Creativation Fabulous Finds

There was so much crafty goodness at the  Creativation (Craft and Hobby Association) trade show last month, it’s hard to know where to start. I’ve already highlighted a few fabulous finds on my blog, but here are some random finds and trends.

First, the trends: it’s all about texture and shimmer, stamp layering, stamp and die sets, and coloring options. Planners are still vital, and everyone, it seems, now has a stamp positioning tool. I’ll have more detailed reports, and samples, as I get to them!

Mixed media continues to grow in popularity, and everyone seems to have a paste, a spray or a paint. Ranger, naturally, has some exceptional coloring tools, including the wow-inducing Distress Oxide Inks, a dye/pigment fusion that creates an oxidized effect when sprayed with water, and Dina Wakley’s Media Scribble Sticks, water-soluble crayon-like pigments that can color over acrylic paint and other mediums. Head to the Ranger site or to Tim Holtz’s blog for the best info on these.

Ecstasy Crafts has lustrous and glittery pastes, embossing powders, glitter glues and more in its Cosmic Shimmer line. I am especially intrigued by the Metallic Gilding Polish. The sheen is beautiful, but what’s really cool is the built-in applicator right on top of the jar!

Tonic Studios also has a great selection of pastes, etc. I love NUVO products (especially the pretty packaging!) including beautiful glitter glue, dimensional crystal drops, glitter pastes and more.  (Tonic used to make my favorite tag and ticket punch. Each time I visit the booth, I beg them to bring it back!!)

Tonic also has some cool stencils — the stencils have little handle-like protrusions that make it easy to pick them up.

And there’s still more glorious shimmer from Lindy’s Stamp Gang:

Stay tuned for more …