Simon Says Stamp Blog!: January 2010

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Tim Holtz Video for CHA 2010

Many of you may know that Tim Holtz released an unprecedented amount of new products at CHA 2010. Many of you have asked us if we will be carrying the new items like distress ink colors & refills, embellishments, papers, dies, book, and stamps. The answer is a PROFOUND YES for EVERYTHING! Simon Says Stamp strives to be your one stop shop for all Things Tim Holtz and we will be introducing not only ALL of Tim's new items into our store, but also expanding the store to offer many other new items as well.

Stay tuned because as the new items roll in, we will be shipping out immediately. It looks like the new colors of ink pads will be the first new wonders to arrive and we will ship them IMMEDIATELY! It is first come first served. Hundreds have already preordered their inks so order now! We have extra help in the warehouse JUST TO SHIP OUT ALL OF THE INKS!

Enjoy the video featuring Tim and his new products. It was filmed at CHA 2010 (I suspect by Mario ;)

Much luv,
Heidi & the Simon Gang!

Friday, January 29, 2010

Simon Says Stamp Welcomes Three New Designers!

Simon Says Stamp has some EXCITING NEWS! We would like to announce our three new Challenge Blog Design Team Members!

Congrats to
Dena of Dena's Stamping Corner
Jane of Jane's Lovely Cards
and Martine of The Craft Table!

The champagne is pouring!

We are thrilled to pieces to have these girls on our team! With one of the most popular challenge blogs on the world wide web, Simon's designers are a talented GROUP! We had hundreds of applications and Lorraine and the existing design team helped with this incredibly difficult decision. There is a lot of talent out there, WOW! This is wonderful art that we are all creating. ROCK ON! Thank you to everyone that applied. It has been a real joy looking at all of your art!

I hope you'll take a moment and check out their blogs. Beautiful eye candy on a Friday afternoon....the joy!

To read the announcement, please click HERE I hope you'll stop by and join our next challenge:)

Have a great weekend folks ;)

Luv
Heidi

So Much To See...So Little Time!

Well, we are all back here in Ohio and feeling the leftover effects from California jet lag. CHA was a thrilling and inspiring trip, as always! I wanted to quickly share with you some of the highlights of the show. Please excuse the pictures if they are fuzzy, I took them with my camera phone!

First off.. A picture with me and Tim Holtz! That's my "awww shucks" pose.

We already have his complete set of 12 New Distress Inks Plus Refills and his January 2010 Unmounted Cling Rubber Stamps Release on PREORDER. Both packages are scheduled to ship in Mid February!

Here are some samples made with Tim's new stamps and Distress Inks.

"The Look" Tag

"Valentine" Tag

The Fabulous and Wonderful Wendy Vecchi was there demoing as well. She has an AWESOME release that includes 7 large unmounted sets, 5 smaller unmounted sets, a new book, and lots of single wood mounted sets! She has been a very very busy bee! My favorite new set is Just Sew Artsy - I love all the elements! We have all of her Unmounted Sets currently on PREORDER in the store as well! They will be shipping mid February!

Here's an example using her new larger roses from Rose Art Part 2.

"she only FLEW when no one could see". I absolutely L-O-V-E this saying. It is available in the It's Face Art Set. It will also be available as a single wood mounted stamp!

And you can't forget to include "All Bottled Up". The Bottle is available in one of the smaller sets called Art Inspiration. It will also be available in a single wood mounted set. On the example, she stamped the bottle in acrylic and cut it out. Then she colored it halfway up with blue Alcohol Ink using Tim's Alcohol Ink Pen. It looks like the bottle is half full! So Cool!

Cosmo Cricket's Garden Variety Papers and Buttons....Love the Peas Idea!!

Darcie's Light Up My Life Set.... So Much To Bling!

Claudine Demoing her new Extra Time!

Suze demoing Melt Art!

I promise there were a million and one more things to see, but I kept forgetting to take pictures! It is all so exciting! I can't wait until all the new products arrive! As for now, enjoy your sneak peeks!
~TERRA

Thursday, January 28, 2010

We're going the distance to bring you the BEST!

Front Row: Terra & Stephanie
Back Row: Heidi, Jay Jay & Katie

(Jay Jay is our Dt member from Germany. We were able to meet her and spend some time with her at CHA - a REAL TREAT!)

Wow, it's truly been a whirlwind but I have come full circle to and from my very first CHA show with Simon Says Stamp! For anyone who may be unaware of CHA let me give a little background...

In early 2004, the two most successful organizations serving the craft and hobby industry, the Hobby Industry Association (HIA) and the Association of Crafts & Creative Industries (ACCI), joined together to form the Craft & Hobby Association (CHA). Together as CHA, the new Association forms a single more dynamic and powerful force to drive the craft industry into the future.

CHA's vision, simply stated, is to create a vibrant industry with an exciting image, an expanding customer base and successful members. The goal is to stimulate the sales growth of the craft and hobby industry worldwide by creating consumer demand, helping members succeed and leading the industry.

CHA is actively involved in national promotional events designed to increase customers' knowledge and awareness of industry products with the branding campaign Crafts. Discover life's little pleasures. CHA continues to inspire occasional crafters to craft more often through it's consumer-motivated message. Craft stores from all over participate in CHA's annual campaigns, National Craft Month in March and Celebrate the Season in September. The promotions are geared to generate excitement about crafting and to highlight the many emotional benefits it produces. In addition to the promotions, every year the Association holds two annual trade shows, the largest craft and hobby supply expositions in the world.

As public interest in crafts has increased over the years, CHA has conducted a number of research projects, including the yearly benchmark Nationwide Craft & Hobby Consumer Usage and Purchases Study that reports the most popular craft activities and total sales dollars. Other studies include The Academic Value of Hands-on Craft Projects in Elementary Schools, one of the first studies to investigate the impact of hands-on projects and academic learning, and The Impact of Hispanic Crafters on the US Craft Industry that focuses on the growing Hispanic market. The Association continues to research consumer buying habits, crafts and education, and other pertinent information to the crafts industry.

CHA has also launched a powerful multifaceted communications program that's designed to generate consumer demand and drive retail traffic for craft and hobby supplies. The branding and public relations program generates millions of consumer impressions and stimulates sales. As a result, CHA has become a leading resource to the general consumer media on the subject of crafts and hobbies. The Association has also become an established presence on the Internet though its websites: the popular consumer website www.craftplace.org, the industry website www.craftandhobby.org, and the education website at www.teacherplace.org.

I'm very excited about all the really cool new products that we will be getting in soon and sharing with you all...I think you will really be pleased with the variety and versatility of the products that are coming SOON....(I know, I'm a tease but stay tuned we will be updating as everything comes in...).

Good news! There are several PRE-ORDERS going on now of brand new product at the show, that if you order NOW you will be among the first to have these beauties in hand! Check them out below! These collections are so awesome...you won't be able to stop at just one!! :)

Complete Lot of NEW 2010 Tim Holtz UM Rubber Stamp Sets!

Complete Lot of Tim Holtz NEW 2010 Distress Ink Pads & Refills

Magnolia Raising the Ceiling Collection 2010
This is the FIRST Collection for 2010!! Click HERE to get the new Magnolia INK magazine NOW!!

2010 Sarah Kay Collection Complete Lot!

We worked some seriously long hours while we were in California...this is not to say we didn't have a little fun too....

***Blog Candy Alert....Join our following and tell me about your favorite new line from those I mentioned above and you could win a FABULOUS candy from the show at CHA!!!! I will announce the winner on February 2nd!
***Fingers crossed the Groundhog sees his shadow***

http://static.open.salon.com/files/ground-hog-day1233581343.jpg

Have a great day!
*Mwah!*
Steph

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Store Updates for Simon Says Stamp

Hi folks! If you have been shopping in our store or emailed us during the last week, you will notice slower than usual turn around times. Four of our team members are at the Craft and Hobby Tradeshow meeting with vendors and ordering brand new products for you to find in our Simon Says Stamp store!

Two of Simon's team members are back in Ohio tending to the shop and they are doing a GREAT job! However, please remember that Monday and Tuesday there are just 2 gals doing the work for 6! Your patience and kindness are HUGELY appreciated!

Just remember, we are all going to be back to Ohio on Wednesday and will work like crazy to catch up for you. Our customers are the heart of our business. We VALUE and APPRECIATE each and every one of you! We don't want to let you down, and it wears heavy on our hearts when we fall behind. However, the reason we have travelled so far from our families and are working 20 hour days, is so we can offer you THE BEST selection of paper art supplies in the WORLD! Special thanks to Terra, Stephanie and Katie because they have been working an extremely INTENSE schedule since Friday. Scouring OVER a MILLION products to find the best of the best for our Simon customers, meeting vendors, designers, and learning an enormous volume of new tools of the trade has required each of us to dedicate almost every minute of every day. We do this because we LOVE it!

Please hang in there with us and be patient with Raquel and Carla. I am sending them big hugs and big THANKS too!

Be sure to follow us on twitter and facebook for LIVE pictures and new product information.

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!

Luv,
Heidi

Craft and Hobby Association Tradeshow Winter 2010

We are posting live updates from the show on our twitter!

Terra has in her HOT HANDS, an AUTOGRAPHED COPY of Tim Holtz' new book: A Compendium of Curiosities! We will have a fun giveaway when we get back from CHA! Stay tuned. This book is awesome, REALLY AWESOME! SOMEONE will WIN IT!

Stay tuned on our twitter log to see LOADS of live action from the CHA show!

Have a delightful day!

Heidi

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Melissa Frances at CHA!

Well, it is Education Day here is (not so sunny...) California! Our Simon Says Stamp Team was at the Imaginisce, Flower Soft, Melissa Frances, Hero Arts, and EK Success classes today.

Oh, the beautiful things we've seen....you guys are going to be excited!

I was lucky to be in the wonderful Melissa Frances class and thoroughly enjoyed it. Their Attic Treasures Line is back and expanded to include so many fun new things. (Did I hear...Glitter Glass? Woohoo!) .

Here is a picture of the fun project I did...and I just happened to have the most perfect picture of my daughter to add to it. Please excuse the lighting in the picture, I took it with my phone...

Product used...

Circle Back Drop (Brand New and coming soon to Simon Says Stamp)

Melissa Frances Papers Trixie (Blue) and a Brand New Paper (offwhite)

Tim Holtz Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink

Ranger Ink Blending Tool

Melissa Frances Glitter Chipboard Letters

New Chipboard Easter Tag from Melissa Frances

Melissa Frances 3" Curtain Swag Applique

Crepe Paper

Rhinestones

Silk Ribbon

Don't worry, we will be restocking and adding more great items from Melissa Frances at the show tomorrow. The new Postcard Album is absolutely TO DIE FOR!

Do you guys want to see more sneak peeks? Be sure to follow us on Facebook (we are Simon Stamps) and Twitter. We are updating both LIVE FROM THE CHA FLOOR! There is so much to see...Join US!

Ta - Ta for Now...I hope I "Made" your day!
~TERRA

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

CALLING ALL STAMPERS! Tim Holtz New 2010 Stamp Sets!

Calling all stampers! Check out Tim's BLOG for his insight about these awesome stamp sets. Tim Holtz new unmounted Cling Rubber Stamps for 2010 sneak peeks are at Simon Says Stamp now!

We will have these stamps for sale at www.SimonSaysStamp.com as soon as possible! ENJOY the sneak peek!

Don't forget to check out our Facebook. We are Simon Stamps and are posting TONS of Sneak peeks. We also will be posting LIVE! DIRECTLY FROM THE CHA Floor!
Luv
Heidi

Tim Holtz Uses I-top Tool with Claudine Hellmuth's Sticky Back Canvas

Tim Holtz has been busy using his Imaginisce I-top brad maker with Claudine Hellmuth Sticky Back Canvas! I LOVE PERSONALIZING MY OWN BRADS! What do you think? This was my favorite new item that was released during 2009. Tim has reinvigorated my love for my i-top!

THE VIDEO IS WORTH WATCHING!

Itop tool:

Templates:

Sticky Back Canvas

Much luv,

Heidi

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Give A Little Love Away!

Hero Arts never fails at providing GREAT card making and crafting ideas for everyday use and they haven't let us down for Valentine's day either!! Isn't it convenient when you can make multiple projects with the same stamp?? See just how to do that below!

Sally Traidman created these works of art for Hero Arts and has given us the instructions on how to reproduce them! Let Simon Says Stamp be your one stop shop for recreating these fantastic pieces!!

Hero Arts Needed Supplies:
Sparkle Gems Hearts
Flower Wallpaper
Hearts Trio
All Occasion Messages
Memories Ink - ArtPrint Brown
Mocha Folded Cards
Layering Papers: Grenadine, Carnation, Latte, Snow

Place various greetings on an acrylic block and stamp with brown ink onto white cardstock.
Stamp again onto pink cardstock and cut out a couple greetings to highlight by attaching over greeting stamped on the white cardstock.
Fold the white cardstock over so that a flap extends up in the back as shown.
Use Martha Stewart's Doily Lace edge punch to punch a decorative edge on the cardstock (Check out our other punches HERE).
Stitch edges of cardstock with a machine to create a pocket.
Using various colors of cardstock and ink, stamp hearts and greetings.
Cut out, embellish as desired and place into pocket.
Attach pocket to brown card base to finish.

Hero Arts Needed Supplies:
Sparkle Gems Hearts
Stripes Pattern
Hearts Trio
Valentine Sayings
Memories Black Ink
Shadow Soft Pink Ink
Folded Cards: Lilac, Carnation, Daffodil, Celadon

1. Stamp striped background in pink ink on pink cardstock. Turn the image 90 degrees and stamp again.
2. Stamp hearts on green, pink and purple cardstock and cut out with decorative edge scissors.
3. To create pocket, fold a rectangular scrap of paper and staple along sides.
4. Stamp message on yellow strip of paper, and attach to envelope hiding the staples. Attach envelope to card.
5. Decorate with additional cut out stamped image as well as ribbon and a gem.

The Valentine's Day inspired page below was created for Hero Arts by Nichol Magouirk.

Hero Arts Needed Materials:
Dots Rubber Stamp
All Occasion Messages
Hugs and Hearts

Additional Materials:
October Afternoon & 7 Gypsies Stickers, Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher, Hemp String, Clear Buttons, Little Yellow Bicycle Journaling Page, Foam Adhesive

Create background from patterned paper strips and vellum strips.
Die cut frame and eyelet borders using the Silhouette. Place photo behind frame and adhere frame and borders to background. Add machine stitching.
Print journaling and adhere to layout. Add machine stitching.
Die cut Swirl Heart from red patterned paper. Remove inside cutting line and cut solid heart from cream cardstock.
Stamp Dots stamp on solid cream cardstock heart using light pink ink. Adhere red Swirl Heart frame on top.
Die cut Heart Flourish from pink patterned paper.
Stamp hearts from Hugs & Hearts set on cream cardstock using red, light pink and dark pink inks. Cut out hearts.
Layer hearts as shown and adhere to layout with foam adhesive.
Stamp title on a label sticker and adhere to layout.

We asked you, friends of the Simon Says Stamp blog, what you wanted from us and you said project instructions/demonstrations. We hope the ideas above can fill your time for hours to come!

Please visit our store for thousands of products you'll be able to use for your next project!!!

♥ Katie ♥

Pardon our error messages....

Hi everyone! Unfortunately due to some very bad storms in California (where our servers our based) we are experiencing technical difficulties with our website that is disabling the ability to check out or even search our site.

We apologize for any inconvenience and hope you check back with us soon to shop! We are doing all that we can at our end to get this cleaned up as soon as possible. Thank you in advance for your patience!!!!!

updated at 1pm to add: GREAT NEWS! The servers are back up and running!

Monday, January 18, 2010

Featured Designer: Anna

Congratulations Anna!!! Our very own Design Team member Anna has recently been featured on a scrapbooking.com e-zine! Click HERE to see the full article and all of the pictures of her lovely booklet featuring Savor Sweet Cupcakes stamps. An exclusive set of Simon Says Stamp.

Savor Sweet Cupcakes

Anna's beautiful vintage style and impeccable eye and attention to detail make her not only a great artist and crafter but the perfect combination of talents to keep memories through scrapbooking. Check out her blog HERE. Below I have added a few other pieces of her more recent work to give you a better idea of her style.

Please leave a comment on Anna's work. I'm sure she would love to hear your feedback!

Happy crafting!
Steph

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