CHA Show Update

Hello my crafty readers!

 

I’m back from the CHA (Craft & Hobby Association) Consumer Show in Orlando, Florida. It was held July 28^th through the 30^th, and then a bonus Craft Super Show took place from July 31^st through August 1^st. It’s good to be home, and I’m absolutely brimming with new ideas and inspiration after five days of being immersed in the wide world of crafting and scrapbooking. While it was a bit smaller than usual, the Craft Super Show still lived up to the name!

 

Here are a few highlights and trends:

• Vintage is bigger than ever with traditional 19th and 20th century patterns and themes.
• Super simple projects with clean lines are hot.
• Color core cardstock is my favorite new product! It’s black on one side, dyed with color on the other, so when you tear the paper the core of it is colored. Absolutely fabulous!
• Letterpress is really big right now. I saw lots of machines that allow you to create your own printed materials like stationery, cards and invitations.

And here’s an ultra quick scrap project: a thirty-second gift tag!

 

You’ll need a small piece of paper, a 2” circle punch and a hole punch, plus a bit of ribbon or string. Punch a large circle, then punch a smaller hole towards the top. Pull the ribbon through the hole and tie it onto your gift bag or package. And that’s that! It’s a great way to add personalization to gifts using only a scrap of paper and a bit of ribbon.

 

Until next week, keep scrappin’!

 

Your friend,

Crafts & Hobbies Association Faves

Hey scrap fans! As promised, here are a few of the exciting scrapbooking supplies, trends and project ideas that grabbed major attention during the '08 Crafts & Hobbies Association in Anaheim, CA!

    Bird Is Still the Word! People are flocking to use owls and other playful birds — these petite peeps are still showing up in paper designs and finished projects!

    Baker Baker! Bake me a cupcake please! These frosted, sugary-sweet mini cakes are being served up throughout paper designs, embellishments, and clear stamps...such delicious designs!

    Let's Monkey Around! – The classic favorite, the Sock Monkey is monkeying about in craft kits, paper packs and embellishments! Both kids and grown-ups will surely adore the resurgence of this familiar creature!

    Go Green! Mother nature continues to reign supreme with so many beloved brands starting to promote Eco-Friendly products, supplies and projects!

    Acrylic is the new felt! Lots of new and existing brands are developing acrylic pieces — whether they're shaped albums, die cuts, or page frames...acrylic is a sizzlin' supply!

    Cool tools! Hey gadget girls and boys! I saw several brands introducing new tools for the market!  These tools punch through paper, chipboard and acrylic. They are handy, easy to use and simply cool!

    Bling is the thing! I saw more and more jewels being produced for this show! All shapes, sizes and colors, whether they're large brads or adhesive jewels for the page Bling really is still the thing!

    Die-Cuts — still on the cutting edge! More and more brands are kicking up their die-cut papers a notch by offering patterned paper die-cuts! Use a shape or icon die-cut along papers' trim or throughout! Very "edgy", very cool!

With so many fresh and fun ideas, I feel so inspired! Watch for my NEW cropping creations and project concepts...coming soon!

Your friend,
Mary

Creating Keepsakes Reader's Choice Awards

My name is Denise Hallquist, and I’m a paper junkie. 

I’m sure many of you can relate to my weakness.  Since I was young I’ve been a sucker for papers, pens, add-ons (known today as embellishments), cutting tools…you name it, I own it.  I’ve got an office full of STUFF.  I’ve always enjoyed receiving hand written cards and letters, so recently I took to making cards.  I’ve discovered I’m addicted to giving someone something handmade and from my heart.

So why am I sharing this with you?  Because besides being a closet ‘scrapper’, I’m also Oriental Trading Company’s Brand Manager.  That means part of my job is to promote our FUN products for EVERY occasion.  I work closely with newspapers, publications, TV shows, etc. to showcase our product to the public. 

Which is really why I’m blogging – Oriental Trading Company has been nominated for Created Keepsakes Reader’s Choice Awards in the Mail Order/Online category.  Because I think we’ve got the best selection of scrapbooking tools and products at great prices, I want EVERYONE to know about the nomination and vote for us.  It’s simple – just click here to vote.  Hurry!  The deadline to vote is October 15!

Thanks for taking the time to vote for us.  Check back frequently for more information from Mary and the scrapbooking team and occasional updates on my paper addiction.