During this past edition of the National Stationery Show, I was thrilled to again be asked to judge the Best New Product Awards, this time in a new home at the other end of the Javits concourse — but still just as dazzling as ever! Checking out the display is always my first stop the first morning of the show after I get my press badge — but I’m by no means alone in that strategy, as the area is typically jam-packed.
Nearly 200 entries were on display, and while I can’t speak for the other judges, the process is never easy, especially if you are like me and are prone to second guessing yourself. My judging sheets are typically full of cross-outs, and I must apologize to whoever has to decipher it!
At any rate, the results came in, and it’s my pleasure to share a little bit more about the winning products and the makers behind them.
Sea Urchin Studio took the honors for the Life/Style category with its adorable Nature Scavenger Hunt Notepad. I must say, this jumped right out at me because I am always trying to take my 10-year-old on hikes, walks, bike rides, what have you — and like most of her peers, she’d much prefer to watch YouTube videos than listen to Mom wax eloquent about the wonders of flora and fauna. But putting a game to it gives me some hope yet!
Sara Ardeleano told me she was inspired to create a range of Woodland-themed products, including the Nature Scavenger Hunt, after moving to Connecticut. “After living in New York City for twenty years, moving to the suburbs and seeing nature up close was an amazing experience. As many products start out, I created the Scavenger Hunt to keep my daughter occupied (and hopefully interested) when we went on hikes. It worked, she loves to take it along! The nice thing about it is that found items will vary by season, making it a new game each time.”
Sara heard one phrase consistently from NSS buyers: “That’s so cute!” In addition, she heard a lot of different ways everyone thought the Scavenger Hunt could be used. “I’d planned it as a simple kid’s game, but buyers and customers have had great ideas beyond that.”
Sara was thrilled with the award, not only because there are so many talented designers who exhibit at NSS and there were some really great entries in the competition, but because she’d never won a blue ribbon in anything! “I’m very appreciative to everyone who thought my product was worthy of a vote.”
To continue to celebration, Sara is offering TPC readers a discount on all her adorable wares through July 1. Just use the code TPC2017 for 20% off! 
Next up, we have Frankie & Claude, who bright and clever Everyday Award Ribbons took the ribbon themselves in the Let’s Celebrate Category!
Sam Bearbower told me that she’s had a long-standing love affair with all things vintage, nostalgic and antique. “And as much as I love paper, there is also a special place in my heart for alternatives to the traditional greeting card. I constantly joke with my friends and family about ‘You get the award for blank,’ of course always something sarcastic, but real life. From these things our line of Everyday Awards were born!”
Last up, Lily & Val took the honors for Craft It Up/DIY and Best in Show for their Chalk Lettering Tool Kit. This super-cute natural canvas pouch is filled with goodies, including Crayola White Anti-Dust Chalk, Chalk Ink Marker, sharpener, wooden ruler, microfiber cloth, felt eraser, pink pencil, cotton swabs, and a helpful guide with exclusive tips and tricks written by the company’s own Valerie McKeehan.
Valerie told me that she was inspired to create the range because whenever she posted a piece of chalk art to social media, “I was constantly getting asked about the specific tools and supplies I use. This became especially true after The Complete Book of Chalk Lettering came out and people became more interested in DIY hand lettering! This inspired me to create a kit that combined all of my favorite chalk art items in one place. Not only did I want I want to make it easier for people to get started in chalk lettering, but also provide them a convenient kit for their continued projects. I constantly use mine!” 
At the show, “We heard a great response from buyers!” Val told me. “They were impressed with the attention to detail and completeness of the kit — even down to cotton swabs tied with a cute twine bow. They also appreciated the quality of the canvas pouch and packaging showing everything inside.” 
What is so great about the kit is that it makes the art form accessible to anyone, Val told me. “You don’t have to be a pro or even an artist to try your hand at drawing chalk art! We hear SO many stories of people enjoying chalk lettering as a stress-reliving hobby. It is one of the most no-pressure art mediums out there since everything erases. Not only that, the imperfections are what make it charming and rustic. Fans have even tagged us on Instagram to share their creations and we love hearing the joy in their words when they draw something they are really proud of.” 
When the awards appeared at the booth, “I was incredibly surprised — the entire team was!” Val told me. “I think I immediately gasped and then started crying. It was just so overwhelming to receive that honor out of all the creative and amazing products at the show. It was a surreal moment I will never forget.”
Congratulations again to all the winners — and of course all the finalists! It’s all of you that give the show its splendor.
