1.18.2012

Rachel's Ramblings...On Individuality and How to Source Kits that Matter

Each year as we get ready for the Craft and Hobby Association winter show, also known as CHA, we start thinking about themes and concepts to share with our members in the coming months. For those of you new to the scrapbook world, CHA is the for-the-trade only show where manufacturers display their upcoming products and buyers (like us) make their decisions about what to bring to market as retailers.


For our SFTIO team in particular, ordering is not a matter of simply finding the prettiest and most innovative materials, but ones that tell a story in a cohesive way. We don't make definitive buying decisions at the show itself; we meet as a team after the show for three to four days and analyze our choices based on paper lines that caught our eye. We then look at the paper lines with an emotional bent - what paper lines fit together in color and mood? What do we feel when we see those papers? What can we imagine scrapbooking about with those supplies? Afterwards, we seek out brand new embellishments - alphas, unique media, great color, and of course, icons and symbols that evoke expression and truth.

I'm always amazed that we never seem to run out of ideas...we typically end the week of CHA with more themes than we can handle - and then need to narrow down from 9 or 10 potential themes to 6...always difficult as we get so attached to the ideas we've generated! They often find a home in the following six months.

So why am I rambling on about all this? It's because I am uber-proud of the amazing women who support me and help find you not just the best of the best, but the most meaningful. There are other good kits out there...but too often I find them looking the same month after month, with those retailers sticking to an aesthetic rather than going for something deeper.

I love what we stand for...and how each of our kits contains only the latest releases, matched with an artist's eye and a poet's heart.

Does it make sourcing kits harder? Yes! We can't just pick out our favorite lovelies and mix and match 'em whenever they arrive. But I'd never trade the fun, the discussion, the variety that makes each kit a unique creation that doesn't mirror the previous months' kit. Each one stands alone as a testament to INDIVIDUALITY! We promise to keep bringing you the best kits and the most meaning...never looking for the easy route, but the one that will help YOU create layouts that speak to your soul and leave you feeling fully expressed and free to create the future you wish for.

What emotions would you love to see in upcoming kits? Let us know here in comments and we'll pick a winner who will receive our current kit, INDIVIDUALITY...we'll have our giveaway open until Sunday 1-22 at noon Pacific.


Stick with us...we've got SO much more to share! Thanks for your business and support. Stand out...be you...don't be one of the crowd, express your INDIVIDUALITY and be a part of SFTIO!


Love,


15 comments:

Naomi said...

I would love to see "breathtaking"! Vivid colors representing life, everyday living to the fullest and enjoying all the joys of all our gracious Lord gave us to enjoy!

Melinda AKA medialady said...

I would like to see a collection with colors of ocean blues and greens, sand, etc. with soft elements. It could be called Tranquil.

Lynn said...

I would love to see a kit featuring our spirituality. Something soft colored with a hint of browns which represent earth. Maybe blues for heaven. I just lost someone very important to me, and would love a kit to honor them.

Bernice Hopper said...

Thanks for sharing how you come up with the kits. Have a great time at CHA this year. I would like to see 'Life: Now & Then'.

Margie said...

I would love to see a kit called "Carefree" with fun prints and colors

krcmasterpiece said...

I have a new girl grandbaby! I'm looking for shabby chic in modern upbeat way. Not just pink-I'd like turquoise, browns and polka dots & swirls. I want to feel awestruck! That's the way she makes me feel. At the same time-she's a blessing from God & I want to do honor to His uniqueness!

Unknown said...

I'd like to see "bubbly" ...

Sandie said...

I'd like to see 'bold' as a theme. Not reds and bright colours but green and black, with cream perhaps. Strong designs that show strength and character. My word for the year is Progress and I am feeling focused and determined to make good things happen.

Barb S said...

This year my word is FLOURISH and it has several meanings for me. But mostly because I am a grandmother who has decided that it is never too late to flourish in a new way. I would love to see a kit designed around that theme. Two other important words for me are FOCUS and BELIEVE, and I want to explore all three of these in my scrapbooking this year. Thanks for your encouragement and telling us about the creative process you go through in developing the kits!

Mindful Memory Keeping said...

Not sure what you have already done. I like "strength", "nurture", "courage", "bravery", "authentic", "change"

Bonita Rose said...

so proud to be a part of this team!

aprilmariecole.blogspot.com said...

Congratulations! CHA how exciting :]
What emotion would I like to see in a kit "embrace".

Bonita Rose said...

April, that's my one little word for this new year! EMBRACE. see my post about that here,
http://www.bonitarose.com/2011/12/my-one-little-word-olw-for-2012-is.html

Brown Bee Studio said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Brown Bee Studio said...

"Kits That Matter"... LOVE it! :) I don't know if "Confidence" is an emotion so much as an attitude, but I'd sure love to see a kit representing it. Blessings, AndiBee xo