TRADE SHOW 2018
The 2018 Trade Show we had in March was absolutely amazing! Look at these excited ladies just waiting to be allowed onto the trade show! Everyone received $120 worth of merchandise and Make and Takes. Read on to see what we revealed, who helped out at each of the booths, and to see all the goodies participants received!
Also provided are links to our website to purchase all of these great items! We are offering free shipping on any order of Trade Show merchandise* over $150 until April 30th. Simply enter TRADE18 in the coupon code section when you check out and your shipping will be free.
CATHERINE POOLER
Our own Leslie was pleased as punch to present the Catherine Pooler ink pads. These are no ordinary ink pads! Catherine Pooler ink pads are made of nice, dense foam and foam pads transfer ink better to stamps. And let’s face it, a well inked stamp produces a better quality image. All of her inks are premium dye inks and they are all non-permanent except for Midnight, which is archival. Midnight is water-proof and safe for alcohol markers when dry. But wait, that is not all there is to these ink pads!
- Color coordination is a snap! There are four distinct color collections and within these collections all of the colors coordinate! No more guessing which color goes with which!
- No more splotchy images! Two or three gentle LOVE TAPS are all you need to get full coverage on your stamp which transfers beautifully to your cardstock.
- No more muddy, dirty stamped images! When residue from a dark ink gets picked up by a light ink the color will not get muddy.
- They are water reactive! Being water reactive makes them great for ever popular water splotching and flicking techniques.
- Blending is easy! These inks stay wet for a few seconds, so you have time to blend beautiful backgrounds with your colored ink pads.
Not only did our attendees get to play with these inks to see how beautifully they stamped, but they received a free stencil from Catherine Pooler Stamps. And we also showcased two of her amazing stamp and die combos. You can purchase the inks right here, the stamps and the dies here!
LITTLE PINK LADYBUG
Former employee Rosemary demoed the new BowVy Ribbon Cutter from Little Pink Lady Bug. The BowVy Ribbon Cutter quickly and easily cuts and seals ribbon in one fell swoop. The BowVy is a hand held, cordless, hot filament cutting tool with interchangeable tips!
The package includes the 1.5” and 3” V tips. The BowVy cuts and seals a perfect V on most polyester ribbon and fabric so that you will NEVER have frayed ribbon ends ever again. No guesswork = less stress, more symmetry. Plus it is multifunctional! In addition to the V shape, you can turn the tip sideways to make straight cuts, angled cuts, patterns and shapes. It is also FAST! It heats up in 3 second and cools in about the same amount of time, so it’s ready to use when you need it. And because you use it on a glass mat you can seal and cut even the smallest little bows! You can purchase the BowVy cutter right here!
RANGER – DINA WAKELY SCRIBBLE STICKS
Our own Erin helped attendees play with and complete a Make and Take using Dina Wakely’s Scribble Sticks from Ranger. Dina introduced these last year and this year she came out with a new color set. The original set was bright, while this new set is full of beautiful jewel tones.
Even though they look like crayons, they are NOT. So why do you NEED them? For one because Scribble Sticks are made of high quality pigments! There is no wax, so when you put them down on an untreated piece of paper, it won’t move. But, if you color them on a piece of gesso’d paper, or even dried paint in your art journal, it becomes fluid when applied with water.
Also, these sticks are water soluble. Dip them in water and they become paint sticks (as they are pretty much paint in stick form). Brush the tips with a wet paintbrush or color and then apply a wet paintbrush for a water colored look. You can write on your image while it’s still wet for a distorted look.
Or have you ever wanted a multi-colored stamped image? It’s too difficult with ink pads. You could always use markers, if you have the right ones. But, with the scribble sticks, you can have that look all the time! And it’s so easy! Spritz your stamp with water, color over the entire image with one or multiple sticks, and stamp away! Before cleaning your stamp, spritz again and stamp again! You can use the Scribble Sticks with stencils, on acrylic paint (because they are opaque they show up where other mediums fail!), with stamps, or simply as a drawing medium. To sharpen your stick, simply spin your stick around to use all sides of the point and it will sharpen itself to a fine poin
So, are you convinced you need them? Great! Click here to purchase!
Also we were happy to show off the 12 new colors of Oxide Inks from Tim Holtz! What’s not to love about these ink??!?!?!??? Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Inks are a water-reactive dye and pigment ink fusion that creates an oxidized effect when sprayed with water. And the finish of these inks are soft as velvet! Use with stamps, stencils, or direct to surface. Check them out and purchase them right here!
CLEAR SCRAPS SHAKER ALBUMS
Friend of the store, Kim, presented attendees with the new Clear Scraps Shaker Albums. These albums are made of wood and the covers feature a fun shaker cover! We made up three samples, the lighthouse, the boat and the house. But, they come in eight different shapes! The additional ones are: hearts, window, beehive, present and mason jar.
The possibilities with these albums are endless! Favorite vacation photos, a wedding gift, showcase new baby pictures, or how about a book of favorite family recipes?
You can purchase these shaker albums and kits to complete the books right here!
AVERY ELLE LIQUID WATERCOLORS
Our resident stamp lady, Carol, shared how cool the new Liquid Watercolors from Avery Elle are! Attendees got to play with them and make an adorable card with the FREE Hot Chick stamp that they received. The Avery Elle Premium Liquid Watercolors come in their most popular ink colors. Take the guess work and mess out of mixing watercolors to get that perfect color with these little gems.
We also introduced some amazing new stamps and dies. Here is just one of them, the gorgeous new Hand Drawn Flowers.
You can purchase the watercolors here and the stamps and dies here!
TSUKIENKO VERSAFINE CLAIR INK PADS
Versafine Clair inks are the newest type of permanent ink and former team member Marissa was there to show them off to all the attendees. These inks produce the finest detailed images out there. So if you have one of those stamps with tiny details or you are just looking for a great permanent ink to use with your watercolors, Copics, etc, that won’t run you are in luck! Versafine Clair ink pads are:
- Pigment Ink
- Best ink for fine detail
- Solid surface ink coverage
- Embossable for several minutes
- Perfect for layered stamping
- Available in bright and vintage colors
- Raised ink pad
- Air tight, ergonomic case keeps the pad inky
Purchase these amazing ink pads right here!
TSUKIENKO AMPLIFY!
Our own Tammy was on hand to teach everyone all about a cool product: Tsukienko Amplify! It’s a puff paint, or is it??? Amplify! can be stamped, brushed, daubed, finger painted and so much more! Amplify! can produce several different looks:
- Heat set while wet for a puffy effect.
- Add glitter while wet for a glittery look.
- Air dry and then heat set to produce a matte look.
- Air dry completely for a glossy look.
You can mix any of the colors together to create new colors or add the White Amplify! to any of the colors to get a more pastel tone before heating. After drying White Amplify! can also be colored with watercolors, Copics, Alcohol inks or any spray or dye ink. Amplify! can be used on any type of paper or porous surface. You can achieve dramatic results on both light and dark papers and it brings projects to life with a soft, airy 3D effect. You can apply directly from the bottle, then use a heat tool to create dimension. All of our attendees received a FREE tube of Amplify! Order yours today right here!
DARE 2B ARTZY
Cindy, the owner of Dare 2b Artzy was available to show everyone her amazing stamps, dies and pattern papers. Want to know something cool? Her dies match her pattern paper! So for instance; if you have the Bouquet die you can cut out the bouquets that are on her coordinating pattern paper!! No stamping and coloring in! Viola!
We showcased her Honey Blooms collection and the Summertime Petals collection. Cindy designed and manufactured an exclusive stamp to match her Honey Bloomz collection and gave one to every attendee!
You can purchase Cindy’s stamps and die here!
TONIC SPECIALTY CRAFT PAPERS
One of our sales representatives, Sandy, was here to show everybody the GORGEOUS specialty craft papers from Tonic Studios.
These papers are handmade cotton papers with luxurious finishes and fabulous embossing. Each package comes with five A4 sized sheets. They are a wonderful addition to any layout or card. Our attendees all got a sheet to go home and play with!
You can see our amazing selection and order them right here!
Sandy was also on hand to show off Tim Holtz’s new Mixed Media Glass Mat. We were able to get this highly in demand new tool in our store for this event and our participants were so glad we did! We completely sold out and we are currently awaiting an arrival of restock. So, check back with us!
She also introduced attendees to the new Travel Stamp Platform and accompanying protective sleeve to us. Even though they were not available at the time she was able to get her hands on a demo model! BUT…they are now available and can be purchased RIGHT HERE!
PRIMA’S FRANK GARCIA SHUTTERS
Chantelle joined us to show everyone the ADORABLE new shutters that Frank Garcia introduced through Prima. We had two adorable projects made up with these. One was a beautiful 8×10 canvas board project and the other was an accordion album. You can see how gorgeous these projects are! And you can buy the shutters them right here! We also introduced four new lines from Prima and showed off some gorgeous new flowers, of which all of our attendees for a package of! Layout can be see and purchased right here!
TAYLORED EXPRESSIONS
Shawna was on hand to show off the adorable new stamps and dies from Taylored Expressions. Including the EXCLUSIVE Sarcasti-Chick. She is absolutely adorable and comes with a bunch of sarcastic sayings to complete the adorable set. She even has a set of clothes, because nobody wants a naked chick on their card! Our attendees hit the jackpot by receiving a Taylored Expressions embossing folder and a kit to create the adorable Sarcasti-Chick card that Shawna is holding in the photo to the right. Sarcasti-Chick is not the only new item we got from Taylored Expressions. We have several other new stamp sets and we received some of their great paper packs! Including the very popular, and very useful, Build A Scene that helps you create scenes on your projects. We also got some adorable Build A Scene dies to complement the paper. Now, Taylored Expressions does not allow us to sell online. So, you will have to come to the store or call to purchase all of these adorable items, including Sarcasti-Chick and her closet!
HEFFY DOODLE
We were happy to have Chelsea return for the day to show us the most amazing new stamp company, Heffy Doodle! We absolutely love this company and they became our unofficial mascot of the trade show because of their fun Crafty Friends stamp that ALL attendees received. This stamp pairs so great with several of their adorable stamp sets! You have to check them out and get your today, click here!
WE R MEMORY KEEPERS
Everyone knows how We R Memory Keepers makes some of the absolute best tools on the market and Val came back to show all of the attendees that latest and greatest from them! These three tools are portable in that they do not require a plug! These tools have USB cords on them and can be powered by a portable power bank. Now that is portability at its best! I know my main work area at my house is not near an electrical plug, so these are the perfect tools for me!
So what tools are currently available? Well, thanks for asking! There is a Rotary Cutter/Dremel Tool. This tool comes with engraving tips and sanding tips. There is also the Hot Glue Gun. This glue gun comes with two different tips and I am just in love with the small tip. It puts out a very fine line of glue, perfect for creating die cut flowers. The last tool is the Heat/Fuse Tool. Use the fuse tip to seal plastic and create customized page protector layouts or create simple designs in wood using the woodturning tip.
All three of the tools and the USB bank can be purchased here!
KELLY CREATES BRUSH LETTERING
Karen was around to introduce everyone to the Kelly Creates Brush Lettering system by American Crafts. This collection has two books that teach you how to create beautiful brush lettering. The process is simple and the books thoroughly teach you step-by-step how to do it on your own.
The collection also has practice notebooks, a storage folder, travel size practice journals and notebooks and of course pen sets! All participants received a $28 set of pens! Talk about jackpot!
Check out the entire line here and get started on the path to beautiful lettering today! PS, Karen will be teaching a class on this technique in May, so check out the calendar for class dates!
DRESS MY CRAFT
In need of amazing flowers? Then look no further than the new Dress My Craft flowers that Kristen introduced to our attendees! These flowers come from India and they are amazingly realistic in their shape and the colors are to die for. All attendees received a free package of flowers.
Also, we were pleased to introduce their micro pearls and glitter. The rainbow glitter comes in fine and chunky and the micro pearls are just plain fun! You can add these to flowers, pages, cards, mixed media projects or use in shakers all of these goodies add that final touch!
Check out the flowers here and the glitter and micro beads here!
LAWN FAWN
Lawn Fawn made another appearance this year, we couldn’t help it! They always have the cutest interactive dies and fun stamps! This year Karyn was here to show their new PIVOT! die. This die creates a fun pop-out pivot platform for inside of your cards. Our attendees were able to make a Pivot! card and learn how to use this very versatile die. The Pivot! die wasn’t their only new item on hand. You can see all the amazing new goodies right here!
CRAFTER’S COMPANION
Kathie was delighted to show off the Gemini die cutting machine from Crafter’s Companion. This die cut machine is operated by electricity and the best part? You do not have to hold down a button as the machine pulls the die cut sandwich through all by itself! I know, I know! That sounds amazing!!!! And it is!!! While the machine is cutting you can be setting up your next run or doing other things and save time!!! The machine comes with ALL the platforms that you need (no add-on purchases!) and some dies to get you started!
Kathie also introduced the Crafter’s Companion Media items to our attendees and everyone got a sheet of either the sheet metal, cork, chalkboard, hessian fabric, denim or wood veneer so they could see how amazing these medias are. You can check them out and purchase them right here!
BLUE Q
We had Helen on hand to show off our new merchandise from Blue Q. This fun, fresh company offers all kinds of sassy merchandise, but the items that we chose to bring in were their full line of bags (all sizes!), their gum and their Lavatory Spray.
Blue Q is amazing as a company because they give back 1% of sales to environmental efforts and they use post consumer materials to make their products to begin with!
Their little “chicklet” like gum packs are laugh out loud funny and make fantastic little gifts for hard to buy for people. They have several flavors: cinnamon, sweet mint, fruit and peppermint.
Their amazing line of bags come in many different sizes and have fun, fresh designs and messages on them. You can use the smaller sizes to organize your goodies inside the larger ones, or in other bags you already have. There are pencil pouches, coin purses, two other sizes of smaller zipper pouches, a lunch tote szie, zipper shoulder totes and shopper totes. These bags are made of STURDY materials and will not give out on you! Perfect for grocery shopping! 
Lastly, we brought in their Lavatory Sprays. They come in fresh scents and cut the stink in the restroom immediately! Plus, it doesn’t hurt that they have chuckle worthy names like Uranus Spray and Jack The Ripper (a nice manly scent for the guys in your life!). You will want to get your hands on some of these ASAP!
Come in to the store and check out all these fun new items as soon as you can!
MINTAY BY KAROLA
We are so happy to have this new paper company in our store! Hot off the presses from Poland you will LOVE these beautiful papers from Mintay! There are four new collections: Springtime, Together, Birdsong and Celebrations. We have layout kits available for all four collections in our Boutique, just click here to see them! We paired each of these collections with the Dress My Craft flowers, rainbow glitters and micro pearls! So, yummmmm!!!
PENELOPEE DEE
Another new paper company for us comes from South Africa, Penelope Dee! We have their four newest lines: Go, See, Do, Noteable, Summer Breeze and Cocoa Love. We have layout kits available for all four collections in our Boutique, just click here to see them! I know you will love them as much as we do!
So, that is a wrap on our 2018 Trade Show! It was a real blast and we are sorry if you missed it! But, like I said lots of these goodies are now up on our online Boutique and you can get free shipping on an order of TRADE SHOW merchandise valued at over $150* if you order by April 30th. Use code TRADE18 to receive the free shipping.
*You must spend $150 on Trade Show Merchandise mentioned here to qualify for free shipping.
