<p>Today is actually your lucky day. That&#8217;s because I&#8217;m sharing (and you&#8217;re reading) the second article in a series from Paper Nerd At Large + Extraordinaire <a href="https://www.instagram.com/debraannskinner/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Debra Skinner</a>. TPN readers will hopefully recall Debra&#8217;s fantastic, fabulous <a href="https://thepapernerd.com/chicago-stationery-fest-an-unofficial-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Unofficial Chicago Stationery Fest Guide</a> from a few weeks back. Although Chicago Stationery Fest (CSF) has come and gone, her write-up endures into posterity as an essential paper lover&#8217;s guide to Chicago. </p>



<p>I personally did not make it to all the shops and restaurants, so on my next visit I plan to hit several of Debra&#8217;s incredibly well-sourced spots. While I&#8217;ve shared my own splurges in a short video I&#8217;ve posted on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIBoyxZxO63/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thepapernerd/video/7489440798472375598" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TikTok</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ciHJrsUkfh0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube</a>, Debra&#8217;s are most intriguing. And with that, that&#8217;s all the editorializing you will get from me for a while. Take it away, Debra!</p>



<p>__________________</p>



<p>In the weeks leading up to March 22nd, a familiar greeting started popping up in texts, DMs, and stationery stores all over Chicago: “Hey! Are you going to Chicago Stationery Fest?” For Chicago-based fans of planners, paper, cards, and more, the fest was expected to be the stationery event of the year.<br>And now, nearly a month after the fest, I think we can confidently say that the weekend was one for the books (or is that journals?)!</p>



<p>Don&#8217;t believe me? Please reserve judgement until you check out my visual diary of highlights, snapshots, and a few moments that demonstrated just how special Chicago stationery lovers are.</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size">Chicago: A Stationery Haven</p>



<p>If you were asked to name ideal cities for stationery enthusiasts, you&#8217;d probably list Tokyo and Seoul, perhaps even Paris or Seattle — locales well-known for the hobby or for their artistic cultures. In fact, Chicago might not even make the Top 10. </p>



<p>But for native Chicagoans or those who know the history of the arts in Chicago, it would likely be near the top. And with the addition of CSF to the city’s repertoire of stationery events and destinations, Chicago has grown into a city with an incredibly strong, close-knit, and passionate stationery community. In fact, CSF was a testament to the renaissance that stationery is experiencing — certainly worldwide, but especially in Chicago. Planned by a local stationery store, primarily featuring local artists, and attended in droves by native Chicagoans, CSF was a beautifully-written love letter to and from the city’s stationery community — adorned with plenty of stickers, of course!<br></p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size">A Stationery Experience at Chicago Stationery Fest<br></p>



<p>By the time the Artifact Events doors first opened at 10am on Saturday, a line was already forming and quickly grew to snake around the block (make that several blocks!). Despite the cold, most of the waiting stationery lovers were excitedly discussing the paper treasures waiting to be discovered within CSF. I was lucky enough to wait in line with Jack Saucedo, owner of local stationery store <a href="https://papelarcano.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Papel Arcano</a>, and we made the most of our wait, chatting with people who had traveled from all over — mostly Chicago, but a few from as far as New York, Toronto, and more. Between conversations and tote bag comparisons, we also met a few of the fest’s volunteers (all of whom were kind and, of course, impeccably organized). From the brick, historic exterior of Artifact Events to the pleasant attendees and volunteers, the vibes of the fest were distinctly Chicagoan before you had even stepped inside.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Artifact-Events-577x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018308" style="width:770px;height:auto"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CSF-Exterior.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018309"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Just a small portion of the line for CSF.</figcaption></figure>



<p>That being said, once attendees finally made it into the event, we were treated to a true Chicago stationery experience. The welcoming gift was an exclusive CSF-themed <a href="https://fieldnotesbrand.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Field Notes</a> memo book. That notebook was one of the first items to go in my tote — but definitely not the last! The CSF pamphlet was designed and printed using letterpress by Ravenswood-based letterpress printer <a href="https://www.starshaped.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starshaped Press</a>. Inside, attendees could find event and meet-up details, a thank you letter from the organizers, a map of the space, and the all-important vendor list.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="10018311" src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Field-Notes-Front-1-792x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018311"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The exclusive CSF-themed Field Notes memo book + the CSF Pamphlet</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="10018312" src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Field-Notes-Back-755x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018312"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="10018313" src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CSF-Pamphlet-531x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018313"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="10018314" src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Letter-from-Paper-Pencil-505x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018314"/></figure>
</figure>



<p>Stationery store <a href="https://paperandpencilchicago.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paper &; Pencil</a>, who organized the event, carefully curated the vendor list with a focus on local Chicago makers and artists, in particular artisan letterpress printers. Chicago has a rich, unique history of printmaking and letterpress, and has been home to many letterpress printing companies over the centuries (yep — you read that right! Letterpress has been around in Chicago since the early 1800s). In fact, Ravenswood is home not only to Artifact Events, but also to many of the newer letterpress shops that have opened since the resurgence of letterpress in the late 90s. CSF celebrated that heritage while spotlighting a new generation of creators.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Pamphlet-Vendor-List-1016x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018316"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Pamphlet&#8217;s vendor list</figcaption></figure>



<p class="has-medium-font-size">Two Floors of Stationery Joy</p>



<p><br>Beyond the welcome table, the fest took over both floors of Artifact Events — and nearly every square inch was packed. Two full floors of vendors, workshops, meetups, and the Creative Lounge, plus the constant hum of people saying things like “Oh my gosh, I’ve followed them on Instagram forever!” and “Should I buy this? (I’m buying this.)”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Artifact-Interior-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018318"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Artifact-Interior-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018319"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Artifact-Interior-3-1820x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018320"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Glimpses in &; around the fest</figcaption></figure>



<p>Of course, big names like <a href="https://travelerscompanyusa.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Traveler’s Company</a>, Field Notes, and <a href="https://www.fabercastell.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Faber-Castell</a> were there (and busy), but some of the longest lines were at indie favorites. <a href="https://mugobunni.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mugobunni</a>’s booth was almost always several rows deep, and I heard more than one person mention they were budgeting specifically for that table. Same.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Field-Notes-Booth-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018321"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Field-Notes-Booth-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018322"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Two views of the Field Notes</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Faber-Castell-Booth.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018324"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Faber-Castell</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Mugo-Bunni-Booth.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018325"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">mugobunni</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Mugo-Bunni-1077x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018326"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">My mugobunni haul — ;don&#8217;t judge!</figcaption></figure>



<p>Another testament to Chicago as an inspirational city for stationery lovers, many of the vendors created exclusive artwork or stationery for the event celebrating Chicago and the city’s stationery history. And there were plenty of exclusives: CSF-themed sticker sheets, Chicago skyline illustrations, limited-edition washi, and stationery inspired by the city itself. One of my favorite Chicago-themed exclusives? <a href="https://letterstoapollo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Letters to Apollo</a>’s CSF Mood Board sticker sheet. The vibes were nostalgic, classic, and very “romanticize your city.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Letters-to-Apollo-Chicago-Sheet-1177x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018328"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Letters to Apollo Chicago Sheet</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Letters-to-Apollo-1-1127x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018333"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">My Letters to Apollo Haul</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Letters-to-Apollo-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018334"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Letters to Apollo&#8217;s full Ink &; Ivory Sticker Pack</figcaption></figure>



<p>In fact, despite the occasional long wait to get into the fest, most people were enthusiastic to be there. I asked a few of the vendors and attendees how they liked the city and was met with a resounding, “I LOVE it!” every time. Between Chicago’s historic architecture, vibrant people, and walkable neighborhoods, there is just something so uniquely Americana about the city that makes it such a pleasure for stationery lovers, who so often use stationery to wax nostalgia or document memories.</p>



<p>The resulting vibe of the fest was one that didn’t just happen in Chicago, but felt distinctly of Chicago. The fest felt like a true love letter from the stationery community to the city, and back again. There was a constant feeling of camaraderie and joy — the kind that comes from meeting like-minded people who love the same things you do. In this case, all things Chicago and all things stationery!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Cover-Photo.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018307"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chicago-themed stationery I managed to snag from Chicago Stationery Fest</figcaption></figure>



<p>One of the most touching moments of the fest occurred in the early afternoon, when Tyler (of Paper and Pencil) was spotted on the second floor. Everyone burst into applause and hurrahs, cheering on one of the masterminds behind the fest. It was the kind of moment that captures exactly what Chicago Stationery Fest and Chicago stationery fans are all about: community, gratitude, and a shared love of paper. It was a definitely an emotional, full-circle moment for everyone who was a part of it!</p>



<p>The intense love for Paper and Pencil was also evident by the line for their booth, which took up the entire length of the first floor at most times! Visitors were eager to snag house-designed goods and meet the team who made the fest happen.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Paper-and-Pencil-Booth.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018335"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Paper&; Pencil booth &#8230;</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Paper-and-Pencil-Line.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018336"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">&#8230; and the line for it (with the Creative Lounge in the background)!</figcaption></figure>



<p>One of my favorite booths (and one of the busiest) was <a href="https://www.avivamaiartzy.com/thewashistation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Washi Station</a>, an online-only shop that sells a huge variety of washi tapes and stationery from various independent artists.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/The-Washi-Station-Booth.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018337"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">It was incredibly difficult to choose only a few washi tapes to bring home from the Washi Station!</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/The-Washi-Station-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018338"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Washi Stationery Haul. Any washi tape fans NEED to check out their riso-printed We Love Washi zine!</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/The-Washi-Station-Washis-829x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018339"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I&#8217;m completely obsessed with The Washi Station&#8217;s Chicago-themed washi tapes. Including cats on the journaling tape in the lower right hand corner is another sure way to get my attention.</figcaption></figure>



<p>To round out the upstairs marketplace area, Paper and Pencil partnered with The WasteShed to set up The Great Chicago Stationery Swap. Attendees could destash their own collection as well as browse and pick up items left by others. Any leftover items were donated to The WasteShed to provide to teachers, artists, and more. This was definitely one of the most popular aspects of the fest &#8211; as you can see from one of our photos, it was sometimes hard to even get close to the swap counter!</p><div class="inline-post clearfix"><div class="see-also byline">See also</div><div id="block-wrap-79113" class="block-wrap-native block-wrap block-wrap-23 block-css-79113 block-wrap-classic columns__m--1 elements-design-3 block-ani block-skin-0 tipi-box block-wrap-thumbnail ppl-m-1 clearfix" data-id="79113" data-base="0"><div class="tipi-row-inner-style clearfix"><div class="tipi-row-inner-box contents sticky--wrap"><div class="block block-23 clearfix"><article class="tipi-xs-12 clearfix with-fi ani-base tipi-xs-typo split-1 split-design-1 loop-0 preview-thumbnail preview-23 elements-design-3 post-10013077 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-favorites tag-design tag-etsy tag-faire tag-greeting-cards tag-louie-awards tag-mugs tag-personalized-tumbler tag-personalized-water-bottle tag-sarah-schwartz tag-stationery tag-stationery-blog tag-stationery-design tag-stationery-designer tag-thank-you-stationery tag-tiny-and-snail tag-tumbler tag-water-bottle tag-women-owned-business" style="--animation-order:0"><div class="preview-mini-wrap clearfix"><div class="mask"><a href="https://thepapernerd.com/drinks-with-shades-of-expressions/" class="mask-img"><img width="100" height="100" src="https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOTTLES-Tall-Tumbler_edited-3.jpg?resize=100%2C100&;ssl=1" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOTTLES-Tall-Tumbler_edited-3.jpg?w=1200&;ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOTTLES-Tall-Tumbler_edited-3.jpg?resize=850%2C850&;ssl=1 850w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOTTLES-Tall-Tumbler_edited-3.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOTTLES-Tall-Tumbler_edited-3.jpg?resize=100%2C100&;ssl=1 100w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOTTLES-Tall-Tumbler_edited-3.jpg?resize=770%2C770&;ssl=1 770w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOTTLES-Tall-Tumbler_edited-3.jpg?resize=120%2C120&;ssl=1 120w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOTTLES-Tall-Tumbler_edited-3.jpg?resize=275%2C275&;ssl=1 275w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOTTLES-Tall-Tumbler_edited-3.jpg?resize=372%2C372&;ssl=1 372w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOTTLES-Tall-Tumbler_edited-3.jpg?resize=567%2C567&;ssl=1 567w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOTTLES-Tall-Tumbler_edited-3.jpg?resize=882%2C882&;ssl=1 882w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOTTLES-Tall-Tumbler_edited-3.jpg?resize=752%2C752&;ssl=1 752w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOTTLES-Tall-Tumbler_edited-3.jpg?resize=24%2C24&;ssl=1 24w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOTTLES-Tall-Tumbler_edited-3.jpg?resize=48%2C48&;ssl=1 48w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOTTLES-Tall-Tumbler_edited-3.jpg?resize=96%2C96&;ssl=1 96w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOTTLES-Tall-Tumbler_edited-3.jpg?resize=150%2C150&;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOTTLES-Tall-Tumbler_edited-3.jpg?resize=300%2C300&;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOTTLES-Tall-Tumbler_edited-3.jpg?resize=50%2C50&;ssl=1 50w" sizes="(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px" /></a></div><div class="meta"><div class="byline byline-2 byline-cats-design-4"><div class="byline-part cats"><a href="https://thepapernerd.com/category/favorites/" style="color:#b79b0d" class="cat">Favorites</a></div></div><div class="title-wrap"><h3 class="title"><a href="https://thepapernerd.com/drinks-with-shades-of-expressions/">Drinks with Shades of Expression!</a></h3></div><div class="byline byline-3"><span class="byline-part date"><i class="tipi-i-calendar" aria-hidden="true"></i> <time class="entry-date published dateCreated flipboard-date" datetime="2023-04-11T18:10:55+00:00">April 11, 2023</time></span><span class="byline-part likes-count"><a href="#" class="tipi-like-count " data-pid="10013077"><span class="likes-heart"><i class="tipi-i-heart-o" aria-hidden="true"></i><i class="tipi-i-heart" aria-hidden="true"></i></span><span class="tipi-value">0</span></a></span></div></div></div></article></div></div></div></div></div></tipimidc>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Stationery-Swap-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018342"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Just a small portion of the many stationery items attendees brought to the Great Chicago Stationery Swap.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Stationery-Swap-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018343"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Browsing the free swag!</figcaption></figure>



<p class="has-medium-font-size">Workshops, Meet-Ups, and Creatively Lounging</p>



<p><br>The first-floor Creative Lounge offered a welcome moment to rest, journal, and soak it all in. The Creative Lounge itself was constantly full, both with long-time stationery pals plus people meeting new stationery friends at the workshops and meet-ups. Surrounded by stacks of paper, test stations, and communal tables, the space felt like a perfect place for analog creativity — and a chance to see the diversity of the community in real time.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Creative-Lounge.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018344"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The uber-cozy Creative Lounge</figcaption></figure>



<p>From fountain pen collectors and zine artists to sticker collectors and collage hobbyists, the crowd reflected the range and richness of today’s Chicago paper scene. I spoke with Kirk Speer from <a href="https://www.penrealm.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pen Realm</a> at the fest, who shared a fascinating perspective on how stationery habits have evolved over the past decade:<br><em>It used to be at fountain pen conventions or events you would tend to see only a few types of consumers, compared to Chicago Stationery Fest today where there are people here from all ages and demographics. And the interests of stationery fans are changing too &#8211; it used to be that someone might spend $1000 on a single pen at a convention. Whereas now you see people, especially young people, who will instead spend $1000 over time buying an entire collection of different pens. They really want to embrace every aspect of the hobby and try every ink and every type of pen, which is just wonderful. It’s not just about owning a showpiece anymore. It’s about playing and experimenting and finding your niche. That’s what makes this generation of stationery lovers so fun to connect with.</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Pen-Realm-Booth.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018345"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pen Realm&#8217;s colorful range of fountain pens was dazzling — not to mention the nib selection!</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Pen-Realm-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018346"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">TWSBI Fountain Pen acquired! I definitely felt like the dragon pen-hoarder on Pen Realm&#8217;s sticker sheet. Shoutout to Tori Woods Ballantine from <a href="https://stationeryuniverse.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stationery Universe </a> for helping me pick out the perfect nib!</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Amarillo-Stationery-Booth.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018348"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The <a href="https://amarillostationery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amarillo Stationery</a> space, showcasing their inks and palm-sized finds.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Amarillo-Stationery-2-1020x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018347"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">What&#8217;s a fountain pen without ink to go with it? I had to stock up!</figcaption></figure>



<p>I myself got to meet Sarah from The Paper Nerd in person, and we chatted about the differences between trade events — like Atlanta Market or NY NOW — and consumer events — like CSF, where indie artists like <a href="https://thecreepingmoon.store/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Creeping Moon </a>or <a href="https://madhousecraftingco.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madhouse Crafting Co.</a> can drive huge demand and make the fests incredibly popular for paper fans to attend.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Creeping-Moon-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018349"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Creeping-Moon-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018350"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">My Creeping Moon haul is seen in the two shots above — clearly I&#8217;m obsessed with their themed ephemera packets.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Creeping-Moon-2-779x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018351"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Adorable bookstore and stationery shop prints from Creeping Moon.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Madhouse-Crafting-Co-Booth.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018352"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Madhouse-Crafting-Co-1-709x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018353" style="width:743px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Madhouse Crafting Co. booth at top, my haul below. Of course I had to pick up the &#8216;Ask me about my sticker collection&#8217; pin! [I bought it as a sticker— and suggested that she add an &#8216;Ask me about my stationery collection sticker&#8217;, of course! —SS]</figcaption></figure>



<p>And, I had to ask some of the vendors and attendees: “What makes Chicago such a special city for stationery?” The answers varied, but a common theme emerged: the openness of the people themselves! Chicagoans, with their industrial, working-class history, have a tendency to shun pompousness or exclusion — everyone is welcome, as long as you don’t bother anyone else. Unlike some other stationery events, CSF was welcoming of every niche and hobby within the stationery community — from letterpress, planners, and washi to fountain pens, inks, and even luxury stationery storage.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kubo-and-Lucy-1-1050x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018355"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sticker Sheets from <a href="https://kuboandlucy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KuboandLucy Stationery Co</a></figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Paper-Baristas-Booth.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018356"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://paperbaristas.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paper Barista&#8217;s</a> gorgeous offering of cards and Swedish dishcloths.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Shady-Pines-Paper-Co-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018357"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stickers and sticker sheets from <a href="https://www.shadypinespaperco.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shady Pines Paper Co</a> — all the matcha!</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Tiny-Werewolves-Booth.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018358"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stickers and pins at <a href="https://tinywerewolves.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tiny Werewolves</a>&#8216; booth.</figcaption></figure>



<p>The Creative Lounge, workshops, and meet-ups were real-time examples of the embracing nature of Chicagoans, as so many people could be heard exchanging contact information, planning journaling meet-ups, and sharing stationery tips and recommendations.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Workshops.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10018359"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees practicing journaling exercises at the &#8216;Not Afraid of Paper&#8217; Meetup</figcaption></figure>



<p>It’s true: There was a distinct feeling at CSF that everyone belonged. Whether you were into bold gel pens or vintage fountain pens, maximalist sticker spreads or minimalist planners, there was something — or someone — for you to share that love with.</p>



<p>Maybe it’s the city’s history of print. Maybe it’s the thriving small business and indie artist scene. Or maybe it’s the simple fact that stationery lovers know how to unapologetically craft meaning out of anything, be it the logo-emblazoned napkin from a local cafe that would make the perfect background for your “Coffee Date with Friends” journal spread or a prized, limited edition fountain pen that you saved up for months to purchase. And Chicago, for all its grit and charm, is a city full of stories — stationery stories included!</p>



<p>________</p>



<p>Sounds like Debra had fun, no? If you didn&#8217;t make it, or somehow did not get your stationery fill there — or maybe you are just craving more of Debra&#8217;s stationery-laced prose! — go check out her first post in the series, featuring <a href="https://thepapernerd.com/chicago-stationery-fest-an-unofficial-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">can’t-miss Chicago stationery stores</a>. Armed with the insider scoop, you can recreate a mini CSF weekend any time of year.</p>



<p>In the next post (or possibly posts) in this series, Debra sits down with the man behind the fest: Tyler McCall of Paper &; Pencil. On the agenda is what it really took to bring CSF to life (and the possibility of whether it might return). In the meantime, check out <a href="https://thepapernerd.com/portfolio/tyler-mccall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">my Paper Fold podcast interview with Tyler</a> to tide you over. Thank you again Debra!</p>