...times, they are a changing!

Do you think blogging is like riding a bike?  I thought it would be easy to get back into the saddle...but crunch time comes and I am still a little wobbly!

I have had an interesting few years...

If you have been following the journey of docrafts - new brands, new products, new techniques, new direction...then you pretty much have an inkling of how my working days have been spent!

I am incredibly proud of the AWESOME product that my team has delivered.  When I first stepped into my role at docrafts, I had my work cut out for me.  It was a company with a lot of heart and soul, but very little product expertise or direction.  Our most recent launch of  Little Venice Cake Company cake decorating equipment in September really was the icing on the cake.  You could call it a personal labour of love (and indulgence..)  

I have some pretty exciting developments in the pipeline for our Xcut brand... and 2012 is already shaping up to be another exciting year for my team.

BUT - it has not all be fun (you may think I am a good time girl... but there is a whole lot of blood, sweat and tears ;)  My dad was diagnosed with Acute Myloid Leukemia just before the summer.  It floored me.  This invincible hero of mine suddenly aged over night, and I had to face the reality that he could die.  

My big bro and I developed a crazy concept (when we were holed up in the hospital on a particularly hot Sunday) of taking photos in random places in our KAPOW pose!  It instantly became our trademark stance for photos, and we have introduced all of our family and friends to it.  We like to think it is worthy of a charitable cause... KAPOW CANCER!   (It has a ring?!)  

Anywho - I am signing off with our team KAPOW in Shanghai.  

Back soon!

Becks x

*Gasp*

I have EVERY die cut machine there is on the market... and I have to say that when this little wonder landed on my desk (and got promptly snaffled by Katy Godbeer ;) I wasn't *that* bothered - that is UNTIL she started to hyperventilate and I had to poke my head out of my office to see whether the air vent man was back again...

Apparently sliced bread is *so last year* when you have the new Silhouette SD (from QuicKutz)  It basically unlocks your computer and every font and image (scanned in or downloaded from the Internet or from their extensive library - which is an eye-watering wealth of shapes.)  NO MORE purchasing expensive cartridges, and being locked into a few size options.  This is flippin awesome!  MAC compatible, and easy (has to be for me) intuitive software; this is one machine I HAVE TO HAVE (except Katy and our designers have now *baggsy'ed* it...!!)

The library of images and nesting shapes, and dies from QuicKutz (which you get to download for FREE with your subscription card included - has a value of over $2000!!!)  Flippin' eck that is a whole load of content to get you going...

FYI:  Design Objectives now works exclusively with QuicKutz in the UK - and they launched the SQUEEZE TOOLS in a killer £19.99 deal, and are following up with the new UNIVERSAL EMBOSSING FOLDERS (if you have a Cuttlebug, Revolution, Big Shot... or impress *cough* then these babies are made for you!!)  £4.50 for the 4 2x2 versions - which are teeny enough for the Squeeze, or $4.50 for the A2 Embossing Folders... 

 

Lucky for me, the initial stock of the new SILHOUETTE SD arrived yesterday at DO (Clare Curd already bagged one to play with - lucky gal :) so looking forward to getting one of my very own to play with and keep from blogging...

Chocolate Fudge Cake...

Life never stands still!

BUSY does not even come close to describing the product agenda I have been managing at Design Objectives. We have so much launching this year that I barely get time to nibble at a rivita (could be because they taste like core'dinations cardstock) or lick some chocolate fudge cake. Plus there was a whole lot of doom and gloom which I didn't want to get pulled into. Craft is rocking... card making, scrapbooking, jewellery making, knitting, sewing... FYI it is so en vogue to DIY ;)

So issue 3 of Creativity Life is out - and still I get emails from loads of readers who want it more regularly, and better distribution... so next issue we have sorted something out ;) I am loving the look and feel of it - seems to have evolved into quite a neat little bundle. (...and you wonder why I don't get to blog ;)

I have a favour though! I *need* your comments and feedback on the REALLY USEFUL BOX range of products. If anyone out there has ever bought some, please leave comments on WHAT you use them for, and WHY they are good/great/pants!

Lastly, there is a really special TSV airing next Friday (17th April) - might get a giveaway set for one lucky blog follower...

Becks xxxx

Press Release...

Design Objectives and BasicGrey Agree to Part Company

By mutual agreement Design Objectives and BasicGrey have decided to draw a close to their trading partnership in the UK. Both companies wish to stress that this separation is purely strategic and each party wishes the other every success for the future.

Design Objectives is seeking to continue to develop the card making, scrapbooking and jewellery sectors utilising its own brands (Anita’s, Papermania & X-cut) supplemented with strong licensing opportunities and 3rd party brands that offer broad appeal to both card makers and scrapbookers alike.

BasicGrey, a leading US manufacturer of designer scrapbook paper and paper crafting accessories, wants to regain control of branding, placement and marketing in the UK territory. Products will now be available through Netherlands-based European distributors Kars & Co BV and ScrapbookMate.

Design Objectives continues with its unparalleled support of craft retailers through powerful consumer campaigns launching and promoting exciting new products and innovations via www.docrafts.co.uk which now has a membership of over 215,000 registered users and receives average monthly page downloads of over 6 million! Retailers are further supported through the growing sales of DO’s Creativity! Magazine with an estimated readership of over 150,000 crafters and the new Creativity Life magazine with an estimated readership of over 50,000 consumers. These titles along with the consumer websites provide exciting consumer inspiration along with details of the very latest new products, driving high levels of retail footfall and demand throughout the craft retail sector.

Design Objectives will continue to clear inventory of Basic Grey throughout 2009, details of which are available at www.designobjectives.com or by contacting customer care on 0845 450 3900. Any UK retailer customers with any questions or concerns relating to this press release statement are invited to contact Design Objectives directly by emailing info@designobjectives.com or by contacting BasicGrey at info@basicgrey.com.

Editors Notes:
For further information and photography please contact Marketing Assistant Becky Rattue at rebeccar@docrafts.co.uk or call 01202 811000.

1. www.docrafts.co.uk is the UK's leading craft website and is packed with hundreds of FREE projects, top tips and an interactive crafters chat forum.
2. Creativity Magazine has a readership of over 150,000 crafters and is sold exclusively from over 500 craft retail locations throughout the UK.

Sneak Peaks for Jan 09...

Spotted: Look who is teaming up with Papermania in 2009...

You are sure to see a lot of exciting changes since us gals got our hands on the product agenda at Design Objectives. The product team is driven by Emma Collins, Holly Roche, Katy Godbeer and me. We threw out the old boys and rolled our sleeves up and got back to basics... Whatever you THOUGHT you knew about Design Objectives in the past, I can tell you now, the new look and feel is something TOTALLY different. We are all about partnering with great designer labels and designers... and bringing you the BEST FOR LESS.

...as the sugarbabes warn... HERE COME THE GIRLS!

back to reality...

With mounds of washing clogging up access to the Kitchen, it is like falling back to reality with a bump. Happily it is sunny back here in Essex - which is more than the t'other side of the country can boast (or at least when I was there.)

With emails as prolific as my washing pile, I have already spotted the *new* AD for the Christmas BasicGrey range (out in mid September!) It is totally reminiscent of their top Christmas lines of yore - and I am quickly forwarding the ad for inclusion in issue 2 of Creativity Life (which has a new look and feel ;)

NO SNEAKS allowed yet... but when I can, I will ;)

Also on the grapevine, news of a new Clare Curd signature line... She may not be a superstar in scrapping circles - but this gal has oodles of charisma and natural talent when it comes to there them cards (which has traditionally been the DO CRAFTS focus ;) More details to follow...

I also have seen the new Christmas WRM line - and we have something special for every reader of Creativity Life, as we have teamed up with We R Memory Keepers ;)

There is more news... but I need to get back to putting my house in order so that this week (BACK TO SCHOOL !!!) goes with a bang...

Becks xxxx

P.S. ONE of Erin's posts wins the X-Cut corner rounder...

P.P.S Just spotted loads of "did you miss these at CHA Summer" ... so will post all the delicious piccies! AMM (via Advantus) has an upgraded version of their classic best sellers. I have already spotted them on sale in the UK... so if you look hard, you can find them!

Can we work together?

CONGRATULATIONS to Emma (our PM Brand Manager) who is expecting a little Miss or Master at the beginning of Jan!!! We are all very excited (especially because I have been there - done that - 4 time... ;) You will HATE being preggers over Christmas - as you will feel like the Turkey... but it is definitely worth it! My beginning of Jan baby is now 10 1/2... which makes me cringe ;) Still super cute though... although that makes HIM cringe.

I wrote an article (HERE) for Craft Business... and it entertained {aka promoted} the thought that craft retailers that work together can actually be more effective and successful. I always find it interesting that retailers shy away from their competition...

I see it as a real strength to have other business perspectives. I knew the guys at DO when I was first starting out (...much like I try to know most of my competitors in the industry.) I remember Alicia Tucker (of The Scrapbook House) saying to me at my first trade show that within a year I would be working for her... Nothing more than a light-hearted competitive chat; but it did make me evaluate and pull my socks up. I also think that along the years I have come to respect my peers opinion and input. I have had numerous conversations with the guys at DO; mainly Andrew & Phil. I always made it a point of chatting to them at shows. I just think there is LOTS to be gained by creating bridges...

For me, when I decided to leave my company - it meant lots of open doors. When I was still building my company, it meant I did not have to figure it all out on my own. I could ask really clever, talented, experienced people how I could improve (Mike from the Really Useful Products company is pure genius!!) So maybe if you are a retailer, think outside the box... and outside the comfort zone; and try to see where working together can strengthen your business.

Personally I LOVE the idea of offering me a discount on chocolates from the chocolatier next door ;)

Big Daddy in the Building...

Elvis may have left the building...but the Big Daddies of craft (Crop-A-Dile & Big Bite) are in the DO building!

The new B2B (aka trade website - HERE) launched last week... so anyone not already dealing with DO can log on and see products, pricing, sign up for an account et al.

So stores should have these within days...!!!

You can view them HERE

Becks xxx

On Tour...!

Being on the road with Claire, Kirsty, Emma, Sue... and the boys can be entertaining. Like pee your pants (or at least into a non-metallic box on the motorway and then chuck it out the window... funny!) I allude only to a story and to no real event in MY life - but this wee story had us in tears around the table just before midnight... the perpetrator will not be named ;)

Our first show was a lot of work - but there was Ben & Jerry's to keep us company... along with some great retailers (some of whom I knew from my ScrapGenie days... it was good to catch up!)

EVERYONE is loving the new EUPHORIA from BasicGrey... v. soft and summery! The perfect fit to this stonkin hot weather we have been enjoying (and hiding from to avoid lobster face, back, legs, arms....) AND the new Core'Ordinations is a huge hit!!! We have had men stroking and adoring just as much as women... ;) Can't wait to start seeing this in stores - shelves of colour which you can tear, sand, emboss then distress... and I hear they have a few new things up their sleeves too!

Off to Coventry tonight for all the fun to start again...

Becks xxx

Ooooo Spotted!

Spotted: The *new* blogging section in the DO website was wafted infront of me today... and it looks very cool. Their website is massive with card makers - and the men behind the technology have been mucking around with it to make it sing, dance and cook bread. The new COMMUNITY bit is ready for launching... and includes the ability to create yer own blog (much like 2peas) fer free... and they have tonnes of other interaction bits streamlining the experience for crafters logging on.

Have to say that I do like a good website... been known to frequent the odd one or two (but mainly if food is involved!) Watch this space for the launch date which should be this week...

Shhhh!

Stonking headache after a whirlwind trip down to Bournemouth and back... BUT I did get to play with some new toys. I like toys - heck, I would say that I feel a little deserving when it comes to gadget geek inventions that bring us on par with the boys. Not that I am keeping score ;)

It is official! DO are now exclusively distributing the Cropadile and Big Bite... as well as other We R Memory Keepers lines. Product won't be available immediately; but you know what they say - watch this space ;)

Last note before I sink into a LUSH bath bombed bath... Eyes; the window to the soul. Here is one man that has touched my life - been a very level head and heart... and no blood relation. Those twinkling eyes and wrinkles say volumes about a life laughed and lived. I hope that when I am his age that I will have a legacy as great as his. It's what is it all about folks... you get one crack at life - and this is it! Let's get writing, scrapping, living and loving... (oh and ladies, you have to read that Proper Care & Feeding of Husbands book... it will alter your perspective ;) I say this as the boys will be too scared to recommend it to you - for fear of reprisals... hahahaa you know I am right!

Let there be LOVE...

Just posted on the DO Blog... and found THIS classic... can't spot playing it! I dare you not to tap a toe or just generally have a good feeling afterwards...

Rumblings in the Jungle

So... a new company is operating out of the same premises as ScrapGenie Ltd - as of the end of Feb 2008!

Scrapdreamie Direct Ltd is now set up to operate from Haverhill - and as I have not been told anything directly about this (just Companies House logged details - that are free access for anyone...) it will be interesting to see how the 2 operate together, or whether this is the beginning of the end of ScrapGenie Ltd - I hope not (?!?!)

All speculation... but no doubt an announcement will be made to trade to explain the new company creation. Will keep you posted (as although I don't work with SG anymore - I do have a vested interest in that I founded it... and still own half of it.)

Some other jungle rumblings... and this is ALL GOOD ;) The lovely {and talented} Ms. Kirsty Wiseman (ooo she has her own .com!) has being doing the DO. Finally she has succumbed and jumped on board the Design Objectives train... choo choo.

It didn't take much convincing past a waft of BasicGrey and a sniff of a Cropadile & the Big Bite (did I not mention those??) and a hint of Doodlebug. We are pretty thrilled to have her as part of our team - more integral in the mag side of things (as she is a very clever lass) as well as hoisting a flag at the Olympia Show... anyone going???

More Later, Becks x

What's new with you (well - me)

Time to come clean about what I am now doing...!

Since leaving ScrapGenie, I was offered a few different opportunities... and the one I opted for (based on the people) was to head a new Premium Brand division for Design Objectives (Do Crafts, DO...)

I have known this company and some of the folks that work there for as long as I have been in the industry. We often joked that whilst they scored on the 90% of UK craft sales... I would be happy with my 10% of the cream... those with seriously good taste for quality brand (aka the label tarts!)

I was approached and considered it an amazing challenge. Here is a company that is the UK's leading supplier (by quite some yardage) who have always concentrated on the entry level craft materials. Here is a company who have this solid infrastructure; service ethos; integrity and commitment to independent brick and mortar stores; FOCUSED (AK) and thoroughly in touch with the end consumer... and they now want to put all this energy in supporting and building a market that I am very passionate about.

When I visited their offices (and walked into the boardroom to find my daughter #1 on the wall...) I had forgotten that right at the start I had worked briefly as their scrapbooking consultant. Early days - but I had designed (and been the unknowing face of Papermania - as was the BasicGrey sweetpea collection... how crazy is that!!) It is one of those FATE moments...

So what's the beef? What is DO doing that is so radically different from other UK wholesalers. Support and education is a major difference. I am working on a new publication that will promote our brands in the independents; much like the Do Crafts Creativity mag already does for the card making products. I am also working on some great ranges that have previously not really had the outreach in the UK that they deserve. Combine GREAT brands with impossibly perfect customer service, delivery, accountancy, personal sales reps, special in store promotion opportunities, demos... etc - and then you have something to really shout about.

I know that some retailers I have worked with before still harbour myths about DO (like £4000+ opening order values, and selling to supermarkets?!!) BUT luckily all those myths are just that... So there will be lower threshold opening order if you have never dealt with DO (circa £250) and free shipping. All online orders get an additional 2.5% off the order total - and to register you just need to prove you are a business. They will protect independents from rogue traders, and non-business buyers... which is what many retailers groan under the ever increasing strain of.

...and whilst DO have previously sold cheaper entry level craft materials; this is one company that is not cheap. They invest in people, businesses and education. That is what swung it for me. It's not about getting rich quick - but creating something sustainable, long-lasting... a bit like a scrapbook album ;)

So that is why I am excited about 2008.
Becks x

Day Two (....)

I neglected to mention so many things from yesterday.

It seems like I get only 20 or so mins each night before we are out with friends - last night it was some great blokes that work with ink. We had a funny time at one of those restaurants when they cook everything in front of your eyes... flicking food into their hat (to a trickle of applause, as we were all too busy engrossed in conversation about the show.) Me and Leandra then collapse (blisters and all) into bed around 11.30pm... so sleep vs. blog is slowly becoming a real choice!

There are a couple of INK trends... and the main one is that each supplier is fast becoming the 'one stop shop'. The big T now has a range of dye inks (Mementos?!) in the pads and the teardrops. The big R (Ranger - that one is easier to spell than the big T!!) now have a pigment ink line that coordinate - again... using some name that I cannot pronounce let alone spell within the limited time I have to write this entry. (It's those mountain ranges... if that is of any help?!)

I love love love the Prima new stuff - very versatile. I think the more product I can manipulate to create a personalised and unique result has a greater appeal. The clear printed overlays are not just about scrapbooking.

Anyways, it is interesting to see people's reaction to my new name badge at this show. I have been sad to say goodbye to my past ScrapGenie life - as it feels like a lot of who I am, or at least was. It is who everyone associates me with. I was asked to come on board with a new premium division within the Design Objectives team - and head it. I am excited (actually excited does not quite capture the feeling... ) but I am getting to work with some pretty special brands (and people!!) I know retailers that I have previously worked with have questions on how to get hold of product... so just email me directly and I will be able to answer anything.

I know that change is scary - I have felt that personally, as well as in a business sense. I also know that change can bring good things... and this change for me has felt right.

More Later,
Becks x

urm... shhhhhhh!

I would say 'wish granted' on the removal of the music - as per request... but would that be a little cheeky ;) Anyways, whoever Ms/Mr Anon is... the music (and my lovely New Shoes - which evidently caused me grevious pain yesterday, have gone.) As Depeche Mode used to say... ENJOY THE SILENCE!

So today brings a few exciting high points.

I get to meet Shelli Gardener - the founder of Stampin Up! The lady is a living legend; another strong lady that needs hats taken off in her presence. I am sure to glean some great tips... would have loved to learnt from her about a few things. So if you had one question to ask to a lady who is behind a £120 million a year global business... what would it be?!! Can I borrow a tenner doesn't cut it...

Later, Becks x