Back from CHA

Finally back and unpacked from the Craft & Hobby Association Winter Conference and Trade Show put on by the Craft & Hobby Association (otherwise known as CHA)! It was as per normal an amazing show, full of new products, demos, old favorites and awesome networking. It is always one of the highlights of my year, many of a artistic friend and local art businesses! While I meet so many wonderful people and got to try so many products I must note some really did out shine the rest;

One thing a bit different for me this year was the opportunity to have on display some of my jewelry pieces at the Alumilite Corporation booth, makers of the Amazing Mold Making and Casting Products. They were very pleased with my initial test runs of their product and I am looking forward to using their products in my future artwork.

The amazingly talented Donna Kato was there at her Katopolyclay booth, friendly, funny and as willing as ever to show polyclay tips. Unbeknown to me they now carry some wonderful new colors, products and tools!

The Plaid Creative Group , makers of Mod Podge, Folk Art and Apple Barrel just to name a few, was there in full force with some wonderful make and takes. While I was there I got to meet great crafting personalities such as Mod Podge Amy, and Candie Cooper.

Got to meet the lovely Double Stitch Twins ,Erika and Monika Simmons (they are even more beautiful in person) at the 75th anniversary Red Heart Yarns booth, they had some stunning pieces of their work on display and it was just wonderful to see how many wonderful ways Red Heart Yarn can be used!

The beautiful Lisa Pavelka was there doing a book signing of her new book The Complete Book of Polymer Clay. She was as friendly as ever and even talked about some of her new techniques, designs and new polyclay line coming out.

The fabulous Mark Montano was doing demos and book signings of his new book Pulp Fiction Perfect Paper Projects, you had to do a wonderful paper demo to get a signed book, oh twist my arm. LOL

At the always classy Beadalon booth not only got to see some new products but a dazzling display of Fernando Dasilva‘s work and book signing of his new book  Modern Expressions.

Another rather nice opportunity CHA was doing this year was the Annual Business Meeting & Thank-You Breakfast and the Winter Show Event: Moonlight Mixer, both wonderful networking opportunities, alerting members of upcoming trends and great food.

Hats off to CHA for another wonderful Winter Show!

One of my jewelry pieces that was on display at the Alumilite Corporation booth, makers of the Amazing Mold Making and Casting Products. This necklace was made by making molds of Trilobite fossils (extinct marine arthropods) and then making resin replicas.

One of my other pieces that was on display at the Alumilite Corporation booth. This necklace was made by making molds of Trilobite fossils, then making resin replicas and then embedding them into clear resin to replicate fossil beds.

The full set that was on display at the Alumilite Corporation booth.

Safe Travels….