This is definitely one of those weekends where I wish I could close my eyes and transport myself to another location, and it isn’t hard to guess where I would want to be…California! But it’s not the beaches i’m dreaming of, or the sunshine, or the wealth of culture, but rather the aisles and aisles of crafty goodness that will be filling the Los Angeles Conference Centre this weekend for CHA Winter 2011. The Craft and Hobby Association are once again hosting its winter conference and trade show over the next few days, from 29th Jan – 1st Feb, where our best loved manufacturers will be showcasing their products to the Industry. With over 25 Business seminars, and 50 craft technique workshops, it’s no wonder I am less than satisfied with the realistic alternative of spending this dull, rainy British weekend at home. But nevertheless, thanks to the wonderful invention of the internet, we can all enjoy sneak peeks into the world of CHA as companies throughout the industry have been offering little glimpses into their new product releases over the last few weeks.
And where can you find these sneak peeks?. ..almost everywhere: Facebook, twitter, manufacturers websites, but I have found that the best place for a comprehensive list is Scrapbookdate.com. If you haven’t already checked out ScrapbookUpdate.com, an informative news website run by the talented newshound, Nancy Nally, then you really should jump over to check out the latest in our industry news.
So as I can’t be in California, strolling up and down the aisles of the convention, I thought that I would instead share a few links with you showcasing some of the new releases that have caught my eye. This is the pre-warning so you can close your eyes if you don’t want your bank balance to be damaged because I am sure that you will want these just as much as I do.
Echo Park : Little Girl
A bright and funky collection, perfect for summertime fun layouts. I just love those cupcakes, hearts and crowns. I particularly love the journaling cards – aren’t they just darling!
Sassafras Border Stickers from the Paper Crush collection
These look so delicious I could eat them. I love the fact that there are different styles and shapes too. I reckon these would look great on layouts, cards and lots of other projects too.
Family Dynamics Collection from Bella Blvd
Check out Bella Blvd‘s website for more peeks at their awesome new collections, but the one that catches my attention the most is most definitely this piece of patter paper called ‘Game Night’ from the Family Dynamics collection.
Making Memories – Dilly Dally collection
Although this photo doesn’t give us a detailed view of the whole collection, it certainly fills me with intrigue. The colours look fresh and exciting – perfect for Springtime and maybe even some Easter layouts. I can’t wait until the whole collection is revealed. Plus..I have a embedded love for the versatility of double sided papers!
Teresa Collins: On the Edge
I think the blue and grey colour scheme really looks so elegant and masculine. I can’t wait to get hold of this collection to make a few boy-centric cards and layouts.
Ki Memories – Puffies
Oh My! These really do take embellishments to another level. Be sure to check out the different ways that the design team have used these felt, dimensional embellies on their many projects by visiting here. I particularly love the blue star, the elephant and the Eiffel Tower…oh, and the birdie!
My Minds Eye: Stella & Rose “Hazel”
Yum! {Enough said!}
Mini Spools by Maya Road
Maya Road have done it again. Another fantastic little product that fills me full of nostalgia and inspiration. Look how tiny these little wooden spools are, and won’t they look darling wrapped with a little twine!
Studio Calico Cloud rub ons
These blue ones are most definitely my favourite. Whimsical and bright , and most certainly on my wish list.
also from Studio Calico – wood veneers
These make my heart jump because I want to paint them, cover them in pattern paper and make a mobile for the nursery. {sigh!}
‘Happily Lost’ Alpha Stickers from LillyBeeDesign
I have a thing about alphabet stickers, seriously, I really can’t get enough of them. The thought of getting 8 complete sets all on one sheet is making me feel quite giddy to be honest. The font is classical and versatile and what a great selection of colours.
Tim Holtz Distress Stains from Ranger Ink
Now that I have completed my collection of Distress Inks, I am thrilled that Ranger and Tim have released another fantastic product from for their inky collection. Distress stains can be used on paper, embellishments, wood, stickers, and basically any porous material. You can even spritz them with water to create a mottled effect.
Elementary collection by Simple Stories.
Lovely bright colours combined with neutral, earthy tones, with a dash of vintage elegance. Simply devine.
And last but not least..
Jillibeansoup – corrugated shapes
Along with a host of fabulous embellishments, the corrugated shapes have particuarly tickled my fancy. I love the houses the most- so cute!
