CHA Winter 09 - Day One...

Spotted: Key trends which are gaining pace in the scrapbook world en mass include

1. The "rhinestone revival":

{Everyone} is doing it... from combo rub-ons with bling (a la Imaginisce, BasicGrey, Kaiser Craft etc) to just plain studded shiny (and pearl) stuff (again, a la BasicGrey, Kaiser Craft, K&Co, Doodlebug, Imaginisce et al...) It seems no collection is complete without the bling factor! You will be inundated, so hold onto your wallets...

Other trends spotted include:

2. JEWELLERY:

EKSuccess have ploughed into this category with the launch of their Jolee's line of findings and jewellery making components. It is a beautifully packaging and presented range which is already spotted in Michael's stores (alongside their adorably chic Martha Stewart line.) There is so many vendors now coming to the fore, with a jewellery offering, that this category is just hotting up. From cheap plastic bits to full scale quality semi-precious... you are going to be spoilt for choice (and hard pushed to not at least try it just *once* ;) The feel of jewellery is definitely younger, and definitely more DIY accessory (think how the recession will entice those thrifty crafters to make their own... rather than pay top/mod dollar for the same effect!!)

3. MINI-ME CLEAR STAMPS:

Clear Stamps is not new news (this grew big time in 2008) - but the trend is now to mini stamp sets and smaller price points. Everyone (maybe bar Fancy Pants) is going teeny... and trying to pick at the pocket money purchase - those impulse buys, the ones that fly under the radar of spouse approval ;)

4. FAST:

Autumn Leaves are not the only company to come up with 2 minute scrapbooking... but they are the first to really package it well with a time guarantee as part of the product title. You can select how much time you want to spend; and then be productive to deadline. HOTP championed this cause for much of 2007-2008, but Autumn Leaves has stamped the *cool factor* all over it!

5. ECO-FRIENDLY:

Forced upon the industry, or volunteered... we now have a green agenda and we are seeing some inventive interpretations. My fav is K&Co (as their packaging is fabulous) and they still feel oh so sophisticated along with that environmentally feel-good factor.

6. FLOURISH:

Swirls, scrolls and flourishes are flouncing their way into every designer range - whether wood, stamps, paper, emboss templates... you name it, there is a curly wurly swirly option. Loveable and pretty much a staple diet in craft - you can expect the flourish to be a firm fav in 2009.

xxx

CHA Winter 09 - Wish Wednesday Stash Build...

I have the most delicious goodies already... including an artylicious flocked storage 12x12 box with samples which includes a cute PURSE BOOK from the new *fabulous* (that is what it is called ;) range from Chatterbox. Worthy of raised eyebrows and pulse racing... AS WELL as samples from Hello Kitty (Sizzix/Ellison) x 4 dies, Clear Stamps, Modge Podge T-Shirt, Spellbinders concentric scalloped circles, Mambi Sticker, this wierd bag with a monkey leg (which looks like a tail...) all very bizarre... and it is growing for ONE LUCKY follower!

Keep tuned as the doors to CHA open and we head into the wonderful world of papercrafting a la USA.

CHA Winter 09 - Sneak Peaks (BasicGrey)

BasicGrey Challenges you to Embrace your Authentic Style

VIEW FULL CATALOGUE HERE

Is your artistic spirit eccentric and quirky? Does your style reflect a graceful elegance? Do you have a passion for bold and daring colors? Introducing Marrakech, Porcelain, Wisteria and Lime Rickey. Intensely rich designs, delicate flights of fancy, elaborate, charming florals and whimsical birds of a feather. All this and more awaits your innovative touch.

As intricate as life itself, Marrakech™ is a visually arresting collection of Moroccan-inspired patterns and prints. Fiery crimson, fresh basil, patina green, curry yellow and peacock blues burst to life in a spicy anthology of robust colors.Unpretentious.

Charming. Delicate. Inspiring. Porcelain™ blends a refined palette of delicate lace and floral motifs in watercolor-inspired hues of sunset yellow, spring greens, soft corals and espresso brown.

Like a day at the spa, a walk after the rain, or a crisp set of cool sheets, let Wisteria™ ease you away to a peaceful, creative terrace of veranda-inspired florals. Our garden blooms in summer shades of sky blue, mint green, deep plum and delicate golds.

Like a sweet sip of iced cold soda, Lime Rickey™ is a refreshing collection of bright funky colors, perfect for tantalizing your creativity! Dazzling, lollipop colors like cherry soda red, candy apple green, lemon-drop yellow and blue raspberry sweeten this kaleidoscope of yummy patterns.

Each collection includes 18 designer papers and all the beloved favorites, including collection packs, 6x6 pads, element stickers, alpha stickers, self-adhesive monograms and mini monograms, five-page rub-on olio books, designer rub-on sheets, buttons, brads, glazed brads, chip sticker shapes, chip sticker ABC’s and three sets of stamps.

New at this show is the dazzling introduction of a fabulous assortment of bling! Rhinestones and pearls join our embellishment line-up. This fantastically affordable debut features four new collections:

Bling It™ Rhinestones are individual gems that come in seven two-tone colors of dots and squares. Each sparkling jewel is self-adhesive with five different dot sizes and two square shapes.

Bling It™ Designer Rhinestones are intricately designed shapes in your choice of two-tone and multi-colors. Choose from nine patterns in an array of twinkling colors. Opaline™ are shimmering half-pearls, individually self-adhesive in two-tone packages. Choose from seven pairs of colors featuring five dome-shaped pearls.

Bling It On™ is a beautiful, limited edition collection of designer rub-on patterns with rhinestone accents. The set includes 12 elaborate designs in black, white and brown with coordinating diamond and nutmeg gems.*To compliment the rhinestone and pearl series, we are also offering a limited edition collection of 2½” x 2½” mini stamps. Twelve delightful, hand-doodled designs are sure to be a popular item in your store

We had such a great response to our staggered shipping program at CHA last July that we decided to do it again! Marrakech and Porcelain will begin shipping in the beginning of February, and Wisteria, Lime Rickey and all of the New Value Items (Bling, Bling It On, Opaline and Stamps) will begin shipping the first part of April.As of November 2008, BasicGrey has brought order fulfillment in-house. The entire product collection for the first round of CHAW shipments is already in stock and ready to ship complete the minute we get back from the show! Our goal is to have all orders containing Porcelain and Marrakech shipped two to three weeks after the show ends.

CHA Winter 09 - Sneak Peaks (3 from BasicGrey)

Spotted: Flashes on their website... so more to sneak! What is your fav so far?!

I have landed in Anaheim to miserable weather - but oh so large food portions (heavenly!!) So bring on desert for brekkie (my body doesn't know what time it is anyways ;) Off to register today, and then hit some craft shops for some retail rehab and research *cough*. Bumped into Bramwells (they are a UK distributor) as well as sharing the plane with Dawn Bibby... it is all celeb spotting from here out. xx

Wednesday Wish Granted...

Ok... so I am already suffering jet lag without having stepped on the plane (today will remedy that!) and am bringing you the wish Wednesday winners a couple of days late... apologies! It will be a little hairy the next couple of weeks - but I have chocolate and the front cover of Creativity Life issue 3 to keep me sane ;)

WINNERS:

Lainey, card crafted & Sena... CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Send me your addresses and the lush clear duo stamps will be popped in the post.

So up for grabs this week... SAMPLES FROM CHA 2009! I am going to be gathering new release samples and freebies from CHA... and one lucky winner will get the loot long before it hits these shores. For your chance to bag the booty, leave a comment or become a follower.

Let the CHA journey begin... xxxx

CHA Winter 09 - Sneak Peaks a plenty...

LOVING the new storage from AMM... HERE

It looks similar to the upgrades from Papermania... which are spookily the same chic black and lime as is their messenger bag... so PMA is spot on trend ;) The little drawers are my fav... I can think of lots of ways I would use them (make up being one!) Word on the street is that REALLY USEFUL has downsized, and will be showing off some mini boxes which apparently will make me *swoon*... can't wait!

Other sneak peaks...

7Gypsies (Gypsy Market)

American Crafts STAMPS!!!

Anna Griffin (4 new lines... some a little off piste for her style, but I like them!)

Bazzill Basics (...swiss dot additions, cardstock strips, splat mat etc)

CherryArte

Clear Scraps (...new additions!)

Collage Press (not a big brand in the UK - but still worth a peak!)

Core'dinations... launch an exclusive line for Europe (details to follow!!)

Crate Paper (Little Sprout, Lilian & Orbit)

DCWV

Daisy Bucket (Little Black Dress....mmmmm!!)

Dream Street (Fresh, MJ, Forever Family, Heartsong, Secret Garden & Lullaby)

EK SUCCESS

Fancy Pants

Heidi Swapp (...missing her loot - it is lovely!!)

Jenni Bowlin (Farmers wife is a hot pick!)

K&Co

Luxe Design

Martha Stewart

October Afternoon (Cherry Hill)

Paper Trunk (Maybe Baby, Socialite)

Pioneer

Queen & Co

Sassafras (Vintage Yummy, Anthem, Bungle Jungle... I want it all!)

SEI

Sizzix/Ellison

Theresa Collins (Family Matters, Documented)

Paris Hilton (*cough*)

Hope you are sitting comfortably with a warm drink and a slab of your fav chocolate!

xxx

CHA Winter 09 - BAD new for Scenic Route fans...

Email received today, "Scenic Route has determined this week that they officially will not have a booth at CHA and feels that given the current economic climate within the industry that it is best to release a new line and offer a discount on the new release to customers as an alternative to having a booth at the show. Scenic Route will begin taking pre-orders on the new release next week, with an anticipated ship date of mid-February. Next week you will receive information from Scenic Route on the new release including images, sku's and pricing. "

I *love* Scenic Route - so really hope they weather the storm!

Some other sneak peeks...
Piggy Tales

Alas...farewell Tony Hart!

Tony Hart has died at the age of 83... leaving many of us with fond memories of THE GALLERY (the ultimate showcase for wannabe artists... from the age of 3 onwards ;) That dulcet tune that would play in the background as the camera scrolled through the week's lucky entries - and you KNEW yours would not be there... as it was still sitting on your bedroom dresser. If you had used chalk smudges, and that awful charcoal substance - then you were a shu-in to be picked... So long, farewell... Mr Hart. Long live Morph!




Monday Madness - Looks like there are deals to be had if you are in the mood to be spending ;)

• Save 50% on Scrapbook Albums
• Save 50% on Autumn Leaves
• Tools & Storage with up to 50% off
• BOGOF deals on DCWV
• 7gypsies sale!
• 50% off punches
• 50% off Ellison, Provocraft and other dies!
• 60% off BasicGrey/Papermania

I head off to QVC later - and have managed to pass the TSV launch at midnight to the lovely CLUR CURD (*I am not wonder woman!!) I am on from 1-2am and then will find the nearest bed to curl myself into. We have some exclusives on the 1am show, as well as more from Core'dinations, Doodlebug, Clearsnap and BasicGrey!

CHA Winter 09 - Sneak Peaks (Bo Bunny)

Click HERE to see the entire Bo Bunny release this coming week... Alissa, Abbey Road, Love Shack, U Bug Me, Pet Shop, It's My Party (...just a tonne of new collections!!) I do have a soft spot for Bo Bunny, as I love the usability of the papers - maybe a little cute; but we all could use some of that ;)

Anyone spotted this great website... http://www.beadmagazine.co.uk/ :)

Becks xxx

Off to Athens...

You would think with CHA just around the corner that I would have better things to do - but who would pass up the chance to kick off the launch of COUSIN jewellery in Athens?! Not the most logic location - but I am in jewellery heaven (and it is raining!!)

Lots going on in the scrapbook world - with SIMPLE SCRAPBOOKS (by CK Media) being closed down "There simply isn't enough advertising to keep two magazines afloat. The economic situation has been difficult to say the leastand we've all been feeling it, no matter what area of the country we live in, or what industry we work in. I'm sure you can relate. Tough times. Tough measures."... and Fiskars announcing the cease of production of papers, stickers etc for Heidi Grace, Lil Davis etc. The plot thickens as we will see a real interesting CHA show. Ups and downs all around. On a positive Tinkering Ink became part of CreativityInc. (the same company who brings us Autumn Leaves, Blue Moon Beads, Westrim etc.) So some you win, some you lose. Big losses here with Craft Central going into administration... but again on the flip side we will see the locations find new ownership; so all is not as gloomy as it seems!

Off to eat my balaklava (as one of our sales team put it ;)
Becks xxx

Wish Wednesday WINNERS

Congratulations to LOLODESIGNS, SARAH (with her new flat) and CASSIE101! Send me your details and I will get your wodge of lucious core'dinations in the post to you (...forgive the small delay as I will be heading to Athens tomorrow, and back on QVC Tuesday... so I won't have forgotten about you ;)

So up for grabs this week...

Papermania Stamp Duos! We have teamed up with Imaginisce to create an exclusive stamp duo collection for just £1.99. In store now, there are 24 designs to collect... and they are very cute (and affordable ;)

Limited Editions... so lucky I have some for Wish Wednesday winners ;) Become a follower or leave a comment for your chance to win next week!

Becks xxx

CHA 2009 - Sneak Peaks... (GCD Studios)

A little gander at an upcoming company...
GCD STUDIOS

Enjoy!

CHA 2009 - Sneak Peaks...

Loads to look through today...!

CHATTERBOX (easy brad maker reminds me of the launch from Around the Block last year...)

CLEARSCRAPS (new acylic album shapes...)

CREATIVE IMAGINATIONS

GRAPHIC 45

KAREN FOSTER DESIGNS

MAKING MEMORIES - SLICE

MAKING MEMORIES

MARKS PAPER CO

PIGGY TALES

PRIMA

SPELLBINDERS

TATTERED ANGELS *personal fav!!!

3BUGS (entire catalogue)

UPSY DAISY (4 lines...)

The one range I am utterly loving - is Tattered Angels. Their product is stunningly beautiful, usable and classic. Maybe I am showing my age when I am after something that wears well on my scrapbook pages (...sort of timeless style ;) Not long to go until we head on that jet plane with camera in tow!

Spent last night in the company of CLUR CURD and some of our customers... what a hoot!

Paris Hilton hits the Craft Scene...

Lock up your kids... your new BFF is getting into crafting...

Hilton's Crafty New Project

11 January 2009 6:07 AM
Socialite Paris Hilton is set to unveil a new project - she has designed a craft set for kids.
The hotel heiress has already put her name to a variety of ventures including her own fragrances, a footwear range, a clothing line and a hair extensions brand.
And now she has produced 'Paris Hilton, the Creative Collection' which will be unveiled at the Craft + Hobby Association 2009 Winter Convention + Trade Show in Anaheim, California later this month.
The kit is billed as "a multi-faceted line of fashion crafting kits from some of the most popular craft segments including scrapbooking, jewellery making and fabric embellishment."

What are the chances of bumping into her at CHA?!!

Press Release...

Design Objectives and BasicGrey Agree to Part Company

By mutual agreement Design Objectives and BasicGrey have decided to draw a close to their trading partnership in the UK. Both companies wish to stress that this separation is purely strategic and each party wishes the other every success for the future.

Design Objectives is seeking to continue to develop the card making, scrapbooking and jewellery sectors utilising its own brands (Anita’s, Papermania & X-cut) supplemented with strong licensing opportunities and 3rd party brands that offer broad appeal to both card makers and scrapbookers alike.

BasicGrey, a leading US manufacturer of designer scrapbook paper and paper crafting accessories, wants to regain control of branding, placement and marketing in the UK territory. Products will now be available through Netherlands-based European distributors Kars & Co BV and ScrapbookMate.

Design Objectives continues with its unparalleled support of craft retailers through powerful consumer campaigns launching and promoting exciting new products and innovations via www.docrafts.co.uk which now has a membership of over 215,000 registered users and receives average monthly page downloads of over 6 million! Retailers are further supported through the growing sales of DO’s Creativity! Magazine with an estimated readership of over 150,000 crafters and the new Creativity Life magazine with an estimated readership of over 50,000 consumers. These titles along with the consumer websites provide exciting consumer inspiration along with details of the very latest new products, driving high levels of retail footfall and demand throughout the craft retail sector.

Design Objectives will continue to clear inventory of Basic Grey throughout 2009, details of which are available at www.designobjectives.com or by contacting customer care on 0845 450 3900. Any UK retailer customers with any questions or concerns relating to this press release statement are invited to contact Design Objectives directly by emailing info@designobjectives.com or by contacting BasicGrey at info@basicgrey.com.

Editors Notes:
For further information and photography please contact Marketing Assistant Becky Rattue at rebeccar@docrafts.co.uk or call 01202 811000.

1. www.docrafts.co.uk is the UK's leading craft website and is packed with hundreds of FREE projects, top tips and an interactive crafters chat forum.
2. Creativity Magazine has a readership of over 150,000 crafters and is sold exclusively from over 500 craft retail locations throughout the UK.

CHA Winter 09 - Sneak Peaks (Glitz)

Spotted: Not that they made a huge splash in '08, but the glam and glitz gals are back with more to tempt and tickle yer fancy.... Some stores that I know support them include A Card 4 U (and the lovely Julie!!) Also spotted 10p Doodlebug Bazzill as a great Monday Madness deal online...

Anyone else seeing A WHOLE LOTTA PINK...!

Becks xxx

Wish Wednesdays ARE BACK!

So how many wishes got granted over the Christmas hols?

I pretty much had my *serious wish list* all granted... and I am more the merrier for it. I remember this time last year, and I was not in a particularly great place (work wise) - so looking back at 2008, I can count my blessings... and see that some hard (and not always popular) decisions paid off.

Dusting myself off, and shaking the "serious" malarky, I have some delicious goodies up for grabs. If you are feeling the 2009 excitement - then post what wish you had granted in 2008, and you could be in with a chance to win a wodge of Core'dinations (which BTW absolutely FLEW OOUTTA THA DOOR on QVC.... :)

Did you know that Core'dinations makes coreless (aka regular premium textured cardstock) in white and black... and the retail price is only 25p per sheet????? Wicked eh! You can buy in bulk packs (so 20 sheets for £4.99) of either the black or the white... or as single sheets. Look out for it in a Design Objectives (aka DO) stockist near you!

Becks xxxx

CHA Winter 09 - Sneak Peaks (MME) #3

Last one from MME... although it is an EPIC> not sure I have the stamina! Some of the papers from PENNY LANE look identical to papers released last year {serious} so not sure what is going on there (maybe they were best sellers?!!)

My fav line is the Bloom N Grow... and those stickin' awesome larger than life papers....

Becks xxx

TWILIGHT....confession

I was not shy in coming forward when it came to my feelings on the dreadful novel that is TWILIGHT... and I resisted peer pressure from loads of friends who read it, and went on to devour the entire series.

BUT I have a confession.

I was coerced into a girls night out to the cinema to see Twilight. AND because it WAS a *girls night out* and there was going to be food involved afterwards, I conceded and went along for the cringe-worthy ride of my life.
OK there were some real LAUGH OUT LOUD *naff acting* bits... but sadly by the end of it (actually somewhere near the whole colliding car/heavy breathing part) I was mesmerised by those eyes. Admittedly I felt a little pervy for liking a 17 year old (...but is it any better if he has been 17 for like... eeeeoooooons?!)

Who would have thought...
Becks xx

CHA Winter 09 - Sneak Peaks (MME) #2

BLOOM & GROW...
{although you can forget me loading the reverse side of the patterned paper - that took too long... so just imagine it...}

This one if my fav- there are 2 sheets that I could lick...

Last one from MME tomorrow....!

March 2009... and the comeback kid!

There are some products that hit the headlines before their time - and it is worth bringing them back...

Take the QuicKutz clear rockers. Unlike other rocking blocks, they are completely see-through, and don't require a dousing of water to make the clear stamps stick to them ;) They sort of made a pebble *ploush* in the pond of scrapbook products - without causing a ripple... which is a HUGE travesty, as they are kick-ass product. So simple, so useful... and so affordable! No need to dish out your hard earned dosh to get your hands on these babies. Come March '09 you will be revelling in these beauties at rock bottom prices. Just a prediction ;)

Any other great products out there that you love, that peaked and became yesterday's news before they really got to bask in the limelight?

Becks xxx

CHA Winter 09 - Sneak Peaks (MME)

Spotted: It looks like the magic number at CHA Winter 2009 is 3! The second set of sneaks comes from My Minds Eye... and they are launching 3 lines:

Bella Bella: This is an American interpretation of *Victorian* ... and it has patterns that are really lovely. The line contains 2 colour schemes, including 18 12x12 papers, 2 12x12 accessory sheets, 2 paper & accessories kits, and 1 set of buttons.

Other lines (to be posted tomorrow) include:

Bloom & Grow: This floral range is designed by Zoe Pearn (everyone know who she is?!) The line contains 2 color schemes, including 18 12x12 papers, 2 12x12 accessories sheets, 2 paper & accessories kits, and1 set of buttons.

Penny Lane: This line is fun, whimsical, and bright. Perfect for spring. The line contains 20 themes, including 40 heavy textured 12x12 papers, 20 titles, 18 small 3x6 accessory cards, 2 journalling cards, 16 cardstock die cuts, 4 transparency die cuts, 6 transparency frames, 3 cardstock frames, and 11 large 5x6 accessory cards.