Well CHA has been over for a bit now and I was wondering if you saw anything in the maze of new products that you had to have? If you haven't had a chance to check it out, here is a list to get you going....
or if you'd like to watch a few videos check this out....
I don't know about you but I'm a bit overwhelmed by it all. I guess I'm just getting a bit jaded by all of the sales pitches and so called "NEW" stuff out there. (And by stuff I mean tools and the like - I'm not referring to paper, embellishments or stamps.) It seems like if you come up with a new name for an old product it's still "NEW".... I saw several "NEW" products that are just copies of something from another company. I understand manufactures wanting a bigger piece of the pie but seriously how many ways can a canvas be anything other than a canvas or a shadow box be something different?
I also noticed how expensive some things are getting to be...for example the MISTI - I heard there was a new mini version out. Well, the original larger size started out at $70.00 which I thought was really expensive for a tool that only did one thing AND that had lots of durability issues. So I thought if it's smaller it's got to be cheaper right? NOOOOO - the mini is $85.00! I though what the heck - so I checked - the original larger size is now $120.00! Whew - when I see that all I can think about is how much ink, stamps, watercolor paper, or other color mediums I can buy for the same $'s. I'm sure it's a great product (if they've gotten the cracking issue taken care of) but man...I just can't justify the price.
NOTE: My Sweet Petunia has the mini for 45.00 and the large for 60.00 - much more reasonable - now it's back on my "to buy" list - LOL!!
NOTE: My Sweet Petunia has the mini for 45.00 and the large for 60.00 - much more reasonable - now it's back on my "to buy" list - LOL!!
I guess it's the same with stamping techniques though...I keep hearing about "NEW" techniques which are really just old techniques with a new name. For example resist techniques - yes, you can use different mediums to resist other mediums but it's still a resist technique. Or if you press one stamp into another inked stamp it's still the kiss technique no matter what you call it.
What are your thoughts about all the "NEW" stuff out there?
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ReplyDeleteOh yes Roni we are feeling the squeeze of businesses trying to survive. Many have implemented stronger marketing efforts from all fronts.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand what you are saying Roni. However, in the defense of "new" techniques, we do have to realize that to some of us who have not been crafting as long as others, they may very well be "new". I myself stumble upon things that I have never tried before so to me they are new. But understand that for companies to use the term "new" at big events like this is really not the best word choice. :)
ReplyDeleteOh I totally understand when a technique is new to someone - I still learn things every day but when a person (who's been doing it for a long time) renames something just to call it new. A few big name ink "celebrities" like to do that and it's a pet peeve of mine.
DeleteRoni, On the MISTI developer's Web site - My Sweet Petunia - the original size can be purchased for $60 and the Mini for $45 plus, S&H of course. For anyone as anal as I am about stamping alignment, my MISTI was $60 well spent, as over the long haul I have no more stamping boo-boo's, saving me lots of wasted time, trouble and paper. However, I do agree with your opinions about the "everything old is new again" mentality many manufacturers are using to sell more products.
ReplyDeleteI'm drowning in the hype. I do like the Misti, tho...bought since I can no longer hold onto the stamps blocks. So for an impaired person it's great. On the "jumping on the bandwagon" note, not only are die companies copying each other there's one that's made their steel dies so big the dies will on,y work in 'their' new machine! Forcing one to buy a new die cut machine! I'm sick of it all. I see a few of our tried and true products are being discontinued ....waah....to make room for expansion into multi media by a big company. I'm happy with what I have so won't be getting any new tools. I enjoy your blog cause you show how to use the stuff we have in different ways. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi Roni, I watched a lot of videos from CHA. I was very disappointed in CHA. I don't like about 90% of what was released. I am not into cutsy and so much over the years is way too cutsy for me. There are some mediums out there it might be fun to play with, but even with that Golden has had some of them available for years. The mixed media embellishments have some potential. I realize I am in a different situation than the majority of people, being both disabled and low-income, but all that DIY stuff has no appeal either No money for it. No place for it. And I just don't like it. I figured out a long time ago that if I invest in a few good quality products, I don't need all the glitzy "new" stuff. And the paper lines this year don't appeal either. So my best bet is just to continue painting my papers as I need them. I have been painting over scrapbook papers for a while now since I figured out I out grew them almost as fast as I bought them so I just stopped buying them and am using up what I have. What made your must have list? thanks as always for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI was most excited by Prima's stuff - I would love to try their Art Alchemy metallic and opal acrylic paints. They look like some paints I had from UK that aren't available over here. It's very expensive to buy over there and ship them so these may be a nice alternative. https://www.primamarketinginc.com/shop/store/products/products/art-alchemy
DeleteI would also like to try their watercolor paints - just because they have some pretty colors you don't normally see in the standard watercolors.
Roni - I have a good UK shop for you. They regularly have prices a lot better than 90% of the UK craft shops and they have all the new Prima goodies as well as the original Brusho's. See here:
Deletehttp://oysterstamps.co.uk/PBSCCatalog.asp?CatID=2895327
It may take some time because they're on Pre-Order here but I have no doubt you will get awesome service from them Karen x
There are a few stamps and coloring items that captured my attention, but I'm usually more about the supplies. I didn't want to spend on the Misti, but it does offer some real advantages. So I Googled DIY Misti/stamp positioned and made my own using a DVD case, fun foam, and metal sheeting with some small magnets. Actually, I made two (one for me and one for my sister) all for less than $20. I get a kick out of finding a work-around for things I don't want to spend on. There are a lot of DIYers out there on the web. I encourage you all to have a look.
ReplyDeleteThanks Willireb. I love homemade. Hugz
DeleteI have to laugh at the names some of the old techniques are now being given. I don't mind old techniques being brought back up again for all the newbies out there. I can't believe how expensive machines are for foiling and people buying into it when a cheaper laminator will usually work. I would rather spend my money on paints and other coloring agents like ink then a lot of things that look to me like they will be a fad this year and next year languishing in the craft room. Thanks Roni for your experiments and input you give on different products.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post Roni.
ReplyDeleteGood to read others responses s well.
Guess I saw most of CHA the way you did,
rename,re-package,more glitz,more cash!
Have to say,I did fall in love with a few new foamy stamp,stencil,mask sets from Stampendous!
Have a super day!
Jackie ")
Roni, I'm with you when it comes to the cost of tool especially if it only does one thing! even at $45 and $60 doesn't seem worth it to me. I also agree what is old is now NEW when it comes to techniques. let's face it art has been around for centuries.
ReplyDeletestamping sue
http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/
Roni, I agree products have really gotten expensive. I am fairly new at cardmaking and get overwhelmed when I see so much. I did buy a new misti and love it. It saves so much time and aggravation. I love Queen and Co's new shaker pop up elements. I have decided to focus on the basics like a great set of markers and generic die shapes and build from there. Thanks for everything you do to inspire and teach us.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree! I'm retired now & on a fixed income & can't afford this stuff. Made my own "Misti" using a stamping case & a graphed paper with the sizes on it for about $12 & works fine without breaking my bank.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I appreciate your blog Roni! This independence from the brands that flood us with things not necessarily useful and necessary it is possible to divert! I'm going to make a M.... with a DVD case, it will be a beginning, because to spend about € 80 really too bad ..
ReplyDeleteNicky from France
I agree with much of what you said, Roni. I've only been stamping for about 12 years, but every time one of these "new" techniques comes out I just shake my head and say, "Nope, not new, just renamed.)
ReplyDeleteI'm tempted by some of what I saw from CHA - the new Ranger Collage Mediums and brushes, maybe the Distress Crayons - I can see the differences between those and what's already on the market. I've really become intrigued by mixed media and Finnabair's style, so those kinds of products really interest me. Finnabair's line with Prima is full of great products that I thoroughly enjoy using.
On to the MISTI - I've had the original for almost a year. I paid $45 because she was offering 10% off from the original price of $50 for some special weekend. I know there were some issues with the first MISTIs, but, so far, mine is fine (hope I didn't just jinx myself). I do the majority of my stamping on water color paper, so the ability to restamp if the image isn't complete has saved me a LOT of paper. I also do a lot of masking which is so easy with the MISTI. And then there is the ability to stamp image after image after image when I'm doing bulk stamping for gift sets, etc. You can probably tell that I am pleased with mine! Other than the lower price, I really don't see the advantage of the mini-MISTI. That's one new product that I'm NOT tempted by, lol!
I kinda giggled at the Yupo paper myself. Now it's all that rage but here I thought it was what I was using for alcohol ink alternative and it's definitely around :-) Ok having said that I still love the company/ the "celeb" for the other beloved ink products, the ability to create, for the techniques and I love me some of them dies etc. I will also say that I was impressed that it was said that it has been used before (in fine art), and was unlike the others that claimed it to be *their* new ideas.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, thanks for your honesty...so refreshing! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThanks Roni. Can always depend on you for straight talking. I an intrigued by the misti but too many pennies that could be spent elsewhere. I suppose if you want to make 50 cards the same it's useful but I usually make one offs. Will maybe try a diy version like some of the ladies here have done. I liked the Prima stuff as well. Despite saying I didn't need any more distress inks last year I did end up buying nearly all the new colours, but only the ink pads! Am pleased with them but don't see the point of the new crayons. Too similar to other products already available. It's nice to see all the new products but I am pleased to say I have so far stuck to my plan to not buy new crafty thing this year. I have a good stash so I will see how much longer I can resist....... Hugz
ReplyDeleteOh so much fun about so many old techniques and old products just re-vamped lol! Yupo paper is what we in the UK call glossy card or paper.
ReplyDeleteI do want a Misti because my hands are an issue now from RA and fibro. I love the look of the Prima mixed media goodies but they are expensive and then some over here so no way are they going to be making their way into any of my shopping baskets.
You know what though Roni is blooming awesome to hear someone say it out loud! So much old stuff and old techniques rehashed to make it look modern and trendy. There are some more of Tim's Distress range that I hope to add to my stash and there are always items I've wanted for a while, like Altenew stamps lol!
The rest of it was dull, dull, dull! New stamps and new dies I always want more of but nothing really 'sang out loud' to me this year Karen xx