CHA Summer 08 - Day One

Spotted: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the new Doodlebug lines. Did you see those smoking *hot* 6x6 and 12x12 pads that they made "just for us"?? I have been begging them for these little sweeties as I know card makers will go nuts for them in the UK! Sooooo looking forward to stroking outside of the packaging ;)

Next to Cynthea and I is a creative display from Graphic 45. Sort of reminscent 7gyspies... and Melissa Frances.

My Yellow Bicycle and SEI were busy...

...and across the way we bumped into ALI; and Emma managed to grab a pic with her. Not sure if I embarrassed her too much (sorry Em!!!) but once we photoshop that pic, then we will have a little collection going ;)

Spotted: I know the last Heidi Swapp rub-ons sucked as bad as the original DO ones - but these new designs are stunning, and I am sure they wouldn't not inflict the nasty flaking on us again...

You have heard of BADGE IT (surely every 10 year old in the UK owns one!) well now you can BRAD IT (...see what I did there, a little clever play on words ;) It will retail in the US for $40, but I can see it's appeal... make your own brads to suit the paper designs, or clothes in a pic... and they are chuncky accessories that make a statement. Thumbs up from me!

Spotted: Provocraft's new tool is a binding laminator - make your own 'MY STORY' books... retail around $50 (I think??) and will have the wow factor for anyone who makes... well, books. I want to go back and really play some more with this before giving a verdict. I am trying to see how often I would use it...

They DO have new 'Hello Kitty' cartridges (...so on my shopping list!!!) and decked an entire bedroom out in the stuff. If my 5 year old is watching, there will be pester power when I get home ;)

The new WRM lines are gorgeous!! They have adhesive flocked die-cut ribbon, and just really vibrant, rich colours both for Christmas and for everyday. LOVED the new look!

Jewellery anyone... seriously! Watch this space...

Spotted: The new Claudine Hellmuth lines - which you are going to go gaga for. CANVAS... is all I am going to say. It is going to be the new acrylic ;)

Spotted: Karen Foster Designs CHA Summer 08

Spotted: The entire catalogue is online HERE (I like the 3D Calendar...)

Not sure if I am allowed to hint that Clearsnap has a KILLER product which it is releasing in just days!! We will be promoting it BIG TIME... and it will hit store shelves by beginning of Sept. Just you wait!!!

Also talked to the silky smooth voice of Alain at Ranger... and their work with Claudine Hellmuth gets revealed to the public! What a perfect partnership!

ICHF Trade Show 2008

The UK's version of CHA kicks off today at the NEC. Unlikely to be quite as thrilling (or celeb-liscious) as CHA, it is worth a look in if you are a UK retailer. Training type workshops are today, with the doors being opened nice and wide to the trailing hoards tomorrow morning.

I am off on Monday (as for the first time in years I now do not work with a company that has to exhibit - I tell you, that is a little slice of heaven right there!!)

The stands I most look forward to are PaperArtsy (because I love what Mark does with cardboard - the man is a genius!! The stamps aren't too shabby either ;) I will also go see Creative Expressions - as they have Fancy Pants, and that is one line that keeps getting better. The shimmering H2Os are also a must see - and play! Alain and Tim from Ranger will be over having a mess around on their stand (as well as Personal Impressions) so will have a chat to the silky south african accent (and the man who wields it effortlessly.)

It is funny how our trade show is not nearly as exciting... and not hint of an Ali or an Elsie in sight. I know that there are some myths circulating - I always like to discover what the underground drums reckon is fact. Is that a woman thing?? As always, the myths are no where near the truth. Still... it is like a soap opera unfolding - better than Neighbours half the time! And wouldn't you know... they moved home too ;) Channel 5 has all the luck!

I will take some piccies from the show - let you know what decoupage is going to rock your world in 2008... peel offs and decoupage (should I vow now never to touch either?! I know Mary Anne did a piece in Scrapbook Inspirations using peel offs - and I thought it very brave!!)

Ok - until Monday!

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