so happy to share them here. And, if you want to look at all the cards and stationery I snapped on the floor, head on over to my Instagram — @ms_sarah_schwartz — and find the “LV Market” tab in my profile.

Bill Muller of Big Wheel Press hauled his letterpress from the East Coast for booth demonstrations, but his Winnie the Pooh offerings are also not to be missed! He went the extra mile sourcing early imagery — and the designs run onto the card backs brilliantly.

There’s just something about Maison Chanamon — and its uber-talented founder, Chanamon Ratanalert. Unexpected sweetness and details abound! Here, she shares her otterly favorite card.

I hit the jackpot at Biely & Shoaf — I captured both Glen Biely, principal, and his daughter Katie Biely, who has joined the family biz, sharing their faves! Glen is clearly a Louise Mulgrew, animal punny, kind of guy, while Katie is all about the magic and mystery of Katie Daisy. It really showcases the breadth of work found under the broad roof of this Seattle house of cards.

This was the second year in a row I have completely nerded out over the colorful, captivating designs from Kristal Bell of K+S Design Co. in her booth. I ask you, what more mature birthday boy or girl would not completely agree with this truth?  

The risograph offerings from Next Chapter Studio were adhered to the wall, so Lauren Harms couldn’t share a favorite. She opened Next Chapter Studio in 2018 and was one of the first risograph makers I encountered. That market has grown much more crowded since then, even attracting letterpress makers due to the ease of the riso medium, so I expect it to grow. Still, Lauren deserves credit not just for her magnificent sense of color, messaging and technical skill, but for introducing the medium to American shelves.

I snapped this shot of Lindsay Warriner of Warren Tales on Sunday afternoon, just hours before she won the super-competitive Writer of the Year Louie Award. Here, she shows off her mad writing skills as well as her favorite design. While a card for a terminally ill person is a teeny tiny niche, you just know every last one would adore this authentically heartfelt yet humorous design.   

I also won big at nora fleming, luckily getting an audience with not just the designer herself, but President Janice Christensen. Diet Coke has entered this range in a big way, and this paper nerd hopes the desk gets a sip soon as well!

I’m always proud to see Stationery Trends in the publication area of any market — but I was even prouder to see that ‘out of stock’ sign while other publications were still available. I can’t help but hope and wonder, is stationery — the ultimate analog experience — having a moment?