Seattle update

Thanks to Laura James Designs, I can now share with you what the Cecily Ink & Goosey Press booth looked like at last weekend's Seattle Gift Show:

Thanks, Laura!

Seattle Gift Show

In case you were wondering whether I dropped off the face of the earth, not to worry: I was busy preparing and exhibiting at the Seattle Gift Show!

Although I'm by nature quite a shy person (really!), I'm always surprised by how much I enjoy meeting people at these trade shows. I'm starting to feel like a regular, catching up with past booth buddies and making friends with new ones.

I had every intention of showing you pictures of my booth, especially since I shared a space with Goosey Press so my booth looked a bit different this time, but for some reason my camera deleted all the photos! Instead, I thought I'd show you one of my favorite baby lines, Bunnies by the Bay, as well as three fellow Portland artists.


Bunnies by the Bay always has an amazing booth and draws lots of ooh's and aah's as the crowd walks past. Their line is so cute - and soft! I know you can't tell from the photos, but trust me, your wee one would love to be swaddled in Bunnies by the Bay. I think they should release a grown-up line!


Across the corner from me was Carina with Crow & Canary, who reps some fabulous and unique stationery lines. Sharing part of her booth was Portland artist Marty with Letterary Press.


Naturally, I'm a sucker for anything letterpress and Marty's line was no exception. I especially love her somewhat wacky sense of humor that comes across in her cards – check out this birthday card on the left - too funny!


I also met Portland jeweler Laura with Laura James Designs, who made her trade show debut at the Seattle Gift Show. Her fused glass pieces are ultra-hip and modern – her black-and-white pieces totally caught my eye! As did Laura herself, who was a hoot to talk to and who matched her funky design sense with an über-stylish coiffure, courtesy of Susan at Rock Paper Scissors (who also does my hair so I can recommend her without hesitation!).


And finally, it was fun to see Erin again with Bath Gal. Her booth looked just as cute as ever and I love her displays that look like gift baskets – fuzzy pink boxes filled to the brim with yummy lotions and potions.

best in show

The Portland Gift Show is relatively small as far as gift shows are concerned but nevertheless, it managed to attract one exhibitor from across the border who definitely deserved "best of show" in my book: Lu Prints, screen-printed linens and textiles from Whistler, B.C.


Lu Prints is a collaboration between friends Lisa Komuro and Ulla Clark. Ulla's Scandinavian roots quickly become apparent as you look at Lu Prints' strong patterns, simple use of colors, and sparse-yet-plenty sense of style.


This was Lu Prints' first time exhibiting at this show and I sure hope they come back to share their wares with us Oregonians. In the meantime, we can shop to our hearts' content on their website.

The Portland Gift Show

First off, my apologies for my lack of postings in recent weeks. I'm just now getting back into the swing of things after exhibiting at the Portland Gift Show for the past four days, and the National Stationery Show just shortly before that.

While doing a trade show can certainly be exhausting (especially doing two practically back-to-back!), I love meeting some of the amazingly talented artists and vendors at these events.


Case in point: Cynthia Dunn with French Notes uses her watercolor talents to create lovely cards and towels. I especially like her "carottes" and "poire" images – so simple yet stunning! The best of luck at your upcoming Atlanta trade show – I know you'll do really well!


Then there's Molly with Elizabeth Jewelry, a seasoned pro at the Portland Gift Show. You may have seen her on TV not too long ago, when KPTV interviewed her about the necklaces and earrings she was commissioned to design for this year's Rose Festival princesses. Molly is as nice as can be, always wanting to share her own success and good fortune by promoting other artists to her buyers - thanks, Molly! You can check out her work on her website and her Etsy site.


Not a pro yet but well on her way after her debut at the Portland Gift Show, Erin with Bath Gal makes the most sensuous-smelling soaps, lotions and shower gel. I use Erin's "Lavender Orange" shower gel and love it!

Now the show time is over – instead, it's time to fill those orders and get back to designing for my Defteling clients, who've been ever so patient with my frequent absences this past month – a big thank-you to all of you as well!