On the Move

I can't believe how long it's been since I last wrote. Last year was spent in survival mode and this year we are "on the move" forward.
I learned more about glitter then I ever thought I wanted to know. The glitter we previously used was plastic glitter, often called "craft" glitter. I find it simpler to call it "chunky" glitter. Our suppplier decided to discontinue several colors so we felt we were forced to change to polyester glitter which I will refer to as "fine" glitter. As so often is the case, I resisted the change as long as possible but once the decision was made I discovered the benefits. One of the deciding factors for me was that we would now have the exact glitter that is used on our curly ting so everything matches. Because the glitter is fine it seems to cover the surface better and sticks better.

As a designer, one thing frustrating is when the fashion industry comes out with a new color that we can't get products to match. When I was a balloon decorator we had to resign to stuffing one color of balloon inside another color to create the colors that weren't available. If the outside balloon popped at the event you would be left with a color that didn't belong. I recently became very excited when new mylar foil colors became available. We were able to add lime green, turquoise, and a new pink to our product line.

We have added a new designer to our staff to help with new centerpiece kits. Nancy Dicks has over 25 years experience in the floral, balloon, and special event industry. Putting new kits in production are a challenge in so many ways and take much more time then we like.

I feel like a little kid, not knowing what new toy to play with first. For the past several years we have cut all our foam with a hot wire using templates. A few months ago we purchased a digital foam cutter. Our new vinyl cutter arrived this week. It is so exciting to be able to offer more ways to personalize our designs.

Keep watching for more new and exciting things!