CHA 2008

The show was very big, as usual, and there were many NEW and interesting products coming out on the market. I did place orders (too, too many - according to my husband!) for what I thought were things you'd like. As they arrive, I'll let you know what has come in.


Many of the companies are going toward clear stamps because the wooden ones are hard to store. Paper Salon, for instance, has totally discontinued all their wooden stamps and now have ONLY red rubber sets in tins.


B Line Designs has some gorgeous, vintage stamps that they are bringing in for 2008. The picture shows you an example of the sample board they were exhibiting. Some of the stamps are very LARGE but the designs were so exciting, it is definitely worth finding space for them. There is a new gentleman stamp that isn't showing on the board, but it is definitely worth a second look. I'll have these up in the next few days. Check the site, www.KraftyatKrafts.com. I'm putting all the NEW items at the end so you can go to the last page and see what just came in.


Hot Off the Press has some NEW templates that are 3 dimensional and give you amazing crafting effects. Instructions are printed on the templates so you don't have to worry about losing the directions. They also have NEW clear stamp sets that are very pretty - flowers and since all the rage this time around are 'tattoo looking designs' they have a set that is very stylish. If you aren't familiar with their Brad Buddies, give these a look. They have a 'movie' version that is brand new as well.


Art Impressions has a series of door designs, which include all the accessories, that you can change, mix and match and remind me of Stampourri designs -- except these are clear. Lots of occasions and, if I'm not mistaken, a 'guy' set that would be especially terrific for birthdays and Dad's Day. I also have more of Maude and Glamorous Babe stamps coming in for all of you who enjoy the 'quip' quotes stamps.


THE BIG BITE HAS ARRIVED! Everyone has been waiting for this one. It is a BIG version of the Crop-a-Dile and goes to the middle of a 12x12 paper with a 6" reach. It comes with instructions so it is easy to understand and gives you a lot of versatility. It does eyelets, snaps, gromlets... It has an adjustable measuring guide, Function Selector and is bright orange so you won't misplace it! Sells for $39.99 and I have them in stock. The shipping might have to be adjusted because it weighs in, with packaging, at about 3 pounds.


ONE TOOL that is coming in JULY 2008 is MAKING MEMORIES 'SLICE' which is an electronic cutting machine. It will fit into your hands and I had a chance to see it work. You put it down on a glass cutter, on top of your paper and it does its stuff. There will be cartridges with all kinds of lettering and elements available. The cards are so tiny that they slip in and out and have huge amounts of items that mix and match with MM's lines and they'll be adding to it as they come out. This was the first prototype and it was amazing so they are perfecting it for release in July.


QUICKUTZ - all the NEW things have come in! The Silhouette Cutting Machine is going on sale for a SPECIAL PRICE during the month of March. Retails for $369.99 but will sell for $299.99 during March. If you are looking for a great machine that works through your computer (in case you don't want to futz with cartridges) AND also has been given the ability to work with cartridges as well -- take a look at the Silhouette. Two new cartridges were released at CHA - Spring and Summer. They also discontinued a number of 2x2 dies but I got a bunch in stock for those who 'collect' them and don't want to miss out. They will be in stock until they are gone. ISUIG (In Stock Until Its Gone!) Oh! and the Revolution now has a 12" board that lets you cut extra long 12" dies. They are due out in a week or so. About 8 NEW dies - Swirls, Flourishes, Grass, Hearts & More in 12" sizes. They would be fabulous for cards and scrapbook pages. Now you don't have to cut and paste anymore. Somebody at QuicKutz was listening. 3 NEW Cookie Cutter Shape Sets: Flower, Spring & Weather! I'd like to start a QK Club where everyone who joins gets a free NEW die every month so let me know your thoughts and what you'd like to get out of it. I'm all ears!


I'll be back with more on My Favorite Things, Fontworks, great items from Technique Tuesday, Penny Black (some new items on so check them out but lots more coming in March) and Fiskars (amazing tools!). Doodlebug now has flocking in terrific colors that match their glitter paper. I ordered the sets of 12 so you can get some of every color. I ordered some fabulous embellishments from Mark Richards for the monthly cards so that will be fun and there is an AMAZING Ribbon Holder coming out in May from the people who put out the Clip It Up Embellishment Organizer. One last thing, a new company, Scraperfect, has a pouch that you rub onto your paper before you put it through the printer and it gives your papers, especially vellum, a deeper, richer print. It was so dramatic that I ordered them on the spot! Oh! and Grafix has a product that lets you make your own Rub-Ons through the printer. That means you can get any sayings you like and even personalize them to boot! Happy Birthday Grandma Edna!!


I've probably overwhelmed you. Each show is exciting and tiring, but packed full of goodies that are available or will be soon. I'll be back!


Enjoy!
Denyse