"Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way."

-- Abraham Lincoln

by Jami Petersen

In last week's issue, Dennis Conforto wrote about the scrapbooking industry being in the middle of a "storm". He talked about the tough choices that are facing everyone from the small independent retailer to the large manufacturer. One choice is to stay the course and hope we can all weather the storm. The other option is to change our course, get out of danger and follow the money trail. This hit home for many people and the reaction was astounding. We've chosen to feature one response from designer, Terri Conrad, who adds her thoughts and ideas for keeping afloat in the tumultuous waters.

Jami Petersen
newsletters@a-z.com

Tragic Magic

Tragic Magic

The next Scrapbooking mystery takes readers back to New Orleans, where there are spookies, foodies—and crafty killers. Carmela, owner of Memory Mine scrapbook shop, and her best friend have a big project converting an old mansion into an unforgettable haunted house. But when Carmela’s client turns up dead, she finds herself in some deep gumbo again. Discover more Tragic Magic including recipes and scrapbooking tips.

Click here to learn more about this scrapbooking mystery...

Press Releases

News you can use about the latest media coverage of hot trends, noteworthy events and dynamic industry leaders. Learn more about the current headlines in arts and crafts by clicking on the title of each article segment.
 

Art Therapy Can Improve Quality of Life for Alzheimer’s Patients. "There is research that suggests that art helps Alzheimer’s patients. In a small study, weekly sessions of art therapy helped patients focus their attention for up to 30 to 45 minutes, and the completion of the project brought pleasure and satisfaction. "It is an opportunity to express themselves even after some of their standard human communications abilities of expression have gone,'' said Peter Reed, director of care services for the Alzheimer's Association."

Sigma Now Accepting Applications for Student Photography Scholarship. The Sigma Corporation of America Scholarship will award a cash gift of $5,000 and $1,000 in Sigma products to one talented high-school senior to advance his or her education and goals toward obtaining a career in a photo-related field. Students pursuing higher education in industries such as photography, photojournalism, graphic arts and design, visual arts and art history are eligible to apply. Applications will be accepted from Nov. 19, 2009 to Feb. 15, 2010 and can be submitted via the Sigma web site.

BasicGrey Announces Two New Lines for November. Pucker up with loads of lovable patterns with our new Sugar Rush! (sugar free isn’t invited to this sweet soirée) Double-sided papers in bubblegum pinks, sour apple, grape crush, citrus orange and lemon drop.
Natural, Organic, and Elemental is Origins. (it’s a study in possibilities) Good-for-you greens meet sunny yellows and artful, earthy browns in this collection that incites happiness and comfort.

Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L™

SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L™ offers you a new opportunity to gain more sales!

They now have launched an online store powered by Shopatron! This move also bolsters the commitment SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L™ has to their fulfillment partners by driving sales through independent retail stores. The addition of in-store pickup available for brick-and-mortar stores will create ancillary sales of complementary products when customers arrive to pick up their orders.

Sign up for FREE today!!  

The Memory Tradeshow

The Memory Tradeshow is the premiere market for scrapbooking and related products, family history and digital imaging.

It is the most important gathering of this industry regionally, and it’s attracting executives from all sectors: manufacturers, retailers, distributors, suppliers, sales reps, designers and press. The show’s goal is to provide the highest ROI show within the industry with a greater focus on the business of the memory industry, education and best business practices.

Learn more and save >>

by Terri Conrad, Terri Conrad Designs

Dennis Conforto is one SMART fella! I am an artist and designer who seeks and needs successful manufacturers and retailers. In order to grow my licensing program, I cast my sights on trends, competition, and the broad-based commercial viability of my art. In order for my work to enable a manufacturer’s success, I must keep my radio turned on and tuned in. I must be aware of what is going on in each industry where I have licensed product. It requires time to be prepared, but be prepared I’d rather, than, like the “unsinkable” Titanic, go down with the crowd, when we hit a slippery slope of ice.

As a scrapbook retailer, have you considered, or do you already:
+ Attend the National Stationery Show in New York?
+ Diversify your product line?
+ Offer classes to women’s and/or special interest groups in your community?
+ Consider co-operative marketing & advertising with community groups?

Just yesterday I received information that National Stationery Show® will launch a dedicated paper crafting seminar track at the 2008 edition, in response to growing consumer demand for unique paper crafting products, scrapbooking supplies and handmade greetings. The seminars will address how social stationery retailers can draw this new customer base to their stores and increase their bottom line.

As a scrapbook retailer, you can address how to draw social stationery customers into your store. All hands on deck! Retailers, manufacturers, artists, designers, and media - your ship’s captain, Dennis Conforto has, (based on strong, irrefutable evidence) sounded the horn. Let’s look at some possible solutions to each of these warnings:
• Too much new product and not enough new consumers: New is not always better, nor profitable. A false belief has taken hold that the consumer demands this. It must stop on all levels. Find different and creative ways to package and merchandise the same product
• Too many trade shows and not enough revenue to support them all: Choose exhibiting and attending trade shows wisely, select based upon geographics and your forecasted business plans
• Too much dead inventory and not enough cash to pay for it: Manufacturers, develop a credit return policy with retailers, and donate returns to special interest groups. Retailers, think creatively in merchandising your product.
• Too much talk of competing and not enough talk on cooperating: Smaller manufacturers, develop cooperative liaisons with other smaller manufacturers creating a strong support base, exhibit next to each other, explore cross-market advertising.
• Too many manufacturers represented within a single store and not enough strong manufacturer/retailer partnership programs to promote brands: Retailers, call on the manufacturers you carry, ask for input and support to generate sales. Manufacturers, let the sale of your product be the beginning, not the end of your work with retailers
• Too much advertising spent on the converted and not enough spent to convert: Develop planned giving campaigns – we all can participate in the BIG Give!
• Too much focus on the craft-only consumer and not enough focus on other non-traditional consumer groups: Partner with special interest groups

Take a close look at home décor and stationery trends, they are all incorporating scrapbooking concepts into their respective industries. Remain true to the focus and intent of scrapbook but educate yourself beyond the book. When we think creatively, we will be creative. The paper crafting and scrapbooking industry has had a far reaching impact on overall design application. Look beyond the bow of your own boat, and see (or shall I say “sea”) the possibilities.

A self-taught artist and designer, Terri discovered a natural creative gift that came intuitively. She gained an expansive audience through her wonderful designs featured in the scrapbooking, stationery, gift and home décor markets. Terri’s style is both sophisticated and warm; her exquisite designs offer a fresh, decorative look. Terri can be reached through email at terriconraddesigns@ca.rr.com.    

Scrap Rack

Get your customers organized with our new Paper Storage Boxes.

msrp $18.00 set of 5 boxes.

Request a wholesale account email us at CustomerService@TheScrapRack.com

http://thescraprack.easystorecreator.com/items/new-products/paper-storage-boxes-12x12-scrapbook-papers-detail.htm

Woodware Craft Collection has announced the launch of a new US based online retail superstore called WoodwareUSA.com.

André Cox, former Marketing & Sales Director for Stewart Superior Corporation has been named President and COO of this newly launched US based subsidiary. Mr. Cox brings 15 years of craft industry experience to his new role heading up this consumer direct retailing operation.

Mr. Cox discussed the niche that Woodware USA will fill in the crowded playing field of craft retailing: "WoodwareUSA.com will build their market share using programs already proven as successful methodologies for reaching the craft enthusiast. Of course we will employ all the consumer education and demonstration venues available through the internet with project starters, blogs and online video presentations. Consumers will be able to watch a project demonstrated via online video and then link directly into a page where they can drop those supplies into their shopping basket. Additionally, we will attend select consumer tradeshows across the country with live demos combined with quick and fun make and takes. We plan to build a large online video presence that integrates the videotaping of our interactions with our customers at tradeshows as part of our video programming on the web."

Woodware USA's product line will consist of Woodware's own exclusive clear rubber stamp line, stamp pads and other items as well as select product lines from other manufacturers and suppliers.

CEO Judith Brewer added: "Our goal with WoodwareUSA.com is to bring unique designer quality crafting products to market and make them readily available to crafting enthusiasts via the internet and consumer shows. If there is interest we may provide some of our products wholesale to exclusive independent retailers, however for the most part - products sold by WoodwareUSA.com will not be found anywhere else."

Additionally, Mr. Cox said that they hope to have some small portions of the site live by the end of December, however the full combination of video demos and online store operations with full functionality and inventory will be continually under construction for at least a year. We will be immediately launching our first consumer direct show operation at CHA's Super Show in January of 2010. They will have Woodware's top designers from the UK hosting Make and Takes throughout the two days of the show. A small selection of Woodware's exclusive product line will be available at the show booth.