Stib Pencils was set up to help young people 'feel good on the inside and do good on the outside', with the company donating 10 per cent of its profits to we.org. It produces two products – Stib Jumbo Pencils and Stib Mini Colouring Pencils, both of which come with on-the-go colouring sheets and a series of 'Stibler' characters which match key 'Spark' words embossed on each pencil.
Bloom your message was developed by a Dutch start-up and makes greeting cards from seed paper. The sustainable and recyclable product can be planted and will grow into flowers, herbs and vegetables.
CardsHit produces cheeky and sometimes rude greeting cards. The team is on a mission to combine its passion for design with its inability to stop swearing. The judges noted that while the range may not suit everyone, it was certainly memorable.
Brahman Design is a kickstarter-funded company that produces analogue stationery products intended to last a lifetime. Its Høvel pencil sharpener is made from highly polished brass which planes layers of wood and graphite to a perfectly crafted point.
Vent for Change is a new eco-friendly and ethical stationery range. All items are made with both people and planet in mind and the proceeds from sales go towards educational projects worldwide. The collection includes pocket books made using reclaimed coffee cups, notebooks and sketchbooks made from sustainable paper and pencils produced in the UK from recycled CD cases.
J+A London is the brainchild of James Retief and Addison Soeder, who produce beautiful and mesmerizing cards. The company's products can be displayed in a variety of ways using a special tab design that allows fixing in multiple configurations.
Handy Spelling is designed by educational experts to support the National Curriculum. To date, five of its products for younger children have been taken to the prototype stage and there are plans to create more than 20 items across different price points. The range is designed to bolster confidence of children who find spelling and literacy difficult, with a clear, humorous and age-appropriate message.
Boss Bird is designed by Michelle Wilson-Stimson, who offers a range of quirky desk and book planners. These include sections for wellbeing, reflection, brain storming, goals and organizational categories.
This year's judges included Sarah Sibley of Got2Jot, Penny Green of kikki-K, Jamie Mitchell of Ohh Deer and Michael Owen of Lime Stationery & Art. “The LaunchPad stands always draw visitors keen to see new ideas coming into the market, and often it only takes one order or one recommendation to make a huge difference to one of the winners,” says Hazel Fieldwick, event manager.
Stationery Show London will run from 30th April-1st May at the Business Design Centre. Go to www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk for more information.
