This past week I spent a few days at Industry City in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, to take part in the second annual Stationery Fest, an event started by Neil and Daisy, the founders of Yoseka Stationery. I taught two workshops over the festival’s three days.
Even being a very small part of the event kept me incredibly busy, and I had so much fun each day. I actually started thinking about having a small table there next year in addition to teaching. I have enough books (with another one coming out next summer) and other items to sell, so it’s an idea I’m seriously considering. Of course, I’ll keep you posted about whether I can maintain the courage to do such a thing!
Years ago, I had a booth at the Stationery Show at the Javits Center (the show that’s now part of NY NOW), back when I had my own stationery line. My older son, Ian, was just a baby then. He was so little that every four hours I’d disappear into the ladies’ room to pump milk, and our babysitter would bring him to the convention center once a day so I could nurse him. To say it was stressful is an understatement.
But we managed, and had successful shows. I think my business partner and I exhibited there for two or three years in a row, though it’s all a bit fuzzy now; memories from that period usually are. It wasn’t until Ian was six or seven that I realized those blurry fading memories, the result of my being constantly overtired and overwhelmed, had turned into something I longed to record. That was when I started writing things down in my journal. And as many of you know, those journal entries eventually became drawings, and those drawings evolved into the sketchbook work I do today.
But I digress. Back to Stationery Fest 2026.
I’ve always had a weakness for stickers, journals, pens, and stationery of every kind, so walking around the festival was an exercise in self-control. Everywhere I looked there were adorable stickers, notebooks, fountain pens, pencil cases, organizers, washi tape, greeting cards, and countless other temptations.
I somehow ended up spending almost $300 on a small Plotter journal cover with inserts and a mini Traveler’s Notebook 20th Anniversary set. I don’t know if I’ll even use either one, but they’ll make wonderful gifts, so I know they’ll be appreciated by someone. I’m not sure why I bought both though. You’d think after the Plotter purchase I’d have been satisfied, but the next day I happened to see my friend Diane Hu standing in the long Traveler’s Company line. I slipped in beside her, and we chatted all the way until she reached the booth, so I went along with her. The moment I saw that little anniversary box filled with all its tiny treasures, I handed over my money. That’s the problem with being a stationery person. If you’re one too, you completely understand.
The two workshops were an absolute joy, filled with enthusiastic participants who were eager to learn. Some people had traveled quite a distance to see me, while others had discovered my work through the festival’s workshop lineup. Every one of the 38 wonderful people who joined the classes seemed to leave with something valuable, and that was incredibly rewarding to witness.
I came away pleasantly surprised, not by the attendees but by myself—my comfort with the material and my role as an instructor. It reminded me that when you spend enough years doing what you love and teaching it over and over again, you eventually reach a place where what feels instinctive to you becomes much easier to explain and share with others. That realization was one of the best gifts I brought home from the weekend.
Exciting giveaway with Blackwing is hosting an amazing giveaway that ends in two days! Be sure to enter via this post on Instagram! “Blackwing is teaming up with Samantha Baker to give away 10 bundles that include her brand-new coloring book, “Color Your World,” and our new Blackwing Colors 24-pack.”
In other news, I’m so excited about my upcoming retreat in France! This is my first time teaching at Atelier Clos Mirabel, and if all goes as well as I hope, I will be joining them again in the future. I wanted to test the waters this year before committing to more. I will be sure to let my subscribers know first of any upcoming retreats. I’ll be leaving soon and will be sharing more about my travels on Instagram and in Notes. Stay tuned!
This recent, updated Tools & Materials post also shares my art supply packing list:
Special Edition: My Favorite Tools, 2026 Update
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Jul 5
I made a list of my favorite tools and supplies back in 2023, and I’ve been adding to it since. When I went back to add some new things about a week ago, I thought it was time for a brand new updated post.
This week I am hosting a drawing meetup with paid subscribers (link was sent in the subscriber chat!). We are working on our continuous line drawing practice. We will have various subjects to choose from, and each drawing will be timed. This is a wonderful way to connect with our community and practice drawing freely without the stress of making “mistakes.” If you are curious and would like to join, we would love to have you!
We just finished another inspiring and creative drawing challenge. It was a Scavenger Hunt this time, and everyone was so engaged and enthusiastic to have not only an excuse to draw their world, but a real game to play along the way, trying to discover and seek out all of the things on the list. Here are some of my finished pages from the challenge. If you would like to see everyone else’s entries, they are in the chat threads!
If you’d like to try out Blackwing pencils or just order some new items, please shop using this unique link: blackwing602.com/sdionbaker. When you purchase using my link, there’s no additional cost to you, and I earn a small commission. I appreciate your support!
All products from Art Toolkit are 10% off with my discount code: SDIONBAKER10
All Canvas lights and accessories are 10% off with my discount code: SDB10.
All of my books can be found here.
All of my Skillshare classes can be found here. And you can watch my Skillshare Studio Tour here.
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