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Via DigiCam News:
Scott Kelby, Dave Cross and Matt Kloskowski ("The Photoshop Guys"), are producing a free half-hour video podcast that offers tutorials and tips for mastering Photoshop, as well as industry news and interviews. The podcast gained over 6,200 subscribers in its first 72 hours, and is available on Apple iTunes.
Check out The Photoshop Guys for more information.
Read the full press release at DigiCam News.
izzzLake Forest, CA -- Ellison, the leading manufacturer of hand-operated die-cutting machines, is proud to announce innovative, new designs from the Sizzix brand. The sensational, new Alphabars Alphabet Sets, Simple Impressions Embossing Folders and Sizzlits Decorative Die Sets will continue to empower expression for crafters of all skill sets.
Sizzix is expanding its popular offering of Alphabars with the additions of Alphaclips and Classic Stencil alphabet designs. These versatile and unique Alphabars include two to four characters on a die and virtually every shape has a frame design with both a positive and negative image providing a great value at the low MSRP of $99.99.
In addition, two new Sizzlits Alphabets Sets are sure to be a hit with all ages. When it comes to clownin' around, Bozo and Big Top help crafters fill some pretty big shoes. Each comes with 35 individual dies, including uppercase, lowercase, numbers and punctuation in a protective Plastic Storage Case for an exceptional MSRP of $149.99.
Sizzix also adds more than 20 new Simple Impression designs to its embossing line, including various shapes, backgrounds, and phrases. Whether adding flair with a Hawaiian Flower to a scrapbook page or wishing a "Happy Birthday" on a unique card, these designs were made to impress. Each is available at an MSRP of $8.99 or less.
Also new from Sizzix are nine new Sizzlits Decorative Die Sets, compatible with both the Sizzix Machine and the Sidekick, and available in a variety of themes, from puzzles to graduations. Now, both beginner and die-hard crafters will have even more options when selecting dies for any of their projects. Each set is available at the value-priced MSRP of $19.99.
Lake Forest, CA -- Ellison, the leading manufacturer of hand-operated die-cutting equipment, has leverage its proud history of empowering creative expression to offer the creative marketplace a bold new brand, ellison design.
As today's total crafting solution, this new, advance and innovative die-cutting system features two sizes of die-cutting machines and over 200 designs across several mediums for both endless and effortless creative possibilities.
"Countless hours of dedicated research and innovative technology have resulted in a brand we believe will be preferred by consumers of all ages, backgrounds and creative objectives," said Lisa Corcoran, CEO of Ellison.
At the heard of ellison design is the Big Shot machine, which combines big dies and big technology for a big splash -- not to mention big time compatibility with the Sizzix system. The blue Big Shot is 100% compatible with the current Sizzix product library, and is 40% lighter and 20% wider than the original Sizzix machine.
With the Tag-along machine, the Big Shot boasts its own perfect little buddy. Whether at home or on the go, this smaller die-cutting and embossing solution is 100% friend with all Sidekick materials and appeals to everyone, from young crafters to die-hard enthusiasts. Plus, the Tag-a-long is easy to spot in hot pink.
Compatible with the Big Shot, Thick Cuts dies, like their name implies, precisely and quickly cut thick materials such as cardstock, felt, fabric, foam, magnet, leather, aluminum and countless other materials.
These premium-quality, low-cost dies are constructed from the finest materials used in the die-making industry and are positioned to set a standard for affordable, creative tools.
Thin Cuts dies are made for use with either the Big Shot or Tag-a-long to delivery high accuracy at a low price for a decorative die. Unlike other brands, Thin Cuts come fully assembled with the ejection foam applied. In addition, Thin Cuts feature a cutting area that is 40% bigger and, on average, 30% lower than competitor prices. Thin Cuts were quality tested in ellison design machines to ensure they create thousands of cuts compared to the hundreds of cuts offered by competitors.
Along with fun shapes and designs, Thin Cuts are available in ready-to-use Alphabet Sets. Each set includes 35 Thin Cuts to artistically render uppercase, lowercase, numbers and punctuation shapes as unique alphabets specifically spelling out a signature style. Each set comes complete with its own stackable Plastic Storage Case.
By modifying the Thin Cuts format slightly to include a clear back, Ellison was able to add Window Cuts to its new product lineup. These "see through" dies allow for easy and exact cropping and cutting. Window Cuts are available in circles, squares, tags and other shapes.
Extended Cuts feature an extra long size -- the equivalent of five Thin Cuts placed side-by-side -- so that crafters can create extra cute and clever designs for a full 12"x12" scrapbook border, card wrap or decorative elements on any project.
Featuring the Ellison-patented embossing system, Easy Emboss uniquely utilizes a repositionable brass stencil and counter die to create instant elegant embossing, eliminating the need for either a light table and stylus or plates and rubber sheets.
In the months ahead, ellison design will be continuously expanding its product line to keep crafters' tools timely and their imaginations inspired. These product offerings will be available at fine retailers everywhere.
About the ellison design brand
Self-expression comes from within. But ellison design helps it along, empowering individuals of every skill level to create unique crafts and embellishments for scrapbooks, cards, home decor and fashion more quickly and easily. Launched in 2005 by Ellison, the innovator of Sizzix, this new brand of proven technology features a diverse and growing product line with unique, inspiring designs in several mediums. For more information on ellison design, visit www.ellisondesign.com.
Eisai and Pfizer Join National Alliance for Caregiving and Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Magazine to Connect and Educate Families Facing Alzheimer's Disease
NEW YORK, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- A new education program will help caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease preserve treasured family memories through the art of scrapbooking. The program, called Memories to Treasure, was introduced today by Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc in partnership with the National Alliance for Caregiving and Creating Keepsakes scrapbook magazine. The campaign is designed to help caregivers connect with their loved ones and to educate them about caregiving.
A majority of the 4.5 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease live at home, where family and friends provide most of the daily care. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, characterized by a decline in memory and cognition, function and behavior. As the disease advances symptoms worsen, increasing the amount of time and emotional energy caregivers and families spend taking care of their loved one.
"Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be emotionally and physically challenging," said Gail Hunt, president and CEO, National Alliance for Caregiving. "In addition to needing knowledge about how to address the medical aspects of the disease, caregivers need activities that help foster positive interactions with their loved one."
The Memories to Treasure program offers scrapbooking to engage families in a positive environment. The program includes a Web site, http://www.memoriestotreasure.com, educational materials for Alzheimer's caregivers and a free scrapbooking starter kit.
The activities involved in scrapbooking, such as collecting old photographs and keepsakes, can benefit people with Alzheimer's disease. While people with Alzheimer's disease often have problems with short-term memory, they may be able to recall past experiences. Scrapbooking can lead to a conversation about people and events. Reminiscing about the past can be enjoyable for people with Alzheimer's disease and can help facilitate interaction between Alzheimer's sufferers and their caregivers.
"Making time for enjoyable activities like scrapbooking is one way for caregivers to stay positive and connect with their loved one," said Daniel Kuhn, MSW, author of Alzheimer's Early Stages: First Steps for Family, Friends and Caregivers.
While scrapbooking can benefit families facing Alzheimer's, finding a treatment to help slow the progression of the symptoms of the disease is another important aspect of caregiving.
"It's important for families to understand that while there is no cure for Alzheimer's, we do have effective prescription treatments available," said Benjamin Seltzer, M.D., director of the Alzheimer's Disease & Memory Disorders Center, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans. "For example, Aricept has been shown to improve cognitive function and behavior in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease."
Caregivers and family members who want to learn more about Memories to Treasure can visit http://www.memoriestotreasure.com. They will find tips on caregiving, information about Alzheimer's disease and a prescription treatment, a Memory Checklist to help guide discussion with a physician, and instruction on how to create a scrapbook to preserve treasured family memories. The free Memories to Treasure scrapbooking kit and educational materials can be ordered online.
SOURCE: PR Newswire, Eisai Inc.; Pfizer Inc
Web Sites: http://www.memoriestotreasure.com, http://www.aricept.com, http://www.caregiving.org,
http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com
Your fun, scary or cute Halloween photos could win you a trip to HERSHEYPARK for the Trick or Treat Adventure in 2006, a Fujifilm Finepix Digital Camera, a Sprint PCS Vision Picture Phone or other great prizes.
The grand-prize trip is a 2-night, 3-day stay at HERSHEYPARK for 4 and includes air travel on American Airlines, lodging at the HERSHEY Lodge, admission and ride tickets, $300 in chocolate currency, a chocolate basket and more.
For more information, visit the Picture Perfect Halloween Photo Contest website.
Faye Morrow Bell has joined Li'l Davis Designs, a premier innovator and wholesale distributor of scrapbook supplies, as the newest member of their Creative Team. Faye's work has been published in numerous scrapbooking and women's magazines. She is the author of At Home: Scrapbooking with Faye Morrow Bell and a contributing author to the Creating Keepsakes Collection: Artistic Effects and Full Circle (Li'l Davis Group, Inc.). Faye's design work can also be found at Creating Keepsakes Magazine where as a contributor, she writes feature articles and guest columns.
Tricia Barrett, President and CEO of Li'l Davis Designs states, "We are so excited to have someone of Faye's caliber joining our creative team.I have been a Faye Morrow Bell fan for many years and feel so fortunate to have this opportunity to work together."
Faye joins a talented Creative Team led by Creative Director, Jenni Bowlin. Jenni states,"I have always admired Faye's work and look forward to working closely with her in a creative capacity." New additions to the team also include Michelle Hill and Michelle Baker.
Li'l Davis Designs has an extensive line of embellishments to accompany their paper, tools and other scrapbook product. The company has been selling quality scrapbook products since 2001 with a current listing of more than 1,300 Skus. For more information, please visit www.lildavisdesigns.com.
Katrina victims starting school in a Dallas, Houston, Beaumont, Atlanta, San Antonio, and Phoenix will receive over 160,000 school tools from Fiskars. These tools include scissors, sharpeners, pens, highlighters, rulers, protractors, compasses and erasers. Some tools will ship directly to school district warehouses, some will go though food banks, and others will be distributed though SHOPA shelters and boxed kits.
Paper Zone, a retailer of quality paper, business supplies and crafts with stores throughout Washington, Oregon, and California, announced that it has completed the purchase of 17 Memories & More Stores, a Salt Lake City, Utah retailer of scrapbook and craft products with locations throughout the United States.
Memories & More Stores, operating under the trade name Memories, opened its first store in 1995. The company has since grown to 17 stores operating in cities from coast to coast. Memories has also developed one of the top scrapbooking internet sites, www.memories.com, and created a craft wholesale business, Making Memories, which was spun off as a separate company in 2002.
Paper Zone was founded in 1992 in the Seattle area and has since grown to over 15 stores. With the acquisition of the Memories & More Stores, Paper Zone will have more than 30 retail stores across the country. Paper Zone has plans to grow to more than 100 stores by adding locations and by pursuing acquisitions.
New York, NY -- October 2005 -- Michael Miller Memories will be releasing a new book this month, Fabric Paper Party, to complement its developing product line. After a year of research and development the company has put together an extensive collection of design inspirations that showcase the versatility of fabric paper.
Customers will find over 69 different projects and ideas that extend beyond basic scrapbooking. The projects are centered on five different party themes: Cowboy/Western, Travel, Asian, Tweens, and Weddings. From decorating ideas for a teenager's room to decorative lanterns, all projects are vividly illustrated.
The new book will be published by C&T Publishing and distributed to retailers by Michael Miller Memories. It will be available for purchase at the end of October and will retail for $22.95.
Michael Miller Memories debuted as a new exhibitor at MemoryTrends in 2004, with a line of three different products: half-yards, ensemble kits, and a short line of single fabric paper sheets. This year in addition to the book, the company's product line includes a larger selection of individual fabric paper sheets, in-store demo kits, adhesive, and fabric paper flower embellishments.
To make room for even more exciting and stylish alphabets in 2006, Quickutz is discontinuing FIVE alphabet styles before the end of the year (one every two weeks)! They want YOU to decide which alphabets stay and which ones go into the QuicKutz vault!
Vote for your favorite(s) as many times as you'd like. On Tuesday, Oct. 25, the alphabet with the least amount of votes will be announced as the first to head into QuicKutz history!
To vote, visit the QuicKutz website.
