NAMTA is the International Art Materials Trade Association. It's where retailers go to buy art supplies to stock their stores. Essentially, it's CHA, but for the fine arts world. And it was very interesting working at a booth called "The Crafter's Workshop" at a show for fine arts. Let's just say that more than one person looked at me scornfully and said, "We do fine arts." I had to giggle a little about it. From a purely business perspective I think you're turning away retail dollars if you refuse to even consider new supplies for your store. If I were a store owner, the fact that craft and mixed media artists are buying paints and other traditional art supplies would encourage me to open my business up to a few new supplies to keep them coming back for more. But who knows? I don't run a store, maybe that's not the way it works?
As I said, I was there with Crafter's Workshop and my job was to show some fun ways to use stencils!
It was a deliciously fun job to play with art supplies all day long! Plus I like meeting people, so I had fun just chit chatting with the folks who came by and getting them excited about stencils!
This was my work station:
I used lots and lots of different art supplies:
And as a nice bonus, several of the companies there were generous enough to share some supplies for us to try out! After all, stencils sell art supplies! (That was my tag line for the show.) It's true, you know! Any time you demonstrate how to use a stencil, people go home with the stencil and with the art supply you demo'd with!
Golden gave us several samples of their different mediums. They were lots of fun to scrape through the stencils with a palette knife!
Faber-Castell gave me lots of brush pens that I put to good use in my art journal:
I loved the shimmery watercolor from Kuretake (they were right across the aisle from us).
The watercolor shows up on black paper, people! Wow!
And the PanPastel folks gave us some of their creamy product to play with!
I even managed to sneak in a little hotel inspiration while I was demoing. I saw this floor in the hotel in the morning:
And pulled together this little sample in the afternoon:
And I learned that whatever chemical is in baby wipes is awesome!
The stripes were pulled from stenciled images using baby wipes.
The only other trade show that I really have a point of reference to compare NAMTA to is CHA. And the biggest difference, for me, was the lack of fandom. There were artists (wonderful, amazing, talented artists) demoing at most booths, but they weren't "celebs" that people wanted their photos taken with. They — er, we — were more like booth props. Just another component of the booth so that you could see how the product worked. There weren't huge giveaways with lots of screaming. People seemed surprised, and not necessarily gleeful, when we pressed free stencils into their hands. Most people who were there were buyers. So while the show felt smaller and slower than CHA, I think there was more actual business going on. And lots more men too. More male artists, more male salespeople, more male store owners and buyers.
All in all it was a really great experience. I learned A LOT, surprisingly ran into lots of folks I knew, and had a good time! Though my feet did hurt every night… 😉
—
P.S. Tina has some great photos on her blog of the Mixed Media Meetup in Phoenix last Tuesday! Go take a peek!
***Giggle*** You do fine arts? Gives new meaning to what art is, you could say you do GREAT Arts! Take that!!! lol
***Giggle*** You do fine arts? Gives new meaning to what art is, you could say you do GREAT Arts! Take that!!! lol
***Giggle*** You do fine arts? Gives new meaning to what art is, you could say you do GREAT Arts! Take that!!! lol
***Giggle*** You do fine arts? Gives new meaning to what art is, you could say you do GREAT Arts! Take that!!! lol
Must have been difficult to keep a straight face at times!! I love some of those new stencils, and love even more what you do with them!!
Must have been difficult to keep a straight face at times!! I love some of those new stencils, and love even more what you do with them!!
Must have been difficult to keep a straight face at times!! I love some of those new stencils, and love even more what you do with them!!
Must have been difficult to keep a straight face at times!! I love some of those new stencils, and love even more what you do with them!!
I’ve been in many conversations about art vrs. crafts, and the problem so many people have with calling themselves artists if they are unable to draw or paint like Michelangelo. It’s an interesting topic. As for the snobbery one sometimes encounters in the “fine” arts world, well, that’s all it is. I think many are thinking that all crafting is about turning toilet paper rolls into wreaths, and the like. Not that there is anything wrong with that, IMO. There is schlock in the fine arts world, schlock in the crafting world, and great art in both.
I’ve been in many conversations about art vrs. crafts, and the problem so many people have with calling themselves artists if they are unable to draw or paint like Michelangelo. It’s an interesting topic. As for the snobbery one sometimes encounters in the “fine” arts world, well, that’s all it is. I think many are thinking that all crafting is about turning toilet paper rolls into wreaths, and the like. Not that there is anything wrong with that, IMO. There is schlock in the fine arts world, schlock in the crafting world, and great art in both.
I’ve been in many conversations about art vrs. crafts, and the problem so many people have with calling themselves artists if they are unable to draw or paint like Michelangelo. It’s an interesting topic. As for the snobbery one sometimes encounters in the “fine” arts world, well, that’s all it is. I think many are thinking that all crafting is about turning toilet paper rolls into wreaths, and the like. Not that there is anything wrong with that, IMO. There is schlock in the fine arts world, schlock in the crafting world, and great art in both.
I’ve been in many conversations about art vrs. crafts, and the problem so many people have with calling themselves artists if they are unable to draw or paint like Michelangelo. It’s an interesting topic. As for the snobbery one sometimes encounters in the “fine” arts world, well, that’s all it is. I think many are thinking that all crafting is about turning toilet paper rolls into wreaths, and the like. Not that there is anything wrong with that, IMO. There is schlock in the fine arts world, schlock in the crafting world, and great art in both.
Such a wierd little world – the fine art world. I worked in it for many years and saw the snobbery first hand.
I love Crafter’s Workshop and think those stencils would be more than appropriate for an art supply store. Love the samples, Julie.
Best baby wipes bar none are at Costco: a giant box of 6 packages for about $15.
Such a wierd little world – the fine art world. I worked in it for many years and saw the snobbery first hand.
I love Crafter’s Workshop and think those stencils would be more than appropriate for an art supply store. Love the samples, Julie.
Best baby wipes bar none are at Costco: a giant box of 6 packages for about $15.
Such a wierd little world – the fine art world. I worked in it for many years and saw the snobbery first hand.
I love Crafter’s Workshop and think those stencils would be more than appropriate for an art supply store. Love the samples, Julie.
Best baby wipes bar none are at Costco: a giant box of 6 packages for about $15.
Such a wierd little world – the fine art world. I worked in it for many years and saw the snobbery first hand.
I love Crafter’s Workshop and think those stencils would be more than appropriate for an art supply store. Love the samples, Julie.
Best baby wipes bar none are at Costco: a giant box of 6 packages for about $15.
i am definitely inspired to try some stencils!!!
i am definitely inspired to try some stencils!!!
i am definitely inspired to try some stencils!!!
i am definitely inspired to try some stencils!!!
ohhhhhhhhhh yééééééé…I adore your photos, you give me the push to go and use my stencils again and again…thanks a lot dear Julie…xxx
ohhhhhhhhhh yééééééé…I adore your photos, you give me the push to go and use my stencils again and again…thanks a lot dear Julie…xxx
ohhhhhhhhhh yééééééé…I adore your photos, you give me the push to go and use my stencils again and again…thanks a lot dear Julie…xxx
ohhhhhhhhhh yééééééé…I adore your photos, you give me the push to go and use my stencils again and again…thanks a lot dear Julie…xxx
I so love my CW stencils and this post makes me want to go play with them some more. Fun post Julie and thanks for your thoughts about the fine art world and craft world. (merging)?
I wonder.
I so love my CW stencils and this post makes me want to go play with them some more. Fun post Julie and thanks for your thoughts about the fine art world and craft world. (merging)?
I wonder.
I so love my CW stencils and this post makes me want to go play with them some more. Fun post Julie and thanks for your thoughts about the fine art world and craft world. (merging)?
I wonder.
I so love my CW stencils and this post makes me want to go play with them some more. Fun post Julie and thanks for your thoughts about the fine art world and craft world. (merging)?
I wonder.
Just so happens, I just ordered some of those stencils…I guess now I’ll have to try all these other products with the stencils.
Just so happens, I just ordered some of those stencils…I guess now I’ll have to try all these other products with the stencils.
Just so happens, I just ordered some of those stencils…I guess now I’ll have to try all these other products with the stencils.
Just so happens, I just ordered some of those stencils…I guess now I’ll have to try all these other products with the stencils.
I wish I had known about NATMA because it sounds like it’s right up my mixed media alley! My shop is called Crafty Girls Workshop and I have to help people get over the negative connotation of the word “crafty” it doesn’t just mean macrame and popsicle sticks!
I wish I had known about NATMA because it sounds like it’s right up my mixed media alley! My shop is called Crafty Girls Workshop and I have to help people get over the negative connotation of the word “crafty” it doesn’t just mean macrame and popsicle sticks!
I wish I had known about NATMA because it sounds like it’s right up my mixed media alley! My shop is called Crafty Girls Workshop and I have to help people get over the negative connotation of the word “crafty” it doesn’t just mean macrame and popsicle sticks!
I wish I had known about NATMA because it sounds like it’s right up my mixed media alley! My shop is called Crafty Girls Workshop and I have to help people get over the negative connotation of the word “crafty” it doesn’t just mean macrame and popsicle sticks!
I love what you did with those stencils! Using stencils can be so fun and ARTISTIC! LOL. I was wondering how you used the baby wipes – did you just use them as the substrate and then applied the paint or ink, etc.? I’ll have to play with that sometime. Looks like lots of fun.
I love what you did with those stencils! Using stencils can be so fun and ARTISTIC! LOL. I was wondering how you used the baby wipes – did you just use them as the substrate and then applied the paint or ink, etc.? I’ll have to play with that sometime. Looks like lots of fun.
I love what you did with those stencils! Using stencils can be so fun and ARTISTIC! LOL. I was wondering how you used the baby wipes – did you just use them as the substrate and then applied the paint or ink, etc.? I’ll have to play with that sometime. Looks like lots of fun.
I love what you did with those stencils! Using stencils can be so fun and ARTISTIC! LOL. I was wondering how you used the baby wipes – did you just use them as the substrate and then applied the paint or ink, etc.? I’ll have to play with that sometime. Looks like lots of fun.
I always wonder how baby wipes can be safe for bottoms and yet clean so many things so well. 🙂
I always wonder how baby wipes can be safe for bottoms and yet clean so many things so well. 🙂
I always wonder how baby wipes can be safe for bottoms and yet clean so many things so well. 🙂
I always wonder how baby wipes can be safe for bottoms and yet clean so many things so well. 🙂
I was also thinking that next time, you need to bring some of your great canvases that you make using some of the stencils to show them that they can be used for “fine” art. (Whatever!)
I was also thinking that next time, you need to bring some of your great canvases that you make using some of the stencils to show them that they can be used for “fine” art. (Whatever!)
I was also thinking that next time, you need to bring some of your great canvases that you make using some of the stencils to show them that they can be used for “fine” art. (Whatever!)
I was also thinking that next time, you need to bring some of your great canvases that you make using some of the stencils to show them that they can be used for “fine” art. (Whatever!)
All those pretty stencils are making me want to go back to the thrift store and pick up the ones I saw this morning!
What a fun show!
All those pretty stencils are making me want to go back to the thrift store and pick up the ones I saw this morning!
What a fun show!
All those pretty stencils are making me want to go back to the thrift store and pick up the ones I saw this morning!
What a fun show!
All those pretty stencils are making me want to go back to the thrift store and pick up the ones I saw this morning!
What a fun show!
It’s amazing how talented you are. That you show us all the hard work you do everyday on your blog makes my day! Thank you sooooooo much!
It’s amazing how talented you are. That you show us all the hard work you do everyday on your blog makes my day! Thank you sooooooo much!
It’s amazing how talented you are. That you show us all the hard work you do everyday on your blog makes my day! Thank you sooooooo much!
It’s amazing how talented you are. That you show us all the hard work you do everyday on your blog makes my day! Thank you sooooooo much!
ahhhh, yes, “fine art”…….i’m SO glad i just do art-art!! thanks for sharing your adventure with us!! xo
ahhhh, yes, “fine art”…….i’m SO glad i just do art-art!! thanks for sharing your adventure with us!! xo
ahhhh, yes, “fine art”…….i’m SO glad i just do art-art!! thanks for sharing your adventure with us!! xo
ahhhh, yes, “fine art”…….i’m SO glad i just do art-art!! thanks for sharing your adventure with us!! xo
Hello! I was just looking through my Somerset Memories, and very time I look through this edition, I am drawn to your pages the most. Love them! So excited to come to your blog, and I can’t wait to look around more.
Love this post. That shimmery watercolor is amazing!
Love your post and all these comments on “fine” art vs all other art. I get that sometimes. Oh well.
Hello! I was just looking through my Somerset Memories, and very time I look through this edition, I am drawn to your pages the most. Love them! So excited to come to your blog, and I can’t wait to look around more.
Love this post. That shimmery watercolor is amazing!
Love your post and all these comments on “fine” art vs all other art. I get that sometimes. Oh well.
Hello! I was just looking through my Somerset Memories, and very time I look through this edition, I am drawn to your pages the most. Love them! So excited to come to your blog, and I can’t wait to look around more.
Love this post. That shimmery watercolor is amazing!
Love your post and all these comments on “fine” art vs all other art. I get that sometimes. Oh well.
Hello! I was just looking through my Somerset Memories, and very time I look through this edition, I am drawn to your pages the most. Love them! So excited to come to your blog, and I can’t wait to look around more.
Love this post. That shimmery watercolor is amazing!
Love your post and all these comments on “fine” art vs all other art. I get that sometimes. Oh well.
As for the fine arts – I have been to our local fine art store for stamping supplies because the local store closed and they do not carry “such things”. It was at this point that I noted that both the stamp and scrapbook stores had closed so carrying some TH products and other inks might be good for business -they didn’t even have washi tape. So I bought my oil pastels for your sewing class at Joann’s so there-:)
Love those stencils where do you get them?? People like me need help from stencils! Love those shimmery watercolors. And how did you make that cool tree?
As for the fine arts – I have been to our local fine art store for stamping supplies because the local store closed and they do not carry “such things”. It was at this point that I noted that both the stamp and scrapbook stores had closed so carrying some TH products and other inks might be good for business -they didn’t even have washi tape. So I bought my oil pastels for your sewing class at Joann’s so there-:)
Love those stencils where do you get them?? People like me need help from stencils! Love those shimmery watercolors. And how did you make that cool tree?
As for the fine arts – I have been to our local fine art store for stamping supplies because the local store closed and they do not carry “such things”. It was at this point that I noted that both the stamp and scrapbook stores had closed so carrying some TH products and other inks might be good for business -they didn’t even have washi tape. So I bought my oil pastels for your sewing class at Joann’s so there-:)
Love those stencils where do you get them?? People like me need help from stencils! Love those shimmery watercolors. And how did you make that cool tree?
As for the fine arts – I have been to our local fine art store for stamping supplies because the local store closed and they do not carry “such things”. It was at this point that I noted that both the stamp and scrapbook stores had closed so carrying some TH products and other inks might be good for business -they didn’t even have washi tape. So I bought my oil pastels for your sewing class at Joann’s so there-:)
Love those stencils where do you get them?? People like me need help from stencils! Love those shimmery watercolors. And how did you make that cool tree?
Susan: All the stencils are from Crafters Workshop, including the tree! I was gifted my stencils by them. But lots of online stores carry them! Check out the Crafters Workshop website for a listing of online retail sites! 🙂
Susan: All the stencils are from Crafters Workshop, including the tree! I was gifted my stencils by them. But lots of online stores carry them! Check out the Crafters Workshop website for a listing of online retail sites! 🙂
Susan: All the stencils are from Crafters Workshop, including the tree! I was gifted my stencils by them. But lots of online stores carry them! Check out the Crafters Workshop website for a listing of online retail sites! 🙂
Susan: All the stencils are from Crafters Workshop, including the tree! I was gifted my stencils by them. But lots of online stores carry them! Check out the Crafters Workshop website for a listing of online retail sites! 🙂
Arlene: I used baby wipes to wipe away parts of the chalk, mist, ink, etc. that I was using. Lots of fun!
Arlene: I used baby wipes to wipe away parts of the chalk, mist, ink, etc. that I was using. Lots of fun!
Arlene: I used baby wipes to wipe away parts of the chalk, mist, ink, etc. that I was using. Lots of fun!
Arlene: I used baby wipes to wipe away parts of the chalk, mist, ink, etc. that I was using. Lots of fun!