Where do I begin? Going to CHA was such a fabulous experience: I have never before seen so much pooled creativity and so many cool toys in my life! I met many people who felt like old friends because I "know" them from SplitCoastStampers or from blogging. I met editors to whom I've had the privilege of submitting work, and met companies for whom I've created samples. Picture a family reunion with only your favorite relatives, and that might come close! I was able to spend quite a bit of time with Ellen Hutson, Karen Lockhart, Michelle Wooderson, and Trudee Sauer; and I finally got to meet my bloggin' buddy Taylor too (above--Taylor's the young, cute one, and I'm on the left).
From companies for whom I've done some work, I was able to meet Ron from Copic/Imagination International, as well as Kathy (ColoringKate); Jeff, Stacey, and their crew from Spellbinders; Nichole Heady from PaperTrey; and Mitra from Impression-Obsession. Lisa Strahl gave Mish Wooderson and me a great tour of Ranger's booth and products, and I met Bella herself, Emily, and her friend Nicky! There were so many more SCS'ers--Lindsey/Jacksonbelle, Michele/Shel9999, Joy and Daisy, Heather/Pine, Lisa Johnson, Julie Brooks, Leigh O'Brien and Denise--way too many more to list them all at the moment, but a joy to meet every single one!
I had to keep reminding myself not to let my jaw drop as I looked at the new papers, stamps, dies, and alterables. One funny story for today: I was standing in the Cosmo Cricket booth in sheer amazement at the beauty of it all. I had already soaked in the new fall line (which reminds me of their beloved Dutch Girl, but in autumn colors and more traditional Dutch patterns) and the new Christmas line which I can't wait to get my hands on. (Okay, there were fabulous new girl and boy lines as well, but I digress.) A lovely lady approached and started talking to me, and I began to gush (no kidding) over how much I'd enjoyed and used Dutch Girl, as well as what gorgeous samples they had. I stopped myself mid-gush to ask, "Are YOU one of their designers?" She smiled and calmly answered, "Actually my husband and I own the company." [Can you say "completely starstruck" and almost speechless by this time?] She told me that both she and her husband design the collections, and that she works from her kitchen with children around her--so I met a real-life supermom! After we left the booth I remembered that I had a Dutch Girl-based card in my little portfolio, and at Ellen's and Karen's suggestion, I signed it and ran it back to the booth. She was busy, so I gave it to her husband. After that I figured I'd better stay away so they wouldn't think they were being stalked!
I saw some incredibly classy alterables at the Melissa Frances booth--must get some to play with! Other great alterables: 7 Gypsies, Bare Elements, Art Blanche, and Provocraft. A company called Simply Swank had soldered glass pieces with photographs and stamped images inside. Since I already love stained glass, combining stamping and scrapping with stained glass techniques to make tiny treasures is on my must try list! Amazing scrapbook pages were everywhere, in every format. Many were 12" x 12", but there was also an abundance of mini-albums in every shape imaginable. (I am a mini-album-fan.)
Well, I think I"ll stop babbling for today. After I have a chance to sort through all of my photos, I'll probably share some more. Thanks for visiting!
