Archives of the Art Dog Blog from MacPherson's

Arttogo Becomes Artterro, “Art of the Earth”! Artterro, manufacturer of award-winning creative art kits, is excited to announce its official company relaunch. Artterro has always focused on designing high-quality, eco-friendly, affordable alternatives to common art and craft kits. The new name, Artterro “Art of the Earth,” clearly expresses the company’s commitment to sustainability and celebration of the universal desire to create beauty. Artterro kits are assembled in Milwaukee, WI by Goodwill Industries. The company is proud to partner with this outstanding non-profit, providing jobs and training to people in need.

Rick O’Dell has reluctantly decided to close his two Art Stores in Nashville, TN  due to challenging lease negotiations and the absence of suitable alternative sites. He was not able to negotiate a satisfactory lease nor find a suitable location to move the store. Current plans call for both stores to be closed by mid-April. Rick plans to continue in the industry as a successful Southeast based Manufacturer’s rep.

Congratulations to ColArt Americas marketing “maven”, Renee LaMontagne Hile, on the birth of healthy baby girl O’Neal Carson Hile.

Here’s a no brainer…the company formerly known as Sticky Ass Glue, LLC is now SAG International, LLC! In the words of the company’s spokesperson, “As our product line continues to grow, and our plans to expand into international markets begin to take shape, we decided that a new name was in order. Of course we still love being referred to as the Sticky Ass Glue crew, but on paper at least, we’ve become SAG International, LLC. ” So “refer” to your hearts content! And if you’d just like to know a bit more about this provocative product range, check out its  Sticky Ass Website.

What is Sequential Art? Sequential Art is the term used by professionals and the education community to cover the field of comics, cartooning, graphic novels, Manga, and similar story-telling illustration.

Strathmore’s Spring promotion began February 23 and extends through April 17, and offers some great deals with additional discounts up to 20% off. Please check out the exciting introduction of Sequential Art Surfaces, details follow. It’s always a challenge to find room for new products so Strathmore is offering a free, permanent display rack that holds the complete line in a small footprint with attractive graphics that will certainly attract attention. Just order the assortment on a reduced drop ship and the $200 rack is included at no charge with 90 days dating to qualifying customers. Ask your MacPherson’s rep for the details.

Strathmore® fine art bristols and illustration boards have been the choice among sequential art professionals and award winning illustrators for years.

Strathmore is now offering those best-selling bristols to consumers in convenient formats to fit the application. We are also introducing a new bristol surface and a new illustration board for wet media.

The comic, cartoon and graphic novel industry is growing – offer your customers the opportunity to picture their stories on Strathmore. Items are shipping now.

200 SERIES Bristol
Economical, smooth board printed with non-reproducible blue lines available in page and cover formats. Pads and sheet packs in this series are offered in the industry standard 11″ x 17″ format.

300 SERIES Bristol
Vellum for pencil, charcoal, sketching sticks, airbrush. Acceptable for pen and ink. Smooth for both traditional and specialty pen and ink tools. Sheet packs and pads are available in the standard 11″ x 17″ format. Pads are available in 5″ x 17″ and 12″ x 12″.

500 SERIES Bristol
Vellum has toothy finish, excellent for graphite pencil, colored pencil, sketching sticks and specialty pens and markers. Semi-smooth is a new, slightly textured surface suited for pen and ink tools, and pencil along with specialty pens and markers. Plate surface has ultra-smooth finish for detail work using traditional pen and ink tools, specialty pens, specialty markers and airbrush. Sheet packs and pads are available in the standard 11″ x 17″ format.

500 SERIES Illustration Board for Wet Media
Our newest surface is a professional quality board designed to accept all illustration media. Strong, durable vellum finish for traditional drawing techniques. Can be used for light washes up to wet on wet applications. Available in single sheet packs of either 15″ x 22″ or 22″ x 30″.

Learn more about the professional artists who choose to work with Strathmore.

We just published the latest New Items Report; you can check it out by clicking on this link: New Items Report #221. In the meantime, here’s a quick peek at some of the great new items:

Stencil1 Stencils
Stencil1 stencils are an eclectic, modern take on traditional stencils. Pre-cut on mylar, they are sturdy, washable and reusable. They work well with spray paint, fabric paint, oils, acrylics, house paint, markers and more. Use them to customize walls, t-shirts, fabric, scrapbooks, furniture or anything you can stencil! A perfect add-on sale for Montana Gold sprays.

Art Alternatives Artist Tool Boxes
Get organized with these durable, recyclable clear plastic boxes that feature stylish blue handles and clasps, and convenient in-lid storage for small items. The 14″ and 16″ sizes also include a lift out inner tray. Ideal for students, professionals, hobbyists or artists of all kinds. The styling and pricing are so hot that these three boxes will be perfect kit accessories for college students.

Taro Gomi Giant Books from Chronicle Books
3 titles of giant books from renowned children’s book illustrator, Taro Gomi, invite kids and artists of all ages not only to color, draw or paint but to spur creative thinking, stretch their imagination and create. Each book contains more than 200 pages filled with playful drawings, funny scenarios and fun-to-follow instructions.

9001 All-Purpose Adhesive from FPC Corporation
We never met a glue that consumers don’t like and this new entry does not disappoint! 9001 is a  clear, all-purpose adhesive that’s super thick, quick drying, waterproof and has a superior bond. Great for use with florals, glass, ceramic, magnets, metal, plastic, wood, jewelry and vinyl.

Manga PITT Art Pen Sets from Faber-Casell
Manga Anime continues its hot run and these four new sets are perfect for cartooning and drawing Manga characters. Each of the Manga Wallet pen sets contains a Manga instructional brochure and a set of PITT India Ink pens. The pens are smudge-proof, waterproof, lightfast, acid-free, pH neutral and permanent. Check out details on the sets plus terific promo pricing at the New Product Notice section at MacPhersonArt.com .

Elmer’s exhibited at the 2009 CHA Winter Show and previewed a variety of exciting new lines and products.  For those of you not able to attend the event, the new introductions included :

• A full spectrum of Elmer’s kid’s general craft supplies (everything from pom-poms to beads and beyond)
• The next generation of X-ACTO knife
• A new Conté counter display
• New compact project display boards
• An updated foamboard accessory rack
• A vast array of brand new kids’ art and craft sets

More information will be forthcoming on these product launches and you will be able to see everything first hand at the NAMTA Show in May.

In order to help drive your second quarter sales, Elmer’s is pleased to offer extended promotional discounts on an excellent variety of popular products that are featured in the MacPherson’s Spring Buyers Guide.  Please look for the following specials as a way to build awareness and sales of several of our newly introduced products along with other popular sellers.

Elmer’s/Bienfang Board Products:

o   Acid Free Foam Board – This 2-sheet package of 20″ x 30″ offers a slip sheet with color graphics.  The product is excellent for framing and photo mounting and is 3/16” thick.

o   New Guideline Board Products – All of these new items offer a faint guideline that is printed on the board.  Perfect for mounting, cutting, or alignment, the grid cannot be seen at a distance.  Great new value added board products to complement your current assortment.

• Black on Black Guideline Foam Board – 20” x 30” size, single sheets
• White Guideline Foam Board – 20” x 30” size, 2-sheet package with slip sheet and color graphics
• Tri Fold Project Display Boards – 36” x 48” white foam project display  boards.  Product is shrink wrapped with color graphics.

o   Stratocore – All plastic 20” x 30”  boards are available in white, yellow, black, and clear.  The product is completely weatherproof and waterproof, easy to cut, and light weight.  Perfect for outdoor signs, yard art, craft projects, and model making.   Stratocore will be featured in the Spring Consumer Sales Flyer being offered by Creative Catalog Concepts.

o   Bienfang NoteSketch – Totally unique product features a lined area on half of the page, with the other half blank.  Available in 2 sizes, 5 ½” x 8 ½ “ and 8 ½’ x 11”.  One version has the page split horizontally and the other has a vertical orientation.  Perfect for field sketching, journals, lab courses, etc.  Fantastic complementary product for any fine art and/or commercial paper section.

o    Bienfang Watercolor Papers-Two varieties to choose from:

o   Aquademic 90# Watercolor Paper – Available in a 100-sheet 18” x 24” package or in pads, sizes 9” x 12”, 11” x 15” and 18” x 24”.  This product offers exceptional quality at a very economical price.  Uniform whiteness, medium surface texture, and excellent formation.

o   Neutral PH 140# Watercolor Paper – A standard weight paper with medium surface texture.  Will resist yellowing over time and will preserve the original integrity of the artist’s colors.  Offered in pads, sizes 9” x 12”, 11″ x 15” and 18″ x 24”.

In an effort to build new product awareness and stimulate consumer sales, Elmer’s is proud to be a sponsor of two upcoming industry trade shows that will be uplinked to PBS stations.  These are:

The 12th series of Hands on Crafts for Kids, hosted by Kathie Stull, which uplinks March 15.

The 14th series of Scrapbook Memories, hosted by Julie McGuffee and Beth Madland, which uplinks March 22.

Please reach out to your MacPherson’s sales representative if you have any questions regarding the above mentioned products or programs or contact Mike directly at mmankowsky@elmers.com.  He would love to hear from you!

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS – A TRIP TO GERMANY !!
Artist & Display – Milwaukee, WI
Rileystreet – San Rafael, CA

1st Prize Winner – $500
Muse Art and Design – Portland, OR

2nd Prize Winners – $100
Southern Graphics & Supply – Roanoke, VA
Appalachian University Bookstore – Boone, NC

Thanks to all who participated; your efforts certainly embodied the creative and fun spirit of STABILO!

Artist & Display held STABILOFest in October 2008, which included several creative demo events over the month using STABILO products.  They advertised STABILOFest through numerous ads including print and radio. The store staff dressed in custom-made red STABILO t-shirts.  In addition to STABILOFest, they also got local universities involved by having them do various class projects using STABILO.  The mural pictured here was created with 843 separate works of art, all done with STABILO Point 88 and Pen 68.

Check out the amazing Youtube video that Artist & Display created to chronicle  STABILOFest:

Rileystreet made STABILO part of a store-wide event to help raise money for a local high school.  Invitations were sent out in advance to all the teachers, students and their families.  Attendees were introduced to STABILO Point 88 and Pen 68 for creating artist trading cards and CarbOthello pastel pencils for making hand-marbled cards.  The STABILO event was such a success that it will be repeated again in 2009.

Muse Art & Design hosted an artist trading card contest where entries had to incorporate the use of STABILO Point 88 or Pen 68.  Hundreds of entries were displayed at a public street fair held near the store, at which Muse also hosted a free card-making event where STABILO products were available to use.  The contest was promoted through cute flyers designed to resemble artist trading cards, which were placed in local establishments throughout the community, in addition to web blasts and print ads.  Prizes included free art supplies and an iPod Nano.

Southern Graphics & Supply made STABILO the focus of its “Decorate an Ornament” event, where they invited customers by distributing flyers to come join them in decorating an ornament for the store Christmas tree.  Customers who made an ornament received a $5 store coupon, and were able to enjoy a festive atmosphere and refreshments while making their ornament.

Appalachian University Bookstore held an in-store art contest called “The Inclusive Art Gallery”, where students could enter by using STABILO products to create a piece of art on an 8.5” x 11” sheet of paper.  The entries were displayed in insertable-cover binders and customers cast their votes for their favorite.  The winner walked away with $200 worth of free art supplies and a $50 store gift card.

Spring means Watercolor Savings from ColArt Americas!
• All Cotman Water Colour tubes (8ml & 21ml) and all 18 sets at an extra 10% off!
• CAP Dealers: Save an extra 10% on all Artist Water Colours (open-stock & asst’s)
• Consumer Promo*: FREE Artist Water Colour Medium with any $45 purchase of Artist Water Colours! (consumer’s choice of any 75ml jar – $7.65 value)
(*Offer good for CAP dealers only, please order 50-sheet mail-in coupon pad #WNAWC09K)

• All LIQUITEX (2 o.z) Soft Body Acrylics tubes and jars  & Super Heavy Body Acrylics at an extra 10% Off!
• Consumer Promo**: Purchase $25 in Super Heavy Body Acrylics get a FREE small painting knife via mail-in coupon! (**Please order 50-sheet mail-in coupon pad #LQSHB09K)
• CAP Dealers: Save an extra 10% on all Liquitex HB 4.65 o.z tubes & 32 oz. jars and all BASICS 118ml and 250ml tube acrylics!

• The best-selling WN Bristol Sketching & Water Colour Easel is on promo at +10%! (CAP Dealers will get +10/5%)

•  The popular WN Brush Vase with attractive new packaging and now offered at a much lower price! (Offered at +10% off! CAPs get +10/5%) 4” vase = $6.50 msrp; 6” vase: $11.50 msrp.

• All DERWENT Blister Packs are featured at +10% Off! (includes both 4 & 6 pencil packs)
• CAP Dealers: Save an extra 10% on all Coloursoft Sets and asst’s!

• All Reeves Water Mixable Oil Sets (including the new large 22ml tube sets and complete set)  at +10% Off!
• All Reeves Introduction to Art Blister Carded sets ($6.99 list) are featured at +10%

Please see your MacPherson’s rep for all these ColArt Spring Promotional Savings!

Gregg Samson has left Moore Push Pin Co; The company revealed that he wanted to move in other directions. We wish him all the best for his valiant efforts to make this all American picture hanging manufacturer a vibrant and dynamic company.

Don Dow of Artograph reports that his daughter Jennea had a baby  on February 11th. The boy (Drew) was 9 ½ lbs and both are doing great.

It’s Official:
Effective immediately, Chartpak will have the exclusive North American distribution rights to the premium brands of Schmincke. The premium brands include Mussini Artist Oils, Horadam Watercolor and Gouache, Schmincke Artist Pastels. “These brands compliment our Grumbacher premium artist brands” stated Steven W. Roth, President and CEO of Chartpak.

The Grumbacher and Schmincke relationship dates back to the early 1900s. Grumbacher distributed Schmincke colors until World War II when Grumbacher began to manufacture its own line of premium colors in the United States. “This renewed partnership is a continuation of our mission to provide artists with the best art materials the world has to offer,” said Mr. Roth.

On Valentines Saturday, National Public Radio reported that about 25,000 people nationwide went to the card-making event at Michaels stores.  Stuart Aitken, the company’s chief marketing officer says that a bad economy can be good for craft sales. “During down economies, customers tend to go back to basics, and Arts and crafts are the most basic form.” says Aitken. Listen to the actual audio report by clicking here:

NPR “Get Crafty” on Valentines Day

In related news, Michaels CEO Brian Cornell announced that Philo Pappas will be joining the company on February 23 as Executive Vice President – Category Management. Philo is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire  and brings 27 years of retail merchandising from such companies as Lechmere, Tweeter, The May Company, and Staples. Reporting directly to Philo will be Eric Dickenson, Patty Fletcher, Rich Gartmann, Kathy Lacks, David Mitchell, Alison Norton and Becky Velez.

Crayola Wins Two Toy of the Year Awards! In New York City last week, Crayola won its first ever Toy of the Year Award (TOTY) Award) from the Toy Industry Association during its annual award ceremony to recognize the industry’s best and most innovative toys.  Color Wonder Magic Light Brush won Activity Toy of the Year, which recognizes a toy that inspires creative play through various forms of activity.  In addition, Crayola 3D Sidewalk Chalk took home the TOTY for Outdoor Toy for the Year, which focuses on toys designed for outdoor play.

Artists who are fans of Montana Gold are discovering the coolest new accessory for their creative works!  Stencil 1 offers a hot new stencil line with funky and fresh designs that are sure to inspire. Check out Stencil 1 creator Ed Roth’s blog to see an amazing canvas by artist Mel Waters using Stencil 1, Montana Gold and Hardcore Markers. Ed’s Blog also features other innovative ideas and creations all made possible with his stencils, even some edible ones! Click here to read the Blog: Stencil 1 Blog

From Steve Rossney, “Check out our great deals in MacPherson’s 2009 Spring Buyer’s Guide (2-14-09 through 5-31-09)!”

OPEN STOCK
+ Grumbacher Finest and Academy Watercolors at 60/5%
+ Grumbacher Academy and Golden Edge Watercolor Brushes at 70%
+ Grumbacher Paint Sets at 50/15%
+ Grumbacher Brush Sets at 70%
+ Koh-I-noor NEW Soft Pastels at 50/25/10%
+ Koh-I-noor Gioconda Pastel Pencil Sets at 50/15%
+ Koh-I-noor Gioconda Aquarelle Pencils at 50/10%
+ Koh-I-noor Mondeluz Art Set at 50/10%
+ Koh-I-noor Watercolor Wheel at 50/10%
+ Pelikan Watercolor Sets at 50/15%

DROP SHIP
+ Grumbacher Color Assortments at 50/35%
+ Grumbacher Brush Assortments at 70/25%
+ All Grumbacher Color and Brush Assortments include the new, beautiful plexiglass displays, and free freight. Please contact your MacPherson’s sales rep, or Steve Rossney (srossney@cox.net) for details.

New Online Video and Just Paint Newsletter Available from GOLDEN

New Digital Mixed Media Video
In a continued effort to supply retailers with tools in support of the new Digital Mixed Media products, Golden Artist Colors has created a second Digital Mixed Media Video, this time with a focus on creating and then printing on acrylic skins. This short video will reaffirm for people how easy the processes is and begin to inspire artists with the possibilities of this new medium.

You can view the video on the GOLDEN website: Video Page

You can either link to the videos on the GOLDEN website, or both the new Acrylic Skins video and the previously released Specialty Paper video are available on CD for stores who are interested in having their own copies. Each video should be ordered separately and is available by way of MacPherson’s Golden Support. Contact your MacPherson’s sales rep for more information. Ordering details:

Code    Description
16202    DMM How-To Video CD – Specialty Paper
16203    DMM How-To Video CD – Creating Acrylic Skins

Just Paint Newsletter #20
The latest issue of the Just Paint newsletter (#20) is now online!
This issue focuses on the innovative new Digital Mixed Media product line from GOLDEN.  The article written by Product Manager Dana Rice walks you through preparing a substrate with Digital Ground for ink-jet printing and in addition, points out tips and tricks to make the process as easy as possible.  Working Artist Program Director Patti Brady focuses her article on the countless ways to create acrylic skins for ink-jet printing.  She also suggests ways to incorporate those skins into artwork – the possibilities are virtually limitless!  Also included in this issue is an article written by Lab Technician Ulysses Jackson that describes some unique new products that were recently launched by GOLDEN, which are currently in the MacPherson’s warehouses and available for order.  To read these articles and much more, go to Just Paint Archives
Sign up to receive Just Paint electronically: Just Paint Sign Ups
If additional printed copies of Just Paint are required for in-store presentation or staff distribution, contact your MacPherson’s Representative for ordering instructions.

Availability of Rethinking Acrylic by Patti Brady
The MacPherson’s buyer for GOLDEN has recently informed us that Patti’s new North Light Book, Rethinking Acrylic, is in stock and available for purchase.  This gives you one more way to build GOLDEN Sales in your store!

Looking for a way to draw customers into your store? Blow them away with premium quality canvas at the best pricing ever.

The CPSC has (finally!) issued some guidelines for meeting the new CPSIA regulations. Small business and resellers will find the Guide quite helpful in determing what can be sold at this point in time. MacPherson’s continues to document compliance each product we sell under the Art Alternatives, Okido and SOS brands, and we continue to collect information for every distributed brand’s products, too. Be assured that if MacPherson’s hears of any non-compliant products in our inventory we will alert you immediately. The Guide can be found on NAMTA’s web site by following this link:

Guide to the Consumer Product  Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)

Here’s more news from the CPSC that came in Friday afternoon.

The CPSC (Consumer Products Safety Commission) has stated that it  cannot change or delay implementation of the 2/10/09 lead limits. However, it has noted the following:

• That the CPSC is currently investigating wood, cotton, wool and certain  metals and alloys that have consistently tested below 300ppm lead. Until it makes its final ruling on these materials, the Commission  will not prosecute manufacturers, importers, distributors or retailers selling children’s products made of these materials unless knowingly have more than 600ppm lead.

Product classes whose lead content is consistently below 300ppm lead (the August 2009 limit) include:
– ordinary children’s books printed after 1985
– dyed or undyed textiles (not including leather, vinyl or PVC), and non-metallic threads and trim, unless they have undergone further treatment that may impart lead, are ornamented by rhinestones, metal and other objects, or have metal or plastic fasteners that may contain lead.

• That the new lead limits do not apply to component parts that are inaccessible during normal and reasonably foreseeable use and abuse. Paint and similar coatings are not considered to be barriers making underlying components inaccessible. Until inaccessibility guidance is finalized, the Commission will accept a manufacturer’s determination that a part is inaccessible if based on reasonable interpretation.

Special thanks to Steve Berger and the other folks at CHA who made it easy for many of us to write Congress asking for a 6-month delay of the 2/10/2009 implementation of the new lead and phthalate minimums. The Congress is discussing this issue today.

Due to extreme pressure from manufacturers and retailers, the CPSC continues to rethink the implementation of the CPSIA rulings. Some of the certification regulations have been delayed by 1 year, but for now it looks like the lead limit for children’s products and the Phthalate limits for children’s toys might still take effect on February 10, 2009. An emergency session of the CPSC to discuss a possible delay is planned for February 9th.

The CPSC issues changes weekly, if not daily, and it’s hard to keep up with the changing legislation. But don’t worry – the MacPherson’s team is keeping up with all the changes so that you don’t have to. We are working diligently to insure that all items in our inventory are in compliance with the CPSIA regulations; we have contacted all vendors requesting testing results; and we will act accordingly on any items found not to be in compliance with the regulations as they take affect.

Joe Suss, MacPherson’s Sales Representative Extraordinaire:
It’s with sadness that I announce that Joe Suss will be leaving MacPherson’s on February 15th. Joe has worked here since 1993 and his territory was one of our first expansion moves into the eastern United States. The accomplishments in his time with the company would fill a book, but what “Joe PA”, as we affectionately refer to him, is really known for is a great sense of humor, rare wit and a big heart.  I know I speak for everyone when we say he will be missed!
– Steve Robinson, Sales VP, MacPherson’s

Here is a note Joe wanted us to send out to everyone:
I want to thank my customers and everyone at MacPherson’s for their help and support.  I’ve been in art distribution for 32 years, the past 15 ½ with MacPherson’s and have enjoyed every minute.  Everyone at MacPherson’s was phenomenal at helping me work with my accounts to grow their business and resolve problems.  One of the great attributes of MacPherson’s is their commitment to the success of their employees and business partners.
Any success I had in sales could not have been achieved without my customers.  It was an honor and privilege to work with them.  I truly feel we worked together to help each other be successful.   I’m leaving with great memories of my time in the art industry and wish everybody happiness and success in their business and lives.
Regards,
Joe

Check out the local Philly TV News where Jay Thomson’s Sherman Mills Art Supply has been involved in good works delivering donations to art products starved middle school students. The result? Teachers are able to concentrate on real creativity instead of doing without or pinching pennies! Way to go Jay! Click here to watch the video: Fresh Art Philadelphia

Krylon is offering Art Student Scholarships:

For over 60 years, Krylon® has been the choice of fine artists for the preservation of priceless artwork. We’re proud to be their choice. Now it’s Krylon’s turn to make a choice. A choice to ensure the future of fine arts remains strong. And for that, Krylon chooses you.

In an effort to help art students with the soaring costs of tuition while contributing to the fine arts establishment, Krylon is awarding five $1,000 Krylon Clear Choice Art scholarships to future fine artists and giving ten students a gift package of Krylon Artist Sprays and Adhesives. In addition, the art program at each winner’s school will receive a $500 grant and a large gift package of Krylon Artist Sprays and Adhesives. Click here for more details and the downloadable application form: Krylon Scholarship Program

Michaels Stores, Inc. announced on January 26 that it had reached an agreement with Tata Consultancy Services, based in India, to  “co-source” various functions, initially including portions of the retailer’s Information Technology, Information Services and Accounts Payable functions. In related news, Michaels will lay off approximately 100 employees at its corporate headquarters in Irving.

Canson has hired Max Bowers to manage sales for its expanding line of art inkjet papers called Infinity. The line features precoated standards such as  Mi-Teintes, Montval and BFK papers and will be launched in the fine art channel in late February.

Best wishes to Bob Brown, former head of Daler Rowney USA as he recovers from cancer related surgery.

We are sending our best thoughts and prayers to Nora Hackenberg of Artist and Display Supply, Inc. in Milwaukie, WI for a quick recovery from a recent accident.

Bob Overpeck, well regarded “Road Warrior” Art Rep and former principal at the long defunct and iconic west coast art supply wholesaler Duncan Vail passed away on November 26th.

Consumers Plan For Cupid On The Cheap: This Valentine’s Day, consumers will focus more on cards and kisses, less on restaurants and candy. A new survey from the National Retail Federation shows that while spending will be down, shoppers will look for ways to be creative in inexpensive ways like making their own Valentines and cooking  romantic meals at home.

Newell Rubbermaid Inc., the Atlanta parent of Sanford, reported a fourth-quarter loss of $256.7 million versus a year-earlier profit on 12% lower sales. The company reduced its quarterly dividend to 10.5 cents a share.

Ulf G. Linden, respected Swedish industrialist and owner and chairman of Beckers, the parent of ColArt International passed away of a heart attack on January 3rd. He was 71 years old. Our most sincere condolences to the family and his daughter Jenny Linden Urnes who succeeded Mr. Linden as the group’s chairperson last year.

The MacPherson’s team spans the globe in search of great products and programs. In this photo taken at the Paperworld show in Frankfurt, Frank Stapleton, Kathy Johnson and Lisa Slauson meet with the Lyra Pencil team to develop marketing programs supporting our continued distribution of one of the worlds finest sketching products.

CPSC Delays Enforcement of CPSIA: On Friday January 30,  the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a one-year stay of enforcement of the new standards included in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. Some of the new, stricter standards relating to lead and phthalates content in children’s products were to go into effect Feb. 10. The Commission’s website said, “The stay of enforcement provides some temporary, limited relief to the crafters, children’s garment manufacturers and toy makers who had been subject to the testing and certification required under the CPSIA.  Read the complete statement: www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09115.html.

Artist Mercantile will no longer import and  market  Schmincke Fine Art Products in the USA.  In a letter to customers Artist Mercantile’s head David Ingraham wrote “the current economic conditions, including the
continuing weak dollar, make our business model unsustainable.” Just in! Chartpak will assume the exclusive distribution of Schmincke going forward. In the photo are the key signatories(from left to right):Michael Hammer of Hammer and Associates (one of Chartpak’s rep groups), Markus Baumgart of H. Schmincke & Co., Nils Knappe of H. Schmincke & Co., Steven W. Roth, President, Chartpak, Inc., and Thomas J. Richards, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Chartpak, Inc.

The Artist’s Studio in Brookings, OR has decided to close their doors.

Best wishes to Nora Hackenberg of Artist and Display Supply, Inc. in Milwaukie who is recovering from a nasty ankle accident.

MacPherson’s will be relocating its Elgin, IL Distribution Center to a brand new facility during the second quarter of 2009. Expiration of the existing facility lease in Elgin prompted MacPherson’s search for new, larger quarters.  After an extensive 6 month long search the ideal location was determined to be directly across the street from our existing facility. The new location is at 225 Corporate Drive, Elgin, IL. The front door to front door distance of the new location is approximately 600 feet from our current building.

The actual move is currently targeted for late May or early June. The new facility encompasses 125,000 square feet and increases our storage capacity in the Midwest by 60%.

MacPherson’s operations team is currently hard at work on the details of a moving plan that will make a seamless transition from the old facility to the new and have little or no impact on any of our valuable customers. Want the satellite aerial view? Click on this link: MacPherson’s new Elgin, IL warehouse.

Art Alternatives is proud to introduce new durable, recyclable and affordable plastic artist tool boxes! Available in 12”, 14” and 16” sizes, these heavy-duty translucent tool boxes feature stylish blue handles and clasps and convenient in-lid storage for small items. The 14” and 16” boxes also include an interior lift-out tray. Stock up now at an amazing 65% launch-only promotion for the best savings you’ll ever see! Order now through 2/28/09 with the SMIAB code “SI” to receive this great deal. Available exclusively through MacPherson’s.
12” box ($9.99 MSRP) Item # AA18512
14” box (14.99 MSRP) Item # AA18514
16” box ($19.99 MSRP) Item # AA18516