(1) The West Loop design house Binth has perfected the sentimental but stylish baby book. $110, at www.binth.com
(2) Bird Machine crew member Mat Daly ditched poetry for printmaking. Silkscreen poster, $200, at www.matdaly.com
(3) “I never want to be overly girly or overly modern or overly anything,” says Emily H. Martin of Orange Beautiful. Bubble Flowers letterpress card, $16 for six, at Anjénu, 1747 W. Division St.; 773-469-2212
(4) Chicago’s best-known paper company, Snow & Graham, makes retrofloral wrapping paper, in addition to cards. Gerbera Daisy gift-wrap, $3 a sheet, and Grace’s Pattern boxed note cards, $18.95, all available at Virtu, 2034 N. Damen Ave.; 773-235-3790
(5) Art School Girl’s Amy J. Rowan creates cards and envelopes from vintage book images, saying, “They remind us of a nostalgic moment from our past.” Moon Mail envelope set, $7, at Greer, 1657 N. Wells St.; 312-337-8000 and www.artschoolgirl.com
(6) “I just love the irony of what is expected and what actually takes place,” says Paper Stories’ Kelly Maron, whose cards always say something unexpected. Bittersweet card, $5, at Paperdoll, 2048 W. Division St.; 773-227-6950