Mightier than the sword, and certainly more imaginative. Arte Indigena Imports Inc., of Tucson, Ariz., presents Wriggly Pens, handcrafted wood writing instruments in a stunning assortment of animal shapes, all of which are articulated to wiggle and wriggle as you write. From alligators, dolphins and sharks to puffins, flamingoes, armadillos and many, many more, these colorful, fanciful, refillable pens are created with flair by regional artisans. Whimsical display stands (smaller ones appropriate for desktop duty) add to the charm of these clever critters. Fabulous for scribes of all ages. Call (800) 280-1343, fax (520) 623-8353, e-mail sales@arteindigena.com, www.arteindigena.com.
Dozens of animal-kingdom denizens have also been loosed on readers by Charlotte International Trade Inc., of Waxhow, N.C., makers of handpainted bookmarks. With seemingly no species unrepresented, these charming, 4.5" bookmarks are certainly apt for any animal lover. Additional designs include flora, fauna, school and sport themes. Call (800) 789-5677, fax (704) 843-1325, e-mail Cibookmk@btitelcom.net, www.CharlotteIntl-Bookmark.com.
The Wallaroo Book Pocket, made by The Night Shift, a women-owned business in California, takes traditional bookmarks a step further. Cleverly designed in lightweight, attractive faux suede, the Wallaroo has two pockets in front to hold reading glasses, pens, keys, a calculator or notepad, while it holds your page with an attached strip of fabric. The simple and practical design, available in various colors and prints, makes this a handy aid for teachers, students and leisure readers. Call (888) 331-1222, www.buywallaroo.com.
Once you've organized your reading materials, help organize your bookshelves—or at least contain them—with appealing metal bookends from The Metal Man in Tucson, Ariz. Using images from the natural world—among them animals such as bears, moose, wolves, buffalo, giraffes, cats and dogs as well as evergreens, celestial symbols and Native American motifs—sculptor and craftsman Al Speert fashions not only handsome bookends but also magazine racks, pen and pencil holders, letter organizers and photo frames. Ideal for the outdoors enthusiast, even from an armchair. Call (800) 448-9448, fax (520) 792-1652, e-mail gifts@themetalman.com.
For the more urbane (or should that be, simply, indoor) literary devotee, Mani-G'Raps of Madison, Wis., offers a marvelous range of tastefully appointed giftwrap and bags, enclosures, cards and invitations. The licensed Edward Gorey line is a must for the holiday season ahead, and the Via Veneto collection offers not only six different paper designs for giftwrap but also photo albums, journals, address books, pencil holders, pencil cases with colored pencils, notelets, plus coordinated paper knives and note cards/invitations. Call (800) 510-7277, fax (608) 255-0708, www.mani-g-raps.com.
Letterpress specialists at Saturn Press in Swan's Island, Maine, continue to expand their lines of exquisite—and often droll—note and greeting cards, albums, writing paper and envelopes, holiday cards and bookplates. Grace Notes, a new version of an old favorite, feature boxed and beribboned sets of 10 cards and envelopes available in 12 understated designs. Also new this year are Round Midnight Journals, featuring luxurious laid-finish pages bound in bright contemporary colors and topped off with 12 retro cover images. Call (207) 526-4000, fax (207) 526-4001.
The six stationery product lines of Style & Paper, Quebec, include diaries, journals, notes, address books, boxed writing paper, pens and other accessories. The Africa collection features watercolor images of African wildlife accented with textures inspired by the giraffe and leopard. The Orient series combines minimalism and Zen with a Japanese flair, highlighting an elegant white orchid set against warm tones of beige and gold. Passport revisits world-traveler postcards and motifs from the mid-20th century and includes a picket travel journal. Floral Impression joins irises and hydrangea in a classic botanical theme. Tutti Frutti has a bright, somewhat retro daisy-and-fruit kitchen style and, in addition to the more standard stationery fare, offers a recipe box and book. For young people in the 'tweens (late teens/early 20s), Big Ed & Friends diaries, journals and writing paper sport funky cartoon-like characters of the same age group. Call (800) 366-1466, fax (450) 445-3601.
Stationery for the 'tween-and-slightly-beyond set mixes good design and fabulous fun in the Shimmerworks line from Austin-Abbott Inc. of Highland Park, N.J. From the Paintbrush Pad (a black notepad with a paintbrush handle) to clipboards with black paper pads, tins of round notes and metal tool boxes, these well-packaged products take the combination of black paper and shimmery gel pens to new heights. Call (800) 232-8220, fax (732) 214-8844, e-mail AABBOTT120@aol.com.
Beyond 'tweens can enjoy Pamela Barsky's young but not immature line of note cards, journals, organizers and albums. Organizers covered with vintage scarves offer a distinctive and unique look to keeping one's day in line. Boxed stationery sets focus on the well mannered, everything a kid needs to write letters from camp, and its corollary, everything a student needs to survive college. Albums come in a playful and abundant range of styles, including collage, retro, interactive and caustic. Note cards feature pearls, buttons and vintage patches. Call (323) 469-2420, fax (323) 469-2423.
