On the move...

I have finally taken the big leap, and have sold my home in Essex... heading from the bright lights of Bournemouth, the New Forest and DO HQ!

As you can imagine, moving 4 children (schools!!) is no mean feat. House hunting is eating into my relaxing weekends... and I am crossing all fingers and toes that we will find the ideal new location to rehouse all those really useful boxes (!)

Mingled in with the move is obviously the ever expanding product agenda which I manage... and we have new licenses launching, as well as Papermania Signature (a little something *special*) and all our Christmas lines (don't choke - Christmas is pretty much done in my book ;)

As a result I will be taking time out from blogging just so I can catch my breath... and keep sane! A woman's work is never done, and I sure as heck could use a wife round about now... ;)

Becks xxx

*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...

New Exhibitors at CHA 2009 Show!

[Press Release] NEW EXHIBITORS SIGN ON AND MANY OTHERS EXPAND SPACE AT CHA 2009 WINTER SHOW

Savvy Businesses to Exploit Trade Show Attendance in Bad Economy

Illustrating the resilience and importance of select trade shows in a down economy, the Craft & Hobby Association 2009 Winter Convention & Trade Show, to be held January 25-28 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, will feature more than 50 new exhibitors and an additional 75 that have expanded their booth space from last year’s event. This group of exhibitors represents over 15% of the anticipated 750 exhibitors which will be showcasing thousands of new products to 15,000 attendees from around the world.

Among the manufacturers to be featured in the New Exhibitors Show section is Ribbon Connections Inc, booth number 2710. In keeping with the Show’s green theme, the company will introduce ribbons and accessories made of 100% natural materials at the Winter Show. The natural ribbons and tapes come in cotton, silk, linen, and rayon, and many are available in a variety of colors. Total Class Creative, booth number 2601, will also unveil their “We’ve Got Kids Covered” line. These easy-to-assemble girls’ and boys’ craft kits include instructions and materials for play environments, furniture and dress-up.

Other new exhibitors include Spiral Eye Needles, and their award winning open eye, easy-to-thread hand sewing needles. The only hand sewing needle made in America, Spiral Eye needles are made of 100% stainless steel, making them hypoallergenic and more flexible than the traditional needles that are made from steel and then plated with nickel. Attendees will find supply storage solutions at Wall Control Storage Systems, booth 2804, and instructional books at Stackpole Books, booth 2807, that will feature the brand new Creating Candles, which illustrates how to make 104 different kinds of candles with over 1,000 color photographs and step-by-step instructions. For a complete list of new exhibitors, visit http://www.chashow.org/.

In addition to the new exhibitors at the 2009 Winter Show, will find that 75 returning exhibitors expanded booth space, for a total increase of 15,563 square feet. Several industry leaders, including EPSON America, Inc., Prima Marketing Inc, and Ranger Industries have opted to expand the square footage in their booths. Some of the largest booth increases come from Cra-Z-Art, with 1,100 more square feet, Colorbok, which has expanded by 800 square feet, as well as Ultra-Pro and Crayola LLC, which both have expanded by 700 square feet.

“CHA’s new and returning exhibitors realize how important trade shows are in a down economy – nowhere else can you showcase your products and network with so many key buyers from around the world,” said Steve Berger, CEO, CHA. “These exhibitor members are a promising sign that the 2009 Winter Show continues to be a vibrant and cost effective investment for the craft and hobby industry.”

The ALDI effect...

I don't know if anyone caught the programme last night that reported a surge in interest in DISCOUNT stores like ALDI & Lidl. Pundits are calling it the *Aldi Effect*... where consumers are trading down and saving money on their essentials. Aldi apparently promote quality produce at 30% cheaper prices - and 30% is a BIG DEAL.

I have been watching as retailers in the craft industry work to reposition their businesses in the current *pinch* climate. Mad About Cards have a £1 section of their website - and their business is booming. Artymiss specialise in cut price bundle deals... and more and more retailers are switching on to a selection of quality essentials at credit crunching pricing.

Design Objectives just launched a massive deal to support their retailers hit this market demand with loads of £3-4 items now retailing at just a mere 99p. I am pretty sure retailers can use all the support they can get right now (and it is only good news for consumers who are watching the pennies... and can now craft for just a few pounds!)

Becks xxx

Creative Memories

Lots of dust biting and shaking down in our industry. This time it is the giant home party company who really *got the party started* in the US. Not that size means anything, but it looks like bankruptcy beckons... and the downturn in the market (as well as sizable competition) only nailed the coffin. An attempt to restructure has been announced - but it is only an indicator of the current market trends. You need to be Noah to survive this flood...

Will you miss Creative Memories?!!

Becks xxx

New forum...

[Press Release] Origin launches social networking site for craft lovers.

Origin Publishing is tomorrow set to launch a unique social networking website for craft enthusiasts – craftbubble.com. Aimed at female crafters from all disciplines, the website is being launched as ‘the UK’s favourite crafting community’ with a view to becoming the biggest social networking site for craft lovers in the world.

Anna Davenport, Creative Development Publisher at Origin Publishing, said: “We already run the world’s biggest cross-stitching forum at www.cross-stitching.com, and a social networking platform seems the next logical step. Crafters love to share their knowledge, meet fellow crafters and display their work, and craftbubble.com will give them the opportunity to do this and so much more. The site will enable a global community of crafters to take their hobby and passion to a whole new level.” The website’s content will be 100% user driven and will cater for all disciplines of craft. Members will be able to create their own unique profile or ‘craft bubble’, upload and share projects in their own gallery, make new friends, create and join groups, blog, share tips and advice, and more.

The website will offer cross-platform packages to advertisers across craftbubble.com and Origin’s craft magazine and digital portfolio. The site will eventually look to offer advertisers the ability to tailor their messages to specific user interests.

Crafters will be able to pre-register for the site as from today at http://register.craftbubble.com/index.php?do=/signup/ and gain full access as from tomorrow, Thursday 13th November. Membership is free and all new members will receive three free craft projects to download.

Cute & Cuddly... Trend

Forever Friends has been hitting the headlines in the craft world. It seems that card makers especially cannot get enough of "cute n cuddly". I was chatting to Hallmark this last week, and we are definitely a nation of two halves. Cute being one of them! 74% of us recognise Forever Friends as a brand, and it has been establishing its brand in our Psyche for 21 years... no small feat for a tubby beige bear.

As a trend, this probably transcends seasonality... and becomes staple fodder for that insatiable appetite for cute n cuddly.

I have to admit that I am more heavily soaked (marinated) in cute since having 2 little girls. They seem to bring out the *fluffy* side of me. I even have ordered some of these bears (watch out for them on sale in craft stores!!!) as Christmas pressies... just could not resist ;)

So trends 2009 is going to have CUTE N CUDDLY as a must-have... even if it is no-where near the fashion catwalks of CHA, it will be dominating the craft industry in the UK. You just have to look to Joanna Sheen, and also the new Daisy & Dandelion (to be unveiled 09) brand...!! You have been warned ;)

Eye Spy...

Oh my word...

I have just signed off some stella stuff from a new supplier for 2009. They are actually *long time* mates of mine, and are creating some brilliant booty for our January Promotion, under the Papermania banner. You are sooooo gunna love 'em (if I tell you there are 12 to collect and you will so be drooling over them all... is that too much info too soon?) Sneaks will follow in December - but before then I get shot!

Some days I *love* my job (there are other days when I just like - not love - like it...) I am getting excited as I have a few trips planned for later in the year (all in the name of bringing you fashion forward gadgets and goodies...) We also have a new partner from another longstanding company I have worked with - details to be announced in Jan!!

Other industry gossip (not really news until it is confirmed) but it looks like the company I started and left last year (ScrapGenie) may not be long for this world. It is always sad to see the industry lose a competitor, because competition means choice for the consumer. I am sure with a tough global market that this will not be the only company to feel the pinch... and the face of scrapbooking (even in the US) is changing!!

On a positive note, Creativity Life has just signed up with a new publisher - so we are moving the furniture... next issue is a blinder! Scrapbook Apprentice is hotting up; and some contestants have already been short listed - so don't miss out on the opportunity to get PAID for doing what you love!! You have to be IN IT TO WIN IT ;)

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 ;)

*NEW* Euphoria from BasicGrey...

Spotted: The new spring release from BasicGrey is EUPHORIA! Shipping at the beginning of July and debuting at our retailer events starting Tuesday... there are also 3 new card kits (each making at least 8 cards) with some unique new rub-ons and other bespoke items included (RRP £9.99!)

CLICK TO ENLARGE... and enjoy!

Press Release...

Clearsnap Holding. announces partnership with Design Objectives

[Washington, USA] 1st May 2008 - Clearsnap Holding, the company behind the leading ColorBox brand, is pleased to announce the appointment of Design Objectives as its UK distributor and partner.

Clearsnap (http://www.clearsnap.com/) has developed art supplies for rubber stamps for over 20 years. The first to introduce the raised ink pad to the market (eliminating size limitations on the stamp which an ink pad could be used with), Clearsnap has led the way in innovating change whilst tailoring product to meet the demands of all levels of Stampers. The introduction of the popular Cat’s Eye minis revolutionised the pricing for top quality ink pads, making them accessible and more versatile for consumers. Clearsnap has consistently manufactured to the highest quality, allowing them to give an unconditional guarantee on their entire range.

Offering a comprehensive range of vivid and varied pigment, dye and hybrid inks and accessorises, Clearsnap is looking forward to widening their outreach to card makers, general crafters and scrapbookers through their new relationship with Design Objectives. Teamed with Design Objectives, the UK’s leading craft supplier, Clearsnap products will now be available through select independent retailers.

Bill Warmouth, International Sales Manager for Clearsnap comments, “We are very focused on growth and support for the craft market. We have expanded our capacity in the US, so have researched the market within the UK to find a partner who shares our vision. Design Objectives has an established track record with their retailers, and are committed to expanding into new markets, with new premium products. We are impressed with their focus on the consumer, and their in-store demonstration support with retailers, as education is fundamental to success. We are thrilled with our new relationship, and are looking forward to developing new products and broadening our outreach.”

Becks Fagg, Third Party Brand Manager for Design Objectives adds, “We are thrilled to be appointed by Clearsnap, and are excited to be working with the leading name in quality inks and accessories. The comprehensive Clearsnap product range is complementary to all our premium products, and sits perfectly within the stable of brands now offered under the D.O umbrella.”

Design Objectives’ partnership with Clearsnap Holding signifies a focus on delivering premium third party brands to the discerning crafter. Design Objectives commitment to retailer support and consumer outreach, means they are perfectly positioned to respond to growing demand for affordable, quality, designer brands.

(...just thought you may want to know!)
Becks xx

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...

Killer Cards...

It is healthy to have professional envy... and I have to say that Jo Kill's cards rock ;) She even did a little blog test for the Scrapbook Adhesives Runner (see HERE) and I was happy to meander around her blog for ages just adoring her wee creations. I do, however, take exception to the lack of duvet love. I would def not be without mine... ;)

The agenda for today is nailing more samples for the Trade Events. Katy and I played (aka rolled in) Doodlebug and laid it all out so it looks very very *pritttttty*. We had some of the 2008 trims and that *to die for* flock (crushed velvet) cardstock. Cannot wait to get a die cutting machine let loose on that stuff... it is scrumptious. We have 4 complete walls - and I will take pics and post when at the events... but before then it will only be sneaks ;)

Also took delivery of Club Stamp... so off to wallow in more goodies (*cough* after working really really really hard all day!)

xx

Sad News...

Just read that the remaining All My Memories store in the US is shutting down at the end of the month. I am gutted - as the owner {Jorjana Brown} is a friend who I worked with when she owned the AMM Company (alongside her retail stores) and I worked with my company ScrapGenie.

I read the article HERE & HERE (loved her point about photos not telling the full story... scrapbooking does!) Seems such a waste of a retailer that knows her stuff, has a store to die for... and hosts amazing workshops, fab teachers, great online website... and it's just pants that it ends.

Yep, nothing positive to say on that note... just find it hard to swallow. I wish her every success for 'just' being a grandma... xxx

Coming Soon...

I will let you have a wee sneak next week... but our *new* mag is out in the May issue of Creativity! You will get 4 pages of unadulterated scrapping... with a little hint of what is to come in our fully fledged premier issue, out July 1st! If you are chomping at the bit, you can grab copies in stores from May 1st, or even log onto creativity.co.uk (launching soon!!) with a FREE DOWNLOAD option...

The Tour...

Thursday was a blur.
Awake at 4am and then on the road after 6am... it felt like I had already worked a day by the time I arrived at the office. BUT - there was Cadbury Creme Eggs simply strewn around the place - all begging to be scoffed... and I am more than happy to oblige. It seems that everyone in the office thinks they are 'for looks'?!! Not in my company...

Beckie rolled in and we played - but mostly her and Katy played whilst I tapped away on creating a really cool (and exclusive) product that Doodlebug lovers are going to go nuts for. Watch this space ;)

Beckie had driven a pick up truck... and yes, we both rolled into it and chugged (peddling fast) along behind a nice BEEEAMER (we were the snail in his rear view mirror.) The hotel shouted for some bed bouncing and some "ooooo look at the sea" before we ditched all the sales team and made our way to the Cinema (after a d-lish Indian) to just laugh and cry our way through the night. The boys ROLLED their eyes when we said we were watching 27 Dresses... and they were rightly rolled, as I *know* my Better Half would have cringed his way through this little love fest of a film. Unashamedly a chick flick... and better viewed in good company ;)

We did chat with the boys when we got back - and they got very excited when we started talking craft. WHO KNEW that men would get so giddy just with a hint of a cropadile, big bite, doodlebug pad or basicgrey precision file set... very very funny!

So Friday I let them loose on our in-house samples and they were punching holes in their belts and setting eyelets like men possessed. I feel much better letting blokes out on the road knowing they *adore* our product ;)

Speaking of the road... it looks like there is a ROADSHOW in May! ONLY for retailers... but still a pretty exciting chance to see what we have coming... and also get to treat all our retailers to lunch. Food and fab products... ;)

Okay - I have Guest DT members to announce (I am going to open it to 3 this month, as I like the idea of maybe progressing Guest DT members to full time... if they are up for it?!!) Imagine being published in a mag that gets read by over 200,000 (yep, you read it right...) 200,000 crafters!! Now there is a little reason to get submitting BEFORE MONDAY! This isn't just a wee DT... this is the real deal ;)

Craft's Beautiful Awards...

Just had my copy of Craft Business slide through my letterbox - and centrespread is the Craft's Beautiful Awards. Just an FYI for those interested souls...

Favourite Website: DoCrafts.co.uk
Best TV Shopping Channel for Crafts: Ideal World's Create & Craft
Best General Card Designer: Ms. D Bibby
Best Designer (in Crafts Beautiful): Ms. D Bibby
Best Designer (Q&C mag): Brenda Harvey
Best Designer (Let's Make Cards): Sarah Beaman
Best Craft Chain Store: Hobbycraft (followed by The Paper Mill)
Best Mail Order: QVC (runner up Lakeland)
Best Craft/Exhibition: ICHF's Hobbycrafts (followed by Ally Pally - well done Colin & Express!!)
Favourite Papercraft Range: Papermania (followed by K&Co.)
Best Toolbox Essential: Glue Dots
Best Craft Book: All New Compendium of Cardmaking
Best Embroidery Thread: DMC (followed by Anchor)
Best Beading/Jewellry: Swarovski
Best Knitting Yarn: Sirdar
Best Rubber Stamping Range: Personal Impressions (followed by Hero Arts)
Favourite Embellishment Range: Papermania (again followed by K&Co.)
Best Die-Cutting Machine: Big Shot
Best General Gadget: Ultimate Crafters Companion
Best New Product 2007: Crop-A-Dile (wahoooo!)
...then you have the regional store winners: The Glitter Pot (hi Bryan) Simply Craft, Stampaholics, Topaz Crafts, Cute N Crafty

Craft Business Trade Awards should be on their website in the next couple of weeks... so more gongs and smiles to follow ;)

Product Review: DBG Sugar Coated

I like finding out *secrets* and knowing what is heading our way... and believe me when I tell you that July CHA is going to rock. Who can wait?! I think there is a little sneak peak at SMAC - but that is all I can say ;)

Anyway, I wanted to bring your attention to a much loved accessory in my tool box (and actually it is all over my tool box courtesy of little 'helping hands'...bless ;)

The SUGAR COATED range from Doodlebug was a massive hit when launched last year - but still some crafters have never had the chance to play and get hooked on these little packs of pure blingy-ness. I make no bones that I am not a girly girl - although am gradually being swayed by my 'all handbags and make-up' offspring (who would wear this stuff in her hair and on her lips if she could get past my barrage of security - I learnt after the little 'helping hands' episode!) I therefore need layouts to reflect this inherent desire to dazzle.

I ADORE the minute sizing - and the fact that for around £12.99 I can collect a range of glitter that will cover all colour bases. I have the Sugar Coated cardstock - and this stuff is leeeeethal. Both in an addictive usage type way, as well as the amount of shimmer I manage to share (it is like a glitter bomb just exploded.) This is the ultimate glitter deal. I love the softness of twinkling H2Os - but heck, this is more glutenous and so full on, that you cannot help but this of Nigella dipping into her fridge last thing at night, and opting for this glorious indulgent glitter over the leaner version...

BUT you just wait until the CRUSHED VELVET hits town... now there is more to talk about!

Later, Becks x

Oooo BasicGrey almost in the building...

All layouts by the LUSH Kellee Goree

WAHOOO... The *new* BG has landed!!!

It is in the UK, and just needs delivering and loading into the warehouse...

As I am in sunny surf city Bournemouth for a couple of days, I am off to Scrapping Frenzy tonight (totally WORK RELATED!!! hahahahahahaha... ;) I have (oh chore!) to play with BG samples - as we have a wee taster version of Creativity Life coming out in May. I will upload some sneak peaks as soon as they are ready... as we have been really nailing how this mag looks. I want you to ADORE it (and its minute price tag... we all love a bargain!)

Whilst I am here I am also beavering to finalise some fab new products... like, REALLY fab! As soon as the ink is set on my excel spreadsheet and we are go, go, go - then you can be sure that I will share, share, share!

So breaking news... looks like there is a new blog launching with the scrapdreamie name - but actually maybe not meant to be for public viewing yet as it has now been made super confidential (so maybe we wait for a grand announcement... and should not be so Agatha Christie Miss Marple... eh?!! Patience is a virtue ;)

Other news - KW has accomplished the impossible *gasp* and emailed me a lovely layout that is totally DO! Who would have thought... I know some of the reader gallery layouts I have seen are just amazing... seriously talented ladies out there!!!

Later, Becks x

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