I can’t believe it is already February. January was an extremely busy month with me in overdrive preparing for and exhibiting in two License and Design shows. The first was in Atlanta at the Gift Market where I had a combined booth with 5 other artists under the name of Atlanta Art Licensing. The second exhibit was in Anaheim at the CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) trade show where I shared a booth with my good friend, the talented Brenda Pinnick. At CHA, I also exhibited in the Designer Showcase which had a fantastic viewing by manufacturers, editors and publishers looking for new designs. Now both shows are behind me but I have tons of following up to do and am excited with the contacts I made.
The good news from both shows, while the attendance was down, the mood was pretty upbeat. While being cautious in buying, the buyers that were there were buying. The vendors that I heard about were pleased with their sales.
There was an abundance of new products at the shows so store shelves will have new items to entice you. Colors remain bright to reflect optimism, with yellow (Mimosa) being the hot new color. Think warmth and sunshine and to bright days ahead.
At CHA, Leatrice Eiseman, Director of the Pantone Color Institute gave a seminar on color trends that was outstanding. For you color junkies, she has a blog http://www.eisemancolorblog.com/ that I recommend you put in your favorites.
Scrapblog sponsored a fun event that I attended. There, I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Drew Emborsky, The Crochet Dude and Steve Piacenza of the DIY Network’s Creative Juice.
Deborah Norvillewas the Keynote Speaker at CHA and gave one of the best and most inspirational talks that I’ve heard. She has been a crafter her entire life and focused on knitting and sewing. It was a delight to hear that she sewed all her bridemaids’ dresses as well as her on-air clothes when she started in television.
Since I was exhibiting, I did not get a chance to get out of my booth much to walk the show and to check out new products. And I missed several seminars I had planned to attend. But I did get to catch up with a lot of friends, as well as meet face-to-face new twitter and facebook friends.
Now back to my desk and drawing table — which are piled high and a scary sight!
Phyllis
