News from Stitches 2014

Today on the blog I’m sharing a little insight into the recent trade fair at the NEC in Birmingham known simply as “Stitches”. It followed on from the big CHA show in the US and Paperworld in Germany and showcased all the latest products from the brands that we love.

It was my first visit to Stitches where I met up with Magda Polakow, my team mate from A Sprinkle of Imagination and here at Craft Stamper. I think the two of us were like two kids in a toy shop, a bit over excited and at times star struck.

I did sort of manage to keep focused on my goal which was to pick out a few of the really interesting products to show you here. So sit down with a cup of tea as it’s a bit of a long post but I’ll try not to bore the pants off you!

Inkadinkado

If you love pattern, mandala’s and creating framed effects, then you’ll love these Inkadinkado Stamping Gear sets. Although not a new idea (they've been out for a little over a year now), I first saw them on Create and Craft TV and they looked so easy. The idea is that you have a cog with evenly spaced slots and a gear which has a coordinating notch. It works with any cling stamp even though the sets have their own stamps in them and creates amazing patterns and precise frame effects.  At the NEC I got to see the new designs and they seem to have become a whole lot bigger. If you haven’t seen these in action before then just have a look on You Tube or check them out here on Create andCraft. 

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Prima

Magda and I went off to watch Anna Dabrowska AKA Finnabair demonstrating her stencils with Prima…three times… I think there might have been a bit of fan-girling going on.

I was very taken with the new Prima ink sprays she was using. The colours were gorgeous as you’d expect from Prima but the thing that really got me excited was the design of the spray bottle. It has a proper trigger to it instead of a push top and I was told that this is the reason why they don’t clog up even though they’re mica based but it also means, no more inky fingers either; happy day. As a sufferer of inky fingers I’m looking forward to giving these a go.

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WOW
The WOW stand had the wow factor of course and one of the big things on their stand this year were the new colours of powder and Silicone Moulds for creating wonderful embellishments and jewellery pieces. Using a special mixing powder to mix with your chosen colour of embossing powder and melted together they create fabulous 3d embellishments. WOW are now going to be selling ring bases too designed to be pushed into the moulds and were demonstrating this on their stand. The moulds are already available on their web site but the rings and binding powder are available at the end of March.

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IndigoBlu

One of my favourite stamp companies is IndigoBlu and I was a very happy bunny to discover their new range called Alter Egos. These are sheets of  laser cut embellishments made of Splodgeboard which is a dense fibreboard, and are designed to match with stamps and stamp sets and also stencils from the same range. They can be painted, inked, used with FlitterGlu and so much more. The splodgeboard is flexible too so they can be moulded and bent to really get dimension on your project. A fabulous addition to anyone who loves mixed media and altered art. They’re light too so are no problem used as embellishments on cards or scrapbook pages. You can see them in action here on Create and Craft TV.

Picture courtesy of Indigo Blu.
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Sizzix

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of all things Sizzix and one new product which got my attention is the Stamper’s Secret Weapon. To be honest I’m thinking where has this been all my life and for anyone who has trouble getting a perfectly stamped impression with those larger stamps, this is definitely for you.

 This is what Sizzix have to say about it: 

No crafter should be without the Sizzix® Stamper’s Secret Weapon™. Inspired by Stephanie Barnard®, this essential kit allows you to create the perfect stamped impressions. It includes a paper piercer and a double-sided stamping/piercing mat for you to stamp and pierce on one mat.

The smooth side of the mat provides the proper surface for creating perfect stamped impressions. At the top of the smooth mat, a coarse bar can be used to quickly pierce small projects or to create holes for brads. The back of the mat is completely coarse for larger piercing projects.

At  30.48 cm x 26.67 cm it’s not small and in my view an essential piece of kit. I’ll be getting my hands one one for sure.

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Lavinia Stamps

A new stamp company to me is Lavinia Stamps, certainly not new in the market place but I’d not really investigated them before. Where have I been? After a bit of research into their new designs I’m now a big fan.

With Zentangling becoming more and more popular, their new range of stamps called simply Zen is based around this idea. Gorgeous polymer images so quirky and fun and if you’re like me and can’t wait to get hold of them, some of the images also come in a digital version which you can download immediately.  How gorgeous is this?

picture taken from the Lavinia Stamps web site.

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Dina Wakley

I also caught a glimpse of the new stamps and paint ranges from Dina Wakley. Beautiful big stamps and gorgeous paint colours.

Finally after all that excitement I think I deserved the massage that was on offer. 

 I hope I get the chance to go again next year.

Enjoy the sunshine and I'll hopefully be back with lots more industry news.

Jaine Drake for the Craft Stamper Design Team.

Thanks so much for that detailed report Jaine! I went to the show too and have a couple of bits to add!

PaperArtsy
PaperArtsy have stepped out of their comfort zone a bit this year with some highly original designs on the table and something to suit every taste - from JOFY's pretty and feminine florals to strong geometrics reminiscent of African art by Ellen Vargo and quirky Steampunk-inspired designs by Darcy. PLUS new yummy paint colours and a clever paper range which focusses on subtle designs which add depth and texture to give your makes a kick-start.

Dina Wakley had stencils too - yum!

Plus I fell for these adorable woodland creatures by Sam Poole for Creative Expressions (believe it or not this IS a happy face!!!).

And last but not least, seriously love these lightweight but sturdy alterable drawers from the lovely Di at Tando Creative.

Apologies in advance if we have caused unwanted shopping........................

Katy and Jaine xxx