Angie Pedersen's Scrapbooking Industry News

About SBIN

Founded and edited by scrapbooking pioneer Angie Pedersen, Scrapbooking Industry News (SBIN) is a clearinghouse of information related to the scrapbooking industry.  It features press releases on product releases, manufacturer news, business acquisitions, personnel changes, and more. Online since 2003, SBIN compiles information from over 50 newsrooms and resources, filtering out the fluff, presenting only the juiciest tidbits. Whether you’re a scrapbooking beginner, an addict, a professional designer, a retailer, a manufacturer, or something in-between, you’ll find something of interest here. Scrapbooking Industry News…all the news that’s fit to scrap!

SBIN promotes information from manufacturers and business owners of companies related to scrapbooking (paper and digital), paper crafting, rubber-stamping, collage/altered arts, photography, personal keepsakes, and genealogy.

"You can't sneeze in this industry without Angie Pedersen knowing and blogging about it."

-- Molly Newman, Associate Editor, Digital Scrapbooking Magazine

"...[Angie Pedersen] knows more dirt about companies than anyone has a right to know..."

-- Anonymous

 

Pebbles Inc Designs Content for Lucidiom

Rosemont, Ill., July 17, 2008 – Retailers with scrapbooking solutions from Lucidiom Inc. now can enjoy exclusive designs from the Pebbles Inc. Share & Tell binder program, the partners announced today from the 2008 Craft and Hobby Association Summer Convention and Trade Show in Rosemont, Illinois. Pebbles Inc. is a charter member of the Lucidiom EQ Designers Alliance – a group organized earlier this year to increase the number and variety of templates available on the Lucidiom EQ platform.

The popular Share & Tell binder program was created by Pebbles founder, Brenda Birrell, as a simple and affordable system that is easy to maintain. Consumers are free to spend as much or as little time as they want creating scrapbook keepsakes. Having the products available for digital personalization on Lucidiom APM kiosks makes the program even better suited to today’s busy lifestyles.

“Busy parents and crafters don’t always have the time to invest in traditional scrapbooking and with the digital Share & Tell scrapbooking solutions from Lucidiom and Pebbles time is no longer a barrier,” said Kesley Anderson, Lucidiom vice president of scrapbook and creative business development.

Consumers with no time can simply print out 4x6 prints on Lucidiom APMs to insert in Share & Tell 12x12 protectors. Those with some time can create personalized 4x6 journaling cards to insert along with their prints. Digital scrapbooking pages also are available for consumers looking to invest the most time in their Share & Tell binder creation.

“The Share & Tell program is all about time,” said Birrell. “Now that we’ve taken this time-saving binder program digital with Lucidiom, consumers are going to have a lot more time to create lasting keepsakes with even greater speed and ease.”

The new Share & Tell content is available in stores now. For more information on the Share & Tell line, visit www.pebblesinc.com.

About Lucidiom:
With some 55,000 photo kiosks deployed worldwide, Lucidiom Inc. is the leading provider of flexible and brand-independent digital photofinishing systems. Lucidiom EQ – the complete imaging solution – enables retailers to develop in-store and online revenue streams beyond the standard 4x6 print. Lucidiom EQ features the APM photo kiosk; Luci content; Photo Folio products (including photo books, folded cards and bound calendars); EQ Printer; APM ProfitWatcher statistics tracker; Photo Finale online software; and Lab 50 management system - all connected by the APM Network. For more information about how Lucidiom empowers the "Go Beyond 4x6" digital imaging movement, visit www.lucidiom.com.

About Pebbles Inc.
Founded by Brenda Birrell in 2001 Pebbles Inc. is known for their clean & simple designs that coordinate beautifully with one another. Our goal at Pebbles Inc. is to create quality products that are quick and easy to use… We are excited to embrace the digital market and move forward as we create products and designs that will delight the consumer and make preserving our life stories much easier!

SOURCE: Imaging-Resource.com.

Shutterfly Partners With Big Picture Scrapbooking

Shutterfly Partners with Big Picture Scrapbooking to Educate and Inspire a New Audience of Digital Scrapbookers and Introduces new digital scrapbook style photo books to capture travel stories and great moments in youth sports.

ROSEMONT, Ill., Jul 18, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Today from the Craft & Hobby Association Summer Convention & Trade Show, Shutterfly, Inc., the leading Internet-based social expression and personal publishing service, unveiled "Digital Studio," a new online scrapbooking educational resource with Big Picture Scrapbooking, the worldwide leader in online scrapbooking education.

Digital Studio is a new online educational resource that makes it easy and fun for consumers to learn about digital scrapbooking, photobooking and photography. Members can participate in free and paid online classes about digital scrapbooking and photography that will also show them how to use Shutterfly to bring their stories to life. Class participants will also learn to make personalized digiscrap greeting cards and scrapbook pages created from free online kits. For more information about Shutterfly and Big Picture Scrapbooking's Digital Studio, please visit: http://www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com/digital.php.

"With digital scrapbooks accounting for one in ten of all photo books posted to Shutterfly Gallery, the creativity and craftsmanship of digiscrappers has really inspired the Shutterfly community," said Kathryn Olson, chief marketing officer of Shutterfly. Because digital scrapbooks consistently top our "make one like this" list, we know our customers are interested in further exploring this hobby themselves. Together with Big Picture Scrapbooking, we are pleased to offer our customers an online resource where they can learn from step-by-step tutorials about digital scrapbooking and how to take better pictures."

"We have teamed up with Shutterfly to launch a digital studio that will provide us with dedicated space to teach and enjoy classes for beginning digital scrapbookers," says Stacy Julian, founding partner of Big Picture Scrapbooking. "I'm thrilled to have the power and experience of Shutterfly on our side. They are dedicated to storytelling and supporting scrapbookers in general with comprehensive online services and quality printing solutions."

By partnering with Big Picture Scrapbooking, Shutterfly builds upon its commitment to the scrapbooking community, which began with Shutterfly's industry-leading printing solutions for digital scrapbookers and the formation of the Shutterfly Scrapbooking Advisory Board.

Anna Griffin, Inc. Goes Digital with Scrapblog

Anna Griffin to Offer Premium Digital Content via Partnership with Scrapblog.com

ROSEMONT, Ill., Jul 18, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Award-winning craft designer and paper personality, Anna Griffin, announced a partnership with Scrapblog, the first craft on the Web and leading service for creating and sharing scrapbooks online, today at the summer CHA conference (Craft & Hobby Association).

Crafters of all ages and varieties will soon be able to incorporate Anna Griffin's timeless designs into their multimedia scrapbooks created at Scrapblog.com. "With digital photography growing in popularity, it is only natural that the next big thing for scrapbooking and crafting be digital," said Anna Griffin, President of Anna Griffin, Inc. "We pride ourselves on innovation and trend setting, so for us, partnering with Scrapblog, a leader within the digital crafting community, to bring our papers and embellishments to the web just makes sense."

"The quality and elegance of Anna's creations has been an inspiration to us at Scrapblog since our beginnings," said Scrapblog Founder and CEO Carlos Garcia. "Offering Anna Griffin's designs is a major milestone for Scrapblog and for the growth of digital scrapbooking."

Enjoyed by both paper and digital scrapbookers, Scrapblog celebrated its one year anniversary in April with more than 2.4 million Scrapblog pages. Using Scrapblog's easy-to-use, Web-based software, Digital scrapbooks created with Anna Griffin's content can be shared online with friends and family on Scrapblog.com, through email or social networks like MySpace and Facebook.

"Creating Scrapbook pages in minutes is the norm with this user-friendly application, and you don't have to deal with the mess," adds Griffin. "The days of downloading your digital photos to sit in a folder are over; say hello to technology that actually allows you to display those photos in a fun and creative way!"

Users will also be able to print their scrapblogs on high quality and fully personalized photo-books, greeting cards and calendars in August. Anna Griffin digital scrapbook designs will also be available at scrapbooking retailers via pre-paid cards that can be used on Scrapblog's service.

Anna Griffin's digital scrapbooking content will be available in Scrapblog in the coming months. Her designs have been featured in CardMaker, For the Bride, Scrap and Stamp, Creating Keepsakes, Stationary Trends, Lucky Magazine, Paper Creations, Better Homes and Gardens, Memory Makers and Scrapbooking & Beyond.

Scrapblog's premier Web-based scrapbooking application will also be available via AnnaGriffin.com.

About Anna Griffin, Inc.
Anna Griffin made her mark in the wedding industry over a decade ago by developing one of the industry's first 'print it yourself' invitations with a custom look. Today, Anna Griffin is a recognized authority when it comes to translating exquisite patterns evocative of old world style into modern, mix and match designs.

Anna Griffin, Inc.'s signature collection includes invitations, social stationery, home office and decorative papers. In addition, there are currently over 1,000 Anna Griffin licensed products in partnership with famous American brand leaders such as Lenox, Department 56, C.R. Gibson, Windham Fabrics, Burnes Home Accents, Wallies, Envelopments and Sterling Publishing. Experience the world of Anna Griffin for yourself at www.annagriffin.com.

About Scrapblog, Inc.
Scrapblog is the leader in online scrapbooking and allows users to create, share online and print multimedia scrapbooks. The Scrapblog experience turns everyday people into artists who may express themselves online in unique and personalized ways. Users can aggregate their photos and videos from multiple online sources and mix them with music, audio, text and thousands of creative elements in an environment that is truly drag-and-drop-easy. Scrapblog, Inc. is privately held and based in Miami, Florida. For more information on Scrapblog and a quick tour, please visit http://scrapblog.com/tour/tour.aspx.

SOURCE: Anna Griffin, Inc. via MarketWatch.

CHA Summer 2008: Digital Scrapbooking for Retailers - Digi Degree Program

Scrapbook Retailers, Don’t Dread Digital!  New Book Empowers Storeowners to Welcome Digital Scrapbookers into Stores and Classrooms

Digital Scrapbooking for Retailers provides the first and only turnkey digital/hybrid scrapbooking sales solution for retailers – including a certification program.

Fountain Valley, CA – July 14, 2008 -- Author and instructor Patty Debowski has been talking to scrapbooking store owners – she knows they are concerned about what digital scrapbooking will mean for their stores.  Will today’s easy-to-use graphic editing programs turn digital camera owners into digital scrapbookers?  Will their traditional paper and embellishment stock be able to attract the new tech-oriented crowd?  Will they be able to communicate in “geek-speak”?  Debowski has not only listened to their worries; she has created a solution.  Her new book, Digital Scrapbooking for Retailers, Volume 1: Digi-Degree Program is the first digital/hybrid scrapbooking book written specifically for the retail store owner. It provides precisely the information retailers need to become a resource for their local digital scrapbooking community.

“The book has everything a retailer needs to know about setting up digital/hybrid classes in their stores,” explains Debowski.  “After teaching digital scrapbooking for a couple of years, I've encountered just about everything!”

Digital Scrapbooking for Retailers: Digi-Degree Program allows local stores to teach digital/hybrid scrapbooking classes to their customers with confidence.  Retailers and instructors don't have to come up with their own program – they can use the same field-tested system that Debowski has already successfully used in her own classes utilizing her first book Digital & Hybrid Scrapbooking & Card-Making with Photoshop Elements.  Her guide provides five digital scrapbooking lesson plans using Photoshop Elements.  Because the lesson plans include step-by-step instructions, they can be taught by someone with only basic computer skills.  “I’ve included tips to make the teacher look brilliant, even if they’re just a beginner,” says Debowski.

One unique feature of Debowski’s new retailer program is the Digi Degree “certification” option. Local store instructors teach the classes based on Debowski’s content.  At the end of the five sessions, students can receive the “Digi-Degree Program Certificate”, which can be personalized with individual store names.  “There is a huge demand for these classes,” says Debowski.  “I can't believe how many people actually want to get their certificate at the end.  90% of people that start these hands-on classes finish the series of five, most in the same weekend.”

Low cost marketing tips and product sales ideas are included throughout the lesson plans. The scrapbooking instructor can use the lesson plan as lecture content, while also subtly encouraging students to buy additional product (whether traditional, digital or electronic stock).

Debowski’s system offers five class lesson plans that lead to Digi-Degree “certification”:

• Organizing Your Digital Scrapbook Supplies and Photos (Windows Only - Mac users substitute a class on installing and using Brushes)   
• Laying the Groundwork – working with photo, embellishments, text, and layers
• Making a Basic Digital Page from scratch
• Speed Scrapping with Templates
• Basic Hybrid Page – Custom backgrounds and shapes, applying filters, and using text paths

*As a special bonus, a free sixth class is available for wholesale purchases made by August 1, 2008.

Also included in Digital Scrapbooking for Retailers-Volume 1: Digi-Degree Program:

• Sample images of completed class projects to use in marketing and promotions
• Class descriptions in Microsoft Word format for quick additions to a website or newsletter
• Advice on effective class scheduling
• Class preparation and presentation tips
• How to smoothly address digital scrapbooking challenges and common mistakes

Retailers interested in more information on Digital Scrapbooking for Retailers, Volume 1: Digi-Degree Program can visit Debowski in the Creative Imaginations Digital Corner in Booth 1849 during the Craft & Hobby Association trade show in Chicago, July 18-20, 2008, or online at www.RetailerDigiHelp.com.

Debowski is available for in-store staff training to help retailers set up digital classes and programs.   She also offers product discounts for bulk orders.  Find wholesale information here: www.RetailerDigiHelp.com

TheDigitalScrapbookTeacher.com offers an affiliate program, enabling affiliates to earn a commission for every product sold without stocking any product.  Find more information at http://www.thedigitalscrapbookteacher.com/Affiliate/scrapbook.html

CHA Summer 2008: Corel Digital Photo and Painting Software

OTTAWA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Corel Corporation, a leading developer of graphics, productivity and digital media software, today announced that it will showcase its award-winning Corel Painter Essentials, Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2, and Corel MediaOne PlusPainter Essentials 4 in Booth # 2851 at the Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) Summer 2008 Convention and Trade Show. The Company will provide examples of how scrapbookers can combine digital and traditional techniques to tell their stories and express themselves in more exciting and creative ways.

According to a recent report from CHA, about 17.5 million U.S. households spent $2.5 billion on scrapbook and related “memory craft” products in 2007. However, this isn’t limited to traditional scrapbooking. Today, hybrid and digital scrapbooking – the integration of digital images and templates into traditional scrapbook pages or the creation of entirely digital scrapbook pages – are gaining traction within the industry and opening up new creative options for consumers and new revenue opportunities for scrapbooking retailers. Corel’s photo-editing and digital painting software allows users of all skill levels to easily create interesting layouts featuring beautiful images and embellishments for traditional, hybrid, or digital scrapbooking projects.

Corel Painter Essentials 4 and Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 have a suggested retail price of $99.99 US each for the full version and $69.99 each for the upgrade. Corel MediaOne Plus is available $49.99 US for the full product. All three products are also available as part of the Scrapbooking Bundle for $199.97.

To learn more about Corel Painter Essentials 4, Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 or Corel MediaOne Plus, please visit www.corel.com. For more information on the CHA Summer 2008 Convention and Trade Show, please visit www.chashow.org.

About Corel
Corel is one of the world’s top software companies with more than 100 million active users in over 75 countries. We develop software that helps people express their ideas and share their stories in more exciting, creative and persuasive ways. Through the years we’ve built a reputation for delivering innovative, trusted products that are easy to learn and use, helping people achieve new levels of productivity. The industry has responded with hundreds of awards for software innovation, design and value.

SOURCE: BusinessWire.

Unity Stamp Co. to Launch Scrapbook Diva Line at CHA

Spicer, Minnesota - July 9, 2008. Angela and Christian Magnuson, co-owners of Unity Stamp Company, announced today that their new stamp line, Diva Says..., will be available for ordering, and hands-on Make-&-Takes at CHA Summer next week.

Magnuson described Unity Stamp's products as "un-mounted stamping kits that include deeply etched red rubber that are fully cut out and backed with Cling Cushion foam." She went on to add; "Simply turn over our handle and adhere the rubber stamp to the acrylic portion." Christian jumped in; "What's really exciting is that the acrylic portion of our handles can be used with the customers current collection of clear stamps and will work with all unmounted stamps!"

The Diva Says designs were developed under a licensing agreement with Scrapbook Diva® Danielle Forsgren, creator of The Diva Craft Lounge, the Internet's #1 crafting show with listeners in 79 countries. The new line includes many of the Diva’s favorite sayings and divalicious images like tiaras, shoes, purses and even DeeVah, herself!”

According to Forsgren; "Their acrylic handles with wooden sides cater to the wood mounted rubber stamper as well as the acrylic stamper. Its the best of both worlds, truly brilliant!!"

When asked what her favorite Diva Says... stamp is, Forsgren thought for a moment then proclaimed, "I'm really not sure... but it's definitely between "Bad Hair Day? Wear a Tiara!" and "LEGALLY DIVA"

About Unity Stamp Company

Launched at CHA Winter 2008 to rave reviews, Unity Stamp Company has developed a superior mounting system that brings two worlds together - the acrylic and wooden stamper. They have over 100 kits and 1000 images within their unique line of rubber stamps. They also have 4 acrylic handles from 2.5x3  to 5.5x5.5 that are finished on the sides with hard white maple that are grooved for easy handling and placement of your designs. The “Cassettes” simply slide into the handles for easy placement and visibility.

About Scrapbook Diva® and Diva Craft Lounge Radio

The one hour Diva Craft Lounge is broadcast live, every Wednesday at 12 PM Pacific Time on DivaCraftLounge.com. The show, hosted by Danielle Forsgren and Rayme Royale is in its 4th year and has listeners in 79 countries. It provides call-in opportunities for the listeners and is archived immediately after the live broadcast for on-demand listening or Pod Casting which is the preference of most listeners.

CKMedia New Website Look(s) Launch Tuesday

Announced recently on Digital Scrapbooking Magazine Associate Editor Molly Newman's Blog:

We've been tapping our fingers and biting our tongues... and now the Digital Scrapbooking team is thrilled to announce that our brand-new, guaranteed-awesome website will be open for business this Tuesday, July 8, 2008.

Along with our partner magazines Creating Keepsakes, Simple Scrapbooks and Paper Crafts, we're launching a new, bigger and better site where you can learn from others, share your own work and enjoy the excitement and energy of a rapidly growing community. Post your own layouts for feedback and praise... share your thoughts via your own personal blog... build new friendships by establishing in and participating in your own groups. Get immediate notification when we're looking for new submissions or launching a new contest. Plus, enjoy up-to-the-minute access to expert advice, ideas and special features from Digital Scrapbooking magazine. This beta release will get better and more useful every day as you and thousands of other readers join us to build a new DigitalScrapbooking.com.

Come join the fun--we can't wait to see you there. Check it out Tuesday at DigitalScrapbooking.com.

Please note that the site will be a beta version and could still have kinks, errors, or missing information. Corrections to any problems will be made and it will be fully functioning as soon as possible.

The website launch news was also announced on DSM's Facebook Group page.

Scrapbooking Retailers Form Cooperative

Thirty independent retailers in Southern California have united to form the Southern California Scrapbook Retailers Association. The group began a year ago as an informal group to share marketing ideas. It is not affiliated with any other organization or co-op. In addition to marketing through "€œco-opetition"€, the group aims to foster success for member stores through vendor partnerships and alliance benefits in operations, purchasing, and business education.

Member stores range in size from 600 to 11,000 square feet and are located in the counties of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernadino, Riverside, Imperial, and San Diego. Combined annual sales of members exceed $15 million.

Elected to the board of directors are Randy Bremer, The Red Bee, chairman; Vesta Myers, Scrapbook Boulevard, co-chair; Brent Tell, Screamin'€™ Susies, treasurer; Vivian Cohen, A-Z Scrapbooking, secretary; Elaine Dobiez, Scrappin'€™ in the Hills; Camille Aiken, Ever After; and Sophia Trujillo, Strictly Scrapbooking.

SOURCE: Craftrends Magazine.

Chicken Soup Seeks 'Power Moms'

Chicken Soup for the Soul is seeking contributions for its newest edition: Power Moms, 101 Stories Celebrating the Power of Choice for Stay at Home and Work from Home Moms

Raising children, managing homes, and maybe even keeping a hand in the working world can place incredible demands on mothers. These multi-tasking, high-performing women have become today’s power moms.

Moms – share your stories about being a mom and doing it all.  Dads – share your feelings about your stay at home wife. And children of moms who stayed at home – tell us about your mom. Stories should be written in the first person and should not exceed 1200 words. Any stories are welcomed, including those on the following topics:

• Celebrating the choice to be at home: Share your most treasured moments
• Making the choice to stay home or scale back work to raise kids
• Managing the new demands of raising healthy, accomplished and well-balanced children
• Meeting the challenges of running a household in an increasingly busy world
• Clever ways of multi-tasking: getting it all done every day
• Dad at work, Mom at home: Surviving the division of labor in your marriage
• Facing Baby Brain Drain: Making quality time for yourself
• Reclaiming the joys of work through charity and community service
• Creative ways to work from home
• Mompreneurs: Making your own family-friendly job
• Reinventing yourself when the kids are all in school
• The power of female friendship: How women rely on each other to get through the day
• The buck stops with you: Feeling the pressure of being everyone’s go-to person
• Life in the minivan: Making the most of the driving black hole
• Giving up the Guilt: When doing it all is impossible

If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book. You will also receive a check for $200 and ten free copies of the book, worth more than $100.  Your story will be copyrighted in your name and you will retain your rights to resell the story to another publication after it is published by Chicken Soup.

DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 1, 2008. Visit the Chicken Soup website to submit your story.

AdornIt to Host Blog Party

Recently announced on Carolee's Creations' AdornIt blog:

Georgana Hall is throwing a "summer blog party" the week of June 16-20. "All week I will be posting summer ideas, scrapbook challenges, inspiration, recipes, etc."