Greatest stuff in Atlanta?

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tnframer408

tnframer408

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Dec 11, 2001
Posts
1,506
Loc
Knoxville TN
Now that we're back from Atlanta, what was the latest and greatest for you?

Mine was a few things

1) Attach EZ from Fletcher a system of rapid attachments for shadowbox stuff. OK, it ain't archival. SO what? Most stuff we do isn't. And the stuff that we do do that is, do it by hand and charge more.

2) More antique etching people. Better assortment, lower prices.

3) BAinbridge 12-ply. just GOTTA have that stuff. In black or white, alhto I'm told they may do a cream later.

4) Larson's gilder I was fascinated by those guys. They made it look so easy.

5) new updates to Lifesaver. Will do it tomorrow. Great ideas there.

What'd I miss? Anyone see anything else??? :eek:
 
I won some wall buddies from Jim Miller.

I also learned so many things, that I haven't organized them all. I have to go over my stuff. I took 5 classes. I got the most out of the FACTS class.

I was one of the very, very few employees there. People kept trying to sell me things, that I couldn't buy.

I never did figure out who Tn Framer was. Or if I met him, I never saw his ID again. Very few Grumblers had their "handles" on. It was very frustrating. I thought we were going to identify ourselves.

[ 09-07-2003, 09:53 PM: Message edited by: SusanNolan ]
 
I took three classes. I know the best was the one on how to make money with photo frames and mirrors. Next year I may just take one class. I didn't spend much time on the floor because of the classes. I didn't buy much; supplies from United and M&M. Money is tight.

I forgot to ask for my Grumbler ribbon at the registration desk, if that is where they were.
 
I think Susan cheated to get her wall buddy from jim. I am suspicious of that table in the front right hand side of the room. They all seemed to get one....hmmm, just kidding doll nice to meet you. I hope you did not get lost or fustrated down there. It was a little confusung, but not too bad

dns
 
I saw very little of the show as I took 7 classes. I had all day today to look but covered barely 20% of the showroom floor what with talking to moulding distributors and other Grumblers all day.

One little tidbit of note: ASAP, fka, UK Technology, the people who made the aggressive ATG tape with the surgical carrier that Markg1 and I have been touting for the last year had a very highly aggressive 1/4" fillet tape that I was impressed with. It really held tight!

(I stuck 2 of my fingers together with it and had to go over to UMS to get some UnSeal to get them apart again!!) :D

Actually, I bought 2 rolls of the stuff to try and will report on the details of the tape later.

Ron, Vickie said "hello" and I conned them out of their set of faux fillets for the shop. (Well, at half price, anyway.)

I took Vivian's class on framing collectibles ........ again. I knew most of what she went over but I just really enjoy sitting in her classes for the comedy content! She could do standup comedy in any nightclub around and be successful! I have taken her classes for the last 7 or 8 years and she never uses the same material twice. NOw that is the mark of a funny person!!

I have to say that I never found that new chop saw from Canada that was listed in one of the threads earlier on. I wanted to check it out but just didn't have enough time.

Framerguy
 
Susan: I was the one with a blue button down oxford dress shirt with a candy=cane-type striped red tie (red on white) the white closely matching offwhite chinos. About 6' 2" and dark tan.

That help?

Didn't know there even were Grumbler ribbons, altho I did see a few folks wearing them but wo0ndered where they got them.
 
THE BEST THINGS we got out of the show:

Meeting fellow Grumblers Saturday night. Putting faces to names and general business discussions were great.

Buying our miter sander.

Getting the new mouldings we ordered - great new Romas and Larsons.

Seminars that we took - they really validated our thoughts about how we want to build our business. Lori Bluestone's Sunday seminar was especially good. It goes without saying (but I'll say it) that Jay's Friday seminars were both outstanding.

ORDERING OUR NEW WIZARD - Can't wait for it to be delivered. We're computerized, baby!

BAD THINGS - having the new brakes on our van go out Sunday morning on the way to the show. Downtown Atlanta with NO BRAKES is no fun. We'll be going back Wednesday to pick it up.

It was great to see everyone we met. Look forward to doing it all again next year.

[ 09-08-2003, 08:30 AM: Message edited by: AWG ]
 
tnframer408, I think I remember the tie.
 
Kassandra and Tony, the coolest thing about ordering the Wizard at the show is that you are in the running for the "day with Brian Woolf" contest. I took his class Friday a.m. and was fascinated with the great stuff he did on the machine. I wish I were in the running. Good luck. Let us know if you win!

This is my 20th show season, and though I always seem to get something out of the shows I attend, not much got my attention. I like the Walbuddies, so I'll try them. I don't think I'll be buying an Attatch-Ez anytime soon. Ordered a few new mouldings from a select few suppliers. That's it for me.

Meeting the Grumblers was a highlight for me. We had Grumbler mothers, Grumbler spouses, and even a couple of Grumbler daughters, too. I think the Grumblers party far better than the Hitchikers. Several of us got to the Omni bar Saturday night, only to find a very long, empty table I'll assume was full of HH's earlier. Party poops! It wasn't even that late.
 
And, as an addendum to Pam's post about the Omni on Saturday evening, guess who almost closed down the bar again this year??


............ Yup!!

Go Grumblers!!

Framerguy
 
From my point of view I am in agreement with some of the opinions that have been expressed already :

I was not too impressed with the Attach Eze,especially after I saw the demonstration in Fletcher's booth by the originator.She may know how to sell a product but she made some MAJOR mistakes in her presentation on needle work.

I was and have been impressed with the Wizard advancements and Rob of Wizard saw to it that I finally got my copy of the 5.0 upgrade at the show.He also showed me the Merge feature that Dani explained here on TFG .That feature alone is Impressive,It allows you to do what Susan suggested.

I Totally agree that the TFG Dinner at Pitty Pat's porch was the primer entertainment of the trip.

I was toally impressed with the instruction of Paul MacFarland and I will look for classes by him in the future.I don't know if he has ever, but I so wish he would participate in the grumble.Maybe Hugh Phibbs could encourage him? he spoke highly of Hugh.

Paul also introduced me to what may be the best find of the show even though it wasn't available there. It was a Print Unroller .It can be seen at www.d-roller.com.I am very interested and I bet you'll be too .I don't know the cost and I haven't seen any other device like it but it sure beats revers rolling prints over Tubes as I do now.

BUDDY

[ 09-08-2003, 09:13 PM: Message edited by: BUDDY ]
 
I am very sorry and don'y understand how it happened but the I wasn't supposed to be in BLUE or in the website I listed for the unroller.The I is actually the first word of the next sentence . I probably didn't give it enough space and it was mistaken for part of the website.

It was supposed to be Just www.d-roller.com

But thanks for the correction and it is exactly what I was speaking about or trying to anyway. Sorry but you know how poorly I type.

BUDDY
 
Buddy,

QUIT THAT!!

Framerguy
 
Why do I sense a bit of dissatisfaction and a bit more of disinterest toward this topic that dried up prematurely after only 14 entries (5 of which were Framerguy and tnframer408's inputs)?
Could it be that few grumblers attended the show or, perhaps, not much new and exciting stuff met their eyes? In top of that, not many of you had (ante or post factum) voiced their regrets for missing the show.
If you don't get what I mean, please go one year back to TG archives and see for yourself what a major and exciting event Atlanta 2002 was. This very forum took its current shape as result of what was going on back then.
So, let's hear "the rest of the story"

[ 09-11-2003, 08:56 PM: Message edited by: American Choice ]
 
OK Am Choice: you asked for it.

thought it was smaller--way smaller--altho the booths I talked to were busy.

I noticed fewer people in attendance; and I saw less "higher end" stuff and more of the imported canvas works, lower end products.

I noticed that the aisles weren't as crowded and by Sat PM I was ready to go home, which we did.

A major disadvantage, I thought, was holding it in C building, altho those of you that took shuttles wouldn't notice. We took the train from north atlanta and the walk was intersting from the train station, to say the least. Altho I do note they were tearing up the street in fron of where it was usually held.

So, bhottom line: I think smaller show, fewer attendees, and not enough to interst me for more than 1 1/2 days. BUT I wasn'tthere to spend money. iwas there to take the courses, which I did.
 
I've been gone since I got back so must submit my take on the show. This is my tenth, or so. It was one of the least exciting, but perhaps it was because fewer new things were introduced. Maybe the vendors had already shown us what they liked so we'd take them up on it quickly. Some of the old liners weren't there and I missed them.

When I asked some of the vendors how the show was going for them, they hedged or said they had a good show because while they had fewer customers, they were bigger buyers: albeit that those buyers were commercial accounts.

All in all, I sensed a lack, and I'm hoping someone can dispel that.

It was great meeting some of the Grs at PittyPat's, and thank you to Pam for organizing yet again. There are so many of us, maybe we can find a place to accommodate even more of us so we can circulate. Anyone back in the corner had to escape to see anyone else. I'll help if there's interest in altering venues.

That said, what fun to face-to-face with Cap'n English. Kit--for those of you who weren't fortunate to meet her--has a forthcoming demeanor no matter her reputation as a scold looking to correct your grammar sins. (Did I say that?
) And a shoulder scarf for which I'd kill.

Then there were all the Grs whom I'd never met: that's a true treat. If there is an attempt to enumerate, I'd miss so they will be just remembered.

Work looms, so all this will be read in greater detail later.
 
I agree that the show seemed smaller with fewer people.The last weekend in August I attended the San Francisco gift show which was huge. Much bigger than Atlanta last year. I was interested to see how they would compare and was disappointed in Atlanta this year. Oh well I guess it reflects the economy maybe. Maybe I'm trade showed out for a while. I am going to spend my money on advertising.
 
The folks at decor said they had 18% less booths than last year, and slightly less than that for registrations. But 2002 was a record year with a lot of booths being upgraded because of the 2001 cancellation.

Those vendors that would speak candidly were pleased with their efforts and we accomplished all the goals we set. And one of those was to meet Cathie face to face. If we could always have that advantage with those we post with, I am certain that the level of politeness would increase many fold.

From a personal perspective, it was very gratifying for those that took the time to say "Thank You" for any help you may have received from my voluminous posting. My wife had to pour a bucket of cold water on me after a couple of very nice compliments from some very nice people.

It sure makes it easier to put a little more effort into this forum when there are those that really are appreciative.

I do wish the PPFA booth wasn't so hidden in the back. Maybe they were afraid the crowds would block the aisles
 
It was definately quieter this year. In spite of the fact that it was smaller, I still didn't accomplish all I wanted to. I did see a new (at least to me) vendor with some battery operated picture lights that looked better than what I'd seen before--will fish out the info at work tomorrow. I was actually able to get a one on one session at the Eclipse booth--something that's usually impossible in Atlanta. There's some very exciting things on the way from them!

I had some of the best classes I've ever had (Goltz, J. Miller and Specialty Soft). the industry breakfast was quite informative and entertaining as well. I wish I could say the same about the Meet the Artists Event--I couldn't hear a thing that was being said during the awards ceremony.

Someone already mentioned the new Deco line from Larson--beautiful! The guilding demonstration going on in their booth was mesmerizing.

It seemed to go by too fast, and there were a few people that I had intended to catch during the show to socialize a little with, or to get off to the side of the group and talk shop with for awhile--and unfortunately the opportunities didn't arise for the most part. I thoroughly enjoyed the company I kept, but I did so want to meet more people. Atlanta serves for my "talk shop" fix for a good long while, so I try hard to get it out of my system.

I missed not having the gift show running concurrently--many showrooms were closed in preparation for the upcoming show this weekend.

Of course, I just received my Decor magazine in today's mail and saw many things advertised that I apparently missed. :(

There was a nice little dust cover paper trimmer being demo-ed in the M&M booth that I wish I'd picked up, esp. after seeing a hatchet job a new employee preformed on a pc. today. Think I'll call about it tomorrow.

I'll recall more as I sift through the pile of catalogues and fliers. All in all, still a very good show for me.
 
And let us not forget that Ron and I weren't there.
 
It was my first time attending this show. I have been to the ACCI (craft industry) several times so I had an idea what to expect.

I had a feeling that there weren't as many attendees as maybe had been in the past. It wasn't as crowded as I would have thought it would be. There were a few ideas that I am glad to have for me personally. The Facts class was very good and I am glad to have had the opportunity to take that. Yes, there was a lot of cheap "canvas art" people there. I did find some from an artist that I have taken a liking too. I have stretched several canvas' from this artist and was looking for him. I was a bit disappointed to find it in a pile of $5.00 pieces knowing that my customers had paid well over $100 for this things. I didn't mind the $5.00 price for myself though. :D :D :D

The item that I am going to get for me is a little attachment guide for your ATG gun and one for your blade to trim the backing paper. That was so cool!!! They were demonstrating how quick it would be to use it. I asked to try it and on my first try, I was as fast as the deomonstrators. I felt totally confident doing it that fast. It laid the ATG down evenly and cutting went smootly without slipping. These two little tools are about $30. Now, I know that this isn't as good as a Wizard, but it sure will be easy on the old wrist!!!

The Grumbler dinner was great. I enjoyed meeting everyone! I didn't go over to the OMNI because I had to get up at 5:00 a.m. to get to the airport. However, the food was fabulous and the company was even better. Did I say that I enjoyed meeting everyone?

I am planning now to go next year.

Candy
 
We didn't go this year mostly because we have a daughter who is getting married in 14 days 23 hours and 36 minutes, but who is counting. There are a lot of details to attend to and some extra expense as well.
 
This was at least my fifth Atlanta show, and it's the first one that I ever enrolled in any classes.

Because I attended two classes each day, little time was left to see everything at the show. What I was able to see was worth the trip, as was what I learned in my four excellent classes.

Next year I will enroll in but one class per day, in the hopes of seeing more of the interesting exhibits on the floor.

Thanks Decor, for a great show.
 
Hi Don,

Please share which classes you took. I think I remember you telling me when we visited, but I'm not sure my memory is reliable.

Thanks!
 
I took the Wizard class with Brian Wolf, Direct Mail with Lyn Fey, Jim(?) Parrie's class, "Increase Your Sales 20%", and "Power Selling", Jim Thornton's class.

I got the most out of Brian Wolf's class. I have the new CMC, and felt he could give me some ideas, which he did. Also got a new disc for clip art from him. I've already tried some of what he showed us. Very cool stuff.

Parrie's class was okay, but his selling style and mine are different. Alot of what he suggested I already do, so I can't see myself increasing my tickets by 20%.

Lyn Fey's class was good, but I don't see myself buying any mailing lists anytime soon. I like the idea of using my customer list for customer retention, though. I'm going to start there.

Thornton's class was a waste of time. I hate to say that, but it was. A few people walked out, but I couldn't think of a way to leave gracefully. The title was "Power Selling", but I couldn't tell you one thing I got out of it.

All the classes were FREEZING. I was actually shivering in Parrie's class.
 
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