The photo above is from the Crate Paper booth, a company that is known for their amazingly detailed and beautiful offerings, and they’ve added some new designs into their mix this show as well.

Here are four new fantastic neutral button sets. Clockwise from top left we have Wendy Vecchi Studio 490 for Blossom Bucket, We R Memory Keepers, Jillibean Soup, and Basic Grey. I really like the unique textures and designs of each set, as well as the fact that they are neutral so they will work with any colors.

Now let’s look up close at a line that is filled with a lot of notions and button embellishments: French General for Jolee’s Boutique from EK Success. I really like that the line is organized by color, and how useful these pieces will be with the French General papers, or with any other brand as well.

Here is a close up shot of the new Dear Lizzy Neapolatin line buttons for American Crafts – I really like the wood buttons and I think it brings a fun texture to the offering.

October Afternoon has some buttons that are solid color, but done in such fantastic colors and with some great floral detail as well which will make them useful for all kinds of projects – and they’ll work with many other brands of papers as well.

Speaking of color, here are some more fun new choices: (left to right, above) Teresa Collins, Doodlebug, and Fancy Pants. All three mix great colors and a good variety of sizes as well in their offerings.

One of the cutest lines on the show floor – and some of the most unique buttons – are from Rhonna Farrer’s “Follow Your Heart” line for My Minds Eye shown above. I really like the trendy patterns and unique shapes used.

We are seeing buttons mixed in with other shapes and embellishments as well. Above is a new dimensional embellishment that in addition to birds also features adhesive-backed buttons with stitching.

Finally, let’s take a look at Buttons Galore & More [photos by Melissa Stinson]  - a long time manufacturer of buttons (and a Scrapbook Update sponsor). They have really great solid and basic buttons in a wide variety of styles. They also have some unique sets and shaped buttons as well.

Overall with a continued focus on vintage, rustic, and whimsical styles in paper crafting products that buttons go so very well with, I believe they will continue to be a popular item. There are some really interesting designs and types becoming available from painted to wood to other materials as well.

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An instant favorite: Melody Ross came out with a line called Homespun Chic (with GCD Studios) and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. I was loving it so much in the booth in fact, that I apparently forgot to take photos of the actual papers! (These flowers give you a good idea of the designs I hope!)

When asked about my show favorites, Glitz Design is a company I was both surprised and delighted by. I truly loved every new item in the booth and these rub-ons made me dizzy with happiness.

Every paper from Lily Bee is on my wish list, along with their new chipboard stickers. It’s a beautiful two line release.  I couldn’t stop staring at this particular two-sided paper from the new Lovely line.

Cosmo Cricket’s Garden Variety and Material Girl lines both got smiles and thumbs up from me, and these letters made me squeak aloud with happiness.

I re-visited the Core’dinations booth more than once to see the Core Impressions papers that are new. They have designs from Jenni Bowlin, Jillibean, and Cosmo Cricket that are all specially embossed and so useful in both patterns and colors. I can not wait to get my hands on them and sand, ink, and tear them to my creative heart’s content.

(Above are some of the Jenni Bowlin samples. Below is the Cosmo Cricket woodgrain cardstock.)

Jillibean Soup had a lot of offerings such as new corrugated cardboard alphas, journaling stickers, and papers that are just too cute for words, like this birdhouse design. It is a part of their Old World Cabbage Soup collection.

Adornit had a really large release this show. My favorite are these star stickers. They’re just so happy.

Teresa Collins created a line called chic bebe girl (and in blue, chic bebe boy), and it’s the first baby line in a long time I’ve been excited about. What I love is that almost every design and item in the collection can be used for any subject, making it far more versatile than most themed lines.

My favorite thing about The Girls’ Paperie “On Holiday” line is that while it is vintage inspired, it’s got beautiful reds greens and blues and can be used easily on both travel and any other photos as well. Every paper in the line is worth mentioning, as well as the really incredible alphabet, word, and border sticker set that is available.

My Little Shoebox was filled with color, happy themes, and very usable products. I especially loved their tiny alphabets and the die cut papers like this one.

Hambly makes rub-ons and transparencies that few can match in style or quality. While I want most of their new releases, these swatch rub-ons were just so unique they stayed in my mind and must be mentioned here.

Studio Calico had a simple booth that let their stunning offerings speak for themselves. The “Anthology” line is wonderful, as are the versatile rub-ons that they released that could easily be  used with any number of products or themes. These wood grain and button rub-ons are not to be missed.

Last but not least, BasicGrey released a large line called “Basics”. It’s brilliant. These are neutral enough to work with most any other products. They will truly be timeless and something I can purchase and feel confident about getting my money’s worth from.

If you’re counting you notice I went with a baker’s dozen so I could get one more pick in. I feel compelled to say that there was a lot of lip biting and hand wringing here as I narrowed down my picks. There are many brands that released product that I love, and I look forward to utilizing them in future projects along with these favorites. Stay tuned for more updates here, and for my personal CHA experience and photos that I took including people please feel free to visit my blog.

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1. It’s all about die cutting.

Die cutting, both manual and electronic will be a hot topic at this year’s show. On the manual side, new exhibitor Dies Direct is a die maker (and involved peripherally in the Spellbinders suit versus Quickutz). New exhibitor Scrapping Cottage is also an independent die maker. Sizzix is introducing hotly-anticipated dies by designer Tim Holtz. Several other companies are coming out with embossing folders that there is much buzz about.

The electronic die side is the really hot category, though. Silhouette America, formerly a division of Quickutz, is another new exhibitor. They are there to display their electronic die cutter. Craftwell – yet another new exhibitor – will also be there to display an electronic die cutter. Sizzix isn’t a new exhibitor but they have a new machine coming called the eClips. Cricut also has been teasing a major announcement, and Making Memories has new products coming for its Slice line.

2. We’re going green.

Several companies were promoting their green certifications or initiatives at CHA-Summer and that will definitely continue at CHA-Winter 2010. Everything from eco-friendly production to eco-friendly booths like the one boasted by Sandylion at CHA-Summer 2009 will be more visible. In fact, one of the new exhibitors, Eco Green Crafts, boasts that it is devoted to supplies made from “non-toxic, recycled, and environmentally-friendly materials.”

3. We’re going patriotic.

A few companies were promoting products at the last show as being “Made in the USA.” Even more companies were selling U.S.-made products but not promoting their origin heavily. As the economy has sunk further and further, Americans have become more concerned about the purchasing of foreign products. “Buy local” is becoming a serious movement. Expect to see more companies who make their products domestically using that fact in their marketing.

4. It’s all about stamping.

Stamping is hot, hot, hot! We saw the start of this in Orlando, with stamp manufacturers doing big business, scrapbook manufacturers releasing extensive collections of stamps as part of their collections, and booths like Paper Trey Ink and Split Coast Stampers attracting huge crowds at the Supershow. At least a half-dozen new exhibitors in Anaheim are stamp companies, and many traditional scrapbooking companies will be emphasizing their stamp offerings.

5. Paper is reborn as digital.

In the past several weeks, two major manufacturers have announced initiatives to sell their older paper catalog designs in digital format: BasicGrey and Die Cuts With A View. Over a dozen other companies are involved in ScrapHD, an effort under construction to sell their designs in a digital format.

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Today Scrapbook Update welcomes Aussie Alison Wood as guest blogger of the day!

Alison Wood, 23, is an avid scrapbooker, photographer and writer. With a degree in Public Relations & Journalism, she currently works for in PR and advertising at Australian scrapbooking manufacturer, Kaisercraft. Until November 20th, Kaisercraft is having a Design Your Own Rub-on Contest. Details are on their blog.

Alison has taught scrapbooking classes and has been published several times in Australian scrapbooking magazines. She has also just launched a new blog, Scrapbook Insight – an Australian perspective; you can visit the website at www.scrapbookinsight.wordpress.com or email her at ali_180586@hotmail.com

The Australian scrapbooking industry is unique, innovative and arty.

One of the biggest words circulating the scrapbooking industry of late is individuality. With the increase of blogs, forums, online galleries, scrapbook stores and challenge sites, Kim Taranto, editor of Australian scrapbooking magazine Scrapbook Creations says, “Scrapbookers have become much more knowledgeable about the various styles of scrapbooking and most have found their own unique style rather than jump from fad to fad.”

Scrapbooker and Design Team member for Australian manufacturer, Kaisercraft, Fran Tynan sees a similar thing, “There’s so many ways of gaining inspiration now that there’s something for everyone.

Both Fran and Kim see a clear distinction between scrapbookers who are all about ‘getting photos in albums and recording the stories in an attractive way’, and the artists who are about ‘making artistic impressions and interpretations of the stories’.

Fran says, “I think over the last few years in Australia, people have seemed to have relaxed the ‘rules’ and are more comfortable doing what THEY want and doing it how they want to do it.”

Devorah Koronczyk, Director of Buzz and Bloom, agrees: “The trend seems to be towards freestyle scrapping, creating something that is unique. People are incorporating other crafts and lots of mediums.”

Tom Beanlands, Brand Manager for Kaisercraft, says “I think, like in all things, it’s our diversity that is unique. Americans seem to be very governed by their ‘Home sweet home’ heritage and Europeans by bold vibrant designs; Australian scrappers seem to want to give anything a go.”

Because of the large expanse of the country and vast economic and society changes between cities and small towns, scrappers tend to buy their products anywhere they can. Chain stores such as Spotlight and Lincraft are popular, as well as local scrapbook stores and online.

Kim couldn’t agree more. “I think the distances some scrapbookers have to travel to their nearest store makes online shopping appealing in some parts of the country.”

Because some purchasing is done online, online communities, groups, challenge sites, forums and galleries play an important part in shaping the scrapbooking industry in Australia. Devorah says Aussie scrapbooking is all about community, friendships and an ‘Aussie’ relaxed attitude: “Crafting groups and classes and of course online community groups supporting each other and learning from each other.”

“Although it seems a younger industry [than overseas], even if we have got many “wise elders” the crafting and scrapping community seems young and fresh, and there are still so many people who don’t know what scrapping is,” she says. ”
Australian’s are fortunate that they have their own ‘home grown’ brands such as Bella!, Kaisercraft and Buzz and Bloom, on top of Overseas favourites like Basic Grey, Prima and American Crafts to name a few. Fran says, “I think that we are lucky to have one of the most unique companies here, in Kaisercraft, with their amazing MDF products that are so inexpensive, which make BTP items so affordable!”

Buzz and Bloom most recently won ‘Best Innovation’ at CHA Summer 2009 for their laser cut and engraved acrylic, cord and denim products.

Buzz & Bloom Denim

Devorah, Director of Buzz and Bloom, says, “Our aim is to create products that can be used as is, as well as being able to be treated with techniques or mediums to create something that can match your projects.”

Most recently, Kaisercraft began creating full product collections with coordinating 12×12 double sided papers and embellishments in clever resealable ziplock bags (pictured below).

Kaisercraft Pack & Store

Not only are Aussie scrappers and Aussie products different, but so are the magazines. Editor of popular magazine, Scrapbook Creations, Kim Taranto says, “Generally our magazines are produced with fewer staff and smaller budgets than their US or British contemporaries, and I think considering that we hold our own.”

From a manufacturers perspective, Tom from Kaisercraft agrees, “The Australian magazines really do put in an effort to support Australian craft brands, this is great to see as it is hard to get noticed overseas.”

Like other industries, the craft industry in Australia too has its fads: doodling, journaling, layering, distressing etc. Fran believes Australian trends are a result of what manufacturers release, and, “what works and what doesn’t.”

Among Fran’s ‘hot products’ right now, are American Crafts Thickers, acrylic stamps, specialty inks, die cut papers and prima flowers.

Top scrapbooking trends among Australian crafters include quilling, hand-made embellishments, simple scrapbooking, vintage ephemera and distressing techniques to name a few. Kim sums it up perfectly, “Vintage is hot, hot, hot!”

Kaisercraft’s brand manager, Tom, says digital scrapbooking is increasing in popularity in Australia also. “Kaisercraft, among other major brands are developing digital collections and increasing our product offering.”

“Advancements in digital photography, online sharing and digital printing have really encouraged creativity in people and made this more accessible to a wider audience outside ‘traditional scrapbookers’,” he says.

Jo O’Malley, owner of online store Memories 2 Remember, also says Australians are beginning to invest in tools and products they can use again and again. “[Products such as] acrylic stamps, punches and die-cut machines are really popular right now. Scrapbookers are learning many different ways to use these tools to alter the finished look of their projects,” she says.

Fran totally agrees, saying “Border punches have been around for a little while but I’ve really noticed an increase in the use of them lately—with all the new ones brought out by Fiskars and now Martha Stewart are popular at the moment.”

Due to the origins of scrapbooking, Australian scrapbookers generally only get to scrap with the popular products from overseas due to shipping costs for wholesalers and retailers. Fran believes this can only benefit crafters, “[It means] we don’t have to wade through a lot of less popular stuff to find what we are after!”

Devorah and Tom have also sees an increase in popularity of ‘Beyond-the-Page’ projects like mini albums and home decor projects. “Homemade gifts & card making are popular right now, as are mini books and sewing crafts,” says Devorah.

However, scrapbooking goes hand in hand with spending money. The words still on everyone lips’ are ‘economic downturn’. Recently I conducted a quick poll on my blog Scrapbook Insight to find out if scrapbookers are spending less on scrapbooking products to what they were a year ago. Of the 12 responses, 67% said ‘No’.

Western Australia scrapbooker Fran agrees. “I spend the same that I usually do. I actually only noticed the financial crisis because of the fact that I scrapbook; with a lot of the manufacturers being overseas, it brings to the fore who is doing well and who isn’t,” she says.

Australian manufacturers, Buzz and Bloom and Kaisercraft also agree. Devorah from Buzz and Bloom says, “It has affected every industry, but I think people are still interested in crafting, and are still looking for ways to do things at home themselves rather than buying something more expensive.”

Store owner Jo thinks the economic downturn has made scrapbookers savvy about their purchases, and rather than spending time at the shopping centre buying, they’re at home creating.

Kim couldn’t agree more, “Many scrapbookers have not had as much money to devote to their craft but the upside is they’ve had to delve into their creativity and stretch their dollar to do more with less.”

So if Aussies are turning their scrap supplies into something special, come check out our work on some of the links below! You’ll be sure to find inspiration galore!

Aussie links:

Aussie Scrapbooking
Aussie Pub Calls
Scrapbook Insight

Hot Australian manufacturers
Kaisercraft
Buzz and Bloom
Bella!
Delish Designs

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Scenic Route is owned by Jim and Sarah Milne, and based in Saratoga Springs, Utah.  Sarah Milne was a paper designer for Rusty Pickle before starting Scenic Route. A little over a year ago the six-year-old company was flying high in the scrapbooking world. According to the liquidation announcement, the company had its best month ever in August 2008. But the company says it was hard hit by the economic crash of Sept. 2008, which has lead to its liquidation:

Thanks to you, Scenic Route had growth year after year culminating in our best month ever in August 2008. Unfortunately, September 2008 brought economic hardships to our company, the scrapbook industry, and this nation.

Nicole Snow, who recently stopped writing the Salt Lake City Scrapbooking Examiner, came out of blogging retirement to tell the scrapbook world about Scenic Route’s closure:

I was suprised to see that their booth at the Scrapbook USA Expo this month had new paper lines available at a discount. Typically the Scenic Route booth has discounted stickers and chipboard, but their paper tends to remain a bit high-priced (at least by Expo standards).

Looking back further, it’s easy to see that as early as January of this year there were economic concerns at Scenic Route when they laid off well-known designer/instructor Layle Koncar, who was quickly snapped up by Basic Grey. Then in July, the company skipped exhibiting at CHA-Summer 2009 in Orlando, and did not release new product either. This was perhaps understandable given the birth of Sarah Milne’s new baby barely a month before CHA, but the timing couldn’t have been worse for an obviously wounded company.

Scenic Route is holding its liquidation sale on its web store for consumers, and they’ll also have booths at two Scrapbook Expos in California in October.