Last week, I got the opportunity to attend CHA Paper Arts in Schaumburg, IL.

I hadn’t been able to attend a CHA Show (Craft Hobby Association) since the last time

it was in Chicago a few years ago.

As you can imagine I was excited to go.  (any excuse for a get-a-way)

I knew going in that it was going to be a small show.

But…by being a small show, it gave me the opportunity to mix, mingle and really get to know people.

I got to meet, in person, a few online friends, was able to make a few more and make some really

great connections.  All in all I was satisfied.

Back in it’s hey day, when I had my store, I remember spending three days walking the show

and still not being able to see everything.  (those were the days…)

On the first day of the two day show, I did remember to take a few pictures.

I wish I had taken more.   Enjoy!

First off in the Sizzix Booth was dies from Stephanie Ackerman. 

I’ve been following Stephanie’s blog, Homegrown Hospitality, for years.

She’s a real Superstar in my books.

 New House Dies from Tim Holtz and Sizzix

I love the little house dies from the always popular Tim Holtz.

Tim Holtz Holiday Canvas

Ken Oliver of Ken Oliver Crafts

Ken’s another one of my Favorite Superstars.  Here I am with Ken and The Paper Forest girls.

They had just taken a picture with Ken and was rubbing it in my face.

So… I made them take another.

I finally got the opportunity to play with Ken’s Color Bursts. 

It only took a few minutes to create this masterpiece.

Eileen Hull’s Vintage Camper, Scotty on The Paper Trail at CHA.

Such a cute little camper.  You can read about Eileen and Scotty’s Adventure here.

Eileen Hull’s Samples made using Sizzix Dies.

More samples from Eileen.

I met Eileen a few years back and she’s such a sweet and personable lady.

You can’t help but love her.  And her dies… they are just too cute.

If I had her camper, I just might enjoy camping.  (well maybe)

Another picture with The Paper Forest girls at the Graphic 45 booth.

Graphic 45 World’s Fair

Graphic 45 Mon Amour

Kaisercraft

Ready for Christmas Crafting?  I am!

More Kaisercraft Christmas…

Kaisercraft

Little B LLC Christmas

  I fell in love with Little B’s New Christmas Washi Tape.

This is another one of those booths where I got talking and forgot to take more pictures.

As a reward for all my work (aka…having fun).  

I ended my adventure with a trip to my favorite Big Blue Store, IKEA.