Archive | July, 2010

Crafting Trends


As we all struggle with the economy it’s nice to know that certain trends in crafting are strong. I recently read an article on the BIG trends for 2010 and I thought it was terrific how many of the Stampin’ Up! products fall into these trends. Stampin’ Up! really does their homework on their high quality and exciting products. I haven’t meet better quality in any craft products other than Stampin’ Up!-and I have been crafting, stamping, painting, quilting & scrap-booking for many, many years.

Color

The past few years we were all feeling somewhat subdued due to the economy, and the color palettes reflected that in many ways. We saw muted tones (and even actual gray), and dark colors for holidays that matched our moods. Apparently we are feeling more optimistic now as a whole, because sneak peeks for fall and winter (traditionally times of darker and more subdued colors if we are going to see them) are showing uncharacteristically bright and vibrant colors for those times of year. It’s almost as if we as a group just got so tired of the economic malaise and its accompanying color palette that we decided to turn seasonality on its head. Colors being shown for lines at CHA Summer 2010 – even for winter seasonal lines – are falling more generally along the lines of the bright palette usually associated with summer seasonal product lines. Cosmo Cricket’s “Mitten Weather”, which uses lavender in an unusual way, is an example of the brighter and untraditional color palettes we’re going to be seeing.


Themes

The first trend in themes is that themes, which had almost disappeared after being so dominant early on in the scrapbooking craze, are back. Themes are big! Karen Foster just announced 16 new themed lines for CHA Summer 2010.

But some themes are more back than others. Several themes (beyond the typical life milestones and seasonal ones) are particularly dominant right now. Photography is showing up everywhere, with vintage camera icons and filmstrips being popular.

Perhaps most obviously dominant, however, is the trend of the other “home arts” invading our craft of scrapbooking as a product theme. Cooking and vintage sewing, in particular, have become very popular themes for scrapbook supplies, even from companies who traditionally haven’t produced themed product. This trend is probably fueled by a rise in interest in these activities due to the economy, and a wave of nostalgia for “the good old days” it has brought with it as well.

Products

Two product categories will dominate the trends on the show floor in Chicago, continuing their emergence from CHA Winter 2010 in Anaheim. Both of these categories are tools, reflecting consumers’ continued desire in the poor economy to spend their dollars on items that are reusable, instead of the expensive consumable metal embellishments of a couple years ago.

The first of these categories is die cutting equipment. This category is arguably the hardest fought segment of the scrapbook industry at the moment, with competition heavy in both the manual and electronic equipment markets. This will continue in Chicago. Craftwell will reportedly be finally debuting its eCraft machine for sale after previewing it at several shows. Sizzix is heavily promoting its eClips machine to compete with market leader Cricut, which is hinting at a new product introduction of its own again after making a huge splash at CHA Winter with the Cricut Cake machine.

The explosion of electronic die cutting equipment doesn’t mean that the manual market is dead. Sizzix has taken on a whole new life for many consumers with the introduction of their Tim Holtz licensed dies at CHA Winter 2010. Spellbinders and Quickutz are fighting in court over intellectual property that will affect the future of those two companies (and possibly the whole manual die cutting market). Also, several companies have entered the market selling “generic” dies for cutting with manual machines.

The second product category that is increasingly showing strength the past few shows is stamping. Stamps started their re-emergence as a powerhouse with clear stamps becoming a must-have for seemingly every major scrapbooking collection. Now, consumers are becoming more interested in reusable tools as the economy has driven them towards more cost-friendly scrapbooking. Many consumers seem to feel that the value they get from spending $10 on reusable stamps (especially unmounted ones) is a better investment than the return they get on spending that same amount on embellishments. The past several CHA shows have seen a growing trend of interest in stamping and related techniques, as consumers look for tool items they can use in a variety of ways to maximize their investment.

Those two categories’ dominance aren’t the only product category trends, however. Buttons are making a return, after virtually disappearing for several years. This could be partially influenced by the melding of the scrapbooking and stamping markets, since buttons never went out of style in the stamping market. It also fits nicely with the trendy sewing theme, and our desire for “homemade” in the current economy. Buttons are also relatively affordable embellishments, making them appealing to both scrapbookers and manufacturers on a budget.

Flowers are still big (both physically and figuratively), and we’re continuing to see more of them that are dimensional and especially ones made out of fabric. The fabric flowers, in particular, harken back to the first part of the 20th century and the vintage trend from that era. Some of the recent Prima offerings have a nostalgic touch that reminds me so much of fashions my grandmother wore when I was young, or that I’ve seen pictures of from her younger years.
Products related in any way to journaling are also continuing to be big, such as pens, stamps that make journaling areas, and pre-designed journaling tags.
What we won’t be seeing a lot of is rub-ons. These have been falling in popularity as stamps have been gaining market share. The price point compared to stamps is fairly close – only a few dollars less for a similar number of designs of rub-ons vs. a clear stamp set. But the stamp set is reusable and the scrapbooker has an infinite amount of color selection by switching out the inkpad they use, so they aren’t tied to the product designer’s color palette.

Design/Style

Vintage, which has been around for the past several shows, isn’t going anywhere anytime soon it appears. Lines like The new line from Girls Paperie, Toil & Trouble, set out to prove at CHA Summer 2010 that the style can even be applied to traditionally “cute” holidays like Halloween. Even in the face of a cute invasion lead by many of the stamping companies, vintage is still heavily dominating the look of many, many companies.

Faces started showing up in designs at CHA Winter 2010. Most notably there was a large showing of stamp designs that were cute cartoon drawings of children (think Precious Moments) such as the designs seen at CHA Winter by Stampavie. But that style, which has always existed in the stamping market but had disappeared in the scrapbook market for a few years, is now returning to products like scrapbook paper and stickers again at CHA Summer. And faces aren’t only on actual people – they’re showing up on animals and even inanimate objects too.

Wood (both printed grain and the real thing) is also becoming more popular, part of the twin vintage and domestic-themed trends. Birds have been trendy as part of both the vintage look and the emerging return of “cute” that has traditionally been associated with stamping. For CHA Summer, it looks like peacocks may be the bird of choice for many product designers (for an example see the Hollywood Vogue line by Webster’s Pages).

And for everyone that thinks attending CHA is just one big party…well, it’s at least going to look like a big party at CHA Summer as the trend from CHA Winter of banners (both in product design and booth samples) continues on. (Party on?)

Our last design trend also was in evidence at CHA Winter, and draws on nostalgia for 1950’s glamour. (Mad Men, anyone?) Even the most devoted Francophile may be sick of seeing the Eiffel Tower after CHA, because scrapbook companies seem to be growing up a whole forest of the legendary icon of glamour. This trend is evident even at companies not typically known for their heavily vintage look (such as in 3 Bugs In A Rug’s new A Trip To Paris line).

Projects

Hand in hand with a growth in interest in stamping, we are seeing a continued growth in interest in cardmaking. This interest is somewhat driven by the duel forces of the economy (handmade cards can be a way to save money) as well as the rising interest in handmade gifts.

That rising interest in handmade gifts is driving growth in the introduction of kits and products for creating projects like mini-albums that make excellent homemade gifts. Many of these albums are themed for the events that would inspire gift-giving: babies, weddings, holidays, etc. Recipe album kits, like the new Kitschy Kitchen collection from Melissa Frances, also continue to be popular as both gifts and family history projects.

ATC’s are another area of surprising growth. 7 Gypsies was onto this trend early in the scrapbook market with their display spinner. Now scrapbookers are becoming more aware of ATC’s as an artistic outlet and fun activity to share with friends as companies like Ranger and Stamper’s Anonymous, both promoted by the stellar Tim Holtz, are producing stamps and supplies for creating ATC’s.

Business

As we started seeing at the past several shows, embellishments are still based largely on paper (stickers, tags, and chipboard), a more affordable option for both vendor and consumer than previous lines that were heavy on metals and other more costly items.

Lines are still largely smaller (pun intended) with a few exceptions. Double-sided papers are taking the place of lines with a dozen or more papers previously. It’s now not uncommon for boutique lines to have only 4 double-sided papers (or even only single-sided ones). And that small size extends to embellishments as well. Fewer are being offered as vendors are slimming back their development and carrying costs. And packages are on a diet, being offered in smaller sizes to keep purchase prices down for both wholesale and consumer buyers.

Celebrity names being used increasingly to market product lines. Five years ago only a few product lines were marketed under so-called “signature” names. Now, the practice is growing by leaps and bounds in the scrapbook industry. Recent examples include the signing of Jenni Bowlin to create signature colors for Ranger, and Teresa Collins signing with Photocentric to put her name on their Stampmaker machine.

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Under Construction…

As you can all see I am under serious construction…

Visit soon for new and exciting posts and offerings.

 

As ever thanks for understanding and visiting.

 

Stampin' Hugs,

 

 

 

 

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Tidy Friday: Paper Organization

Hi, Lakeside Stampers!

As promised here is another Tidy Friday Organization Tip for Storing your Card Stock and Designer Series Paper. As I have mentioned in the past I’m a visual person, so, for me this system works. I know some demonstrators store their paper filed away in matching hanging file folders. You need to decide which method works for you. I like standing in front of the card stock while I’m deciding what colors to use.  Another reason I like this system is I can see at a glance what colors I am low on and need to order.

 

Here’s how I have my Card Stock stored.

 

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Now, my stamping room is not big by any stretch. These cabinets are 18″ deep x 26″ wide and 26″ high. On top I have paper sorters for my 8-1/2″ x 11″ Card Stock. I have the Card Stock organized in rainbow colors. Again, that works for me. If organizing your card stock by collection is better for you than you can also do it that way.
Paper Sorter # 2

 I have my neutrals grouped together as shown:

Paper Sorter # 1

 

For my 12″ x 12″ Card Stock & Designer Series Paper I also have them in 14″ x 14″ paper sorters.

 

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I have the Designer Series Paper in Alphabetical Order. I label each pack with it’s name, the year of the catalog and colors in that pack. Nothing fancy. it takes time initially, but, it’s easier than looking colors up in the Idea Book & Catalog when I’m in the middle of looking for a certain color.

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I hope this is inspires you to, “Get Organized!”  It really doesn’t matter what system you use, but, that you have some kind of system in place, so, you have more time for your masterpieces.

 

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your weekend.
Stampin’ Hugs,
 

 

 

 

 

 

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Brayer Oriental Beauty…

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Hello, Lakeside Stampers!

 

This card was made using a fast technique. While the end result might look complicated the technique itself is not. You can use any combinations of inks, card stocks and designer series papers for this. If you want a dramatic look try Basic Black Ink on your Brayer.

 

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I cut a 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ of one of the new Stampin’ Up! In-Colors, Pear Pizzazz Card Stock, and scored it at 4-1/4″.

 

On the Pear Pizzazz Card Stock, 1/2″ up from the bottom and each side I stamped the block image from the Dream Garden Stamp Set in Versa Mark, sprinkled on Gold Embossing Powder and set it with my Heat Tool.

 

On a 3′ x 3-1/2′ piece of Peach Parfait Card Stock I stamped the oriental lady in Versa Mark, sprinkled on Clear Embossing Powder and heat set it with the Heat Tool

 

I lightly inked my Brayer with Soft Suede Ink and rolled it over the oriental lady stamped image. Because she was embossed with Clear Embossing Powder she will resist the ink.

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 With my 1-1/4″ Circle Punch I punched out a circle from a Post-It and placed it over the head and part of her shoulders. I re-inked my Brayer and rolled over the image and Post-It. Here is what I did. I used another color so it would show up better.


DSC_0681  When you remove the Post-It the area it colored will be lighter and create a moon silhouette as shown here.

 

I removed the Post-It and gently wiped the stamped lady image and tore the edges.



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If you tear the card stock towards you, you’ll get a Peach Parfait border and if you tear the card stock away from you, you’ll only have the Soft Suede showing. It really is preference. I wanted the Peach Parfait to shoe for contrast.

 

I adhered the stamped lady image onto a 3-1/4″ x 3-3/4″  piece of Brushed Gold Paper and mounted both onto the Pear Pizzazz card.

 

As ever thanks for stopping by. Look for new and fun offers coming to “Lakeside Stamper” soon!

 

Stampin’ Hugs,

 

 

 

 

 

 

DSC_0675   STAMP SET: Dream Garden (114395)

  INK: Soft Suede (115657)

  PAPER: Pear Pizzazz Card Stock (119795), Peach Parfait Card Stock (119796),    Brushed Gold Paper (102935)

  TOOLS: Clear Emboss Powder (109130), Gold Emboss Powder (109129), 1-1/4″  Circle Punch (119395), Brayer (102395), Heat Tool (1000005)

Brayer: A small rubber rolling pin with a handle used to apply inks and paints for a special effect background. Can also be used to apply uniform inking on large rubber stamps.


 

 

 

 

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My Lakeside Stamping Room

Tidy Friday: Organizing Stamp Sets

Hey, There Lakeside Stampers!

 

For those of you who come to my house on the lake, you know it is small and while it might be small on space my home is BIG on personality and warmth. It seems as though everyone loves to come here with the relaxed atmosphere, good food, back deck and of course the lake. During the summer after a barbecued dinner we tend to sit and linger listening to the crickets and kady-dids. Now, I know this lifestyle isn’t for everyone but, we adore it and feel very lucky. John and I always say to each other that,  “We feel like we’re on vacation here all the time.”

 

Having said that, a small house also has it’s challenges. Everything must have a spot to be put away or that calm, warm feeling turns onto chaos.  Having a “put-away” spot for everything is a task easier said then done. I find consistency is vital. Sort of clean as you go, a little everyday. Thank goodness, I am an organized person by nature, so, when it comes to my stamp room that organization comes naturally, except when working on a project, but, that’s another post.

 

For my first, what I am calling, “Tidy Friday,” I’m going to take you through my stamp room, one Friday at a time. Today, I will share with you how I organize my stamp sets. Even though my space is small I still buy the wood mount stamp sets.  I guess I am a purist at heart.

 

Here is a picture of the cabinet I use. I love it because it has glass doors and it forces me keep my sets neat and tidy. After all no one wants to look at a mess!

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 I  have the sets organized by categories similar to the way Stampin’ Up! organizes them in the Idea Book and Catalog.   On each stamp box I punch a 1/2″ circle with my Stampin’ Up! punch in the color that matches the category it belongs in. Here are the categories and their assigned colors.

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I have a shelf designated for each category. Behind each stamp set label I place a white label on the inside. It makes it easier for me to see the name of each set. I’m a visual person so this system works for me.

Nature and Elements Categories.

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Occasions Category

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On the retired stamp set boxes I add a star I can see the retired sets easily at a glance.

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Before I mount my stamp sets, I copy the label sheet on my printer, place it in a clear protective sleeve, add it a binder which has colored separation dividers for the appropriate category. I like using a binder for several reasons. One reason is I can add or remove stamp sets as i acquire or sell them. Another reason is I can keep all my stamp sets within each category alphabetically. Again, this system works for me. These reference books also come in handy when I am designing or looking for a certain sized image or greeting to use.

Green divider for the Nature category.      Nature stamp sets.

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I hope this gives you incentive to get your stamp sets organized. Of course if you have the clear mounts all you need to do is line them up alphabetically but, you can still set up a reference binder to aid you when you are designing your projects.

 

Thanks for stopping by and have a terrific weekend!

 

Stampin’ Hugs!

 

 

 

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My Hydrangea, My Inspiration…

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Hi, Lakeside Stampers!

 

I certainly hope all of you are getting out and enjoying the great weather we are having here in New York. Yes, it’s been HOT, but, then again it is summer. For this card I was inspired by the Hydrangea, to the right, that John gave me. I have to admit I do love Hydrangeas.

As it turns in the Stampin’ Up! Hostess Stamp Set, “Because I Care,” one stamp is a Hydrangea. 

Here is the card I made and how I did it. 

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Blushing Bride and Pear Pizzazz, two In-Colors were used for this card along with Whisper White.

 

First, I cut a piece of Blushing Bride Card Stock to 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ and scored it at 4-1/4″. 

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 With another piece of Blushing Bride I used my Big Shot and my Oval Die and cut it out. On the oval I stamped the hydrangea from the Because I Care Stamp Set in Concord Crush Ink.  I used my markers because I wanted the leaves in Old Olive and I wanted dabs of Old Olive on the petals for depth. On a separate sheet of Blushing Bride I stamped the hydrangea again using the same colors.

 

On this sheet I used the 4 petal flower shape from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack to cut individual flowers. I then cut out the flower stem and leaves. With my Tombow Multi-Purpose Glue I glued each petal over the oval stamped image. I glued the stem and leaves in the same manner. To each petal I glued a bead.

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Here is a real close up of the beads. I wanted to use Stampin’ Up!s new pearls but my order of them didn’t arrive when I made this card.

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I then cut a 3″ x 4″ piece of Whisper White Card Stock and stamped it in a random pattern with the flower vine image from the Tiny Tags Stamp Set in Pretty-in-Pink ink.

 

I layered the Whisper White onto a 3-3/8″ x 4-3/8″ piece of Pear Pizzazz Card Stock

 

On top of those I adhered the Blushing Bride hydrangea oval.

 

On the front and back of the Blushing Bride card I stamped the diamond pattern with the retired Block Stamp Print Pattern using my Blushing Bride Marker.

 

For the greeting i stamped the image from Oval All in Pear Pizzazz and punched it out with the 1-3/4″ x 7/8″ Large Oval Punch. On a piece of Pear Pizzazz Card Stock I punched out a Extra Large Scallop Oval. I layered the two and glued on one of the punched flowers. 

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The “Because I Care” Stamp Set  can be yours with a $150.00 workshop. If you want any of the products used in this card you can order them 24/7 on-line or email me at diane@lakesidestamper.com

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Stampin’ Hugs,
 

 

 

 

 

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View the New Catalogs…

Click on any catalog to view:

The New 2010-11 Idea Book & Catalog. Stampin’ Up!’s award winning Idea Book & Catalog is not only filled with beautiful stamp sets and accessories, but also, hundreds of project ideas.

The New 2010-11 Idea Book & Idea Book

The New 2010-2011 Definitely Decorative Catalog is filled with inspired collection of vinyl art and stencils designed for your individual tastes.

 2010-2011 Definitely Decorative Catalog

May 1-August 31, 2010 Summer Mini Catalog is filled with all new exclusive products for summer.

May 1- August 31, 2010 Summer Mini Catalog

The Teddy Bear’s Picnic…

Hi, Lakeside Stampers!

Just for fun I thought you would like this different post. Here is a bit of trivia about The Teddy Bear’s Picnic Song. The song consisting of a melody was composed by John Walter Bratton in 1907 and lyrics by British song writer Jimmy Kennedy in 1932. The song is still popular today and in fact The Teddy Bear’s Picnic is celebrated on July 10.

A teddy bear’s picnic involves a picnic in which children bring their teddy bears. A fun way to plan and hold this event would be first by making teddy bear invitations. You can spread a plaid red and white gingham blanket on the grass or use gingham napkins, At the picnic table set places for each guest and their teddy. Use play tea cups and plates for the bears. The booklet I designed could be made by you to handout as favors. 

 Here’s the booklet I designed.

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Now, I’m not including directions for this project on my blog. The only way you get get a copy of the booklet and directions is if you place an on-line order through me during the month of July. So, act now if this is something you want to use for a party, workshop event or for that special little someone in your life. After all, who doesn’t love teddy bears?

Thanks for looking!

Stampin’ Hugs,

 

 

 

 

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