This was the first year in four years that I haven't attended the Winter CHA show (that's Craft and Hobby Association for all you non-scrapbooker/crafters out there). I am recovering from a tonsillectomy (don't ask me how many times I got strep between March and December, just don't) and my son's birthday was also this past weekend, so the stars just didn't align for me to go this year. However, I have been following the sneak peeks, and thus far, here are my must haves (besides October Afternoon, of course!):
Hometown Summer (Pink Paislee/Collage Press Studio)
Seriously amazing. Perfect mix of colors, clean lines, classic patterns, and a whole lot of fun. I'm so glad to see Collage Press designs are back...and even better than before!
Emma's Shoppe and Toy Box (Crate Paper)
I haven't jumped on the Crate bandwagon...until now. I love both of these lines so much, especially the book papers from each.
Countryside and State Fair (Studio Calico)
They had me at the die cuts. As for the lines as a whole, I love the mix of clean lined patterns, vintage patterns, and whimsical patterns.
Social Club (Cosmo Cricket)
This made me think of "Mad Men" and I instantly loved it.
I am sure that if I were actually at CHA I'd have found lots more products and lines to add to this list (especially a ton of American Crafts Thickers!) - but this is what I've gleaned from sneaks. How about you? What lines are catching your eye from this CHA release? Help me add to my shopping list! :)
October Afternoon is releasing three new lines. For the official peek at the new lines, head to the October Afternoon blog. I had the chance to work with two of the new lines: Rocket Age and 5 & Dime.
Rocket Age is a great mix of basic patterns and fun retro-themed space papers, both kid-friendly and more grown-up. While Rocket Age lends itself well to layouts about space, there's lots more that can be done with it, from using it for the 4th of July to Halloween to Valentine's Day to politics (and everyday projects as well!). Here are five projects I made using Rocket Age:
5 & Dime is another fun line - lots of basics (polka dots, ledger, grid, etc.) with some fun florals and retro patterns. My favorite piece of paper from this line is called Root Beer Barrels and has 49 circles on it. You will see some of those 49 circles punched out and included on almost every single project I made with this line. :) 5 & Dime is really versatile as you'll see below. I used it for Easter, birthday, a bakery-themed everyday layout, and a non-occasion-specific gift tag.
As soon as I can I'll post more projects!
I know, I know, it's way past January 1st, but I'm keeping up the annual tradition anyway. So, with no further ado here are my ten favorite layouts from 2010, in no particular order:
