CHA Summer 2010: More of “May’s Must-Haves”

I did not attend CHA two weeks ago, but that certainly hasn't stopped me from drooling over new goodies coming out. From where I sit, the scrapbooking industry is doing amazing things and I feel super inspired by all the products I've seen - and I know I've not nearly seen it all!

As I surf the internet and manufacturer websites I've been gathering some of my favorites. I shared an article before the show with some of my sneak peek favorites, and now I'm back with more. It certainly wasn't easy to narrow down.  There are a lot of great things! A few I'm especially loving are Tattered Angels, Basic Grey, Cosmo Cricket, Bella Blvd, October Afternoon, and Crate Paper. They all have fantastic looking product coming out.

This article contains a few of my top picks. Oh yes - I have a whole new list of must-have items that are soon to be available. (And I hope it's sooner than later!)

Jenni Bowlin has been a favorite of mine since discovering her years ago. Guess what? This release is no exception. Her products build on past releases and work well together to help breathe new life into older products and inspire with new amazing cuteness. I am smitten with these star stickers!

I have seen samples with these Hambly rub-ons where designers have partially filled the images with buttons and rhinestones, as if the jars are filled with the treats. I love that idea, and I adore this sheet of rub-ons! I think they'll be a whole lot of fun.

Kaiser Craft has a lot of great stuff coming out, and I especially love their 'beyond the page' line of alterable items. This wreath is so lovely - I simply must have it. I have visions of a Christmas wreath for it, and I hope to find one of these in a store soon.

Making Memories, a company I've used and enjoyed for years has a bunch of must-haves this go around. Their Paper Reverie line really works for me. It's got sparkle and vintage charm, and is fairly neutral, so I see it having a long shelf life in my stash. The pieces shown above are my favorites.

The Je t'Adore line from Making Memories has a lot of great stuff. This cute box of creative 'chocolate' has some interesting bits and pieces as well as being presented in fun packaging.

Studio Calico continues to grow and delight me. I am currently envisioning misting and enjoying playing with these notions. I wouldn't have thought flowers would be so exciting, but I can not wait to get my hands on these unique ones. They also have a great paper line, some mists, and wood veneer stuff that I am anxious to get in my eager hands.

I am really excited about the "Freestyle" and "Celebrate" lines from Teresa Collins. I like the infusion of more color into her collections while still maintaining the style and look she's known for. This argyle patterned paper will be perfect for scrapbooking about my girls.

If I were doing an article entitled "I want everything ___ company put out" then Webster's Pages would certainly be in it. Their new "Sweet Season" line really captured my attention. I love the fusion of color and sweet treats in a winter line like this.

One more pick from Webster's - I simply can't live without these trims. I don't know how they do it, but they bring out more vintage inspired trims each show and each time they are exquisite!

I must add Pink Paislee to the list of companies who had a "want every piece" release. I am so impressed with all they've come out with, from the line with the House of 3 to this line called "Sweetness". I want every single item! They've come out with fresh ideas and new products with their signature flair and sensibility for useful but trendy product.

Before you faint with shock, yes that's me (the 'no die cuts' lady) picking a die as a favorite. I'll talk about that more some other time. For now, just know that Tim Holtz ROCKED the summer show with die cuts and texture fades and all kinds of other awesome goodies for his Sizzix line.

Tim's idea-ology line is packed full (as are his stamps, and everything else he came out with) of amazing possibility. These trimmings are a must-have. Ink, spray, or paint them - heck, stamp on them, too! I just love everything about this line. The designs are great and I love them all. Just call me a crazy fan girl - I want it ALL!

[Editor's Note: Crazy Tim Holtz fan girl May became crazy Tim Holtz design team girl last week after she wrote this article but before it was edited & scheduled for publication. Our sincerest congratulations to May on getting her dream gig, and to Tim on getting a talented designer that I know from personal experience is as passionate about his products as he is.]

Cupcake Love is a new collection from Little Yellow Bicycle that is over the top girly, and frosted in pink. I love it! These layered felt ribbon sliders are my favorite piece.

Claudine Hellmuth released some stamps with Ranger that are intriguing. There are both foam and acrylic stamps that can be layered as shown above. She has several sets and I'm really excited about this look. I think it would be great on her canvas paper, with stitching or other elements added, and for all kinds of projects from cards to layouts and so much more. I look forward to seeing more of these.

As you can see my shopping basket is quickly filling, and this has been a fantastic show for new and exciting products. I haven't gotten into the seasonal releases like the amazing Christmas and Halloween goods coming from the Girls' Paperie [whose design team May also just joined recently - Editor] I can't stress it enough - this show was FULL of good stuff!

I can't wait to stop dreaming and start creating! What are you looking forward to working with? What are your favorites?