My First CHA

I have been to Gift Market, Furniture Market, Fabric Market, and Christmas Markets in Europe but nothing had prepared me for the mother of all Craft Markets also known as CHA. It was so exciting to be surrounded by the newest products in the craft world, people who are passionate about those products, and friends to share that excitement with. Here are just a few pictures to share with you.

Here is my friend and favorite Chicago hostess Louise.   I snapped this picture while we were doing a make 'n take at the Prima booth. There is another picture on the Prima Facebook page with a good picture of Louise and the back of my head!

We met up with Shelly had lunch together, did some trend spotting and enjoyed looking at all of her creations that were scattered through the Tim Holtz/Idea-ology/Sizzix/Ranger/Stampers Anonymous booths.

We  cheered for KC one of our fellow Design Team members at Red Rubber Designs as she worked her magic competing in the Iron Crafter Challenge. She had 15 minutes to create a project with the theme of  "fairy tales" and candy sprinkles as one of the ingredients. She made the gingerbread house from Hansel and Gretel. Way to go, KC!!

 One of my favorite new products were tiny embellishments and charms just perfect for card or jewelry making. They are made out of a material similar to book board and take embossing beautifully.  Can't wait to get my hands on these. Love the keys and the door plate.

These two cards caught my eye in the JustRite Papercraft booth.

I have no idea which booth this altered book was in but it was really well done and would be a fun project.

 

There was so much to see and do that my camera spent most of the time in my bag.  Louise did a much better job of taking pictures than I. You can see more pictures on her blog Kard Krazy as well as get in on a chance for some blog candy.

I'll be back to show you some of the make n takes and loot that I collected and may even have a giveaway, too.