Date: January 19, 2009
Vol. XII, No. 2

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

COMMENTARY: NEW LAW, NEW HEADACHES 

If there is one event manufacturers and retailers should attend at the CHA Winter show, it's "The New Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA): What You Need to Know About Compliance Standards."

According to the new law, which goes into effect Feb. 10, retailers cannot sell any kids products that do not meet the law's new rigorous testing standards. Violators face hefty fines and jail time. Ok, but what constitutes a kids product? For that matter, what constitutes a kid?

So CHA's Standards and Technology Committee is bringing in Ken Walsh of Bureau Veritas, a Consumer Products Safety Commission certified third-party laboratory. There will be Q. & A., plus a panel by industry retailers and vendors on how they're coping with the new law.

The seminar is S123, 3-5 pm Mon., Jan. 26. You can still register online, but you'd have to pick up your ticket at the Convention Center. Visit www.chashow.org.

Business-Wise. Read the letter from CHA Standards and Technology Committee regarding the new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

Category Reports. Julie Stephani, the veteran editor of the largest consumer craft magazine, HomeArts, describes her readers' needs and interests, and based on their feedback, predicts the hot trends for 2009.

Kizer & Bender's Retail Adventures. Tips on making your staff more effective.

Tech Topics. How to increase interest in your store via the new technology such as Facebook – promoting your store without expensive advertising.

"Benny Da Buyer," "Vinny Da Vendor," and Designing Perspectives list the CHA show seminars and events of interest to retailers, manufacturers, and designers.

(Note: To read the columns, click on the title in the left-hand column. If it's not the column you expected, click on the Reload or Refresh button of your browser.)

Gaze into your crystal ball and predict when the economy will stabilize and begin to grow again. (Hey, your opinion is as good as all the economists we hear these days!) To vote, click on Industry Polls in the right-hand column or click HERE.

The industry is not holding out great hopes for the TNNA and CHA shows in California. More than half of the voters in CLN's unscientific poll expect the show(s) to be less effective than last year's events. Thirty-one percent think the show(s) will be much less, and 27.6% expect it/them to be somewhat less. More than a quarter, 27.6%, think the show(s) will be about the same.

But there are some optimists: 10.3% expect the show(s) to be much better and another 3.5% are "somewhat" optimistic.

(Comment: CLN suspects buyers and vendors will be pleasantly surprised, because their expectations are so low, and most of us will simply be delighted to escape the cold weather.)

It appears our industry performed significantly better in December than most retail operations. The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported "hobby" stores' sales rose 0.7%, while overall retail sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) fell 2.2% over last year, and November sales were revised down to a 3.4% decline.

Wal-Mart reported a 1.7% gain in same-store sales excluding fuel, but that was less than the 2.8% increase expected by analysts, Reuters reported. The company said grocery, health/wellness, and electronics sales were strong, but that was offset by poor sales for clothing and jewelry, and bad weather closed 40 stores from a few hours to nine days. As a result, the company cut its fourth-quarter guidance for earnings to $0.91-$0.94/share from $1.03-$1.07.

A sampling of same-store sales: Costco (excluding lower gas prices and currency fluctuation), +4% ... BJ's, +1.6% ... Sam's Club, +0.1% ... Kohl's, -1.4% ... Macy's, -4% ... Target, -4.1% ... Dillard's, -5.0% ... Sears -7.3% ... JC Penney, -8.1 ... Stein Mart, -8.5% ... Limited Brands (Victoria's Secret/Bath & Body Works) -10% ... Pacific Sunwear, -10.0% ... The Limited, -10.0% ... Chico's, -12.4% ... Gap, -14% ... American Eagle, -17.0% ... Saks, -19.8%.

The NRF is lobbying Washington for a "tax holiday" as part of the stimulus package, but the idea appears to be falling on deaf ears, CNNMoney reported. (A "tax holiday" means consumers do not have to pay tax on items purchased during the holiday.)

A common complaint by brick-and-mortar retailers is the unfair advantage e-commerce sites have because they do not have to charge sales taxes. That may be changing.

The recession has caused declining revenue for many states, which are scrambling for other sources to avoid cuts in programs. (Unlike the federal government, many states are required by their constitutions to balance their budgets.)

New York has already passed a law requiring e-commerce retailers to collect sales tax from New York customers. Amazon took the state to court but a state Supreme Court justice in Manhattan ruled the suit should be dismissed, the Associated Press reported.

Would it be worth it for other states to pass similar laws? Forrester Research analyst Sucharita Mulpuru told the AP she estimated that if web retailers had to collect taxes on all sales to consumers, it could generate $3 billion in new revenue for governments.

1. Based on preregistration figures, CHA officials expect the attendance to be down less than 10%; that's better than the 15% drop at the recent Consumer Electronics Show.

2. There is no deadline for registering/ordering tickets online. The updated registration system allows attendees to register online throughout the show, but they will need to pick-up their tickets at the convention center.

3. CHA and the Anaheim Convention and Visitors Bureau have partnered to provide CHA attendees with many valuable discounts on local travel, restaurants, and other Southern California attractions. Visit http://anaheimoc.org/microsites/sites/CHA09.asp.

4. Want to have lunch with the CEO? It's a chance to voice your thoughts about the industry and the association. Lunch appointments are available on Sun. and Mon., Jan. 25-36, 12:00-1:00 pm and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Interested members should e-mail Lidia Diaz with the date requested to ldiaz@craftandhobby.org by 5 pm EST this Wednesday.

5. Curious about the Summer Show and the Craft SuperShow (consumer) in Orlando? To date, 50+% of the Summer Show and 100+ booths for the SuperShow have been sold. There are free info sessions: Sun., Jan. 25, 1:00-2:00 pm and Mon., Jan. 26, 11:00 am-12: pm, Rm. 209.

6. To learn more about the Indie craft movement, attend the "Welcome" event (E503) on Sat., 4:30-6:30 pm, in 304A. Special guests include Tina Barseghian, Editor of CRAFT Magazine; Kathy Cano-Murillo, the "Crafty Chica"; Jenny Hart, Sublime Stitching; Leah Kramer, Founder and Producer of Craftster.org; and Faythe Levine, Producer, Handmade Nation.

7. Suggestions or criticisms about CHA? Attend the CHA Town Hall (E505) Mon., Jan. 26, 7:30-9:00 am.

8. The International Reception (Mon., Jan. 26, 6-8:00 pm, E506) is a chance to network with colleagues from around the world. Admission includes drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

9. For manufacturers and the media: The Designer Showcase highlights the best our industry's designers have to offer. It's Sat., Jan 24, 4:30-6:00 pm during the Taste of Anaheim reception (Room 303ABC) and Sun., Jan 25, 9:00 am-5:00 pm. For a preview, visit www.chashow.org/eweb/Dynamicpage.aspx?webcode=DesignerShowcase.

10. One more time: For show info, visit www.chashow.org.

Alvin & Co. (#3564) will debut Blue Hills Studio's™ Color Stories™, a new line of scrapbook and paper craft materials, including 12x12 assortment paper packs in unique designs plus coordinating hard and soft embellishments, all premium quality at value prices. ... Also, four new Multi-Shaper magnetic punches that allow punching multiple sizes of circles, squares, frames, borders, corners, and more, anywhere on the paper. www.bluehillsstudio.com

AMACO (#5017). Is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a special design contest with the winners announced at the booth Mon., Jan. 26 at 11:00 am. To see the beautiful jewelry entries, visit www.amaco.com/friendly-plastic-judging-gallery.

Art Declassified (#4668). Real, red-rubber stamps mounted on a static cling foam. New photographic image designs, nature designs, and many more added for 2009. (Stamps aren’t just for scrapbooks and cards anymore.) www.ArtDeclassified.com

Artograph (#5101). The BeadGlo light box allows beaders to sort and lay out beads and crystals on an illuminated surface. Can also be used with batteries for travel. www.artograph.com

Canon. (#2007). The newest printer products on display, plus info on the Creative Park site (www.canon.com/c-park) which offers free 3-D paper craft projects, scrapbook tools and papers, educational materials, and the opportunity to learn more about digital photography.

Caron. (#1527). The Simply Soft Eco line in 34 colors is a new blended yarn consisting of 80% Simply Soft fiber and 20% of a specially processed fiber produced from recycled plastic bottles. Every 10 skeins of Simply Soft Eco saves six plastic bottles from America's landfills. www.caron.com/color_cards/cc_sseco.html.

C&T Publishing (#2035). There will be "Stay-n-Play" sessions with top designers Rebekah Meier and Daniela Costa, plus a show special and a New Release program with deeper discounts. A workshop (W065) Mon., Jan. 26, 7-9:00 am using the new Ready-to-Go! Blank canvas book. www.createandtreasure.com and www.ctpub.com 

DMC (#3209). Is previewing a new line of fibers, DMC Color Infusions, 36 acid-free fibers designed to bring new dimension to paper crafting and crafts projects. There are four fibers: Memory Thread, a fiber-wrapped wire; Sparklers, blended metallic fibers; Silky, high sheen and lustrous fibers; and Cotton Cord, fine twisted cord in blended colors. There's a workshop, "Infuse Color & Texture into Papercrafting," taught by author/designer Sharon Jankowicz. It's W036 on Sat., Jan. 24, 6:30-8:30 pm. www.dmc-usa.com 

The Daylight Co. (#1809) Will introduce Naturalight, a new line of value-priced, full spectrum lighting, including a Compact Lamp, Floor Lamp, Table Lamp, a Table Magnifying Lamp, LED Portable Light, and two magnifying lamps (5" and 7" mag lamps). Prices range from $9 to $139.99. Naturalight uses energy-saving light bulbs. www.mynaturalight.com

Far Flung Craft (#4759). Will launch Meiji, a Japanese inspired line; Perankan a bright pastel line inspired by the Straits Chinese Culture; and Chinese New Year, a bold graphic line inspired by traditional Chinese designs. The Batik and Bollywood lines will also be displayed. www.farflungcraft.com.

Fiskars (#3981). New border punch designs are an extension of an existing line that includes Leave it to Weaver and Threading Water: Apron Lace, a decorative, scalloped lace reminiscent of collectable vintage aprons; Boundary Waters, a row of multi-level swirls; Effervescence, graduating bubbles along a scalloped edge; and Upper Crest, with the bracket-like design. www.fiskarscrafts.com/new_border_punch_designs.aspx

HHH Ent. (#4629). Will be showing an expanded line of Our Glass embellishments for creating pendants and story pendants, plus a line of metal pendants for resins and a unique collection of papers for embedding in pendants for jewelry crafting. www.hhhenterprises.com

JHB Int. (#3033). Introducing a new line of fabric beads, Sassy Silkies™ and Batik Beauties™, created by Kristal Wick. Her workshop is Mon., Jan. 26, 3:00–5:00 pm, W075. ... Also, six new texture stamp designs by clay artist Lisa Pavelka. Her seminar is Sat., Jan. 24, 6:30–8:30 pm, (W035.) ... Plus, six new styles added to the button ware jewelry kits. www.buttons.com

Kandi Corp. (#1813). The Hot Wax Art ฎ line – Suze Weinberg’s Hot Wax Art Stylus and a line of all-natural BeesWax pigments. (They'll also be displayed in the EcoLounge.) www.kandicorp.com/HotWaxArt.htm ... Rhinestones by the Yard (tm) for fibrecrafts and papercrafts – rows of iron-on rhinestones on a colored banding which can be cut to shape and easily applied to most surfaces. www.kandicorp.com/bytheyard.htm

Katy Sue Designs (#4960). There are eight new pots of Flower Softฎ colours: Delphinium Blue, Fuchsia, Bright Orange, Bright Blue, Bright Pink, Poppy Red, Violet, and Baby Peach. New Card Toppers include Summer-Glass Vases and Summer-Mixed Vases, and there are four new interchangeable stamps, an updated starter kit, and three themed selection boxes. www.flower-soft.co.uk

Mercur (#2511). This first-time exhibitor is an 80-year-old manufacturer of art, school, and office supplies from Brazil. The company is offering Mercur Gum Art Eraser, Kneaded Art Eraser, and Color Pencils. www.mercurusa.com

Phyllis Dobbs. (#2722 – License & Design section). New collections of art images for holiday and everyday. The images are also formatted for papers, stamps, and stickers for art licensing. www.phyllisdobbs.com.

Plaid (#3716). A total of 773 new products across all categories, debuting products in four new categories, adding new products to 12 current categories, and showcasing 31 new design collections. For example, FolkArtฎ Extreme Glitter™ is a brush-on paint to give a look of sugar glitter without the mess. Glitter particles are sized for fine glitter accents and all-over coverage on wood, paper mache, terra cotta, and most porous surfaces. Available in 11 colors and can be applied on top of a similar FolkArt color. ... Also, new jewelry collections: Faux Show™ – sparkling, oversized rhinestones in fashion colors; Worldly™ – antique brass and hand painted wood and epoxy charms in multiple sizes; and I (Love) Hearts™ – numerous icons from the hippie movement in multiple finishes in antique and matte silver, copper, and brass. www.plaidonline.com

Premier Yarns (#1619). Will introduce The Deborah Norville Collection which includes four yarns in Chunky, Worsted, Sport, and Sock. Worsted and Sport are each available in 50+ colors, while Chunky and Sock are offered in 38 and 20 colors respectively. Norville is the show's keynote speaker and will be in the booth Sun., 11:30 am-12:30 pm. www.premieryarns.com

Prym Consumer USA (#1727). Is launching an extension of its iron-on lettering line – new styles including soft-flex letters in patterns, solids, and metallics; multi-color rhinestud letters; individual sequin numbers; and individual applique letters with multiple pieces and colors on each card. ... Plus, in its fashion line, a new range of value rhinestud designs are ideal for the budget-minded consumer. www.dritz.com

Rit Dye (#1750). Updated its dyes to 24 vibrant colors. Apple Green is a new color, and Scarlet, Evening Blue, and Lemon Yellow have been reformulated. Rit is introducing creative techniques for dyeing paper to add dimension to all types of papercraft projects. A workshop on the subject is W053 on Sun. Jan. 25, 3-5 pm. www.ritdye.com

Search Press (#4612). There will be a tea party to celebrate the publication of Wild Tea Cosies and Knitted Cakes Sun., 3-5 pm. ... Terry Harrison, often referred to as "Bob Ross of the UK" will be demonstrate an innovative new idea in art instruction and unveil a new series, Ready to Paint. www.SearchPressUSA.com

Serif (#2610). Unveiling Digital Scrapbook Artist software that allows the user to edit every object on a page and to perfect designs in clear, digital high resolution. It also allows users a one-click upload to DaisyTrail (www.daisytrail.com), a new social scrapbooking site. There's also a Serif Preferred Retailer Program, in which shop owners can earn rebates. www.serif.com/scrapbook

Stone Creek Creations. (#2138). Offering 10% off on all product orders and will continue the "Little girl in the BIG chair" campaign and once again offer pigtail headbands. www.stonecreekcreations.com

Tara Materials/Fredrixฎ (#3529). Introducing Fredrix Jr.ฎ, a new brand of kids craft products, including Paint-a-Shape™, double-sided canvas panels that are die-cut into fun shapes such as Butterflies, Houses, Flowers and more. The shapes can be decorated with paints, beads, etc., to create various projects such as mobiles, fridge magnets, puppets, and wall decor. There will be a make-it/take-it at the booth. ... Actress Jane Seymour will be in the booth promoting the Float canvas line which features a unique design with steeply angled stretcher bars that provide a dramatic floating effect when hung on the wall. www.FredrixArtistCanvas.com

Walnut Hollow (#2909). Will feature new programs including Creative MetalT, eco-friendly Outdoor D้cor, and many new "Made in the USA" wood products. There will be a make-it/take-it using the Creative MetalT products. www.walnuthollow.com

Wichelt Imports/Mill Hill (#1643). The 12 Days of Christmas, by Jim Shore. comes in chart form and includes several alternate finishes including a table runner. ... Three Fantasy Babies, by Ellen Maurer Stroh are available in chart form and can be done on various 28ct or 32ct Jobelans or 14ct or 16ct Aidas. ... Venetian Opulence from Mirabilia Designs is available in chart form and Mill H ill beads and treasures used in the design are available in an embellishment pack. ... Spring Button and Beaded kit lines include Poppy, Pansy, Daisy, Artichoke, Peppers – each 5"x5" kit includes Mill Hill glass beads, buttons, and painted perforated paper, floss, needles and instructions. ... The Spring Bouquet kit collection includes Root Beer Float, Happy Birthday, Popcorn, Flip Flops, Banana Split, and Lemonade. Each includes Mill Hill glass beads, perforated paper, floss, needles, instructions and a magnet. www.wichelt.com

Wooky Entertainment (#2500). Paris Hilton (yes, that Paris Hilton) will be in the booth Sun., Jan. 25, 2:00-3:00 pm to unveil Paris Hilton, the Creative Collection™, a multi-faceted line of fashion-crafting kits for scrapbooking, jewelry making, and fabric embellishment. www.pariscreativity.com ... The company is also launching its Style Me Up! line for tweens and teens. www.stylemeup.com

Beading pros Katie Hacker, Margot Potter, and Fernando DaSilva will demo techniques from their new book, Bead & Wire Jewelry Exposed, in the F+W Publications' booth (#1251) on Sunday at 10 and the Beadalon booth (#4501) on Monday at 2, plus conduct make-it/take-its in the Eco-Lounge – check the schedule.

TNNA ANNOUNCES BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Officers: David Stott (President), Norden Crafts ... Joel Woodcock (VP/Yarn Group Chair), Lantern Moon ... Sharon Garmize (Secretary/Treasurer), Sharon G ... Marilyn Murphy (Past President), Interweave Press. Board members: Matt Bryant, Prism Arts ... Betsy Perry, Classic Elite Yarns ... Amy Bunger, Amy's Golden Strand ... Cathy Rapoza, Alice Peterson Co. ... Jim Collingham, Colonial Needle ... Kirsten Muench, Muench Yarns ... Karen Aho (Retail Council Chair), Acorn Street Shop ... Cathe Ray (Counted Thread/Embroidery Group Chair), Needle In A Haystack ... Emily Pannier (Needlepoint Group Chair), Chandail Needlework.

The retail council: Karen Aho (Chair & Board Representative), Acorn Street Shop ... Kathy Elkins (Vice Chair), Webs - America's Yarn Store ... Debra Koch, Stitches N Things ... Dona Zimmerman, The Web-Sters ... Penny Franz, Ewe Count ... Theresa Swiecicki, Homestead Needle Arts.

The Antioch Co.'s bankruptcy plan has been confirmed (approved) by the court. Antioch is the parent of Creative Memories. The ruling says Antioch is not responsible for much of its debt and is no longer wholly owned by employees, the St. Cloud (MN) Times reported. Revenue has fallen from $336.6 million in 2004 to $242 million in 2007 to $149 million last year.

Current and former Antioch employees had been owed about $70 million in stock; they will not receive the entire $70 million but can now own stock in what is essentially a new company, President/CEO Asha Morgan Moran told the Times.

Heidi Everett, a former employee who represented ex-employees, told Scrapbook Update, "As a representative for former employees, we are pleased with the outcome of Friday's bankruptcy hearing. For our part, we were able to secure our rights to pursue third-party claims against officers of the company and some of the company's contracts."

Antioch had been an ESOP (employee-owned) company. For more on what happened to Creative Memories and how ESOP companies work, click on Kate's Collage, then Employee Stock Ownership Plans in the right-hand column.)

KnittingDaily.com and BeadingDaily.com announced the most popular projects on the websites in 2008. The sites are sponsored by Interweave, publisher of a number of industry-related consumer magazines.

The pattern most often downloaded at KnittingDaily.com was Modern Quilt Wrap, a wrap/oversize scarf designed by Mags Kandis and originally published in Interweave's 2007 book, Folk Style.

"Most of the garments are classics," Interweave's Jaime Guthals told CLN. "Timeless sweaters, scarves, and wraps with attractive styling but nothing too trendy. Interesting though that all the colors are bold brights – burgundy red and apple green dominate, and you won’t see a pastel in the bunch (except for the towels)."

The pattern purchased most often in 2008 was Central Park Hoodie, designed by Heather Lodinsky and originally published in Knitscene, Fall 2006. Available at http://shop.interweave.com/Central-Park-Hoodie-P204C0.aspx.

1. Small producer of quality products for scrapbooking, quilting, general crafts, etc. Currently sells to retailers, distributors, catalogs, and consumers on the company web site. Annual sales @$200,000. Owner retiring. Operation can easily be moved.

2. Domestically manufactured line of unique, wood-based craft shapes. National distribution in nearly 1,000 chain store locations. Annual volume, $50K- $60K. Well-sorted manufacturing process – inventory and equipment – can easily be relocated.

3. The company has designed/manufactured scrapbooking supplies since 2003. The designs are original and could easily cross over to other markets. The company has created 1,000+ SKUs, and using a widespread rep force, currently sells around 300 SKU's to approximately half the independents, some chains, and distributors in the U.S., U.K., and Australia. The company currently shares a building with a commercial printing company that prints most of the company's SKUs and marketing materials. A sale combining both companies is also a possibility.

For more info on one or more of these companies, call or email Mike Hartnett: 309-925-5593, mike@clnonline.com.

1. If you looked through the seminar listings at www.chashow.org and saw my ugly mug, here's a little background: A couple of years ago a subscriber, Jody Puckett, showed me a product she'd invented. She's a housewife from Milwaukee and didn't know what to do with her invention. I thought it had a lot of potential and connected her with Floracraft's CEO, Jim Scatena. Today the product is in Jo-Ann stores across the country. Essentially the seminar is Jody, Jim, and I telling the story, from Jody's initial brainstorm through the agreement with Floracraft, to the manufacturing process, to the store shelves.

The seminar, "Turning a Designer's Idea into a Product in Hundreds of Stores!" is S112 on Sun., Jan 25, 12-1:00 pm. If ever you've seen a product in a store and wondered how it got there, we'll give you an example.

2. Industry pioneer Aleene Jackson (Aleene's Tacky Glue) celebrates her 85th birthday tomorrow and decided it was time to get a computer. Send birthday congrats to aleene@inspiredathome.com.

3. A CLN subscriber has two extra rooms at the Marriott for the CHA show. Arrival and departure dates can be altered, but he can't cancel them. $185/night. If interested, email mike@clnonline.com and I'll forward it.

4. Recently I mentioned my puzzlement that quilling, a lovely form of paper crafting, wasn't more popular. Here's another: plastic canvas, once a hugely successful category. The smaller-count canvas projects are a great way to introduce kids to needlework and wonderful for older people whose hands aren't as nimble as they once were. And many projects, especially with higher count canvas are beautiful. My favorite designer is Joan Green. See her work at www.joangreendesigns.com.

MAGAZINES. CK Media announced it was ceasing publication of Simple Scrapbooks with the May/June issue. Insufficient advertising was the culprit. This is the fourth industry-related magazine CK has halted in recent months. Digital Scrapbooking announced in November it was stopping. Previously trade magazines Memorytrends and Craftrends were halted.

ACQUISITION, I. Tinkering Ink has become part of Creativity Inc., the corporate parent of Westrim, DMD, Crop-in-Style, Blue Moon Beads, and Autumn Leaves.

ACQUISITION, II. The French corporate parent of DMC in the U.S. has been sold to the Bernard Krief Group, a French consulting/investment firm. Joe McCabe, President/CEO of DMC in the U.S. said, "The strategic plans will provide new opportunities for growth and expansion of the existing DMC businesses, especially in conjunction with the current holdings and proposed acquisitions of the Bernard Krief Group."

CHANGES. Fiskars announced on its blog that after its CHA Winter Show product intros it will no longer develop new consumable products such as paper, stickers, etc., and will concentrate its core business, tools such as scissors, stamps, and garden implements, Scrapbook Update reported. The Heidi Grace, Cloud 9, Ink by Steph, Li’l Davis, and Kimberly Poloson lines will continue, but will only contain non-consumable products in the future.

TNNA, I. The San Diego show that ends today was not expected to set any attendance records due to the economy, but also because of TNNA's Needlework Market in Nashville Feb. 6-9. For info on the Nashville show, visit www.tnna.org. Online registration is now open. ... Interweave will be one of this year's hosts for a summer internship through TNNA's Pathways into Professional Needlearts (PiPN) program. Deadline for student enrollment is March 1. For info, contact Sherry Mulne: 614-237-0700 or bdirect@columbus.rr.com.

TNNA, II. The Needlepoint Group of TNNA unveiled its new site, www.worldofneedlepoint.com, a destination for consumers interested in needlepoint to explore "everything you wanted to know about Needlepoint - its rich history, the fascinating fibers and techniques of today's contemporary stitching." It's the result of efforts by Needlepoint Group Chair Emily Pannier (Chandail Needlework), Cathy Rapoza (Alice Peterson), and Tink Boord-Dill (Tink Boord-Dill Needlework). The site includes the Galleria Showcase, a display highlighting the needlepoint artists and their latest designs which were seen this past weekend at the San Diego show. There's a special introductory ad rate for all Needlepoint Group members. For more info, call or email Sherry Mulne: 614-237-0700, bdirect@columbus.rr.com.

ROLODEX. New address for the Craft Yarn Council of America: 469 Hospital Dr., 2^nd Fl., Ste. E, Gastonia, NC 28054.

INTERWEAVE. Marilyn Murphy will step down Mar. 1 as President and Publisher of the Fiber Division to focus exclusively on her role as Editorial Director of the Yarn division. Interweave CEO Clay Hall will assume Murphy's duties as President. ... The Yarn division (Interweave Knits, Interweave Crochet, and Knitscene magazines and their affiliated properties) will be led by Publisher David Pyle, currently VP/Publisher of the Art and Jewelry division. The Niche Fiber division (Fiberarts, Spin-Off, PieceWork, and Handwoven magazines and their affiliated properties, will be led by John Bolton, currently VP/Publisher of the Paper and Quilt division. Bolton and Pyle add these new responsibilities and market groups to their current areas of responsibilities. ... Pokey Bolton becomes Editorial Director of Fiberarts and will continue as the Editorial Director of the Paper and Quilt division. Interweave founder Linda Ligon continues as Editorial Director for the Niche Fiber Group.

SPC. Sierra Pacific Crafts added a new member, Mary Maxim in Port Huron, MI. Mary Maxim has been in the craft business for 52 years and is owned by Rusty and Jane McPhedrain. MM is a leading retailer in soft crafts through the store and mail order catalog.

QUOTATION. "I want to be able to walk out of my office on the 31st of January, turn out the light, and believe that Sam Walton would be proud of me." – Lee Scott, retiring Wal-Mart CEO

CLUBS. DRG launched new kit clubs – CardMaker, Christmas Ornament, Annie's Hook & Needle, and Simply Beads Kit-of-the-Month, all under the Annie's Attic brand. Current DRG kit-clubs include Creative Girls Club, Creative Woman, PaperWorks, and Young Woodworkers Club. Visit www.drgnetwork.com and click on "Products."

STOCKS. A.C. Moore: $1.47, up $0.09 ... Hancock: $0.51, up $0.01 ... Jo-Ann: $14.04, down $0.84 ... Wal-Mart: $51.56, down $5.62 ... Dow Jones: 8,281.21, down 8.3%. (Note: All changes in price are since 1/2 and are exclusive of dividends.)

To read the latest listings by the only personnel recruitment firm specializing in our industry, click on Jobs in the left-hand column or click HERE.

When the Society of Decorative Painters announced that their 2009 Convention & Show would be in Peoria, IL June 16-20, many people probably thought, "Huh? Peoria?!?"

I have lived in the Peoria area since Barbara and I moved here to teach in 1968. I enjoy living here and think Peoria is a great place for trade shows: The Peoria Civic Center recently underwent a $55 million expansion. Reasonably priced hotels and excellent restaurants are within walking distance of the Civic Center – all near the beautifully restored banks of the Illinois River. The weather is usually great in June and the downtown area is safe. The airport has direct flights to Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Detroit, Tampa, etc.

Why care about decorative painters? The category is filled with astonishingly good teachers. It's really true: anyone can learn to paint. And when they learn, look out; these folks are dedicated to their craft and spend a lot of money on supplies. And once they're hooked, they stay hooked. Our industry has not given the category its due, and sales have suffered because of it.

(For a tour of the Civic Center, visit www.peoriaciviccenter.com/Panoramic_Tour.html. For show info, visit www.decorativepainters.org/conference/index.php.)

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