Cool Gadget

Spotted: Phone or Ipod shield – get Batfink ‘my wings are shields of steel’ appeal. Scratches, stains and smudges are all impenetrable against this smart piece of techie engineering... moulded to your phone.

I only rave so much about it because a friend of mine invented it... and it is waaaaaay much better than a skin! No rubbery silicone stuff - just this sleek invisible thin shield. So my new blackberry gets dressed this weekend (just wish I had a nice white with rhinestone blackberry like Cynthea - creator of Doodlebug!!)

Well the Stitches show was interesting. It REALLY was quiet - and one of the major exhibitors had opted out... so not sure how it will fair (*groan) for next year. I met Mr Display Dynamics and spent a 'double snap' moment going through business catch phrases (a fun game I so recommend for passing time... you know the deal Bob!)

I am looking forward to SMAC (which is the French trade show.) It is vibrant and colourful - and packed to the rafters with bead sellers (and toned and tanned Italians - or was that just me lucky enough to be exhibiting next to them?!!) I did spot a home kiln for making your own beads - it was what our Italian neighbours were selling... and I also spotted it at CHA (although not from their company...) Beads - are they really ALL THAT any more? I think it has cooled somewhat, and the fiddling got the better of us all!

OKAY - I have a little challenge for any bloggers out there. It will involve you all getting free stuff to 'test' and review for me on your blogs... Anyone up for free stuff (I think we have 500!) Just log your interest via a comment - and I will be contacting everyone for addresses in the next month or so.

P.S It is a scrapbook related product - and there is no catch bar the review (*honest) that I am going to ask you to post on your blog...

Later, Becks x

Hell....oooooo

I have just got back from Birmingham - blisters and aching feet in tow. I must say a big HELLO to Dawn Inskip (the OTHER one...) who was kind enough to say she read my blog *waving frantically... but in a 'I must sleep' fatigued fashion*

It was a quiet show. I managed to clock it twice in one day - so very different from CHA, SMAC or PAPER WORLD. I kept bumping into retailers I knew from my previous life - and it was lovely to catch up (and still be greeted with a smile!) Big hellos to The Scrap House and A Card 4 U.

I loved the PaperArtsy stand... I like things that stand out; that are original! Mark obliged with a tongue sticking out... and despite bribes, it will be going up ;)

Other exciting things??

Decoupage is REALLY cooking up a storm in the UK. For every stand that had something US imported, there was at least 3 stands that had sheets and sheets of decoupage. I liked the folks at Crafters Delight and Lili of the Valley. I am tempted to see whether I can be bothered to cut out the same image a zillion times only to mount it and stick to a card for someone else to enjoy (I use the word 'enjoy' loosely... as I doubt my skill will make it a materpiece ;) So what is the big ache with decoupage? The colours are placid and the designs pretty geometric. I NEED a real enthusiast to convert me... Dawn, you up for the challenge???

The Pazzles machine was there - in this little booth (why is it we in the UK display with much less flair than elsewhere?) Great machine, but only 2 people could hover whilst it was in action. Could I part with $600 (not sure how much the UK price will be?!) I am not sure yet... how many electrically tools can one hard core crafter store/use?! Maybe that should be a poll.

Lastly - I did spend some time chatting to one of my new partners in crime... the delectable (and deliciously dark haired) Emma Collins.

Later,

Becks x