Annabelle’s Creations Celebrates Their First Decade in Business

With 10 years in the stationery industry, a Louie Award Honorable Mention and Co-Presidency of the Invitation and Stationery Alliance under her belt, Annabelle Stefanski of Annabelle’s Creations knows a little bit about what it takes to remain relevant to stationery consumers today.

Inspiring Yourself and Others
While expecting her first child in 2000, Annabelle reconnected with her creative drive.  “I had always been into drawing so it seemed natural to use that interest and ability in creating Daniel’s birth announcement,” she says, modestly noting that the cards were so well received and the experience was so rewarding, “I decided to continue doing what I love.”  With the help of her father, a die-cut designer and maker, Annabelle moved from the pen to the press.

In addition to pulling inspiration from her family, Annabelle looks to her everyday experiences and her customers for ideas.  “I would have to say that life itself is pretty inspiring,” she muses. “Sometimes it’s seeing an attractive pattern on the street.  On other occasions, it’s helping one of my clients create a distinctive piece for their event.”

Superior Service
At the heart of Annabelle’s Creations is one drive – to provide exceptional customer service. “I thoroughly enjoy working with Annabelle’s Creations,” says Peter Turkell of All the Best Invitations. “I always know I can count on Annabelle and her staff to pull through for me always! I was stuck over the holidays with an order and Annabelle really helped me out.” Despite being closed for the season and battling the flu, Annabelle personally fulfilled the custom order and shipped it earlier than expected. “We were thrilled, but not at all surprised.  That’s the level of service she provides.”

But service is much more than delivering stationery with a smile.  While designing her Wedding and Bar & Bat Mitzvah albums, Annabelle took the time to consult a number of her retailers with regard to what their customers were looking for.  “The stationery industry is built upon a foundation of communication. I’m always talking to my retailers about what they hear, what their clients want, issues they’re facing, et cetera.” Using this information, Annabelle sought to find a flexible solution that would provide a benefit to her devoted fans without sacrificing the quality and service for which she is recognized.  “For me, the obvious solution was to take my product – which has always been very customizable – to the next level and giving customers different price point options to choose from.  They still get the design they love, but at a price that is a little more approachable for them.”

Always Be True
Perhaps the greatest lesson learned in her first decade with Annabelle’s Creations can best be summed up by the old adage “to thine own self be true”.  Annabelle knows that her greatest success is doing what she loves and doing it well.  Not only is there a personal reward for focusing on timeless, highly-customized layered pieces, customers have reacted best to design reminiscent of some of Annabelle’s Creations classic looks.  “I started this business because designing and creating is what I love; it’s who I am.  People who have known me since grammar school always say they are not at all surprised by what I do.”

One of my favourite albums from Annabelle this year has been Holiday Celebrations.  The designs are warm, inviting and stylish!  The card that first drew my eye was the lovely ornate black and green design featured below.  The touch of green adds just enough holiday spirit to the classic cool of black and white.

• Dramatic damask (shown in green and black) holiday greeting card
• Adrianna Papell Beaded Chiffon Dress
• Damask Dinner Party (via OneWed)
• Black, white and green holiday setting (via Country Living)
• Cupcake by Sugarbloom Cupcakes
• Mixed Green Salad by Desert Culinary
• Lime Cocktail (via theknot)

Looking for more event inspiration and ideas?  Stay tuned for our next post featuring one of my favourite wedding invitations – three different ways!

Knowing that not all of our customers and friends were able to make it to New York, we thought we would share a selection of images from the show.

The booth reflected the fun colors of our logo and was punctuated with pops of pink, purple and lime.  The brilliant wall blossoms were custom made and handpainted to coordinate with the booth and materials.  I really enjoyed the frames and noteboards that served to showcase new products, customer compliments and industry awards and recognition – pretty and practical!

We were touched by the retailer response to our newest albums: Everyday Beginings and Holiday Celebrations.  Both new and existing retailers seemed particularly pleased with the high level of customization and coordination available across both albums.

To cap off a whirlwind show, we received an Honorable Mention at the 2008 Louie Awards ceremony for Personalized Invitation/Announcement!  We were truly honored to have been considered amongst such talented colleagues.  Congratulations to all nominees and a heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this year a success for Annabelle’s Creations!

We realize that, for many of our retailers, it isn’t possible to make every show. At Annabelle’s Creations, we are all about providing that extra level of customer service, so we have decided to bring the albums to you! We have published both our Everyday Beginnings and Holiday Celebrations albums online for you to peruse. Simply click the name of the album you wish to view and you will be taken to our album page on Issuu.

We’ve also created a special slide show for our readers and retailers alike.  We hope you enjoy the new designs.  Please feel free to leave us your feedback or send an email to us at info@annabellescreations.com.

-Kati

• Cloth roses via OhJoy!
• White sunburst clock
• Fringe draped dress by Malandrino*
• A gorgeous gown from Donna Karan*
• Grey, blue and green layered photo birth announcement by Annabelle’s Creations
• Multiple pearl necklace
• Knotted grey and green dress by Marios Schwab*
• A pale, Grecian look by Anne Valérie Hash*

*All runway photos via Style.com 

For the latest stationery styles and inspiration, don’t forget to join us on flickr, subscribe to our blog updates via email or become a facebook fan-nabelle!

Posted by: Kati

The Louie Awards, named after German lithographer Louis Prang, will be revealed this May at the National Stationery Show.  To learn more about the Louie Awards or to see the full list of nominees, click here.  Congratulations to all the nominees; we will see you at NSS 2009!

Posted by: Kati

Clockwise from top left:

• Oscar de la Renta Spring 2009 [via Style.com] 
• Alexander McQueen diamond pattern jacket 
• Blue and grey diamond baby boy photo birth announcement by Annabelle’s Creations
• Dolce & Gabbana harlequin evening bag
• Golden Icicles Print by YumiYumi 
• Zaha hand-cut rabbit by essimar

If you’re looking for more multi-faceted designs, be sure to check out the recently updated Annabelle’s Creations flickr page or friend us on facebook for the latest news and sneak peaks of the upcoming line.

Posted by: Kati