The Stationers Guild

As readers of the Stationers Guild News are aware, the stationery world was rocked earlier this year when Sweet Pea Designs and Printswell decided to part ways after many years of collaboration.  I am pleased to report that both companies were exhibiting at the National Stationery Show and geared up for what we all hope will be an exciting year. 

I had a long chat with Ralph Dewberry, the CEO of Printswell, regarding the “new” configuration of the company.  Printswell debuted at the Stationery Show with three active lines and an additional four that will be coming on line by September:

• Stacy Claire Boyd
• KimPrints Paper & Gifts
• Rosanne Beck Collections (formerly Cross-My-Heart)
• Starfish Art
• Putnam House
• Prints Charming Papers
• PicMe Prints

Printswell provides the printing and fulfillment services for these seven product lines.  Using a state-of-the-art Indigo printer, Mr. Dewberry seemed confident that he would be able to meet the expected demand of a vibrant holiday season.   With a network of over 2,000 dealers, Printswell is now in a position to begin fulfilling orders (both Internet and through the Albums) that had been disrupted when Printswell was no longer authorized to use Sweet Pea’s designs.  Dealers were encouraged to order albums at the Printswell booth and, in fact, this offer has been extended until June 30th for those who were not able to take advantage of this offer in May.

Many stationers have used the Printswell affiliate program website to leverage their online sales.  Certainly, the revamped website looks poised to help reanimate sales.  Those with questions on Printswell’s affiliate program should contact Rick Peyton, the Fullfillment Coordinator.

In yet another sign of the times, Cross My Heart cards and stationery has decided to close its doors after 20 years of business effective April 5.  In an email announcement to close business associates, owner Rosanne Beck cites “the struggling economy, the digital revolution and the failure of some of our larger customers have made it impossible for us to continue under our current business model.”   One of their “larger” customers was Swoozies which filed for bankruptcy earlier this month.  

According to the announcement, the last shipping date was April 2 and all “booked” orders received after April 5, 2010 are “officially” cancelled.   Cross My Heart operates under several different brands or styles; but the communique indicates that the following divisions/brands are closed for business:   CROSS MY HEART -Hand-Painted Division;  CMH DIGITAL – Classic. Modern. Haute.

Printed Write!  will reopen for business on April 14, 2010 (Editor’s note, I believe this is now the correct website address).  Those who wish further information are advised to contact Printed Write at the contact information provided below:

New Mailing Address:
6611 Hillcrest Avenue, #304
Dallas, Texas 75205
Same Phone/Fax Numbers:

Phone: 214-363-3799
Toll Free: 800-445-5582
Fax: 214-750-7022

Editors Comment:    I hardly know what to say anymore.  On behalf of storefront stationers, distributors of Cross My Heart invitations and stationery products and the many fine employees and craftspeople at Cross My Heart that have touched our lives:  We wish you well! 

Please note that there is an online dealer called Printed Write that is based in Brooklyn, NY that operates under the trade name “Celebrate Stationery.”  I had originally reported that Printed Write and Printed Write were one-in-same.  That appears to be a mistake.  Mea culpa and sorry!

As indicated in previous News Posts, the stationery and custom invitation industry is in freefall.   When will the “true” leaders of the stationery industry step up?  As the organizers of the National Stationery Show “tweet” themselves into oblivion, leaders of the fine stationery industry have shown their true stripes:  they are little more than paper tigers.

Richard May
Founding Member Stationers Guild