ASKED+ANSWERED:DISTRESS TEXTURES
1 week ago
Friday, February 3, 2012
The fourth and final day of the 2012 show is now over. It's been a wonderful experience and I can see why people keep coming back. The Americans have a lovely, warm, hospitable culture and we have been made to feel so welcome.
Studio Calico are well known for their Mister Huey range of mists. They have a variety of opaque mists and some with a clear colour with shine. Their white mist is particularly great for use on coloured surfaces. They also have a fabulous range of small wooden flourish shapes and I’m really excited about getting these in store (little cameras, stars, birds etc.). Studio Calico’s new ranges are Classic Collection Volume Two, Take Note and Abroad. I LOVE the new abroad range and we’ll be stocking this one for sure. They have also released 4 journal books with an embossed cover in a variety of sizes. You can buy their Fab Rips which are fabric rip strips with adhesive on the back of them to create the spine. Clever! This is their version of the SMASH BOOK craze. The fab strips can be also used to make rosettes and pleated ribbons etc.
The Sizzix Stand was a large one and had loads of activity going on. At each stall I always asked for a sales rep to show me the ranges and collections – just so I didn’t miss out on anything! There were a couple of new innovations that were interesting. There was the usual array of new embossing folders – some fun ones with sewing elements, clocks, prints and buttons, along with all of Tim Holtz wonderful lines.
Most interesting was the Pop &Cuts innovation. It’s a big thick Sizzix die with a large square hole and metallic plate bottom. This is for the shaped dies to fit inside it to create cards which pop out at you when you open them up. The mechanism is clever and you can buy different dies with different designs. I watched the lady demoing this product and I really liked the concept. I just don’t like the price! It will be $100 to get the first plate with the first die. Thereafter the die is $39.90. Fortunately the first design is the very popular Labels One style (Spellbinders) and will have wide appeal. I may have to give in myself and get a set of these!
Sizzix have also developed their Fun and Frame line which are matching cut and stamp sets. These sorts of sets are becoming very popular and I liked their fun designs. They have also teamed up with Hero Arts to product and Stamp and Emboss set and a stamp and cut set. They have teamed with Basic Grey for a matching line as well. Their new Happy line is a lot of fun – with dies for the scotty dog, and owl, bird, fence and more.
I was excited about the Sweet Treats range as well. These dies are BIG – but they are designed to create fun party favours and boxes etc. One of the dies even cuts a cake stand!
ColorBox is a long player in the craft industry and I thought that they had gone quiet of late – but they have teamed up with Heidi Grace and produced some beautiful lines. She was one of early favourites in the scrapbooking world and she’s expanded her range to paper pad and matching embellies. Her new ranges are Antique Papier, Victorian Parlour and DayDream, Tweet, Wild Indigo and Sweet Clementine. I was really excited to see her Project Template Packs. There are 4 different packs (Albums, boxes, garland and celebrate) and there are approximately 10 template designs. In each.
Art Institute Glitter was being used by lots of other companies to help sell their projects. Their glitter is really unique and I like it a lot. As well as usual art glitter, they sell microfine, vintage glass range, dazzlers (like chunk shapes) and fantasy fibre.
Anna Griffin's designs were beautiful. It's odd that we don't see much of her stuff in NZ anymore - but her work is lovely and very popular in America. We might have to see about getting more of her goods in stock.
Magnolia Minis was probably one of the most exciting stalls I came across. We like Magnolia Stamps and will be stocking them in the shop – but the minis are going to be top of our list. I’ve never seen anything so cute as these sweet designs.
Hero Arts are another great stamping company who have teamed up with Sizzix and Basic Grey to produce stamp and cut sets. They are seeing a trend towards vintage style background stamps and their cupcakes are always popular! I really liked their new concept called "Add your Message". They are basically a coloured printed card set with a space for you to use the stamps provided to fill in the message. It’s a good introduction to card making for time-poor people. The new “Art of the Card” line is also gorgeous. I loved the untitled keys and postmark stamps.
Hemptique are not a well known name (yet) – but hemp twine is becoming a popular product of choice. They also have a great range of twine colours. I’ve got the catalogue being emailed to me and I’m looking forward to seeing what other products they stock.
Our Daily Bread is another big stamp company and all of their stamps and sentiments are Christian themed. Their designs are very pretty and their range is huge. There has been some demand in NZ for some Christian-themed craft products, so I will see what I can find. There wasn't a lot at the show (some at Clear Scraps, SRM Stickers and some other small stamp companies) but I will keep my eye out for them in the upcoming months.
Finally I made it to the Authentique! I love this company and even though they are a new brand company, the people involved are seasoned crafties and they know what customers love. Their paper has a beautiful texture (like a thick linen/orangepeel effect) and their designs are stunning. Their new ranges are Genuine, Celebrate, Loyal and Delightful. I think they are all delightful! And fortunately for me, David the Sales Manager was happy to sell me some of the product off the stall (the show was about to end – so it saves him taking it home!). I got one of all the products they are releasing – papers, stickers and a 6x6 pad. This brand is going to be one of our favourites!
I ran back to Basic Grey and took the photos I promised yesterday:
First up, I wanted to make it my mission to find out about Smash Books - and they got me excited. After seeing them at the EK Booth, I then started seeing them everywhere! They are basically a journal with an embossed kraft cover and a coloured fabric spine. The inner pages are a mixture of plain, kraft, grid and designs. The idea is that you SMASH your ideas, notes, journals and bits and pieces into this book as a memento of a particular event. I might do a smash book of this trip. There are smash bits and pieces that you can purchase to help you – pockets, washi tape, tag stickers etc. We will try to get our hands on the range for you as soon as possible. There is a great You Tube clip that shows you how to use them.
Today I started out at the Penny Black Booth. They are industry favourites and have been around for a long time. They have met the demands of business by creating clear and cling stamps for their customers – although I’m still a favourite of wooden ones! They have a new range of whimsical people stamps too and I love their male themed range. Penny Black have a Board Programme where they come up with a great selection of stamps and paper that create a lovely set of cards. They included instructions and I think these would be well received in NZ.
Today I started out at the Penny Black Booth. They are industry favourites and have been around for a long time. They have met the demands of business by creating clear and cling stamps for their customers – although I’m still a favourite of wooden ones! They have a new range of whimsical people stamps too and I love their male themed range. Penny Black have a Board Programme where they come up with a great selection of stamps and paper that create a lovely set of cards. They included instructions and I think these would be well received in NZ.
American Crafts are a large organisation and they also have Crate Paper and Studio Calico under their umbrella. In these mergers, the old owner still works doing the designing and the brand remains the same, but the business, manufacturing and marketing side of things gets taken over by American Crafts. They also put out their own huge range of albums, glitter papers, thickers, ribbon, brads and other embellies. They have also released 6 new lines – Daydreams, Garden Café, Chap, Fresh Squeezed, Dear Lizzie Neopolitan, Gardenia and Amy Tangerine. I loved this last line – it appeals to those who are joining in with the huge smash book craze over here and really appeals to a younger unsophisticated audience. It’s FUN!
Pebbles products are also fun and their new ranges were Floral Lane, With Love, Country Picnic, Hip Hip Hooray, and Fresh Goods. They have also released a new baby range called New Additions and I loved their cute fabric puffed embellies. They reminded me of an pin cushion! Their products samples were delightful and they have also released a range of chalks.
Crate Paper has also produced some really stylish lines – Paper Heart, Pretty Pantry, Story Teller and Random. We’ve got Random arriving instore next week. They produce a range of papers, chipboard, stickers and embellies. Their collections usually consist of a theme interspersed with floral patterns.
Studio Calico are well known for their Mister Huey range of mists. They have a variety of opaque mists and some with a clear colour with shine. Their white mist is particularly great for use on coloured surfaces. They also have a fabulous range of small wooden flourish shapes and I’m really excited about getting these in store (little cameras, stars, birds etc.). Studio Calico’s new ranges are Classic Collection Volume Two, Take Note and Abroad. I LOVE the new abroad range and we’ll be stocking this one for sure. They have also released 4 journal books with an embossed cover in a variety of sizes. You can buy their Fab Rips which are fabric rip strips with adhesive on the back of them to create the spine. Clever! This is their version of the SMASH BOOK craze. The fab strips can be also used to make rosettes and pleated ribbons etc.
Lindy’s Stamp Gang were not known to me – but they have a delicious range of products which caught my attention. Their glimmer sprays are FULL of rich colour and glimmer – some of them have 2 and 3 tones in them giving moon shadow effects. They also have 2-tone embossing powders and my favourite was Magical Micas. It’s a powdery substance which you put on your paint pallet and then mix with your H20 pen. Then you can paint the colour onto flowers and anything else that you would like to have some colour and sparkle. The depth of the colour really is impressive with this product.
The Sizzix Stand was a large one and had loads of activity going on. At each stall I always asked for a sales rep to show me the ranges and collections – just so I didn’t miss out on anything! There were a couple of new innovations that were interesting. There was the usual array of new embossing folders – some fun ones with sewing elements, clocks, prints and buttons, along with all of Tim Holtz wonderful lines.
Most interesting was the Pop &Cuts innovation. It’s a big thick Sizzix die with a large square hole and metallic plate bottom. This is for the shaped dies to fit inside it to create cards which pop out at you when you open them up. The mechanism is clever and you can buy different dies with different designs. I watched the lady demoing this product and I really liked the concept. I just don’t like the price! It will be $100 to get the first plate with the first die. Thereafter the die is $39.90. Fortunately the first design is the very popular Labels One style (Spellbinders) and will have wide appeal. I may have to give in myself and get a set of these!
Sizzix have also developed their Fun and Frame line which are matching cut and stamp sets. These sorts of sets are becoming very popular and I liked their fun designs. They have also teamed up with Hero Arts to product and Stamp and Emboss set and a stamp and cut set. They have teamed with Basic Grey for a matching line as well. Their new Happy line is a lot of fun – with dies for the scotty dog, and owl, bird, fence and more.
I was excited about the Sweet Treats range as well. These dies are BIG – but they are designed to create fun party favours and boxes etc. One of the dies even cuts a cake stand!
ColorBox is a long player in the craft industry and I thought that they had gone quiet of late – but they have teamed up with Heidi Grace and produced some beautiful lines. She was one of early favourites in the scrapbooking world and she’s expanded her range to paper pad and matching embellies. Her new ranges are Antique Papier, Victorian Parlour and DayDream, Tweet, Wild Indigo and Sweet Clementine. I was really excited to see her Project Template Packs. There are 4 different packs (Albums, boxes, garland and celebrate) and there are approximately 10 template designs. In each.
Art Institute Glitter was being used by lots of other companies to help sell their projects. Their glitter is really unique and I like it a lot. As well as usual art glitter, they sell microfine, vintage glass range, dazzlers (like chunk shapes) and fantasy fibre.
Anna Griffin's designs were beautiful. It's odd that we don't see much of her stuff in NZ anymore - but her work is lovely and very popular in America. We might have to see about getting more of her goods in stock.
Cheery Lyn Designs are an Artfull Crafts favourite. It was nice to catch up with Mike again after meeting him first in Auckland last year. These guys create high quality dies and I know that our Timaru ladies love them! They are doing a Design Team callout in March for any of you who are interested. They have also produced MASSIVE dies. We’ll it’s not quite the truth. They are producing a normal set of dies – but they are more like the corner of a frame. Then you move the die around the 4 corners to get the BIG overall effect. I’m not sure if that makes sense - but the photo should say it all. You’re only limited by the size of your cutting plate.
Magnolia Minis was probably one of the most exciting stalls I came across. We like Magnolia Stamps and will be stocking them in the shop – but the minis are going to be top of our list. I’ve never seen anything so cute as these sweet designs.
Hero Arts are another great stamping company who have teamed up with Sizzix and Basic Grey to produce stamp and cut sets. They are seeing a trend towards vintage style background stamps and their cupcakes are always popular! I really liked their new concept called "Add your Message". They are basically a coloured printed card set with a space for you to use the stamps provided to fill in the message. It’s a good introduction to card making for time-poor people. The new “Art of the Card” line is also gorgeous. I loved the untitled keys and postmark stamps.
Clearsnap are the manufacturers for Smooch – one of our favourite products for adding rich colour to your projects. They have just produced Smooch Glitz for this show – same concept but with glitter accents. They have also devised scented embossing powders – just the 3 flavours at the moment – but I think the concept is super fun!! They also produce some Mixed Media inks and embossing powders for Donna Salaza.
Reminisce is a company who sticks to a simple formula of great travel papers and stickers. The ranges are excellent and we think you will like their product very much – especially those who have done lots of travelling.
Hemptique are not a well known name (yet) – but hemp twine is becoming a popular product of choice. They also have a great range of twine colours. I’ve got the catalogue being emailed to me and I’m looking forward to seeing what other products they stock.
Our Daily Bread is another big stamp company and all of their stamps and sentiments are Christian themed. Their designs are very pretty and their range is huge. There has been some demand in NZ for some Christian-themed craft products, so I will see what I can find. There wasn't a lot at the show (some at Clear Scraps, SRM Stickers and some other small stamp companies) but I will keep my eye out for them in the upcoming months.
Finally I made it to the Authentique! I love this company and even though they are a new brand company, the people involved are seasoned crafties and they know what customers love. Their paper has a beautiful texture (like a thick linen/orangepeel effect) and their designs are stunning. Their new ranges are Genuine, Celebrate, Loyal and Delightful. I think they are all delightful! And fortunately for me, David the Sales Manager was happy to sell me some of the product off the stall (the show was about to end – so it saves him taking it home!). I got one of all the products they are releasing – papers, stickers and a 6x6 pad. This brand is going to be one of our favourites!
So the trends I noticed today were: Party stuff, flags and banners, baby collections, themed collections (summer, spring, travel, Easter etc), 6x6 pads, collections packs, and SMASH BOOKS.
At the end of the day I decided to go and reconnect with a few people I had met and I found myself at the Prima Booth! They served cake and I enjoyed catching up with Adrienne and Sue from Scottie Crafts. It's amazing that you can walk the floor for FOUR days and only see someone in the last few minutes of the show!
I ran back to Basic Grey and took the photos I promised yesterday:
And finally I ended where I started this show - back to Kaisercraft. I really like the people at this company (and the products of course), so I offered to help them pack down for a little bit. Once the show ends people just rip into the pack down! I took aside some of the cards that Betsy and I had on display to bring them back for the shop. I'll get the rest of the projects later (my suitcase is going to be a bit heavier on the way back home as it is!).
These photos show the size of the convention centre. It goes as far as the eye can see in one direction and then the same in the other!! Within minutes of the show closing the guys were rolling up the carpet!
I know that some (most) of the photography is NOT great! I have a new camera which I'm not used to and the lighting at CHA is very very difficult and patchy. There is general lighting in the venue and then each stall has their own spotlighting - which makes it difficult on reflective surfaces etc. So I do apologise for the lack of quality - but hopefully the quantity made up for it!!
All up it was a wonderful experience. I loved meeting the kiwis who travelled to attend, the designers and owners of businesses that I admire, seeing all the amazing products that are going to be released in the next 6 months, and of course seeing work from Lowri, Besty, Sandy and myself at a variety of stalls across the floor. We're hoping there will be even more next year! Here are a few more shots of some of the work that the Artfull Crafts Team had on display at this year's CHA:
After the show we headed out with Jacob and Jonathon to an Ice Hockey game. It was a home game for the LA Kings and the two teams were 2 equal until the LAST second when the Kings scored!! It was a magnificent ending! The venue seats 18,000 and there were about 14,000 fans there. At any time there was a pause in the game, there was entertainment, lights, music, competitions and more. It was quite a crazy experience!
All up it was a wonderful experience. I loved meeting the kiwis who travelled to attend, the designers and owners of businesses that I admire, seeing all the amazing products that are going to be released in the next 6 months, and of course seeing work from Lowri, Besty, Sandy and myself at a variety of stalls across the floor. We're hoping there will be even more next year! Here are a few more shots of some of the work that the Artfull Crafts Team had on display at this year's CHA:
After the show we headed out with Jacob and Jonathon to an Ice Hockey game. It was a home game for the LA Kings and the two teams were 2 equal until the LAST second when the Kings scored!! It was a magnificent ending! The venue seats 18,000 and there were about 14,000 fans there. At any time there was a pause in the game, there was entertainment, lights, music, competitions and more. It was quite a crazy experience!
I’m going to keep blogging the rest of the trip on the website (not on the Artfull Crafts blog) so feel free to follow our progress there. Next up is a trip to San Diego Zoo followed by days at Disneyland, Knottsberry Farm and a Cruise :-)
Leave a comment if you have enjoyed hearing from your Artfull Crafts foreign correspondant (and you wished you could have come along!).
Leave a comment if you have enjoyed hearing from your Artfull Crafts foreign correspondant (and you wished you could have come along!).
Lisa with a layout using Kaisercrafts' Sweet Nothings....
Hi Everyone, Lisa here. I hope you have all enjoyed the festive season & your January break if you were lucky enough to have one. I have had a crazy start to the new year...so time for things to settle down & get back to routine with school going back etc. I ask myself where did January go? As it seems I completely missed it....
This month at Artfull Crafts the theme is Love, Love, Love! So for my layout today I have used a photo of my children whom I love (even more now that they are going back to school this week..lol) A paper range from one of my very favourite manufacturer's 'Kaisercraft' this particular range is called 'Sweet Nothings' it's just gorgeous! It was released in December however I feel it didn't get as much exposure as it deserved (well not from me anyway..) as the focus was more on Christmas, as one would expect at that time of year.
This layout is most certainly one that shows my usual style & uses lots of things I love. I have sewn around the border of the die cut twice using my sewing machine - (this doesn't happen often, I love it but it can be time consuming). I used the collectables from Kaisercraft which are fantastic & work really well when using layers to construct a layout. I love the layered look, just use your favourite bits & pieces & some foam tape so that you have different heights, this also helps create balance through out the layout.
Now for some close ups....
I inked all the edges of the collectables, tags etc to give them some more definition, use pearls, rhinestones, ribbon, string & flowers to build up the layout even more. I have used some of Kaisercrafts resin flowers & Sullivans glass bead flowers.
Here is a close up of the chandelier/lampshade that is one of the gorgeous collectables from the pack. Enhance the edges by inking them gently & embellish with some pearls/rhinestones.
A close up of the bird cage collectable die cut, that is enhanced by some of the flowers from the sticker sheet (another thing I love). These sheets help you replicate some of your images. You can cut out what you like & either stick it straight on - or use baby powder on the reverse to remove he stick then adhere to your project using foam tape. Some more flowers, a fabric leaf, some curled florist wire (from the flowers) and your images start to come to life.
This last close up shows you how I created my title. I love alpha stickers, but sometimes they aren't the best fit for a layout. I also really like to print out text using the computer on co-ordinating paper. Just do a test tun on scrap paper first so you don't waste your patterned paper. Cut the text out then gently ink the edges.
This photo also shows the sewn border & inked edges on the die cut a little clearer.
I hope you will join in our challenge this month for a chance to win some great prizes. You can find the details here.
Have you been following Liz on her adventure at CHA? I have & I can tell you I am very excited about what is to come! Oh & a little jealous that I a not there myself!
Have a great day, Lisa
This month at Artfull Crafts the theme is Love, Love, Love! So for my layout today I have used a photo of my children whom I love (even more now that they are going back to school this week..lol) A paper range from one of my very favourite manufacturer's 'Kaisercraft' this particular range is called 'Sweet Nothings' it's just gorgeous! It was released in December however I feel it didn't get as much exposure as it deserved (well not from me anyway..) as the focus was more on Christmas, as one would expect at that time of year.
This layout is most certainly one that shows my usual style & uses lots of things I love. I have sewn around the border of the die cut twice using my sewing machine - (this doesn't happen often, I love it but it can be time consuming). I used the collectables from Kaisercraft which are fantastic & work really well when using layers to construct a layout. I love the layered look, just use your favourite bits & pieces & some foam tape so that you have different heights, this also helps create balance through out the layout.
Now for some close ups....
I inked all the edges of the collectables, tags etc to give them some more definition, use pearls, rhinestones, ribbon, string & flowers to build up the layout even more. I have used some of Kaisercrafts resin flowers & Sullivans glass bead flowers.
Here is a close up of the chandelier/lampshade that is one of the gorgeous collectables from the pack. Enhance the edges by inking them gently & embellish with some pearls/rhinestones.
A close up of the bird cage collectable die cut, that is enhanced by some of the flowers from the sticker sheet (another thing I love). These sheets help you replicate some of your images. You can cut out what you like & either stick it straight on - or use baby powder on the reverse to remove he stick then adhere to your project using foam tape. Some more flowers, a fabric leaf, some curled florist wire (from the flowers) and your images start to come to life.
This last close up shows you how I created my title. I love alpha stickers, but sometimes they aren't the best fit for a layout. I also really like to print out text using the computer on co-ordinating paper. Just do a test tun on scrap paper first so you don't waste your patterned paper. Cut the text out then gently ink the edges.
This photo also shows the sewn border & inked edges on the die cut a little clearer.
I hope you will join in our challenge this month for a chance to win some great prizes. You can find the details here.
Have you been following Liz on her adventure at CHA? I have & I can tell you I am very excited about what is to come! Oh & a little jealous that I a not there myself!
Have a great day, Lisa
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Christine - Ball Layouts.
Hi everyone Christine here with some Layouts to share.
These are of my youngest son’s school ball in his last year at the school. The backdrop they had for the photos was very bright! So when I saw these fabulous papers from Teresa Collins – Carolina Breeze, I knew they would go perfectly with the photos I had.
Love black & yellow together – so this is what I used.
Here are my 2 Layouts….
I absolutely adored doing these and have 2 more to show you later in the month!
Supplies used: Teresa Collins – Carolina Breeze 12x12 papers -Nellie, Gentry, Myrla, Miranda, Shannon and stickers.
TFL
Have a great day and happy crafting!
Christine
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Day Six - A photo with Tim Holtz
Today has been a most fruitful day. I have been to a lot of booths and we have managed to gather a large number of companies to join us in a Brand Education programme that Artfull Crafts has devised. It's really exciting and lots of your favourite brands are really keen to join with us!
First up on the show floor today was Core Impressions. We already stock a good number of their products, but there are some fun additions to their range. They have teamed up with Pink Paislee for a new 12x12 pad, a new spotty and dotty range along with a 6x6 pad, coloured and white tags, fab packs of card fronts that fit perfectly in embossing folders and for the fronts of cards (no need to cut them to size!), a fabulous new Tim Holtz Kraft Core range in 3 sizes, along with a Sanding/Dust Buddy combo pack.
Next up was Spellbinders. They have a great new innovation called the Fold and Tuck Dies. It's probably one of the coolest things I've seen on the show floor this year. They are a breeze to use - cut and then fold and tuck over the cuts :-) SMART TIP: To prevent your little pieces getting stuck in the dies, use wax paper for a first few times until the die naturally builds up a waxy surface. Now the little pieces will fall out. Now that's SMART! They also have new embossing folders that flip over and reveal another pattern. It's like having two folders in one! I love their new Edgeabilities and the fun Bitty blossoms that roll up into perfect little flowers.
Jenni Bowlin's stand was possibly one of the best ones I've been to this show. I love her style (even though it's not my natural scrapping style) but her products are simply perfect! They have a vintage, eclectic feel and at times when viewing her ranges online they can appear a little mis-matched, but they aren't in real life. Her Magpie range is simply a MUST-HAVE! She has the most wonderful collection of pockets, tags, buttons, spools, pins, bingo cards, tickets and more. Her husband is a super nice man and spent a lot of time chatting to us. Some of her new products include an easel, a hotel key holder, kraft die cut papers and new clear stamps. We really look forward to working more closely with Jenni to bring you her lovely products.
Fancy Pants is a popular brand and they have released another 4 ranges - Be You, Childish Things, Wave Searcher and Summer Soul. Their new brag book has a range of photo sleeves and teamed with the inner kit creates a great journalling book. These types of books are very popular at the show.
Basic Grey is a tried and true scrapbooking favourite and their 4 new ranges are pretty - What's Up, PB&J, Plumeria and Konnichiwa. They seem to have reduced the number of matching embellishments and now only design 12 papers - instead of 18. That's good for retailers! It was hard work finding space on the shelf for all their papers. They also have some lovely Canvas Art projects also on offer. I forgot to take photos! So I'll have to post them up tomorrow for you :-)
I fell in love with Maya Road again today. These guys don't have a big presence in NZ - but they deserve to be represented by someone. So with any luck we will try to introduce their products to you. They are producing top quality chipboard albums, elements and the cutest embellies you've ever seen! I love their burlap flowers, trinket pinks, bottle tops, dress form clips, felt flowers, wooden spools, bingo pieces, wooden rulers and more! Their chipboard elements were fantastic and I can't wait to get my hands on their sewing set. They also carry lines in fabric - beautiful brag books, flags, purses and more.
Jillibean Soup is a great place to go if you are hungry. These guys will satisfy your appetite - for crafting food! Their ranges are fun and I love Coconut Lime Soup the best. They have released Southern Chicken Dumpling Soup, Neapolitan, Heart Barley, Homemade Bean Soup, Game Day Chili and Sweet and Sour Soup! I love the names. They also have a fab range of embellies including popular flag pins, wooden buttons, stamps, chipboard and corrugated alphas and more. We look forward to bringing you more of their wonderful products.
Across the path was another company who we have only just started stocking - Lil Bee. The owners are lovely and we had a great time chatting to them. These guys have beautiful designs and we're excited about their new ranges - Handmade, Double Dutch, Buttercup and Victoria Park. They are also keen to be involved in our Brand Awareness programme. We look forward to working more closely with them. Their latest release Be Mine was very popular in the shop :-)
La La Land Stamps are fun and quirky. They are perfect for colouring and we have Teresa Abajo joining us at the end of March to teach Copic Colouring. We'll be using this brand of stamps :-)
Ranger Industries. Where do you start?! They are a big company that have a few brands under their wing - Inkessentials, Tim Holtz, Adirondack and more. Of course you just want to know about Tim Holtz. Well here he is....
Tim Holtz is in a few places during this show. Here he is at Ranger demoing the Distress Markers - basically a water marker that you can use to colour images - but also stamps etc. They are juicy and full of colour.
But he's also been at Sizzix working with the new dies and his own Ideology booth. The new dies look great and are proving popular. I particularly like the small movers and shapers dies. Perfect for card makers and scrapbookers.
Tim's new Ideaology line has a hot travel range (Destinations), new mini words (chit chats), alpha cards, wire pins, gem clips, pullies, faucets, gears and more. His new embossing folder sets also have diffusers - where parts of the designs can be kept free from texture - leaving room for a verse. And we can't leave out his new Compendium of Curiosities Volume 2 which is filled with great ideas, tips and techniques for how to use all his products.
We also love the new Storage Cases that open out like a fishing tackle box.
Ranger have put out a new water brush, ice stickle colours, liquid pearl colours (beautiful!), sticky glue sticks and a fabric medium. There new Studio 490 range (from Wendy Vecch) is exciting. The range is called Art Parts and I LOVE them! There is a big move to anything off the page - and these fab designs are really unique.
I've also been on the hunt for some good storage solutions - and I've found some at Cropper Hopper. They have a great photocase, totes, stamp books and storage paper units.
Next up was Cosmo Cricket. We had a lovely time here as Lowri has had some of her work featured on their blog this year (and it's her most favourite company). They remembered her immediately and I was able to give them lovely little mini books that Lowri had made for Eric and Julie Comstock and Lindsey Moore from their Design Team. They are looking forward to seeing more of Lowri's work and gave me some product to take home to her. Keep watching this space... Their new releases are great - Tea for Tow, Evangeline, 23 and Baby Jane. The have introduced some new element decks to their ranges, tiny text (super cool) and great washi tape designs. We look forward to working with them this year.
I headed back to the Prima booth to spend some more time with the girls - Sharon, Cari, Sherry and Jamie. They are all so lovely and so we couldn't resist another photo op. Their products are also really lovely - it was very hard to decide what to photograph! I'm pretty excited about their Doodle Deux range. It's a bit of a departure for them - but it's fun. Their wooden buttons and clock faces have been sell-out products this show.
Bo Bunny is one of our favourites and it was nice to meet up with them again. They have 5 new lines Serenity, On the Go, Ambrosia, Weekend Market, Alora and Country Garden. Matching them are new card kits with a lower price point and more product in them. Their basic range has been expanded with a Vintage double-dot cardstock range. I also love their Enchanted Black and White glitter which came out before Christmas. Fabulous for weddings.
Webster Pages have long been an industry favourite and their ranges this show are no exception. They have developed a new concept called Clean and Simple. It's a range of papers that coordinates with each collection for those people who don't like too many fussy designs. Their ranges are In Love, Palm Beach, Everyday Poetry, Game On and Sunday Picnic. Their new designer threads, sparklers, and push pins are lovely.
October Afternoon have splendid designs and we are really looking forward to stocking more of their product this year. We want to promote them more down here in NZ and so we're pleased to tell you about their new collections - Cake Walk, 9 to 5 and Woodland Park. They have some new products as well - washi tape, mini books with chapter pages and dividers and new mini market stickers that you will love...
SRM Stickers were really pleased to meet us and are really keen to work in with us to promote their product in NZ. They have a wonderful range of clear stickers and tubes. I can just imagine some of our DT girls having a field day with their products! They have also started a card kit which will be perfect for classes. They've even cut up all the paper... They have a great range of stickers with sentiments, calendars and loads of themed ones.
DCVW has finally won a CHA award. Their stalls have always been fabulous - and this year they have been recognised. Check out the peacock! I love their new Stacks too - Serenity, Tres Chic and Coral Couture. They have also released some fun chalkboard and fabric papers.
Next up was Queen and Co. I was really excited to see their releases - a great range of trendy tapes, twinkle motifs and borders, goosebumps, rhinestones, twine spools and cool buttons. Simply fabulous!
Doddlebug is a range that we haven't started stocking yet - but they are interested in some NZ exposure - so let's see what we can do for them! They have some pretty ranges, great kits, mixed pearls, glitter paper and their new Candy Dot papers. Their stamps are also great value.
Bella Blvd are another company with cute designs. I love their chipboard, new alphas sets (5 on a sheet), washi tape, buttons, flags (you'll love these) and their sophisticates papers. Their ranges are Baby Girl, Baby Boy, Sunshine Happiness and You're Expecting. They also team with Unity Stamps to produce high quality stamps.
Meeting the owners of Clear Scraps was a pleasure. They stock wonderful clear albums and tags and spent time telling us how the business got started. They have created an innovative product that made the top 20 of innovations at the shop this year! They are very excited about our new brand programme and gave us product then and there to get started! Betsy Clark is going to love their cards. They are made from a thin clear material and then you decorate them up as you see fit. You can sew the paper on for a great effect, as well as emboss it, ink it etc. There are 8 new designs and 3 of them have a tuck-in closure system which adds interest. We look forward to seeing more of their range.
NZ seems to lack a great range of storage solutions - so I sussed out some options with Creative Options. They showed me their top products and we've photographed them for you. We sure do hope to start stocking some of their products soon.
Stampavie is a company I hadn't heard of before - but I liked the look of their sweet stamps. I can imagine Louise and Betsy playing with these beauties. This company are also promoting another brand of alcohol ink markers called Pro Markers. I had a play myself and I was VERY impressed. They are cheaper than Copics and even though the end was a hard chisel, the blending was excellent. They are coming out in sets in March and we'll be seriously thinking about stocking them.
Trends I noticed today: There are loads of brag books/journalling books, vintage collections in lighter colours, sewing sets, coloured twine, bright cute designs (a lot of these), and anything for spring. The Americans are really into themed holidays and so Easter and Spring ranges are everywhere...
Whew! And that's the end of today! I think I deserve a good night's sleep now. Tomorrow is the last day of the show. I only have 2 more aisles to go - and then I will spend my time doing make and takes and chatting to the owners/designers again.
Please leave a comment on the blog if you are reading these posts. I like to know I'm being usefu! This one has taken 4 hours to prepare (no Disneyland tonight!).
First up on the show floor today was Core Impressions. We already stock a good number of their products, but there are some fun additions to their range. They have teamed up with Pink Paislee for a new 12x12 pad, a new spotty and dotty range along with a 6x6 pad, coloured and white tags, fab packs of card fronts that fit perfectly in embossing folders and for the fronts of cards (no need to cut them to size!), a fabulous new Tim Holtz Kraft Core range in 3 sizes, along with a Sanding/Dust Buddy combo pack.
Next up was Spellbinders. They have a great new innovation called the Fold and Tuck Dies. It's probably one of the coolest things I've seen on the show floor this year. They are a breeze to use - cut and then fold and tuck over the cuts :-) SMART TIP: To prevent your little pieces getting stuck in the dies, use wax paper for a first few times until the die naturally builds up a waxy surface. Now the little pieces will fall out. Now that's SMART! They also have new embossing folders that flip over and reveal another pattern. It's like having two folders in one! I love their new Edgeabilities and the fun Bitty blossoms that roll up into perfect little flowers.
Fancy Pants is a popular brand and they have released another 4 ranges - Be You, Childish Things, Wave Searcher and Summer Soul. Their new brag book has a range of photo sleeves and teamed with the inner kit creates a great journalling book. These types of books are very popular at the show.
Basic Grey is a tried and true scrapbooking favourite and their 4 new ranges are pretty - What's Up, PB&J, Plumeria and Konnichiwa. They seem to have reduced the number of matching embellishments and now only design 12 papers - instead of 18. That's good for retailers! It was hard work finding space on the shelf for all their papers. They also have some lovely Canvas Art projects also on offer. I forgot to take photos! So I'll have to post them up tomorrow for you :-)
I fell in love with Maya Road again today. These guys don't have a big presence in NZ - but they deserve to be represented by someone. So with any luck we will try to introduce their products to you. They are producing top quality chipboard albums, elements and the cutest embellies you've ever seen! I love their burlap flowers, trinket pinks, bottle tops, dress form clips, felt flowers, wooden spools, bingo pieces, wooden rulers and more! Their chipboard elements were fantastic and I can't wait to get my hands on their sewing set. They also carry lines in fabric - beautiful brag books, flags, purses and more.
Jillibean Soup is a great place to go if you are hungry. These guys will satisfy your appetite - for crafting food! Their ranges are fun and I love Coconut Lime Soup the best. They have released Southern Chicken Dumpling Soup, Neapolitan, Heart Barley, Homemade Bean Soup, Game Day Chili and Sweet and Sour Soup! I love the names. They also have a fab range of embellies including popular flag pins, wooden buttons, stamps, chipboard and corrugated alphas and more. We look forward to bringing you more of their wonderful products.
Across the path was another company who we have only just started stocking - Lil Bee. The owners are lovely and we had a great time chatting to them. These guys have beautiful designs and we're excited about their new ranges - Handmade, Double Dutch, Buttercup and Victoria Park. They are also keen to be involved in our Brand Awareness programme. We look forward to working more closely with them. Their latest release Be Mine was very popular in the shop :-)
La La Land Stamps are fun and quirky. They are perfect for colouring and we have Teresa Abajo joining us at the end of March to teach Copic Colouring. We'll be using this brand of stamps :-)
Ranger Industries. Where do you start?! They are a big company that have a few brands under their wing - Inkessentials, Tim Holtz, Adirondack and more. Of course you just want to know about Tim Holtz. Well here he is....
Tim Holtz is in a few places during this show. Here he is at Ranger demoing the Distress Markers - basically a water marker that you can use to colour images - but also stamps etc. They are juicy and full of colour.
Tim's new Ideaology line has a hot travel range (Destinations), new mini words (chit chats), alpha cards, wire pins, gem clips, pullies, faucets, gears and more. His new embossing folder sets also have diffusers - where parts of the designs can be kept free from texture - leaving room for a verse. And we can't leave out his new Compendium of Curiosities Volume 2 which is filled with great ideas, tips and techniques for how to use all his products.
We also love the new Storage Cases that open out like a fishing tackle box.
Ranger have put out a new water brush, ice stickle colours, liquid pearl colours (beautiful!), sticky glue sticks and a fabric medium. There new Studio 490 range (from Wendy Vecch) is exciting. The range is called Art Parts and I LOVE them! There is a big move to anything off the page - and these fab designs are really unique.
Next up was Cosmo Cricket. We had a lovely time here as Lowri has had some of her work featured on their blog this year (and it's her most favourite company). They remembered her immediately and I was able to give them lovely little mini books that Lowri had made for Eric and Julie Comstock and Lindsey Moore from their Design Team. They are looking forward to seeing more of Lowri's work and gave me some product to take home to her. Keep watching this space... Their new releases are great - Tea for Tow, Evangeline, 23 and Baby Jane. The have introduced some new element decks to their ranges, tiny text (super cool) and great washi tape designs. We look forward to working with them this year.
I headed back to the Prima booth to spend some more time with the girls - Sharon, Cari, Sherry and Jamie. They are all so lovely and so we couldn't resist another photo op. Their products are also really lovely - it was very hard to decide what to photograph! I'm pretty excited about their Doodle Deux range. It's a bit of a departure for them - but it's fun. Their wooden buttons and clock faces have been sell-out products this show.
Bo Bunny is one of our favourites and it was nice to meet up with them again. They have 5 new lines Serenity, On the Go, Ambrosia, Weekend Market, Alora and Country Garden. Matching them are new card kits with a lower price point and more product in them. Their basic range has been expanded with a Vintage double-dot cardstock range. I also love their Enchanted Black and White glitter which came out before Christmas. Fabulous for weddings.
Webster Pages have long been an industry favourite and their ranges this show are no exception. They have developed a new concept called Clean and Simple. It's a range of papers that coordinates with each collection for those people who don't like too many fussy designs. Their ranges are In Love, Palm Beach, Everyday Poetry, Game On and Sunday Picnic. Their new designer threads, sparklers, and push pins are lovely.
October Afternoon have splendid designs and we are really looking forward to stocking more of their product this year. We want to promote them more down here in NZ and so we're pleased to tell you about their new collections - Cake Walk, 9 to 5 and Woodland Park. They have some new products as well - washi tape, mini books with chapter pages and dividers and new mini market stickers that you will love...
SRM Stickers were really pleased to meet us and are really keen to work in with us to promote their product in NZ. They have a wonderful range of clear stickers and tubes. I can just imagine some of our DT girls having a field day with their products! They have also started a card kit which will be perfect for classes. They've even cut up all the paper... They have a great range of stickers with sentiments, calendars and loads of themed ones.
DCVW has finally won a CHA award. Their stalls have always been fabulous - and this year they have been recognised. Check out the peacock! I love their new Stacks too - Serenity, Tres Chic and Coral Couture. They have also released some fun chalkboard and fabric papers.
Next up was Queen and Co. I was really excited to see their releases - a great range of trendy tapes, twinkle motifs and borders, goosebumps, rhinestones, twine spools and cool buttons. Simply fabulous!
Doddlebug is a range that we haven't started stocking yet - but they are interested in some NZ exposure - so let's see what we can do for them! They have some pretty ranges, great kits, mixed pearls, glitter paper and their new Candy Dot papers. Their stamps are also great value.
Bella Blvd are another company with cute designs. I love their chipboard, new alphas sets (5 on a sheet), washi tape, buttons, flags (you'll love these) and their sophisticates papers. Their ranges are Baby Girl, Baby Boy, Sunshine Happiness and You're Expecting. They also team with Unity Stamps to produce high quality stamps.
Meeting the owners of Clear Scraps was a pleasure. They stock wonderful clear albums and tags and spent time telling us how the business got started. They have created an innovative product that made the top 20 of innovations at the shop this year! They are very excited about our new brand programme and gave us product then and there to get started! Betsy Clark is going to love their cards. They are made from a thin clear material and then you decorate them up as you see fit. You can sew the paper on for a great effect, as well as emboss it, ink it etc. There are 8 new designs and 3 of them have a tuck-in closure system which adds interest. We look forward to seeing more of their range.
NZ seems to lack a great range of storage solutions - so I sussed out some options with Creative Options. They showed me their top products and we've photographed them for you. We sure do hope to start stocking some of their products soon.
Stampavie is a company I hadn't heard of before - but I liked the look of their sweet stamps. I can imagine Louise and Betsy playing with these beauties. This company are also promoting another brand of alcohol ink markers called Pro Markers. I had a play myself and I was VERY impressed. They are cheaper than Copics and even though the end was a hard chisel, the blending was excellent. They are coming out in sets in March and we'll be seriously thinking about stocking them.
Trends I noticed today: There are loads of brag books/journalling books, vintage collections in lighter colours, sewing sets, coloured twine, bright cute designs (a lot of these), and anything for spring. The Americans are really into themed holidays and so Easter and Spring ranges are everywhere...
Whew! And that's the end of today! I think I deserve a good night's sleep now. Tomorrow is the last day of the show. I only have 2 more aisles to go - and then I will spend my time doing make and takes and chatting to the owners/designers again.
Please leave a comment on the blog if you are reading these posts. I like to know I'm being usefu! This one has taken 4 hours to prepare (no Disneyland tonight!).
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