Oh my...can you believe that the year has flown by so quickly? I just don't know where the time has gone but it's been 6 months and it's that time of the year again...CHA time.
Here is an excellent web-site that lists links to many of the new releases -
So have you heard or seen anything that you think you can't live without yet? I've seen lots of fun Halloween stuff that I absolutely LOVE....
Are you getting burnt out by the releases that seem to take forever?
You know what I mean...something is "released" at the show but it takes 3, 4, or even 5 months to actually hit the shelves.
Does the fun wear off before you even get it?
In a way I think it's a mixed blessing...I know for me it's tiring seeing these new items but then by the time they are finally available I have either forgotten about them or realize I really didn't "need/want" it anyway.
What are your wants?
Thoughts?
Have to say that I agree with you Roni -- it is always exciting seeing the previews and new products but it almost seems that it takes until the next CHA for the products to arrive. And then the hoopla is all about the products being released for the next CHA. And yes, it does get overwhelming both mentally and financially. That is why I enjoy your blog -- you do introduce new products but also find new ways to use the "old" familiar products as well.
ReplyDeleteI believe in buying locally and supporting the small business owners in my area. As of now there are only two stamp and scrapbooking stores left within a 50 mile radius of my home. They are small shops, and since they don't order hundreds of items at a time, are put at the bottom of the list by the manufacturers for shipping items. The store owners will special order anything for their customers, but getting them shipped is another matter. I think the CHA shows put the cart before the horse and once they present the new stuff they are already planning the next release without concentrating on delivering what they just offered.
ReplyDeleteI am also upset when manufacturers try to make more money and call it "progressive product formation". Graphic 45 has always been a favorite of mine, but now they have changed their setup-the tags are not included in the paper packs any longer, if you want a full set of tags they will cost almost $13.00, plus they have dropped the frames and border strips. I feel most manufacturers are out of touch with the fact that crafters are on increasingly tighter and tighter budgets and when we have money to spare for supplies we will go to what is available and affordable, and as you said, if it isn't either we will learn to live without it.
I enjoy your site, as SherylH said, since you are always experimenting and coming up with new ideas for older items.
Thank you for the chance to express my view and for sharing your talent with all of us.
Jackie in Alaska
yeah the local stamp store here is just now within last month getting the new items from the LAST winter CHA. lol It's been fun to see all the new releases on the company blogs I follow. I really like the ABC Primer collection from Graphic 45 and the TH stuff is always interesting. The new picket fence additive might be neat to use.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was just Canada (or all international retailers)that had to wait so long for the CHA releases. CHA sure does a good job of building excitement! Small retailers (the few that survive around here) just don't get the product until months later, when the excitement has worn off. Time warp effect. I find that membership in a kit club helps, but It's more fun to see the stuff in the store and make your own selections. I still love the sneak peeks, but I admit to being overwhelmed!
ReplyDeleteRight there with you. For me by time it hits the market... the fizzle is out of it for me. I think I ended up with 2 or 3 things from my long list of items from winter CHA.... wish I could say I'm overly excited at this.. but when I look at what I might be interested in and see a Sept or October release date.. poof... out of my mind.. and with some manufacturers.. even those dates aren't a reality..
ReplyDeleteDitto on the local store.. mine can't order in the kind of quantity required. So they are out of the ballgame. Plus for me local means 35 to 40 miles away. Not exactly a daily trip.
But it won't stop me from looking and having a wish list
Oh yes---I see it, love it, want it now...but with the passing of time the flames of desire wane. Or some new lovecomes along. So, drawing out the availability of a thing is like throwing water on a fire for me.
ReplyDeleteI am with you I wish they had the products shelf ready when they show then at CHA! None of us really need just one more new item, but we must feed our addiction. The folks that put on CHA know how strong our addiction is and just how to string us along.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all these comments and living in a small town, I don't get to see the 'latest' until it's almost time for another CHA! Probably not a bad thing financially :)
ReplyDeleteThat's why I like what Jackie Tuttle said...about your site :)