My trip to the Toronto Stationery Show

My trip to the Toronto Stationery Show in April was a dream come true. Having watched from afar, and then virtually, it was exciting for everyone to be able to have back the in-person show. And, I gotta say, it did not disappoint.

Keep reading to see my stationery haul. I really had to work at containing myself…haha!

Stationery people are the best

I wasn’t sure exactly where I was going, being new-ish to Toronto, but when I hopped out of my Uber the line up around the building convinced me I was in the right place. Did I mention it was a couple of hours before general entry and that it was raining? I love stationery fans! So dedicated!

The $30 dollar VIP early entry ticket was worth every penny. I would highly recommend it should you be able to attend next year. It allowed me to have 60 minutes of shopping time before the masses came through the doors, plus the cutest canvas tote bag. Best decision ever.

Important to note that the event itself was free to all.

be a fan girl

I’ve loved Love Lettering forever and it was so lovely to finally meet Doris in person and fan girl all over her envelopes. One of the envelopes I picked up says “Sorry I’ve been crappy at staying in touch!” Accurate and funny to me.

If you are on social media, all the vendors are deeply grateful for any photos taken and shared. Some of these stationery makers often work other FT jobs and this side gig might be a dream of something bigger. I love to support as much as I can.

tips on attending the show

It was when I was a sponsor to the TSS a few years back that I first discovered WaskStudio. Such clever, creative little stationery items. Which do you like best?

Should you plan to attend in the future, here are some tips for you to think on:

• arrive early, at least 1 hr before it opens, even earlier if you want to get a swag bag
• bring water bottle, snacks, umbrella, bag for your purchases
• if you have the means, definitely get the VIP early entry ticket. once general entry opened it was packed, at least 4 people deep in front of every table.
• before arriving know what vendors you ‘must’ see and start from there, consider before hand your budget (ha….mine went out the window, take that as a warning) and if you are gift shopping or for your own stash
• bathrooms were available on site.

For those not local to Toronto do tune-in to the virtual version of the show on Instagram.

the haul

I will admit up front that this photo captures most of my finds, but not all.

Tote bag by Secret Planet Print Shop (came with my VIP ticket)

Labels by UtilityHouseCO

‘Why is Snail Mail so cool” zine by PaperTrailDiary

Perforated adhesive ‘More Mail’ stamps from Toronto First Post Office by Portland Stamp Company

sticker tape via Phidonpens

Hug Me Binder Clips (shown with Snail Mail zine), Key to the City,

Out of line sticky notes, all three by Wask Studio

Postcards of Toronto by Gotamago

Letter writing paper which is folded as it’s own envelope by Pigeon

See anything you like?

P.S. A huge thank you and congratulations to Andrea and Queenie for organizing such an incredible stationery show.