I want to wish you all (whoever you may be) a Merry Christmas and safe and happy New Year!
Scrapbook Insight will be back in the New Year with a bang! I’ve got big things planned for this little blog including guest posts from scrapbooking industry ‘experts’, more ‘What’s Hot and What’s Not’, not to forget topical discussions on all things scrappy, reviews of scrapbooking publications and more!
If there’s something you’d love to read/see/hear about on Scrapbook Insight, just pop it in the comments section and I’ll endeavor to pop it on my to do list – afterall – this blog is all about you – the reader!
Oh my gosh… this ’style’ has been “Hot” since the start of the year… With Vintage labels like Graphic 45 leading the way it’s hard not to love this vintage styled products. With offerings from Cosmo Cricket, Making Memories, Tim Holtz/Ranger distressing products, Jenni Bowlin, Websters Pages, K & Company, Prima, Buzz and Bloom (retro embellishments) – there’s a huge range to choose from!
Above: “Mistletoe & Co” Pink Paislee.
Above: “Monstrosity” Sassafras Lass.
Above: “Evergreen icons” K & Company.
Above: “Merry and Bright” We R Memory Keepers.
2. Fabric.
Buzz and Bloom won an CHA Innovationsaward for their cord & denim embellishmnets. Now we’re seeing more a more fabric hitting our scrapbook stores!
Above: “Pop Art Dots” & “Wham bang ouch” cord, Buzz and Blomom
Above: Prima Fabric words, Prima
4. Distressing/painting/mixed media:
With mists popular right now, so are Tim Holtz’s distress inks and crackle paint. There seems to be more and more people trying out mixed media right now too.
5. Manufacturers selling direct to the public online:
Scrapbooking product direct to your door from the manufacturer! Woah – this is fantastic for US customers, but it’s hard for us Aussies with international shipping costs being so high. So why not go in with a few mates and buy up big while the Aussie dollar is good?
Making Memories are selling a selection of old and new lines online, Hambly also have a lot of discounted old lines (sold in ‘kits’) along with more popular lines, Jenni Bowlin has a store called JBS Mercantile with monthly kits a ‘general store’ with Jenni Bowlin products, a ’boutique’ with one-of-a-kind vintage items, Kaisercraft also have an ‘Outlet Online’ store that sells a limited range of products (at the moment kits).
1. Craft magazines having the ’same’ contributors:
The same names appear in every issue… while it’s great to see the occassional familar face, and type of scrapbooking you love – it does get a bit old… Bring in new fresh faces, photos and layouts please!
2. Hall of fame/Masters type competitions:
Now this isn’t an attack against those who have/will make it into these “lists”…..I just think these type of competitions are a breeding ground for bitchy behaviour, unsavoury attitudes and bring the scrapbooking industry into disrepute (based on what I have observed in the past). Controversy has surrounded previous competitions like CK’s ‘Hall of Fame’ contest in 2007, where a winner was named after not following the ‘rules’.
What are you reading this month? Do you buy magazines any more?
Here’s a review of this month’s scrapbooking magazines:
Scrapbook Creations – Issue 71.
Sneaky peek: This issue features the usual, ‘technique focus’, ‘your story’ and quick grabs galleries (gallery, santa is on his way, distressed look, all stitched up and mix it up),, along with other features, 20,40,60 challenge featuring Stamp It products,
Quick critique:The scrapping with print blocks article seemed a bit dated and layouts seemed older style than what is hot in scrapbooking right now, a shimmer and shine technique focus seemed approapriate in the lead up to Christmas, the distressing gallery was hot – I loved the multitude of ideas featured there, again Scrapbook Creations included another Card sgallery – trying to expand their readership perhaps? This issue also included a “FREE” DVD featuring ‘Fabulously Fast pages’ made by Lorraine Bate. I’m yet to view this….
Sneaky peek: Tips and Techniques (Louise Nelsion, Kirstie Ibraham, Belinda Venables), Galleries (Urban Grunge, Double Trouble, Babies, Encore). Challenge galleries from Buzz and Bloom, My 2 Angels, Crafters Workshop, Kaisercraft.
Quick critique:The encore gallery has some interesting layouts in it and I found Louise Nelson’s misting technique interesting – and seemed to follow on from last month’s ‘road test’ of glimmer mist in Scrapbook Creations , the urban grunge gallery is good for boy layouts (ideas) and Buzz and Bloom’s new fabric letters are very unique indeed, the double page gallery and article by Kathie Link was a great read – inspiring enough to break into my own stash and create a double layout.
So what are your thoughts on this month’s Aussie magazines? Did you buy any of them, or do you subscribe? Or did you borrow them off a friend? Your thoughts and ideas? What would you have liked to see in this months mags?
A month or so ago I wrote an article about the Aussie scrap industry for Scrapbook Update.
Here’s a snippet of what I wrote:
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.”
Check out Scrapbook Update to read the full article.
For Keeps Creative Paper magazine seems to have gone down the gurgler,
and Scrapbooking magazines are diversifying their content.
What do you think?
After my “What’s HOT and What’s NOT’ column on the 23rd October a few of you commented on my ‘What’s NOT’ comment about using up your stash…
“Using up your stash – like so many of our OS counterparts are doing at the moment (see an interesting discussion over at Scrapbook Update) because of the economic crisis. It hasn’t seemed to hit as hard here is Aus, but really, who wants to use up their papers in their stash from two years ago when they can get the latest and greatest? Definitely not me! “
Firstly, let me explain this comment.
This comment was made to mean that while we might always WANT the latest and greatest – there are sometimes situations outside our control that affect what we can have and what we can’t (the “NOT HOT” part). It also came from a tiny bit of research I took from a previous blog post on Scenic Route’s closure. I asked the question, “Do you spend less on scrapbooking products than what you were a year ago?” 62% of you answered “No”. I know this isn’t a true reflection, but it’s what influenced that post.
Also, because this blog is a mix of news and opinion, I would like to explain my background.
“I only spend about $20 – $40 every couple of months on scrapbooking products and this has not changed since I started scrapbooking. Most of the items I buy happen to be cheap items off etsy, from clearance sales at my LSS and online. I mainly buy paper and other cheap items, not expensive embellishments. Therefore I can afford to buy the VERY FEW items I REALLY WANT, and also use up my stash of older items at the same time. ”
A few of you said you had been affected by the downturnand are having to tighten your belts, and you’re not the only one.
I conducted some research for an upcoming article on the Scrapbook Update website on the Australian scrapbooking industry, and this lead me to believe that the industry has been hit only very slightly by the economic downturn. Of course some individuals more than others, but of the majority, not really.
So I thought it would be interesting to ask you, to open up a discussion on how you are currently scrapbooking.
Do you spend heaps or nothing at all?
Do you go to as many crops as you once did?
How often do you buy new supplies?
How much do you spend a month?
And ultimately, Do you think the economic downturn has affected the Aussie scrap industry?
We all have our favourite products, techniques and things going on in the scrap worldand ones we hate… so here’s a place where you’ll find my ratings of what’s HOT and What’s Not in the Aussie scrap world right now…
Want to be involved? Let me know what your favourites are by sending me an email at scrapbookinsight<at>gmail.com or commenting below…
“Glimmer mist” - Spray it, ink it, dilute it. Use it on paper, chipboard and more. I (and some of you) have seen it being used more and more frequently on projects online and in magazines. Do you like it? Have you brought it? One of the more popular varieties is that from US ‘manufactuer’, Tattered Angels, the makers of Glimmer Mist, Glimmer Chips.
Check out the full colour range here. How many do you have?
Jillbean Soup products - New on the scene, Jillbean Soup products are cleverly marketed and ultra cute! Following in the footsteps of other ‘manufacturers’ like Jenni Bowlin and Elles Studio, Jillbean Soup designs are simple and HOT HOT HOT!
From their ‘Jillbean Soup Journalling Sprouts’ (pictured) to their Soup Paper and Kraft Soup staples…. clever names for clever designs!
Christmas products -Leading up to the silly season we’re inundated with Christmas scrap goodies!!
(Top to Bottom – My Little Yellow Bicycle ‘25 days of Christmas’, Basic Grey ‘Eskimo Kisses’, Graphic 45 ‘Christmas Past’, Cosmo Cricket ‘Golly by Jolly’, Kaisercraft ‘Christmas Carnival’, ‘Belle’ & ‘Dear Santa’.)
What lines are your favourites?
Scrap smack blogs -Publicly naming and shaming individuals for the creative differences, business operations and the like. Need I mention any more??Do you read and/or comment on these blogs?
Scrap mags featuring more and more card making articles - Scrapbooking magazines featuring more and more card making articles. Are they ’scrapbooking magazines’ or ‘card-making magazines’
Scrap mags “folding” -Magazines folding, first it was ‘Simple Scrapbooks’ in the US and now its ‘Scrapbook Inspirations’ in the UK. Who’s next?
Here’s a new segment for you all. We all have our favourite products, techniques and things going on in the scrap worldand ones we hate… so here’s a place where you’ll find my ratings of what’s HOT and What’s Not in the Aussie scrap world right now…
Want to be involved? Let me know what your favourites are by sending me an email at scrapbookinsight<at>gmail.com.
Die Cut papers - Basic Grey, Crete paper, Fancy Pants, Autumn leaves just to name a few.
Autumn Leaves French Twist Die-Cut Paper – Fuschia Twist
Border Punches - Martha Stewart is HOT HOT HOT (but the prices of those punches are exorbitant!)
Prima flowers & embellishments-New on the scene are Prima’s gorgeous pebbles (check out the cute bird ones below). Popular flowers are Cherry Blossom branches, Baroque Blooms and gallery roses!
Mini alpha stickers – Are still on the radar of scrappers in Australia. Hot manufacturers, Carolee’s Creations alphas (Adorn it), Rose Moka, and now Kaisercraft have just released mini alphas too. Which are your favourites?
Design Team Call Outs- Are there new ones everyday! There can only be so many! Totally over them!
“Same same” scrapbooking product designs – Basic Grey, October Afternoon, Kaisercraft, Prima, heaps of BIG name manufacturers are doing it!
Eg. Basic Grey Lemonade paper, ‘Cherry Cobbler’ and October Afternoon Cherry Hill paper, ‘Tea Towel’
Using up your stash – like so many of our OS counterparts are doing at the moment (see an interesting discussion over at Scrabpook Update) because of the economic crisis. It hasn’t seemed to hit as hard here is Aus, but really, who wants to use up their papers in their stash from two years ago when they can get the latest and greatest? Definitely not me!
I’m also on the lookout for any retail stores looking to sponsor or advertise on Scrapbook Insight. If anyone is interested please send me an email at scrapbookinsight@gmail.com.
There’s a lot of discussion currently about Scrapbooking Magazine – in Australia and overseas. With OS publications such as ‘Simple Scrapbooks‘ and ‘Memory Makers‘ having closed their doors, along with Aussie mags like ‘For Keeps Creative Paper magazine’ in limbo; lets see what Aussie magazines are doing to hold their place in scrappers handbags!
Scrapbook Creations – Issue 71.
Sneaky peek: This issue features the usual, ‘technique focus’, ‘your story’ and quick grabs galleries (gallery, large photos, staples, simply awesome), a great ‘road test’ on glimmer mist and Ngaire Bartlam’s Top Ten feature also.
Quick critique:Both SBM and SC are have jumped on the card making ‘bandwagon’ this month, with SC featuring a Card making special. This issue’s layouts and articles seem to feature a ‘higher calibre’ of layouts the SBM. I found the article, “Scrap-fitti” on the ‘new’ graffiti more ‘creative’ and up to date than the graffiti article that appeared in SBM recently. I also found the article ‘to be continued’ written by Leanne Stamatellos very interesting too.
Sneaky peek: SBM’s PINK issue, in support of Breast Cancer for the NBCF is very ‘pink’ indeed. Galleries, Thankful, Family, No photos, Pink, Encore. Beyond-the-Page projects from Masters, Bella! and Kaisercraft projects, Bella! giveaway, Interesting and insightful reads on women’s experiences with breast cancer, ‘Card special’.
Quick critique:Love that 10c from each issue sold goes towards the NBCF, reason enough to buy this issue – every cent counts! Lots of pink projects in this issue (good if you like pink I guess). Raises awareness for breast cancer and you get a FREE pack of Rhinestones from Kaisercraft! Gorgeous Beyond-the-Page projects from Masters and okay reader galleries.
Sneaky peek: Seven Beyond-the-Page step-by-step projects, 18 layouts (and sketches with step-by-step instructions), new collection features and home decor projects and paper crafts, product catalogue, reader submissions, competitions, budget scrapbooking, photography tips, cards, recipes and Christmas decorating and gift ideas. Also 30% Kaisercraft digital coupon.
Quick critique: A manufacturer making their own magazine? It’s just a book of ads really. But if you’re a fan of Kaisercraft you’ll love this, if not, why not give it a try? It does have interesting layouts, beyond-the-page and home-decore/gift ideas that can be transferred to other papers and products if needed. Great Christmas ideas (recipes, cards, decorations and more). Interesting reads, sketches and photography tips. There is no need for the product catalogue, although helpful if you’re looking for particular products – I suggest it could be a suppliment if people really want it. Great value.
So what are your thoughts on this month’s Aussie magazines? Did you buy any of them, or do you subscribe? Or did you borrow them off a friend? Your thoughts and ideas? What would you have liked to see in this months mags?
While I’m waiting on the latest Scrapbook Creations to review (for my post on October Scrapbook Magazines – COMING VERY SOON), I received a little email in my inbox from Scrapbooking Memories… Their Scrappers Choice newsletter – naming 2009 Masters top 50.
From the newsletter,
“Finally we can announce the list you’ve all been waiting for – our shortlist for the 2009 Masters Competition. We were absolutely inundated with entries once again this year and the talent that came through our doors was unbelievable! So much so that this year’s shortlist is much longer than last year – we simply couldn’t make it any shorter! Congratulations to all who entered and a huge round of applause to our Masters shortlist for 2009. Good Luck!”
TOP 50 short list:
Agnus Kasprzak Alicia Barry Angella Peardon Angie Naumowicz Belinda Spencer Bernie Dodd Beth Jarrett Candice Myers Cass Glass Catherine Pineda Cheree Wheare Christine Rumley Cindy Bishop Cindy Roberts Deb Godley Debbie Johnston Ebony Van Der Starre Emma Allen Emma Viney Fran Tynan Georgia Keays Geraldine Pasinati Hetty Hall Jane Tregenza Jenni Parsons Jodi Dolbel Julie Hill Karen Watson Kathleen Glossop Kellie Lusted Kerryn Lawson Kerryn Leworthy Kim Arnold Krissy Christie Kylie Fraser Kylie Shotton Lauren Boase Leanne Stamatellos Leeann Pearce Louise Nelson Manon Kier Marianne Berry Mel Connell Melanie Forbes Michelle Winston Monica Brady Nerrida Mitchell Nicole Aspinal Pip Prosser Rochelle La’Brooy-McIver Rhonda Harvey Robyn Bell Sarah Gladman Sharon Thomson Shelley George Skye Johnson Sonia Barnett Sonia Thomason Sue Campbell Susan Longman Tammy Milborn Tania Ballestrin Tanya Tahir Tatum Woodroffe Tiff Sawyer
So who are your favourites? Who’s masters material? Any surprises? Did you enter Masters, do you think it’s a worthwhile competition?
Above: “Monstrosity” Sassafras Lass.
Above: “Pop Art Dots” & “Wham bang ouch” cord, Buzz and Blomom
While I’m waiting on the latest Scrapbook Creations to review (for my post on October Scrapbook Magazines – COMING VERY SOON), I received a little email in my inbox from Scrapbooking Memories… Their Scrappers Choice newsletter – naming 2009 Masters top 50.
