From the Runway

The stationery industry typically takes color cues from current fashions. This spring, look for brightly colored or jewel-tone items that make statements. As for neutrals, soft grays, deep browns, and navy blues replace bold blacks.

Sycamore Street Press (614/949-3023 or www.sycamorestreetpress.com), based in Columbus, Ohio, uses on-trend colors for its letterpress cards. Artist Eva Jorgensen's newest original drawings feature an elegant palette of light grays, soft and deep blues, pale oranges, and bold reds.

As for designs, geometric, classic, and retro-inspired patterns are decorating stationery items. Card-makers are using clean text treatments that inspire a feeling or a decade. Shape-wise, square cards reign supreme. Fabric or string details, such as grosgrain ribbons and twine, add texture and depth to cards. They also signify richness or eco-friendliness.

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