CHA 2015 Hot Products Nominees

Each year, the Craft and Hobby Association nominates new products in eight industry categories for their Hot Products Award. The nominees were announced earlier this week. I've done some very quick Googling and am going to make some predictions, having never actually seen these in action. (I'm writing this on Thursday. I should see them all on Saturday, when this post is running.)

Come to think of it, "predictions" isn't exactly the right word. More like "stuff I want." Here are the eight categories, along with my thoughts on what I'd select if I were a judge.

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BEAD & JEWELRY

• Amazing Remelt by Alumilite, is an FDA compliant, completely reusable, flexible mold making material.
• Artistic Wire 3D Bracelet Jig by Beadalon, allows the design of perfectly round, continuous, all-in-one bangles, cuff bracelets, and curved components in 3D using wire, stones, and beads.
• Handwritten Style Fonts in Stylish Storage Cases by ImpressArt are whimsical new handwritten style stamp sets that are evocative of current typography trends.

My pick: Artistic Wire 3D Bracelet Jig

I know very little about jewelry-making, but I think the 3D Bracelet Jig is really cool. That's my pick... but only because the Amazing Remelt is in the running for the next category.

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CAKE & FOOD DECORATING

• Amazing Remelt by Alumilite, is an FDA compliant, completely reusable, flexible mold making material.
• Crystal KuBaton by CrystalNinja.com, is a limited edition multi media pickup tool, inspired by Crystal Katana, featuring twist-retractable ninjaneered design, sharpenable, and refillable tip.
• Events & Celebrations Collection of Labels, Tags, and Cards by CCL Industries-Avery Products, is a crafter’s dream, offering premium material in textured & pearlized cream in cute pre-cut shapes and sizes.

My pick: Amazing Remelt

I like the word "ninjaneered" a lot, but I'm picking the Amazing Remelt in this category. I can't believe this is food-safe! I would have SO MUCH FUN making chocolate molds out of all sorts of things around the house...

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FABRIC & NEEDLE CRAFTS

• FABRIC ELEMENTS by Fabric Editions, Inc., features artist Rebekah Meier’s pre-cut line of fabrics for mixed media collages.
• Proggy by Craft Yourself Silly, is an innovative twist on a traditional British rug making technique that creates all sorts of textile projects with little or no sewing at all.
• THREADS inkjet printable fabrics by PrintableFabrics.com, creates sharp prints with vivid colors and smooth skin tones, with no steaming or heat on washable fabrics.

My pick: Proggy

The other two things are cool, but LOOK AT THIS HEDGEHOG! There are a ton of other adorable projects on their site.

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FLORAL CRAFTS

• Events & Celebrations Collection of Labels, Tags, and Cards by CCL Industries- Avery Products, is a crafter’s dream, offering premium material in textured & pearlized cream in cute pre-cut shapes and sizes.
• Little B Petal Packs by Little B LLC, are a revolutionary new way to create fast, easy and beautiful paper flowers.
• PREMIUM Metals ROSE GOLD by DESIGN MASTER® color tool, inc.,takes a cue from the runway and delivers a touch of couture in a bright, metal plating look.

My pick: Rose Gold?

I couldn't find the Little B Petals Packs online and I'm not wowed by the other two, so I'm not sure how to vote. I guess the spray paint gets my vote.

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GENERAL CRAFTS

• DIY Décor Tape by Hazel & Ruby, is washi tape produced in 4”, 8”, 12” & 24” rolls including solids, designed patterns, and interactive that allows consumers to add their own content.
• FOLD-EASE® by Manwise Products Ltd, is a patented paper and card folding tool which prevents friction burns/paper cuts and creates a better crease line when hand folding paper and cards.
• Groove by Art-C is the first tool specifically designed for crafters to ink, sand, stencil and distress a wide variety of surfaces (wood, glass, cardstock, fabric, metal and more).

My pick: DIY Decor Tape

Washi tape, in huge rolls? Yes, please! At first I thought it was just a rehash of the Contact Paper we all used to line drawers back in the day, but there are so many possibilities if this performs just like small rolls of washi does.

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KIDS CRAFTS

• Kokoru Ichi, Ichigo, Ichiro by Printindo Mega Utama, pt., is a new line of color corrugated to make 3D shapes.
• Trend Books for Kids by Fox Chapel Publishing, are fun books that turn kids on to crafts and introduces them to a creative hobby that will last a lifetime.
• Twisteezwire Mask Kit by Witzend Workshop LLC., is a playful connective thinking and recycling craft.

My pick: Twisteezwire Mask Kit

I had Trevor come look at the three nominees and he LOVED the Twisteezwire kit. Me too!

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PAINT & ART

• Folk It! Series No. 1 Collection by Folk It! is 6 kits that provides all the art supplies and education for the absolute novice to learn Folk Art Painting.
• Lumi Photo Printing Kit by Lumi, is a new alternative to screen-printing, using the power of the sun to print customized t-shirts and textiles.
• Tulip® ColorShot Instant Fabric Color™ by iLoveToCreate, gives fabrics an instant shot of beautiful, washable, permanent color and works wonderfully with stencils & monograms.

My pick: Lumi Photo Printing Kit

I'm probably more likely to use the Tulip Fabric Color, but there's no question in my mind that the Lumi product is the most innovative.

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PAPER CRAFTS

• FOLD-EASE® by Manwise Products Ltd, is a patented paper and card folding tool which prevents friction burns/paper cuts and creates a better crease line when hand folding paper and card.
• Sizzix Inksheets by Sizzix/Ellison allows crafters to easily simulate the popular metallic foil and chalkboard trends and impress permanent, stylish colors onto cardstock, craft foil, leather, magnet sheet, wood paper and more.
• Stick It by Ken Oliver Crafts LLC, is an innovative adhesive that has been specially formulated for intricate die-cutting and electronic cutting machines.

My pick: Stick It

None of these solves a problem that I actually have, but I think the Stick It is something that would appeal to the broadest span of crafters.

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The winners will be announced at the CHA Foundation Gala, which is tomorrow night. I'm not attending the Gala; after the show floor closes, I'll be joining Steve and Trevor for an evening at Disneyland. (Topping my to-do list: eat a Dole Whip and a Mickey-shaped ice cream bar and defeat Zurg.) But I'll be back on the show floor on Monday to find out what won! Any predictions? Hopes?