Live from CHA!, the Craft & Hobby Association’s Winter Trade Show, the largest of its kind. Manufacturers from all over the world gather to showcase their new releases for the year. It’s a product lover’s dream come true. This year I walked the entire show to see all the new products and to report on some six show favorites.

Mod Podge

Perhaps the best place to start is with Mod Podge, "The Original & Best Decoupage Medium" celebrating 45 Years & Still Sticking.

This is a product that continues to expand with distinctive and timely new finishes, like Mod Podge Wash-Out for Kids (great idea!), Mod Podge Antique Matte and Mod Podge Super Gloss. Mod Podge is the all-in-one glue-sealer-finish of choice for decoupage and everyday crafting.



We could all learn a lesson here on how to keep a product alive and well, so Happy 45th Birthday Mod Podge.For info in Mod Podge! For more info on Mod Podge go to www.plaidonline.com/modpodge.

Mixaparts

Next, Creative Imaginations introduces a product that transcends scrapbooking with their new "Mixaparts... Where your Art is a Part."

Susan Fahsel, founder of Magnabilities teamed with Jack Behlmer, president of Creative Imaginations to launch this exciting new product.



The tagline, Where your art is a part, hints at what Mixaparts is all about. Mixaparts is an innovative crafting system that allows you to create, protect and display your mini works of art in clear pods. The necklace option allows you to interchange those pods and wear your art for everyone to enjoy. You can just imagine these pods being traded or exchanged among kids, maybe even adults. This is a product for ages 5 and up, easy enough for the beginner, yet complex enough for the seasoned artist. Best of all no tools are required. You can visit them at www.mixaparts.com to view the customer gallery that will inspire and convince you that you can be an artist too!

eBosser

Another product introduced at CHA is the new electric, fully automatic eBosser by Craftwell.

This machine will emboss and cut. The great thing about the eBosser is that it is universally compatible with most cutting dies and embossing folders such as Sizzix, Spellbinders, Cuttlebug, AccuCut, Ellison, Quickutz, Lifestyle Crafts and more. The eBosser will easily cut or emboss materials up to 8.5 inches wide and 11.7 inches in length. It is electric (no cranking required) and automatic for ease of use. It even cuts multiple layers of fabric and more. You can view the eBosser at www.craftwellusa.com.

Scissor Mouse

I also discovered one of the best designed cutters ever - the Scissor Mouse by Westcott.

This cutter looks like a computer mouse and cuts paper quickly, easily and safely. It can cut on all types of smooth, flat surfaces such as wood, plastic, granite and marble without damaging either the surface or the cutting blade. Now that’s pretty cool! One of the greatest features is that it cuts virtually any shape you want, even curves, simply by moving your hand.



This is one cutter that really delivers and walks the cut. You can find out more at www.westcott.com.

Stkr.it

Want to be personal and digital? Then stkr.it is for you.

This new product is a fun, fast, easy way to connect your videos, photos, and voice recordings to your scrapbook pages, greeting cards and more - and it will last a lifetime. To learn more go to www.stkrit.com.

Shoe Attitude

If you’re looking for a really fun project to do with your kids, then Kodak may just have the perfect new product for you called Shoe Attitude "talk while you walk."

It is as easy as tying your shoes. So here's how it works:

1) Choose your favorite photo or create your own design (this is an artist's dream)
2) Print your images on KODAK Shoe Art Film.
3) Cut images to desired sizes, roll on the glue and apply!

It’s that simple. When you want a new design, simply pull off the film/design from the shoe and start over again. You could have a new design every day! Imagine the fun you and your kids can have with this great new product. For more info go to For more info go to www.shoeattitude.com.

I hope you enjoy this month's issue, and all the exciting new products to come!

Artistic creativity to you all.

Stefan Harlan
Editor in Chief
editor@a-z.com