Chicago & CHA Summer 2010

Here it is...the first day of the show.  We're all waiting outside the doors until 10 am and they let us through to shop till our heart's content!!

This year, the summer show was the smallest show I've seen, however, that didn't mean that I didn't get giddy over the awesome new stuff I saw while I was there.

There are 2 companies that I haven't bought from before, that we will be carrying.  Tattered Angels and Flower Soft are two companies that had some fun product for card makers, as well as scrapbookers and paper crafters.  Neither of them are "new" companies but we did get their newer products for the store.  So, quite soon, you will be seeing Glimmer Mists and Chalkboard Mists from Tattered Angels.  You will also see the entire Flower Soft collection from Flower Soft.  This is some really cool stuff, and it really doesn't do justice just by seeing it in pictures.  It gives your projects a fun 3-D flower petal-y look.  And the cute, fuzzy animals you can create!!  And the most beautiful grass and trees!!  Oh my!!

Of course, I purchased from all of your favorites like Pink Paislee, Bella Blvd, Jillibean Soup, Basic Grey, Echo Park, Making Memories, Bo Bunny and the list goes on and on!

I have posted pictures on the store's Facebook Page as well as our Flickr page if you would like to see just some of the products we found at the store.  I have a bunch more pictures of projects, layouts, etc but I'll save those for another day.

It seems like the thing to do after CHA is to talk about your favorite thing from the show.  Seriously girls, I'm a total scatterbrained when it comes to picking any favorites.  I love it ALL!!  LOL  But, if I had to:

Tools - Sizzix Eclipse machine.  I spent a half hour video-taping one of the developers showing me how it worked.  I saw it at CHA Winter and was impressed, but this time, they had a lot of the bugs worked out, plus they have so much cool stuff coming down the pipeline.  Lots of the questions I asked about if it could do..."well, not yet, but it's in the next update," is what I heard.  I'm very excited about that.  As most of you know, I love my Cricut machine.  I love my machine, I just don't like the way Provo Craft treats their small retailers (like me).  So, if you were on the fence about an electronic diecut machine, seriously look at the Sizzix machine.  Like I said, I have about 30 minutes of video on that machine, and will work on getting that uploaded sometime this week if I can.

Tools - Cri-kit gel pens & Embosser for the Cricut Machine.  I love this new company that has a cool looking holder for magnetic gel pens and embosser tips.  This will add another level to the things you can do with your Cricut.

Tools - New Glitter - I found the most AWESOME new glitter company!  The glitter is so ultra-fine, it goes on so smooth, that it feels like a regular piece of paper once you've burnished the glitter on the paper.  There are so many colors too!

Embellishments - Doodlebug's Boutique Buttons will be a sure hit and I'm getting at least one of each color!!  They are so cool in the Doodlebug colors, and I love the little details around each button.  These are a MUST HAVE in everyone's toolbox!

 Embellishments - Pink Paislee's little Doodad stickers were so fun!!  Pink Paislee's site says this about them:  "What-nots, thingamajigs...or just doodads! These new layered felt embellishments are die cut and stacked for added dimension. We even added a printed sticker and some bling."  Let me just tell you this..Ican't WAIT to get these in my hot little hands!

Embellishments - Maya Road trims.  Maya Road again hit the nail on the head when it comes to exquisite trims.  Their pleated ribbon is just beautiful!

Paper Collections - October Afternoon's Modern Homemaker.  How did they know that on my list for this CHA was a kitchen collection?  Now...there were others with kitchen collections too (namely Little Yellow Bicycle and Doodlebug, which of course was ordered too) but October Afternoon was modern yet retro all in the same breath.  With some fun chipboard and stickers, this one will fly off the shelves once we get it in!

Paper Collections - Crate Paper's Snow Day.  I know, I know, I know.  EVERYONE's talking about Restoration.  And believe me, it is beautiful!  But for me, my heart just melts for Snow Day!  I just love the bright winter colors, the adorable snowmen, and this pile of CHIPBOARD!!!  I just want to run my fingers through the chipboard and fondle it.  It's just so PRETTY! 

Paper Collections - Bella Blvd One Fall Day.  Now, I won't deny that I am one of Bella Blvd's biggest fans, I've been selling their paper since their debut collection.  But be still my heart...i LOVE One Fall Day!!  The colors are so beautiful, and the cute adorable little trees in this collection are just perfect for those pictures in the leaves or even a quick trip to the pumpkin patch (gasp....did I say that word out loud?  It can't be close to pumpkin time already right?)

so, now, like I said, I really love going to CHA to see all the new goodies the industry has provided us to keep our memories safe and colorful and meaningful all at the same time.  I get so excited around this time of the year, because it's so much fun to plan the pictures that I am saving for that perfect paper.  Then, lo and behold, my friends in the industry do me proud and make the most perfect paper for my pictures!  And if not...if the paper's cute enough...I'll pose a picture just to use the paper!  LOL  Yup...I said that out loud!  LOL

The products are starting to trickle in already, and I've already gotten 2 UPS tracking numbers.  Most product will start shipping mid-August through September.  The Christmas lines, etc will start shipping around October.  Remember to watch our NEW PRODUCTS section of the store to see what's new!