Craft and Hobby Assoication...My Take

Please forgive me and give me one more day to find the top of my craft table in order to do the next All About You in 52. The plan is to have it up tomorrow! Thanks for your understanding.

CHA is always an amazing experience. Seeing all the new products, learning new techniques, spying celebrities and seeing once a year friends.

Although attendance for CHA was well below any CHA I have attended there were real perks to having a low attendance.

I found I had time to talk to those working in the booth, to learn more about their product and their passion for what they do. I was able to do several make-n-takes which is not my norm. I learned several new techniques. I also attended a co-class of Graphic 45 and Tattered Angels. I learned many new techniques with the Tattered Angels I hope to share.

I finally understand what the Gypsy for the Circut is all about. After the drilling one of the designers for Gypsy I understood how they keep people from sharing Circut cartridge. When you download your cartridge the Gypsy registered back some type of ID to the cartiage which stops you from sharing the cartridge on another Gypsy. You can still use it in your Circut, just not on the Gypsy.

I was overwhelmingly please with the cooperation between the manufactures. I found Fiskars tools at so many make-n-takes. Clear Album made books using paper from other manufactures for them to display. Coor'dinations, Petaloo and Provo Craft did a joint make-n-take which was fun. Ultra Pro did a 25 vendor make-n-take which was awesome! Tattered Angels and Graphic 45 teamed up to show their product and teach classes. Indus was everywhere. Beacon Adhesives, Alieens and Paper House all used Indus products in their make-n-takes.

This sharing should have happened years ago. I loved using the products and even made me what to go see (and buy) some of the products used in the make-n-take. This was a fabulous idea.

I saw or spoke to Bill and Donna Downy who now has their own line with Prima. I spoke to Mark Montanto who was promoting his new book "The Big Ass Book of Home Decor." As always I "hello-ed" Tim Holtz and spoke several times with Wendy Vecchi. I finally got to meet the very famous Mario and had my photo made with him. Of course meeting Carol Duvall was a topper for me. I met Jenni Bowlin who is fab. Suzy West is a good crazy. Fiskateers and Two Peas crafters were everywhere.

The new paperlines were fabulous everywhere I looked. There is a few new products that I really liked. Some I'll sneak peek here as I purchased them for YOU and the new side of Debby's Dare.

Another big happening at CHA was all the cameras. Several online and television producers were out with professional cameras doing interviews. Slice did an info-merical for the Slice so watch their website for times it will air. Noel and Izzy from Paperclipping was everywhere.

There were a lot of differences for CHA Summer 2009 and some I hope they continue to do.

Donna's new line of paper and embellishments are wonderful and made me jump up and do this.

Retail for the 6 cards and everything you need to make them along with a template to make 3 dimensional envelops is $25.00 (less than 5 dollars a card). The Christmas Cards are outstanding. I will be teaching this class which includes everything you need for $25.00 in October. Basically you are buying the kit and you receive the class for free! Wow. I will only have 19 spots so if you want to tentatively save your seat send me an email at DeborahL591@yahoo.com. The class will be held in the greater Columbia area of South Carolina. I'll release more information asap.

Gratitude List

1. continued recovery from having too much fun!

2. great business advisers

3. all that read and participate in Debby's Dare

4. God's Word that brings hope and peace

5. being nice only comes through God and His love for me (you can never be too nice!)