Wall Art...

I have yet to create a layout mounted on an easel and walloped onto my wall. I see them periodically (for a while they were in *every* scrap mag...) BUT I am a tad anal when it comes to home decor. I would much rather see my layouts in a stylish leather {effect} album - a la WRM - than stuck on a wall with all my journalling hanging out (like washing laundry in public tsk ;)

I, however, have been introduced to an emerging {nontraditional} home decor company in the US... www.uppercaseliving.com

I first saw these wall transfers (think: *massive rub-ons...) when Lisa & Becky launched that line with Advantus. It didn't really take off in the UK (excuse being - we have small houses, and even smaller walls, usually cluttered with a zillion photos... or in my case, Biro, zig writer... and crayon ;)

BUT I like the transfers that uppercaseliving are propagating! That CREATE one... and the DRESS UP?! I can think of ideal locations for both... and have promptly got my US-RESIDING SISTER on the case ;)

It is yet another 'home party' company - so measure it's success against supremo Stampin Up (urm, do we dare mention Craft-Ed?!) and I doubt we will see it ever hit the big time in the UK... but consider it spotted, adored and on the Christmas pressie list!

Spotted: Stampin Up

Have you seen the latest copy of Crafts Beautiful?

It has a yummy catalogue/idea book (clever!!) from Stampin Up as well as some foamy stamps - which in the summer hols are the perfect distracting tool for the kids! I just like that company - great classically designed cards that make me ALMOST want to ditch scrapping and get into the art of giving (although it would grate after a whole to be giving all my best stash away ;) Ooooo I am sooooo mean !!

Anyways - you CAN also view the catalogue/idea book HERE

Mag Testers...

Time to put up your feet... grab a cuppa something hot, and email me your address so I can get your FREE mag out to you (as well as a boring list of questions ;) So please get in touch:

Debbie; Andrea; Click36; Angie Cork; Julia Dunnit; Jozza; Karen; Kate; Lorna; Sian; Sue; Jackie (worcs)

On another note... I was asked when at CHA {by another wholesaler} WHY Design Objectives is focusing on premium brands... when it has traditionally focused on his own lines.
Interestingly, my *almost best friend* Shelli Gardener (does it count if I have met her a couple of times and we have cried together?!! Surely that is as bonding as two gals get...) Anyways, a great quote from Shelli when asked why she (aka Stampin' Up) are teaming up with 3M (adhesive folks) - "With fierce competition and the economy tightening, we see scrapbooking retail stores closing every day,” says Gardner. Some of our products do compete, but in order to keep customers engaged and active, we need to offer as many interesting product choices as possible and let them make their own buying decisions.”
It does make sense when you put it like that (guess that is why she is a zillion-aire.) More choice for retailers, from a supplier who supports them with events/demos, exclusive magazines(s) and flyers, website traffic to stores etc...

Anyways, some great new products and suppliers are heading your way... keep watching this space! xxxx

Stampin Up STOMPS

I really want to go back and photoshop these pictures... just because my borrowed laptop doesn't have a cropping tool - but I guess sometimes you cannot photoshop your life. Case in point was the early meeting I had with Shelli Gardener.

I have to say that of all the ways to start your day - starting it with a long conversation and interview with this lady is one of my all time recommendations. She is an inspiration. NOT in the way you would think though... NOT in the 'life is perfect' way; more like LIFE IS GOOD... but it sure is anything but perfect.

If you are a woman and you want to know if you can 'have it all'... well I am happy to share my discovery that you can't. Shelli would (and did) say the same thing. As women we have to choose (the men do too... so this is not a sexist thing.) We have to choose what we want the most, and the price we are willing to pay for it.

This great hero of mine has paid the price for her success. She has an amazing husband... and because of his support she has been able to create this company that is just about all the things we want. Starting it as a way to find a little social outlet (she had 4 kids at home) and her sister needed some extra cash... the company was a result of doors being closed in their faces, and plenty of 'No Thanks' being dished out.

Sometimes it takes a NO to get to YES. And so if no-one was going to work with them, they just decided to work it out on their own... and so they created the leading home workshop company. I think it is good to see that women can have this global outreach. I also marvel that she is grounded, absolutely not looking her age - and just still loving very much what she does.

Anyways, my experience this morning was memorable. I have heard a few rumours all circulating about me today - and it makes it easier to rise above it all. Great women exist (men too - just few and far between ;)

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