Sneak Peaks for Jan 09...

Spotted: Look who is teaming up with Papermania in 2009...

You are sure to see a lot of exciting changes since us gals got our hands on the product agenda at Design Objectives. The product team is driven by Emma Collins, Holly Roche, Katy Godbeer and me. We threw out the old boys and rolled our sleeves up and got back to basics... Whatever you THOUGHT you knew about Design Objectives in the past, I can tell you now, the new look and feel is something TOTALLY different. We are all about partnering with great designer labels and designers... and bringing you the BEST FOR LESS.

...as the sugarbabes warn... HERE COME THE GIRLS!

Serious CAMERA STRAP

So... you *think* you are happy with your current camera strap?! Well here is an interesting twist on one of the most boring pieces of kit in your camera bag...

The Smartest Camera Strap Ever

We’ve been hearing a lot about the R-Strap lately, but we thought, “Really? It’s just a camera strap. What’s the big deal?” Turns out it’s a really smart design. The strap hangs diagonally across your chest like a messenger bag, so:

• It’s more comfortable than a neck strap, and…


• Your camera stays out of the way at your hip.


• The smart bit is the little slider attachment that allows you to glide the camera up the strap to your eye so you can take a picture. The camera moves, but the strap doesn’t. See it in action here.

It’s really clever, and we’re kind of kicking ourselves for not thinking of it first.
Added bonus! For all of our thrifty brethren out there, we’re including a couple of ways to make one yourself. Either way, your neck will thank you.

The Original R-Strap ($44)
Make Your Own R-Strap (Version 1)
Make Your Own R-Strap (Version 2)

Celeb Spotting... at pre-school

The most unlikely of starts to the week, began when I Nasser Hussein (ex England Cricket Captain) walked past me... just as I was waiting to take my youngest into pre-school. Our children are in the same class... and both girls... so let's hope my wee cherub doesn't get all boisterous and pull hair (we have a little "yanker" in the family!!)

Anyways, onwards and upwards from the gormless shell shock (...so determined to talk to him at some stage ;) I have been toying over the weekend with the HYBRID hype... like, has it really hit the UK?!! We still adore our decoupage (as a nation...not making any claims about the scrapping community before I get lynched ;) and we are definitely a "traditional" nation of crafters. So where does hybrid slot in? Do those plentiful CD ROMS from Create N Craft count as THE accolade of synergy between paper and computer?!! ...because, seriously, crafters in the UK seem to go gaga for anything on a CD... fork out an arm and a leg, then spend big bucks printing (using all your ink and paper... which doesn't seem all that *cost effective* in the long run.) Maybe we are at the forefront of hybrid... can you imagine ;)

The CD-ROM designs seem light years away from the de-lish prima hybrid goodies {still loving this company... even if flowers are not as 'must-have' as they once were} and so in fairness, I have to tickle my screen with 'puritty....'



Last little nugget from me! I love the useless gadgets we scrappers inflict on ourselves. Usually born from brilliance... The following great idea should be easily re-created with some ingenuity and not a whole lot of expense. Not sure if it is valid enough to take booth space at a show... but me thinks there are more ideas festering for CHA Winter...



Happy Monday!!
Becks xxxx

Get a slice of the action...

So the new Making Memories SLICE is almost, nearly, should be... on it's way at some point (and the price may have increased ;) It is one tool that I am not sold on. I usually salivate over gadgets, but this is one little tool that doesn't seem cute or even workable. SO I WANT to be convinced by all you "slice pre-order'ers" that it surely IS the best thing since... well, sliced bread ;)



In it's defence, the marketing spiel goes something like this...

Portable• Fits in the palm of your hand• Measures 5" square and weighs less than 2 pounds• Runs independently on rechargeable battery or can be plugged in Stylish Designs• Exclusive shapes and designs from Noteworthy and Animal Crackers style programs, with more to come• Fun Basic Shape designs Easy to Use• User friendly interface• Scroll through hundreds of designs with the simple push of a button• Large 2" graphics window to preview shapes before cutting Multiple Sizes• Cuts designs in up to 8 sizes ranging from ½" to 4"Multiple Media• Cuts textured cardstock, vellum, vinyl and photos up to .5 mm thick• Cuts anywhere on any size media

Anyone got their hands on one? My view is that I do not want to have to keep my hand on the tool whilst it does it's pretty basic/simple cutting... as it is slow, and is tying up my valuable craft hands, which could be flocking or stamping...

Happy to be wrong...!!

Love changes everything...

Spotted: So more to consider with the "Love Machine" - although you have to wait until after October to play.

THEY SAY: Benefits of the LOVE?
SIZE: With its 9"x13" opening, the LOVE is the largest format electric machine in the industry. Think of all of the amazing things you can do with a platform that is 9 inches by 13 inches. You can cut up to 24 2x2 dies, 6 4x4 dies, 4 border dies, or you could even cut a newly designed 9x13 Quickutz die.

CONVENIENCE: With no handle to crank, the Revolution LOVE basically cuts itself. If you have customers with health issues that impede them from mustering the strength to power a cutting tool, just give them some LOVE!. Simply get the cutting pad started and let the powerful motor do the rest!!



...earplugs on the prototype only ;)

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!

I will eat my hat...

Spotted: The movie preview for TWILIGHT (that book I detested) has hit the big time... I will rooooollll my eyes and eat my hat if it is any good ;)

Get *pumped* for the Big Bite

Craft TV just has the edge when watching with an American accent...

A little light inspiration...

Just a quick design cheat. Try freeze frame at any time on the creative and colourful vid from the lush Mika. You have an instant 12x12 layout template from the intense *bubblegum* design (very BAM POP!)

Scrapbook Inspiration's did highlight how you can use the album covers - but I think you can get zillions more ideas from just keep freeze framing a real visual delicious music vid ;)



...erm, just watch out for those rabbits! I did have my kids ask what they were up to. *Cough, splutter, choke* "Let's have a chat, son..."

...kinda interesting

The first bit will either make you laugh or cry... maybe a little of both ;)
Worth perservering if you want to see how the Prima Build-a-Frame stamps can be used. It s NOT TV Weekly - but if you have 5 mins, then it is maybe worth a looky!



Online Videos by Veoh.com

Hottest Trends... 2008

Let there be LOVE...

Just posted on the DO Blog... and found THIS classic... can't spot playing it! I dare you not to tap a toe or just generally have a good feeling afterwards...

Just for fun!