CHA Winter highlights

Hi all! I was lucky enough to go to Anaheim for this year's winter show! My first time ever!  I've always been able to go to summer show since Rosemont is about 2 hours north of here.  I convinced my husband that I "needed" to go to California since he is taking so many guy trips this year!  Since I am a stay at home mom of two, it's tough to work out me being gone during the week. Luckily, bugs aren't as active this time of year so I could go! :)

I flew out to Orange County on the Wednesday before the show in order to sit in with my boss, Amy, for Crafter's Home. The first full day was AWESOME!! We were treated to a technique tag class with the one and only Tim Holtz!  I learned so many new things and got to play with a lot of Ranger's products..something as  a scrapbooker, I hadn't taken time for.  Now, I can incorporate these techniques into my layouts and mini books!  By the end of the day, my fingers were black with ink/stain but it was worth it!

By the late afternoon, my good friend and scrap partner in crime, Malika Kelly, had arrived. We were able to see Ranger's and Tim's new products. I have to say Tim's Stamp2Cut is awesome!!

Friday, we sat in and listened to different companies show their new lines. Many I was excited to see in person!  Especially Teresa Collins, Echo Park, and My Mind's Eye!  That night Amy, Malika, and I drove to Costa Mesa to Oh Scrap! for a class with one of my all time favorite designers, Teresa Collins! I heart TC!  We put together a mini book with her new Fabrications line (pics to come soon).  She even gave away pieces from her new lines! My all time favorite is "Every Day Moments".  I cannot wait until it arrives in our store!  I've already called dibs to teach with.  :)

Here Mal is getting her new Signature Series TC idea book signed!  

Saturday, Malika and I did a class with Sizzix to learn the Eclips die-cut machine. If you are thinking of purchasing a new system, this one is for you. Especially if you are a fan of Tim's..you will WANT/NEED to have the Stamp2Cut cartridges. We were able to test them out and I can say it's very user friendly and all-in-all COOL!

Sunday was the big day...opening of the show!!  It's so fun to walk the floor and see all the new products!

Our first booth was Authentique (had to ask about the company pug they had posted on FB. Sadly, they didn't bring her).  I really love the Celebrate line. As always, Authentique has great die cuts and stickers to go along with their papers.

I snapped some pictures in the 7gypsies booth. I really love their new travel line!  I'm always amazed at the samples they have in their booth!

One of the most exciting highlights of the trip (yes I'm a geek!) is seeing our number one idol, Ali Edwards! Malika and I used to "stalk" Ali quite a bit. So happy to see her back! She even remembered us! LOL Our store is going to start carrying Studio AE stamps from Technique Tuesday! LOVE!!!!!  

Ali is so cool!!!!

Next, we hit up the Echo Park booth. Love their team and I think everyone will be excited to see their new lines!  

Here is a layout with the "This and That: Charming" collection. Cool colors!!

Amy, Malika, Madison from EP, and me

We also visiting Teresa Collins' booth a couple of times...mainly to go back and get a picture with her when she wasn't so busy! :)

We saw some familiar faces from back home, as well.  Tammy Tutterow is now with Sizzix and was working the booth:  

And we talked with the very awesomely talented, Wendy Vecchi!  

Lots of great stuff coming out by Wendy!  I heart her and can't wait for her to teach at The Scrapbooking Studio again.

Unfortunately, we didn't get to see everything on the floor as we ran out of time :(  I will mention a few additional companies who I really am looking forward to:

October Afternoon

Jillibean Soup

Pink Paislee

Maya Road

Prima

Simple Stories

Before we left the show, we HAD to get this picture for Lori Batronis. Or we would be flogged upon our return to IL!  I'm sure Tim thought we were absolutely nuts. And I'm glad security didn't escort us out of the building.

You owe me Batronis!! LOL

That evening, Amy had signed Malika and I up for a canvas/gelatos class with Donna Downey. Now, I am not much of a mixed media girl, so I was a little out of my element.  Any apprehension I felt, was quickly gone by Donna's fun demeanor. Oh my, that girl is hilarious!!  I loved taking her class, even though I didn't feel like I did a good job with the techniques. It's always good to be challenged!  

Monday was back to reality for Malika and I.  :(  But, we were glad we had the experience of going. Not to mention getting to enjoy the warm, California weather! And oh ya, who can forget Disneyland??!