Susan R. Opel
Two weeks ago your Paper Crafts editorial team was drinking in all of the newest of new stuff at CHA (the Craft & Hobby Association trade show) in Anaheim, CA. Our purpose has many layers—see what’s out there in preparation for upcoming issues (including tools and trends), meet with manufacturers to determine how we can join forces (via ad space, social media, etc.), and promote our upcoming special issues so that retailers will sell them in their stores! An added bonus is getting to meet designers we’ve only dealt with via email and Facebook. Getting IRL hugs is the best!
It’s awesome and exhausting and overwhelming and amazing! And this time didn’t disappoint.
We had a few bumps along the way. My hot rollers died on the first day, our dear senior editor P. Kelly Smith was not feeling well the whole time, and for the first time in six and a half years, our moxie fab Trends Editor Cath Edvalson couldn’t make the trip due to a rotator cuff injury.
With Cath’s absence I was given the MONUMENTAL task of filling her shoes (which I could never, ever do!). Talk about pressure! So as I made my way from booth to booth I tried to use my Moxie Fab radar.
But I realized something along the way: everyone who walks that floor takes something different away. Last week four of the Go-to Gals in attendance guested at the Moxie Fab World blog with their squeals, and as each day unfolded I noticed that the things that these ladies showcased fit them to a T.
So today, I bring you some of the things I noticed—not with my Moxie Fab radar, but with my I Puffy {Heart} This radar.
Motifs:
It seems that Asian-inspired prints and icons were popping up here and there.
Asian
Clockwise – Anna Griffin, My Little Shoebox, and BasicGrey
Not sure if we’re still enamored with the Royal Wedding, but British flags are kinda fun.
Union Jack
Clockwise – Pink Paislee, Ruby Rock-it, and EK Success
Perhaps we’re gearing up for summer travel, but maps are still hot, hot, hot!
Maps
Clockwise – Glitz Design, Studio Calico, and BasicGrey
Everything’s coming up roses!
Roses
Clockwise – Bazzill Basics, GCD Studio, Graphic 45, Making Memories, 7Gypsies, Anna Griffin, and My Mind’s Eye
That sweet, colorful summer fruit conveys the freshness of summer!
Strawberries
Clockwise – GCD Studios, Jillibean Soup, Crate Paper, and Dear Lizzy for American Crafts
Perhaps it’s because I went on a cruise not too long ago, but I noticed lots of references to the tropics and sea life.
Tropics and Sea Life
Clockwise – Trinity Paper Arts, Anna Griffin, Market Street Stamps, Clever Handmade (Heidi Grace), Technique Tuesday, Webster’s Pages, and Little Yellow Bicycle.
Colors and Color Combos:
Navy blue seemed to be the color of the show. Windy Robinson thought the same thing.
Navy Blue
Clockwise – October Afternoon, Canvas Corp., and BasicGrey
Orange. It is the Pantone Color of the Year for 2012, you know. And I DO love it!
Orange
Clockwise – Kaisercraft, BasicGrey, and Canvas Corp
Fiery red was making quite the statement!
Red
Clockwise – Authentique, My Mind’s Eye, Teresa Collins Designs, and Sizzix
Pair navy with its complement, orange, for a color pop or pair it with red for a patriotic kapow!
Navy with Orange and Navy with Red
Clockwise – Lily Bee Design, Doodlebug Design, Pebbles, BasicGrey, Anna Griffin, Nikki Sivils, and Webster’s Pages
And that’s how Sue sees it (but please don’t ever call me Sue)!
Check back at 10 am MST for embellishments, patterns, and textures I noted as well as my two biggest Puffy {Hearts} of the show!
Leave a comment describing your favorite thing about weddings, and one lucky winner will receive this spectacular prize, which includes paper, stickers, a ready-to-decorate chipboard frame, embellishments, and clear stamps! Think of all you could do! All comments must be received by Monday, February 13 at 5:00 pm MST. Good luck, and have a wonderful weekend!
For these cards, I used some 
