CHA

OK, for years I've heard and read about the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) conventions but have never had a chance to actually attend one. That changed this year with an invitation from F & W Publications. As a member of the 2007 Memory Makers Masters team I had a chance to not only meet various editors with Memory Makers magazine but also my fellow masters face to face (finally).  Of course, I also got to check out all the fabulous new scrapbook and craft supplies before they hit the market for the general public. Talk about an awesome trade show. All I can say is WOW! There is so much fabulous new product that will soon be hitting local stores that it's literally mind boggling.  It's all so yummy! From 12 X 12 paper lace, beautiful and elegant ribbons, scrumptious patterned papers, photo album ideas, storage solutions, innovative chipboard shapes to new book titles... there was just sooooo much to see and want.  I gotta tell you the marketing at this show is pretty effective too. Case in point? Who knew I needed a pink and green screwdriver and matching drill and soldering set. Well I certainly didn't know I needed it.  But after seeing that particular display (in its adorable matching pink and green tool box) now I know I need it-lol.  I think that's how it's supposed to work. Anyway, most new product won't hit store shelves for a few months, but after everything I took in.... I think I'll have to start saving my dollars right now.

For the last six months I've gotten to know my fellow Masters only through e-mails, their layouts and projects and our own little message board that we use to keep up with each other and various Memory Makers assignments and deadlines.  I finally got to meet four fabulous ladies from our group in person. They were all seasoned CHA-goers already, having attended previous conventions.  All the ladies were really delightful to hang out with and it was also really fun to walk the trade show floor with Katrina and Michelle ooohing and ahhhing over everything together.  Thanks ladies!  

Pictured above are fellow Memory Makers Masters.  From left to right, (Me), Crystal Jeffrey Rieger, Katrina Smeck,  Michelle Skinner and Catherine Feegel-Erhardt.

Speaking of book titles, it was also pretty exciting to see the cover of our new book scheduled for release soon. It was featured on a huge poster inside the F&W exhibit booth, which was pretty cool. The Ask the Masters book project was a huge undertaking for all of us. The Masters group worked really hard to come up with some fun and awesome projects that we really hope will get you to think about new ways to use your plentiful supplies and hopefully really get your creative juices going at the same time. I hope you pick up a copy when it hits retail stores later this year.