CHA Winter 09 - The Finale

Slap my hands... I forgot to mention *ZING* from American Crafts! These are really fine embossing powders that really are scrummy...

So TIM HOLTZ (The Grand Duke of Grunge) has widened his range with Advantus (remember he also has stamps with Stampers Anon, and inky-dinky-do with Ranger... busy bee!) Some interesting nick-knacks... all aged, distressed, grunge type. The mini-stapler tool is a gadget which I have seen Making Memories toy with, and is a revision on the original EKSuccess fastenator. I have heard whisperings of an improved upgraded option out later in the year (but not from any of the brands just named...)

What is some aging embellishments without a centre-piece of grunging cases (which was attracting ALL the attention... ;)

Lastly spotted the man himself showing some retailers around the booth. He finally unshackled himself from that demo spot for some vital pimping. Love his stuff...

Headed over to QuicKutz booth which in 2008 had been a little bit of a disappointment... but they have turned a corner, and suddenly feel back in the design saddle - releasing some fab consumable staples. As DO stockists will be flogging the squeeze and alphas for just £19.99 (you heard it right folks!) in March, the new 2x2 embossing folders will be a real MUST HAVE addition to maximise that bargain buy. With 4 for £4.99 (or thereabouts) I can feel a marriage with some core'dinations coming on...

Also of note were the stunning nesting (aka concentric) stencils, as well as the coordinating dimensional stencils which build a 3D effect. This is a KEY TREND for 2009! I spotted a few companies giving this dimensional effect some limelight through punches (which X-Cut has done in March too) and through this die-cutting. Have to say I was smitten with the floral version.

The new silhouette is sleeker, friendlier and more playful than the previous version. We got a demo, before I left my camera on their stand for half a day - and in a blind panic and hot sweat ran back to see if it was still there... phew, for honest folk!

Lastly... just because it is like butter on a hot potato... the lush Aussie accent from Kaiser Crafts! Worth wading through the whole post for!