Archives of the Art Dog Blog from MacPherson's

Congratulations to Iris Williams & Kirk Lowry whose Ojai Creates has set a standard for creative supplies in the Santa Barbara/Ventura area have taken the plunge and opened a new/second store called Ventura Creates! Serving a lot larger general population, the store occupies a much bigger floor plan as well as a new expanded merchandise selection.

Pelikan debuts retail concept. The German company recently opened its first own-branded retail store in Malaysia. The primary purpose of the PeliStation is to showchase the full range of Pelikan products and services. The retail outlet will also carry the PeliFill machine, which provides express ink refill service for the cartridge.

With great sadness we report the passing of Monroe Segal, father of Penco Graphic Supply owners Fred and Conrad on December 10th. In his career he most enjoyed his 13 years selling cars for Hansord Pontiac, where he was known as “Wide Track” Monroe, and he also worked for over 25 years for Penco.

Craft sticker company Sandylion has named Bruce MacDougall President/CEO. Previously he had been President/CEO of Elmer’s Products.

Chris Crombie, Hobbycraft

UK Arts and Crafts retailer Hobbycraft has hired Grant Thornton to advise the 39-store chain on possible options to sell the company. The chain’s management, led by chief executive Chris Crombie, is believed to be exploring a leveraged buy-out from the company’s family owners. However, an auction process has not been ruled out and could possibly could take place early in 2010.

Marker and pen maker Sanford (Newell Rubbermaid) has opened its new ink plant in Manchester, TN. The new plant is manufacturing ink for use in the company’s Sharpie markers and Paper Mate pens.
In related news, Sanford parent Newell Rubbermaid named Juan Figuereo as the company’s new chief financial officer effective December 7th. Figuereo succeeds Patrick Robinson, Newell’s CFO since June 2003. Most recently, he was the CFO of Canadian soft-drink maker Cott Corp.

Liisa McConnell

Liisa McConnell, product manager at Canson for Royal Talens, USA and Canada has moved from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania to pursue a new career and personal direction. Canson is in the midst of a search for a replacement.

Crayola and Disney top Moms’ Most Loved Brands of 2009, according to a Smarty Pants® study of more than 4,500 mothers of 6-to 12-year-olds. The study reveals that these two brands outperform other leading iconic brands like Wii, Oreo and Google. Smarty Pants, is a market research and marketing consultancy that conducts youth and family research and guides marketers on brand positioning, new product development and consumer trends.
Smarty Pants Poll

We are very partial to art supply retail advertising that honors incredibly talented dogs. We like to think we know one when we sees one! Check out this TV spot for David’s Art Center in Metairie, LA featuring David the (talking) dog… look out, Mr. Ed!

As fall gives way to winter, oil painters will be returning to, and re-stocking, their studios. It’s a great time to talk to your painters about Studio Safety.

Gamblin is committed to Studio Safety and offers FREE Kits to support your conversations with painters. Each Gamblin Retail Partner Studio Safety Kit contains:
• 25 Gamsol 2oz samples
• 25 Guides to Mediums
• 25 Solvent Comparison Charts
• Studio Safety Rack Signage
• Studio Safety Fact Sheet

To receive your FREE Gamblin Retail Partner Studio Safety Kit, add item #GB981122 to your next order. The Studio Safety Kits are available throughout the entire Winter Back-to-School promotion.

Gamblin has also added Promotional Copy and Images to the Retail Portal on their website for your next newsletter or e-blast. Visit Gamblin Promo Colateral.

Crave even more information about Studio Safety? Visit Gamblin’s comprehensive website at Gamblin.com or contact Gamblin directly at 503.235.1945.

Stock-up on these ColArt WBTS essentials at great savings! (All +10%, brush packs +20%)
• Winsor & Newton and LIQUITEX Professional Gesso
• W&N Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colours and Mediums (all)
• LIQUITEX Painting Knives
• W&N Oil and LIQUITEX HB Acrylic “Everyday” Colour Sets
• W&N Special Value Brush Packs
• DERWENT Coloursoft Pencils (asst’s & open-stock)

CAP Dealers! Take advantage of;
• Winton Oil Colour 37ml (+10%) (open-stock/asst’s)
• W&N’s New Artist Acrylic Colour (+15%) (open-stock/asst’s)
• LQ BASICS 118ml  (+5%) (open-stock/asst’s)
And CAP Dealers will now get these extra promotional discounts on MacPherson’s warehouse orders!!!

What’s New?

Derwent Helical Sharpener
•• Long lasting steel rotary cutter ensures a perfect point every time
••Transparent shavings reservoir is easy to empty
••Four rubber feet provide added stability
••Includes free cleaning brush
••Requires 4 AA batteries (not included)
WN2300174 Helical Pencil Sharpener – MSRP $39.95

Derwent Pencil Extenders & Battery-Operated Eraser
no additional discount

Pencil Extenders
••Blister card features set of two different extenders
– Silver extender fits larger diameter pencils up to 8mm
– Black extender fits standard size pencils up to 7mm
••Extends useful life of pencils, wasting less material
•• Metal screw-style collar holds more firmly than a standard clutch style
•• Hollow design allows use as a holder or protector for longer pencils

Battery Operated Eraser
••Heavy duty eraser refines marks & amends small areas
••Long-lasting erasers are easy to replace
••Includes 8 eraser refills
••Top mounted on/off button is perfect for both right & left-handed
use
••Comfortable to hold
••Requires 2 AAA batteries (not included)

WN2300124 Pencil Extenders – MSRP $8.95
WN2301931 Battery-Operated Eraser – MSRP $9.95

Please see your MacPherson’s rep for all these great WBTS deals!

Sakura is introducing its new Cray-Pas Expressionist and Specialist open stock displays that feature new graphics and can be merchandised on a shelf or hooked on pegboard or slot wall!

New display graphics now label each individual bin with color name, stock number & UPC barcode in a more space efficient display that makes re-ordering a breeze!

Starting in January 2010, the Expressionist Display is featured at a best ever extra 20% and the Specialist is at an extra 25% discount!  The stock numbers and retail are unchanged. Cray-Pas Expressionist and Specialist set sales go way up when the open stock is offered! Cray-Pas was the first product offered by Sakura of America when they invented oil pastels in 1925.  Cray-pas is the world-wide brand leader in oil pastels! Sakura’s Wonderful, Colorful World Cray-Pas elementary school drawing contest enters our 16th year with over 120,000 entries from U.S children from K to 8th grades! Sakura of America works with many generous retailers and manufacturers to sponsor the Wonderful, Colorful World contest and support the arts in schools.

The new displays dimensions and weights are as follows:

• Expressionist Display:  Item #: SKXLP-DSPLY;  Dimensions: 22”H x 15”L x 6”D;   Weight: 18 lbs  14 oz
• Specialist Displays:  Item #: SKESP-DSPLY;  Dimensions: 22”H x 15”L x 6”D; Weight: 18 lbs  5 oz

The first ship date will be January 4 for both New Displays!

Walter Foster continues to expand its line of products with new and unexpected approaches to art instruction. As the year comes to a close, we’d like to put a spotlight on two unique 2009 titles from Walter Foster: The Daily Book of Art and Space Gladiators.

In The Daily Book of Art, Walter Foster offers an inspiring blend of art instruction, art history, and modern art forms. Ten categories of discussion rotate throughout an entire year to give readers a broad view of art from all angles. From step-by-step projects and world-famous paintings to artist biographies and elephants that paint, this book covers it all!

Item code: FODEV1
Format: Hardcover, 376 pages
Retail: $22.95

In Space Gladiators, readers can draw along with the adventure! Written in the style of a graphic novel, this book features the story of Deke Drifter, a human who finds himself in an intergalactic battle arena competing to win the Space Monster Battle Planet games. With some help from Deke’s coach, Zort, readers can learn how to create fantastic space monsters and other characters as they draw along with the story. Each action-packed battle scene introduces step-by-step instructions for drawing a new character, as well as tips and tricks every aspiring comic artist should know.

Item code: FODA1
Format: Softcover, 120 pages
Retail: $19.95

Come visit the Elmer’s Products Booth # 2523 at CHA / Anaheim for a fun, new Game Show, When Creativity Knocks Crazy Crafters Countdown
Here are the dates & times:

•  WCK Crazy Crafter Countdown Game Show
Premiere! Special time – 4:00 p.m.

•  WCK Crazy Crafter Countdown Game Show
3 times  –  11:00 a.m. , 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.

•  WCK Crazy Crafter Countdown Game Show
2 times  –  11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

The six (6) WCK Crazy Crafter Countdown Game Shows will air on the When Creativity Knocks Website with links to Elmer’s

This Game show will have 3 doors.  Behind each door would be a thing that is not typically associated with crafting (such as a Frisbee, CD, etc).  Then each crafter selects a door with an object.  Each crafter is also given a box of supplies that include mainly Elmer’s products with some embellishments.  They have 5 minutes (or whatever amount of time we feel is necessary) to create a fun, usable craft project. Then, the judges vote to determine a winner.  Each winner will then win a product prize basket.

Stop by & show off your Creativity in Crafting!

Have you recently added an online store? If so, Strathmore Artist Papers can help drive traffic to your site! Strathmore’s “Where to Buy feature is one of the busiest sections of its site, receiving thousands and thousands of page views per year. “Where to buy?” is also the most frequently asked question Strathmore receives from consumers. If you’d like your online store to be listed (or if your store location is not already on the site), please email Ann Danielski:  ann.danielski@strathmoreartist.com. Check out Strathmore’s web site:  Strathmoreartist.com

L&B’s very versatile vinyl-based matte paint, Flashe, is transitioning from 60ml tubes to 125ml jars! Along with this transition, the color offering will be expanding to 77 colors! An assortment of the best-selling 49 colors housed in a single rack will also be available. The 60ml tubes will no longer be available as they sell out. Make sure to get set up in the new year with the new 125ml size! Available in January – ask your MacPherson’s rep for more details!

You may have had a sneak peak of the new RGM Stainless Steel Sculpting Knives and Linoleum Tools at NAMTA.

The Stainless Steel Sculpting Tools offer high-quality and excellent functionality. They’re rust-resistant and have an ergonomic, hexagonal-shaped handle for ease of use. Available in open stock at the reasonable retail price of $14.25 each, and a carded display of one each of all 13 styles.

The Linoleum Tools come in 12 styles that feature hardened steel points and shock-resistant fiberglass handles. They are economically priced at $5.95 each!

Both product lines will be available from MacPherson’s in January – ask your MacPherson’s contact for more details after the holidays!

Canvas POP signage is now available for almost all MABEF easels! These signs do a great job of doing the “talking” to customers, spotlighting the various features and benefits of each easel, as well as providing all the specs. Ask your MacPherson’s rep for help with ordering the POP signs to make your MABEF easels pop!

Over this past year, Pat Jennings has transformed all 4 walls of his store into 4 amazing murals with the help of several extremely talented artists and lots of Montana Gold spray paint. The paint was supplied by the store, and the artists brought the skills. Each year, the 4 outer walls of the store will be re-painted again with new murals, with a big store event in November. Central Art Supply also plans to build another separate legal 8’x40’ wall behind the store that anyone can come and paint as they please – a great way to encourage more Montana Gold sales!

The ProMarker range has been expanded from 92 colors to a full, well-rounded range of 148 colors. These professional quality, alcohol-based twin-tip markers combine superior color performance with a NEW lower price tag of just $2.75 each! On top of that, ProMarker also has a new deeper discount!

ProMarker has been catching on like wildfire in Europe, especially with crafters and manga artists. The product is becoming so popular with consumers that it has even spawned a Facebook fan page (I ♥ ProMarker) and also a fan-written blog!

Promarker Challenge Blog

Being an affordable, high performance marker, ProMarker is ideal for everyone from recreational artists to stampers, scrapbookers, students, illustrators and more. Comparison tests have also shown that is holds on average 78% more ink than competitive brand samples, making it an even greater value.

The expanded ProMarker range will be available with new displays from January – ask your MacPherson’s rep for more details!

·      The Prismacolor Consumer Rebate for Holiday and 2nd Semester BTS continues through January 15, 2010. The supply of printed materials has been exhausted. You and your customers can still access the rebate coupon at www.prismacolor.com and either download it or print it directly from Prismacolor’s site. The rebate details are listed below. The rebate coupon is also attached to this edition of The Art Dog Blog for your convenience.

• The Prismacolor Holiday Consumer Rebate began on November 15th for purchases made between November 15th, 2009 and January 15th, 2010.

·      There has been a delay in getting the SA1760259 Illustration Marker Conversion Kits into the MacPherson’s Distribution Centers. The kits should get to the warehouses the last week of this year.
·       Your MacPherson’s representative will have soon have information concerning two new Prismacolor Universal Display launches. Sanford is replacing the current ZSA4067, Prismacolor Watercolor Pencil Display and ZSA21022D, the Verithin/Col-Erase Display.

Support Emerging Artists!
Our industry depends on the artists of the future. The NAMTA Foundation‘s mission is to award scholarships to emerging talents and teachers, allowing them to buy art supplies, pay tuition, and otherwise support their art.

This Blank Notecard Display includes 24 packs of 8 cards & envelopes, each featuring artwork by some of the NAMTA Foundation‘s 2008-2009 scholarship recipients. There are 2 each of the 4 designs shown in each pack. The net price for the display is $154.56, FOB Charlotte, NC, so each pack nets out at $6.44 plus freight. Sell them them at $12.99 or even $9.99 and make a decent profit while you help a great cause. To place your order call NAMTA at 704-892-6247, or fax 704-892-6247. Refill packs of cards are available. Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted.

Artist Essential On-the-go Portfolio + Tote Board Combo Pack
Looking ahead to Winter BTS… This combo from Art Alternatives features a 26-1/2”H x 27”W Classic Edition Portfolio and a student-favorite 23″ x 26″ Artist Tote Board. And the special launch discount (74% off, $11.25 net) means you can promote it at a super low price to draw students into your store.

The portfolio is perfect for transporting, storing or protecting artwork and important documents. It’s made of durable, water-resistant nylon fabric, and it features an easy glide zipper, reinforced bottoms, and an adjustable & removable shoulder strap. The 23″ x 26″ Artist Tote Board is a portable and multi-functional surface for indoor/outdoor sketching and painting. Made of durable MDF, the board features an easy-carry cutout handle, two sturdy, low profile grip clips to hold pad or paper securely in place, and heavy-duty rubber bands to keep artwork in place.

Available in all DCs now! Special launch discount of 74% off is for a limited time only, so don’t wait too long after the holidays to order for WBTS! See page 65 of MacPherson’s Winter Buyer’s Guide for additional details.

On a retailer request, Art Alternatives has added a traditionally shaped 17-well palette to our line of plastic palettes. The palette has 12 color wells and 5 mixing areas, plus a comfortable thumb hole. The smooth, highly durable plastic makes the palette easy to clean up. It’s suitable for all painting media, and packaged for display in peggable, clear polybag with color header card. The 70% launch discount is available for a limited time only, so don’t delay past the holidays! In stock in all DCs now. See page 61 of the MacPherson’s Winter Buyer’s Guide.