Tuesday, January 28, 2014

The CHA Winter Mega Show 2014

If you've been following me on Instagram and Facebook then you probably know that I was in sunny California 2 weeks ago at the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) Mega Show. Normally CHA has 2 trade shows throughout the year, one in the summer and one in the winter. They have now decided to combine both shows into one big MEGA show. There were so many booths, workshops, demos, and networking opportunities. It's so hard to describe everything I saw and took apart in, but I will try my hardest to provide you guys with a complete recap. 

On Friday, prior to the show floor opening CHA offers a full day of workshops and classes. This year, I was invited to become part of the designer section of CHA. Although I have been part of the organization for 3 years now as a professional crafter, becoming part of the designer section is like becoming part of a family. Not only is everyone so welcoming, but it's wonderful meeting like minded people, other individuals that totally get my artsyness and crazy brain :)  I was only able to go to a couple of those classes because I had to run home for Shabbat. I made it back to the valley in time to hit up some vintage clothing stores and pick up a good read! 


And although, the show starts on Saturday and I couldn't go, I was able to make it to the Fave Crafts blogger networking event that night. Some of the best craft companies come out to network and meet a roomful of craft bloggers. I was so amazed by the energy and excitement in the room. And the SWAG... OMG the SWAG!! I have been to parties before, but this was like nothing I had seen before. I had to carry out 4 bags of craft supplies! Thanks to Lisa Fulmer I can show you guys this great video of what we each got! 


On Sunday morning I got onto the show floor and as expected... it was AMAZING. I saw some of the most creative work from designers in various craft booths. From stamps, ceramics, paint, beads, clay, and glassware to arm knitting and fashion shows, it was beyond beyond incredible. Every booth has a make & take area where you can sit down and create hands on with their materials. Check out this flipgram I created with ALL my photos from the event. 
I do have a few favorite items and companies that I found, but it would take me too long to describe each of them here. I am hoping to create separate posts about each product. So stay tuned!


I was lucky enough to see the Today show tape a segment about the crafting industry over by the Duck mobile. Check out their video here. If you want to know what CHA is all about .... you better watch it!!!




I'm back at home and missing the green already! Can't believe this is what I was in just 2 weeks ago!

Cause this is what it looks like over here in Jersey today - YUCKO-O! 
Spring 
I miss you 
Love, 
ME