CHA Winter 09 - Day Two...

Clearsnap:
So new colours for their signature queues, petalpoint et al... but the most exciting thing on their stand was their adorable new SMOOCH shimmer inks. They look like nail polish, but are this glorious bling ink that works with a fine brush to nestle into crevices and crannies to create dreamy sheens to pebbles to clay, cards and fabric. VERY VERY yummy...



Lasting Impressions:
I worked with Lasting Impressions before, and just *love* their stencil designs. We do have some in store promos on select demo boards - but here we have some new ones!! As well as all things brass, they have perfected the Memory Mixer to a version 3 reign supremo digital solution. The boys playing with it were hooked... which says it is user friendly ;) Even Holly was all over it - and planning her Wedding Photobook (which this sucker can make in minutes!) Looking forward to seeing more...

Purple Cows:

The recent TSV tool was outshone by the lush icube storage solution on the booth. I instantly fell in love, but only because I can see a whole craft room/kid room/shed organised with this gear! Forget the colouring for a moment, as you wait till you see how light weight it is (urm that is aka cheap shipping for yous and me!!) It is modular, and massively MUST HAVE.

Can't leave CHA without having your picture with a purple cow?!! They were filming the Craft Diva (that TV show) in the background... all good ;)

High Street Trend & Watermark hits town...

Spotted: You want to know what the *new* pink is for Autumn 08? ...Well look no further! TEAL is steaming sizzling hot. You will already start to see lime green pushed aside to make room for the new trend colour tones of this seasons hottie.

Debenhams, M&S, Topshop, Warehouse, Chloe - are all adding this trend into their high street mix. From luggage to shoes; clothes to accessories... TEAL is ticking all the boxes with fashionettas focused on the latest fad.

ALSO hitting town this week (as in "touching down" today and shipping out by the end of the week) is the new WATERMARK PAD from Clearsnap. This innovation {from the company that brought you those cute and 'oh so collectible' cats eye queues} now will give the market dominating Versamark a run for its money. The Versamark may have had a solo stab at the limelight, but its contemporary boasts kick butt performance, and is worth every penny of the £4.50 (for the large pad.) I fancy a road test... against your existing embossing pad and versamark pad... (it does it all... with panache ;) Anyone up for some hardcore watermarking? I need some intense stampers who *know* their stuff, and can give the road test some welly....

But for now... TEAL is top dog ;)

CHA Summer 08 - Day Two

...sticky stuff that works with glitter, foil, flock and perfect pearls... lovely!!

Spotted: Clearsnap (in addition to the WATERMARK PAD) have this new vivid glitter bling... which was super shiny (like layered glamour...) and although just in prototype packaging - this is one line I think will dazzle those card makers ;)

She sure is famous in Europe... the lovely Karen Burniston. She is hoping to head our way at the end of the year - and also liscensed Jane Dean earlier in the year to be her UK authorised tutor (and Karen's classes *ROCK*!)

We got to toy with the *love machine* by Quickutz. Loved the electronic feeder (although the prototype was like cracking nuts...) but it looks a little heavy on the hands and the purse. Are you ready for an electronic feeder die cutter? Well even if you are not - this is not your only option, as I have some Ellison/Sizzix Express images to share!

Off to sleep off the jet lag xx

CHA Summer 08 - Day Two (Clearsnap)

Spotted: BIG (aka HUGE) news at the show is the launch of the WATERMARK pad from Clearsnap. It will retail at £4.49 (UK) and is available in the big, mini and Cats Eye pads. There is also a refill option... and it ships to retailers (and will be *out there*) September 1st. From tests it works even better {if possible!!} than the Versamark... so watch out for this little stunner ;)

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!

Spotted: Card Kits from BasicGrey... and more!

Spotted: Ad campaign by American Crafts... so which scrapbook style are you?!

Spotted: Cards are the *new* scrapbooking... well at least in the US, where card making is tickling everyone's taste buds (whereas here in the UK we have been tickled for some time...) What is exciting about the US getting 'it' - is the emergence of super small kits and parcels that are proportioned for the leanest card. The new BasicGrey card kits (RRP £9.99) are killer. With *more* than was previously offered in the Blush card kit (which is still available from select retailers) the price is screaming "buy me, buy me" and the 8 cards you can make are ringing in at just over a squid each... (I know I am NOT cheap... but even I like the sound of that ;)

Spotted: Clearsnap have a new pad up their sleeves, launching at CHA Summer. Speculate at will, but I have cleared a little shelf and have a reserved sign in place... ;)

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