Surtex and the National Stationery Show

Its always exciting to attend the Surtex and the National Stationery Shows, both held concurrently in New York at the Javits Center last week. While the weather was gloomy, none of this gloom penetrated the shows which were hot and hip, filled with vibrant colors and and wondeful art. I attended as my agency, Jewel Branding and Licensing was exhibting in the Surtex show for art licensing. Surtex has grown this year in the number of exhibitors, which is a great sign. Many booths were so spectacular, stopping people in their tracks! And exhibitors I spoke with were excited about the number and quantity of contacts they spoke with.

My photos didn’t turn out too well.  I must have had my camera setting set on “grainy” so most of my pictures are awful so I don’t have many to share. Many of us attended the Surtex opening night party which was held in Battery Park. Fortunately, the rain stopped and although it remained cloudy and damp, it didn’t dampen the spirit of the partiers. Enjoying the party are, beginning at the left, Corrina Bucholz, Robin Pickens, myself,  and Erin Serpa and Ilene Guy of Simon & Kabuki. Amy Medhurst was behind the camera.

Surtex Anniversary Party

Robin Pickens and Phyllis Dobbs at SurtexI enjoyed spending time chatting with friend and artist Robin Pickens in the Jewel booth.

The National Stationery show was filled with wonderful stationery products, from cards to all types of stationery accessories.  A Paper Runway exhibit in the stationery show was spectacular with the dresses make of paper.  The exhibit and contest were sponsored by NYC’s LIM College.  Other dresses were from DCWV Scrapbook Papers. Here are a couple of the dresses.

2 dresses from Paper Runway

Now, to get busy with work!

Phyllis

New York City – Always Interesting, Always Fun!

I arrived in NY to very gloomy skies but fortunately, it did not rain THAT day.  I flew in for Surtex (Surface and Textile Design Show) and had only a few hours on my first day for my play time so I was especially glad that it didn’t rain. So as soon as I checked in my hotel and left my luggage, I took off to some of my favorite places (most rhyme with shopping).

I saw an article in a magazine recently about an art show on Park Avenue that consisted of rose sculptures in the grassy areas between lanes.  I put seeing the exhibit at the top of my to-do list.  The exhibit started further up Park Avenue than I anticipated so I only walked a few blocks of it, since I had already walked a bunch getting there. It was pretty special to see – giant roses at each cross street intersection.  It was especially colorful with the cloudiness, although I know it would have enjoyed it equally with sunshine! The details were great and each sculpture also had a bug of some kind on it which added both realism and whimsy.

Rose sculpture in NYCrose sculpture on Park AvenuePark Avenue Rose Sculpture

One of the many things I love about NY is all the restaurant choices.  I met friends for dinner after my play time.  With a combination of greats –  friends, friends and  wine, it was a wonderful evening. I highly recommend this restuarant – “44 & X”, located on 8th Avenue in the Hell’s Kitchen area.  The food was delicious!

Well, back to unpacking and more pictures to follow with information about Surtex.

Bye for now,

Phyllis

Visit to New York during the Surtex show and a visit to The City Quilter

I love to visit NYC.  There is so much to see and do. I also enjoyed seeing friends and meeting “online” friends face to face, while I was exhibiting at the SURTEX Show (Surface and Textile Design) held in NY in connection with the National Stationery Show

As soon as I tossed my suitcase in my room, I headed to Chinatown and Little Italy.  I love to go to Pearl Paint, a great art supply store on Canal Street, just off the subway in Chinatown.  My next stop was Little Italy, a couple of blocks walk, to eat Italian. Mulberry Street in Little Italy This is a view looking down Mulberry Street in Little Italy. The Empire State Building is in the background, which I didn’t notice when I took the picture. It looks close but is over 35 blocks away. 

I love to visit quilt shops, and NY is no exception.  I visited with Cathy Izzo at The City Quilter.   Phyllis with Cathy

The City Quilter is a fabulous quilt shop that is well established after being in business over 10 years.  Its located at 133 West 25th Street in the Chelsea area and is very easy to locate (its not far from Macy’s.)  Fabrics in the City Quilter quilt shop.Cathy keeps the store stocked and up to date with the latest fabrics. City Quiilter Store

This charming shop is also filled with all the quilting supplies you might need. I was also impressed with the number of classes that they offer – 100 different classes. Just look down the street for the red awning that marks the spot for The City Quilter.City Quilter

Thanks for visiting with me.  I will add more of my NY adventures soon.