Angie Pedersen's Scrapbooking Industry News

Scrapbookingtop50.com Releases New Site Design on January 1st, 2006

Temecula, CA (PRWEB) December 31, 2005 -- Scrapbookingtop50.com today announced that it is finished with the re-design of its new site. It will be launched 1 minute after mid-night on January 1st 2006.

“Since joining the Scrapbookingtop50 team, my number one goal has been to continue to make scrapbookingtop50.com the premier Scrapbook ranking site. Scrapbookingtop50 has teamed up with what I believe is one of the best scrapbook web designers available, Michelle Williams of Treasuredpages.com [to] redesign the entire site. I am excited with the new look and eagerly await the launch date. I have many new ideas for Scrapbookingtop50 and look forward to a great response to the new site,” said Jenn Summers, vice president of operations at Scrapbookingtop50.com

“At Scrapbookingtop50 our vision is to offer a one stop shop for Scrapbookers and all their needs, whether they want digital Scrapbooking sites, Scrapbooking forums, or just to find an online store.  We have it all,” said Joshua Summers, co-founder of Scrapbookingtop50.

There have been no significant upgrades or changes to the site since the initial launch in 1998 and a new site design has been long awaited. In edition to the re-designed of the site, Scrapbookingtop50 will be launching its 2nd scrapbook related sister site escrapbookingtop50.com, a ranking site dedicated to the digital aspects of Scrapbooking in April ’06.

SOURCE: PRWeb

CHA Winter 2006: Inspired Crafts

Newman Lake, WA. – December 27, 2005 - Another innovative product has come from the inspired mind of David Burgett, VP of Operations, at Inspired Crafts.  Responding to numerous requests for a product that can be applied directly to the metal surface of cutting tools to extend the life of the blade, David has formulated the new Cutter Glide Tool Treatment.

Cutter Glide is a special surface treatment for cutting tools and punches.  It has many uses for all crafting and cutting needs.  Cutter Glide is solvent-free, environmentally safe, and bonds to virtually any material.  Apply it to tools for a durable coating which will reduce friction and decrease wear. 

Donna Goss from Stamp Asylum in Plano, Texas says, “I used the Cutter Glide on the scissors we have…Before, they wouldn’t cut ribbon because they had so many nicks…but after I applied Cutter Glide they worked!  We have already had customers asking for it!”

As an added bonus, this initial product offering includes a free sample of E-Z Tool Cleaner, Inspired Crafts’ answer for a powerful, solvent-free, environmentally safe cleaner.  E-Z Tool Cleaner can be used on all crafting tools, as well as rubber stamps.

“I’ve never seen my scissors that clean!” exclaimed Dawn Shepherd, Owner of Mother Rubber Art Stamps in Bothell, WA.

Inspired Crafts will be demonstrating Cutter Glide™ and E-Z Tool™ Cleaner, alongside PaperGlide™, at the Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 30 through February 2, 2006.  Look for them at booth #2776.

Hot Off the Press Acquires Accent Depot

Hot Off The Press (HOTP) is acquiring Accent Depot, effective Thursday. Accent Depot owner Eileen Boehne will continue to work closely with HOTP in product development and sourcing, and all operations will move to HOTP headquarters in Canby, Oregon.

Accent Depot has been in business four years developing embellishments like the no-set eyelet brad and fabric brads for scrapbooking and rubber stamping. Hot Off The Press has been in business 26 years, starting as a craft instruction book publisher, then producing scrapbooking papers, and now offering more than 800 items ranging from Paper Pizazz papers to ribbons, 3-D metal embellishments, slide mounts, stickers, and albums. The company is also involved in cardmaking and book making, and offers educational tools for its products, ranging from classes to webisodes and instruction books.

SOURCE: Craftrends News Digest

 

Graphire Bluetooth Wireless Pen Tablet Includes Photoshop Elements

Vancouver, WA - Wacom Technology recently announced the inclusion of several additional software programs with its Graphire Bluetooth wireless pen tablet. Featuring the control and comfort of Wacom’s patented cordless, battery-free pen and mouse, as well as the freedom of a wireless device, the Graphire Bluetooth offers a 6” x 8” active area and is priced at $249.99. With the addition of Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 and PC digital inking programs, Graphire Bluetooth users now can experience even more control and performance. In addition to being a favorite of photo enthusiasts and aspiring digital artists, mobile office workers, educators and students appreciate the variety of tasks they can easily accomplish with the Graphire Bluetooth.

“Some things just look good, feel right and work well. The Graphire Bluetooth falls into that category. My advice is simple – Get one!” Eric Martin – Photoshopsupport.com

Software for Enhancing Photos with Pen Control
The control of the Graphire Bluetooth pen and the included copy of Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 make it possible to quickly and easily edit and organize digital photos. Nineteen pressure-sensitive tools deliver dynamic control of important tool attributes such as size, opacity and color. When used with a Wacom pen, tools such as the Healing Brush allow users to selectively alter images and precisely remove photographic flaws. The freedom of Graphire Bluetooth wireless technology and Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 make digital editing easier and more fun than ever before!

“Whether you’re a budding graphic designer or you’re just looking for a comfortable alternative to a traditional mouse, you’ll find the Graphire Bluetooth an enjoyable tool to use.” Paul Fatula – About This Particular Mac

New Software for Jotting Notes, Annotating Documents and More
On a PC, JustWrite Office™ 4 offers the ability to annotate Microsoft Office documents. EverNote Plus™ makes it possible to jot instantly retrievable notes and organize all types of information on a PC. Additionally, it makes managing personal information easy by providing handwriting recognition, shape recognition, a timeline view of notes, instantaneous note searching, web page cataloging, customizable categories and more. Also for PC users, ritePen 2.5 provides advanced handwriting recognition, automatically converting handwriting into text within any Windows application.

Other Valuable Software Tools Included with Graphire Bluetooth
Also included with every Graphire Bluetooth pen tablet are Corel® Painter™ Essentials 2 for creating natural media art and organic effects and nik Color Efex Pro™ 2 GE for selectively applying photographic enhancements. Additionally, Graphire Bluetooth customers using Adobe’s free downloadable Acrobat® 7 Reader can mark up Acrobat documents with digital ink, if the “Enable for commenting in Acrobat Reader” feature was turned on when the document was created.

“The Graphire Bluetooth’s new software is designed to augment the flexibility and control of our wireless pen tablet,” said Mark Mehall, Senior Product Manager with Wacom. “Now, Graphire Bluetooth users can experience the freedom of a wireless device and a great mix of new applications geared to expand pen input options and make the computer experience fun, natural and easy.”

About Wacom
Wacom Technology Corporation is headquartered in Vancouver, WA and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wacom Company, Ltd. (JASDAQ: 6727). In 1989, Wacom revolutionized the nature of computer input when it introduced the world’s first cordless, battery-free, pressure-sensitive pen. Today, Wacom is the world’s leading manufacturer of pen tablets, and millions of digital photographers and artists of all levels enjoy its patented technology. For more information, visit www.wacom.com.

SOURCE: Wacom Press Room

Design & Decor Magazine Seeks Over-the-Top Scrapbooking Room

Home By Design, a design & décor magazine for real estate agents & mortgage lenders, is featuring "theme rooms" in an upcoming issue.  They are looking for someone with an amazing, "over-the-top" scrapbook room in their home.  They hope to do a feature article on the room.

If you have with this type of room in your home and would be interested in having it photographed for publication, you are encouraged to contact Brandon Lee: email or phone: 208-772-8060.

Epson Print Academy Expands Curriculum

Via DigiCam News. 

Track One Teaches Digital SLR Owners How to Create Prints Just Like the Pros While Track Two Teaches Professionals Advanced Techniques to Take Businesses to the Next Level

LONG BEACH, Calif., Dec. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Photographers of all levels looking for education about how to create spectacular prints will be able to find what they need at the Epson Print Academy 2006 traveling school. Based on the success of the previous award-winning Print Academy programs, Epson is expanding the curriculum for 2006.

The Epson Print Academy will now offer two different full-day tracks: Track One is designed for photo enthusiasts, advanced amateurs and other digital SLR camera owners to learn how the pros get great prints from their digital SLR cameras. Track Two is designed by working professionals exclusively for working professionals to learn advanced digital printing techniques that will help them advance their businesses to the next level in both quality and productivity.

Track One, hosted by digital printing expert Vincent Versace, will feature exciting new video interviews and digital tutorials with master photographers and printmakers Greg Gorman, Mac Holbert, Bob Krist, Jack Reznicki, and John Shaw, as well as new live demos and step-by-step insider techniques the pros use to make spectacular prints.

Topics covered include:

• A step-by-step experience following admired nature photographer John Shaw, beginning on a photo shoot in the Sierras and culminating in the creation of a print in the digital darkroom
• A discussion of common digital file problems and fixes provided by master printmaker Mac Holbert of Nash Editions
• New Photoshop® CS2 tutorials from Adobe's Senior Digital Imaging Evangelist Julienne Kost
• A demonstration from celebrity photographer Greg Gorman showcasing how he creates stunning black and white prints
• An overview from Bob Krist explaining how he prepares digital camera files to address the growing interest in using digital projectors and  multimedia viewers

Track Two features live presentations by renowned industry experts such as John Paul Caponigro, Bruce Fraser, Greg Gorman, Mac Holbert, and Jeff Schewe. Topics include:

• In-depth color management and custom profiling
• Creating and optimizing a professional workflow
• Expert-level fine-art printing techniques
• Using a RIP for contract proofing and to increase productivity
• Collaborating with graphic designers and commercial printers
• Advanced black and white printing techniques

"The Print Academy has continued to demonstrate Epson's leadership in digital photography at sold out venues throughout North America by providing an educational experience that is both practical and inspirational for photo enthusiasts, teaching them how to produce what photography is all about -- the print," said Dan Steinhardt, photographic marketing manager, Epson. "In our ongoing effort to address the demand for more education and meet the ever-expanding and more complex needs of professionals, we decided to build on this platform by adding a second, more advanced curriculum for working professionals. Both curriculums will provide a wealth of useful information and techniques at a value that is unmatched by other programs."

By popular demand, a new Expo area will be open to attendees in both tracks featuring a gallery of images printed on the new Epson UltraChrome K3™ printers from Epson's Stylus Pros. Also, Print Academy sponsor representatives will be on hand to answer questions and demonstrate products. Sponsors include: Adobe, Lexar Media, Inc., Light Impressions, Microsoft Corp, the National Association of Photoshop Professionals, nik multimedia Inc, Wacom Technology, and X-Rite.

The Epson Print Academy 2006 will launch Jan. 14 in Dallas. Early bird pricing for Track One is $49.95 when participants register at least three days prior to the program. Pricing for Track Two is $99.95 after a special $50 discount for professionals. More information including the complete tour schedule and how to register is available at http://www.epsonprintacademy.com/.

Epson Media Room

National Scrapbooking Association Launches New Outreach Program

(I-Newswire) - HOUSTON —December 6, 2005— The National Scrapbooking Association is proud to announce the launch of the latest “expand the passion” program to promote scrapbooking to untapped markets. The NSA’s Scrapbooking in the Schools Program fosters the next generation of scrapbookers by offering support to schools that have or are establishing scrapbooking programs and activities.

“The NSA’s mission to expand the passion implies a responsibility to encourage future generations to creatively preserve their memories,” stated Veronica Hugger, the NSA’s President and Co-Founder. “The Scrapbooking in the Schools Program helps make that a reality and is a constructive way for the scrapbooking community to encourage new scrapbookers.”

Coordinated by a dedicated VIP ( Volunteers Increasing the Passion ), the Scrapbooking in the Schools Program:

• Helps educators instill in young students an appreciation and respect for the creative preservation of memories
• Provides a way for scrapbookers and scrapbooking companies to contribute directly to school programs
• Mobilizes the collective membership to assist a school program in another location
• Facilitates the donation process so products are provided and received in an effective manner
• Supports the important grassroots aspect of scrapbooking

The Scrapbooking in the Schools VIP screens requests to identify the school’s needs and goals. The VIP then sends an email to all NSA Members listing the supplies needed and shipping address to the school. Members, who have collected unused supplies, magazines and other products, ship donations directly to the school. The school is encouraged to report how the donations were used so NSA Members can rack the students’ progress. The current Scrapbooking in the Schools VIP is Angie Steineman of Edwardsville, IL, a Charter Member of the NSA.

To learn more about the NSA’s Campaign to Expand the Passion and the Scrapbooking in the Schools Program, please visit the NSA’s web site at www.nsa.gs or contact the Scrapbooking in the Schools VIP at schoolsVIP@nsa.gs.

About the National Scrapbooking Association ( NSA )
Serving all segments of the scrapbooking industry – consumers, retailers, service providers, manufacturers and publications – the NSA provides the tools to strengthen and unify the scrapbooking community and is dedicated to expanding the passion of scrapbooking to untapped markets. The NSA web site features a comprehensive list of scrapbooking retailers, a calendar of scrapbooking events, and an aggressive affiliate program to benefit referring members.

About the VIP Program
The NSA's VIP Program ( Volunteers Increasing the Passion ) provides opportunities to NSA Members to be involved in the scrapbooking industry while helping the NSA with some of the day-to-day administrative activities. With the help of active volunteers fulfilling these vital roles, the NSA grows in size and strength and provides enormous satisfaction to those who participate.

SOURCE: i-newswire.com

Fiskars Acquires Two Companies

Fiskars has acquired Cloud 9 Design and Heidi Grace Designs. Fiskars will support the design of products from the current headquarters of both companies, while moving the distribution divisions to Wausau, Wisconsin, and the operations to Fiskars’ North American headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin.

Cloud 9 Designs, based in Minnesota, features papers that are handmade and then reproduced to give a three-dimensional appearance. The company is known for its Themed Paper Collections, Innovative Page Coasters, WoodStone™ Collection, and Photo Banner Collection.

Heidi Grace Kress is a Washington-based artist whose work features fun and whimsical stickers, papers, and embellishments for scrapbooking and paper crafting. Heidi Grace Designs recently introduced a line of Pocket Scraps, which includes cards and envelopes that coordinate with stickers, rub-ons, acrylic, and plastic embellishments.

Fiskars, founded in 1649, is one of the oldest companies in the world and is the largest manufacturer of lightweight stainless steel scissors in the U.S. The parent company is located in Helsinki, Finland. The company’s School, Office & Craft Division makes an extensive line of ergonomically designed specialty scissors, scrapbooking supplies, embossing tools, paper trimmers, punches, stencils, protractors, compasses, and other products.

Source: http://www.craftrends.com/news.cfm

EK Success Enters Acquisition Agreement

GTCR Golder Rauner LLC, a private equity firm, announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire EK Success, a provider of scrapbooking and paper-based craft products.

EK Success is headquartered in Clifton, New Jersey, and has 228 employees. Since its founding in 1978, the company has grown from a distributor of stationery items to a designer, marketer, and distributor of a comprehensive offering of scrapbooking materials, supplies, and tools.

“This is an outstanding investment opportunity for GTCR,” said GTCR Principal David Donnini. “We believe that EK is the premiere platform in the scrapbooking sector and we’re extremely enthusiastic about partnering with such an exceptional management team, led by ceo Chris Skinner. We see significant growth potential in the scrapbooking and broader craft segment.”

“EK’s management team and employees are very excited about the opportunity to partner with GTCR,” said Skinner. “GTCR’s financial support and experience will be invaluable as we continue to capitalize on growth opportunities in the scrapbooking and broader craft segment.”

GTCR Golden Rauner was founded in 1980. The Chicago-based firm’s investment strategy identifies and partners with exceptional executives to acquire and build companies through a combination of acquisitions and strong internal growth. GTCR currently manages more than $6 billion of equity capital invested in a wide range of companies and industries. More information is available at www.gtcr.com.

SOURCE: Craftrends News Digest and Yahoo! Finance

The Complete Picture Inspiration Center at PMA 2006

JACKSON, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 5, 2005--PMA 2006 (Feb. 26-March 1, 2006) will feature The Complete Picture(TM) inspiration center, a showcase of hands-on lifestyle experiences designed specifically for the most powerful target market, Jennifer, the Gen-X Mom ("Jennifer" is the name PMA is using to describe this target market).

This concept store, to be located on the PMA Trade Show floor (Booth 4377), will provide photo imaging industry members concrete retail solutions, organized into comprehensive collections called "inspiration centers." These centers focus on the core areas of how she (Jennifer) interacts and engages with images.

Jennifer is the most powerful customer shopping at retail stores. PMA research indicates, as parents, Gen-X moms are motivated to accumulate photo assets through buying cameras and archiving prints. As young parents - 24-44 years old - they are also likely to maintain an active lifestyle that produces events and picture-taking opportunities. When provided with affordable products and services, this group can be powerful in the photo business. The main challenges for the industry are to understand the experiences and motivations of this group and achieve - through products, service and store design - an intimate relationship with them.

Inspiration centers are designed to delight, surprise and enhance the retail experience for Jennifer, by allowing her to discover solutions for problems she did not realize could be solved. Ultimately, the retailer will understand her needs and desires, then provide services to earn her trust and purchase potential.

The Complete Picture will feature the following five inspiration centers, each illustrating a specific "killer app."

• Preserving is devoted to the preservation of memories for display on walls, in albums and on screen.
• Creating is devoted to products and services centered on "doing more" with your pictures. This is a solutions center for digital scrapbooking, scrapbooking, photo calendars, website posting and output from a variety of media types.
• Connecting is the place for younger consumers looking for ways to interact with, share or personalize their photo imaging experience.
• Celebrating is centered on picture-taking occasions. The focus is on prepackaged solutions, such as kit rentals and event kits, as well as seasonal activities. This could also include gift items.
• Performance is dedicated to those customers who demand the best performing high-end products and services. This is not tech for the sake of tech, but tech to make life better.

The Complete Picture inspiration center is designed by JGA (Southfield, Mich.), one of the nation's leading retail design, brand strategy and architectural firms. Guidance was also provided by leading photo specialty retailers, sponsoring firms and marketing experts.

Visitors to the booth can pick up a goody bag, including sponsor giveaways and customized information on how to identify the target customer, enhance and emphasize services, and successfully implement lifestyle retailing.

Imaging at its most innovative is the theme for PMA 2006, the world's largest annual international photo imaging convention and trade show, which will take place at the Orange County Convention Center, West Building, Orlando, Florida.

PMA 2006, the 82nd annual event, will offer 200-plus educational sessions featuring approximately 450 speakers/chairpersons, as well as a Trade Show with 700-plus exhibiting firms. Also taking place within the six days of non-stop information exchange for industry members (which includes two days of pre-convention functions, Feb. 24-25) will be the DIMA® Annual Conference (Digital Imaging Marketing Association®), the PSPA(TM) Annual Convention (Professional School Photographers Association International), the PPFA® Annual Convention (Professional Picture Framers Association(TM)) and the PSRO(TM) Annual Convention (Professional Scrapbook Retailers Organization(TM)).

For registration information, industry members can contact the PMA Convention Department at (800) 248-8804 in the U.S. and Canada, or (517) 788-8100, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (EST).

Click here for information at the PMA website.

SOURCE: Yahoo! Finance and PMA website