VINTAJ AND SIZZIX AGREE TO SPARKLING NEW DEAL
Inspiring companies in art metal and die-cutting enter into special licensing agreement
to create tools for handmade customized jewelry
LAKE FOREST, Calif. (January 29, 2011) – Sizzix, the world's leading manufacturer of award-winning hand-operated die-cutting equipment, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a breakthrough licensing agreement with the Vintaj Natural Brass Co. The alliance leverages the art metal and embellishments of Vintaj with the award-winning dies and embossing tools of Sizzix. Together, this powerful combination will empower crafters to affordably create their own jewelry, while customizing it to their own unique lifestyle.
"Because of their incredible design elements and commitment to self-expression, Vintaj is rapidly becoming a rising innovator within the creative industry," said Denzil Quick, director of marketing for Sizzix. "This agreement allows both premier companies to benefit from each other’s unique specialty, while blending their collective strengths into truly amazing jewelry."
"From one family run business to another, we can sincerely appreciate the quality and care that Sizzix puts into every product," said Wendy Mullane, CEO and Co-founder of the Vintaj Natural Brass Co. "We bring that same care and creativity to this agreement as we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to help crafters unleash their true inner spirit in the form of jewelry that they can create and embellish themselves."
Vintaj will be demonstrating its initial product concepts in the Sizzix Booth at the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) Winter 2011 trade show in Los Angeles, Calif.
About Vintaj Natural Brass Co.
Vintaj Natural Brass Co. is a dream fulfilled of three women/sisters Wendy Mullane and Jeanne Holland, along with their close friend, Jess Italia Lincoln. The spark ignited when Wendy and Jeanne were teaching jewelry design to a women's group in their church in the spring of 2001.
Playfully and artfully manipulating a filigree bead, Jeanne opened it and wrapped it around a glass stone. Wendy and Jeanne immediately realized the unlimited potential of what they now term "creative settings" and later began to design together full time as Vintaj Design Studios. In the fall of 2001, Wendy, while deep in the heart of metal working, discovered an eco-friendly process to give Vintaj embellishments their unique color and luster, which further spring boarded their design potential. Not only did this venture give the opportunity for an income and creative outlet, but also it allowed time for the things they considered most important: raising their children and serving in the community. Wanting to share this opportunity with others like themselves, they began to explore the notion of offering their jewelry components to the beading industry. Impressed with Jess's unique sense of design, creativity, talent and fervor, Wendy and Jeanne invited her to join them. Immediately applying her talents, Jess began implementing a campaign to reach beaders all over the world. The three artisans incorporated in 2005 and through their combined efforts, Vintaj Natural Brass Co. was born.
Each and every Vintaj Natural Brass Co. embellishment undergoes a meticulous, eco-friendly, hand embellishing process. These beautifully artistic components are nickel free, lead-free compliant and made in the USA.
About the Sizzix Brand
Gone are the days of ragged paper edges, lopsided cutouts and hours of wasted time. Now is the time of the space-efficient, easy-to-use and affordable Sizzix System. Ellison developed the technology for the original Sizzix® Machine, and in 2001 the Sizzix brand was created and launched. Since then, Sizzix has developed a complete line of machines, dies and accessories. Sizzix machines are versatile and affordable, making them a hit with everyone from novices to professional designers. Sizzix has received numerous awards, including winning the Creating Keepsakes' Readers' Choice Award for Best Die-Cut Equipment every year since 2003. Sizzix is committed to helping individuals express their inner creativity through its innovative line of products. More information can be found at Sizzix.com.
