COVER STORY B. BELLYBANDS. As packaging becomes more minimal and less plastic, bellybands add a polished finishing touch to a broad range of products. C. CATS. An election year focus on cats (and cat ladies!) may just bring felines to the forefront of the pet category, edging out canines. D. DARK. In uncertain times, talking always helps. It often falls on stationery to initiate difficult conversations. E. ELEVATED CRAFT. When the activity is also the product, every last element must be polished. F. FANCIFUL. Americans still love novelty - and if that means blending a few popular motifs into something completely fresh - like Disco Cowgirl for example - so be it! B. Red Barn Press C. Chronicle Books D. Adam JK for Third Drawer Down E. Cotton Clara F. Keller Design Co. STATIONERYTRENDS.COM 17http://www.STATIONERYTRENDS.COM