I don’t know what happened and why they weren’t downloaded the last time I did my card. Maybe I glanced at them and thought they’d already been done. Who knows? Total blond moment either way.
Here’s my 3-part plan:
1. Create new blog entries for the booths I didn’t even realize I had photos for
2. For the booths I already did posts on, update those with the new pics.
3. Write a new blog post with all the found photos in one place
No. 3 is for those of you who already read the original CHA 2016 posts. That way you don’t have to wade through them all again to see the new pics.
This will take a while because I have 87 photos to edit first so don’t be expecting this all tomorrow :)
I’m totally shaking my head at myself. Sheesh. How do I operate on a daily basis? LOL. Looking back, I *was* pretty sleep-deprived around CHA time. Yep, that’s what I’m going to blame it on: lack of sleep.
And, yes, in case you’re wondering, I CAN chew gum and walk at the same time. Unless it’s cinnamon flavor. Or a SQUIRREL! runs by. {Like you can do better! Sheesh}.
This is part of a series about the scrapbooking booths I visited at CHA 2016. If you’d like to see all the posts in the series, click HERE.
Disclaimer about my photos: The lighting at CHA is HORRIBLE for amateur phototaking. It’s held in a dimly lit and huge exhibit hall with spotlights here and there. If you don’t use your flash, you get what I got. If you DO use your flash, you get glare from all the packaging not to mention disturbing the crowd of people in the booth. I wish I had better photos but I did the best I could with editing them. I hope you can at least get an idea of what the products are like! (95% taken with Nikon Coolpix P100 and 5% with iPhone 6+)
Kaisercraft
My next stop was Kaisercraft where I didn’t really know what to expect. I don’t own but a few pieces, mainly because I haven’t been exposed to the brand very much. They’re based out of Australia and I’m in the US so . . .
I thought most of their lines looked like this, very antiqued with lots of browns:
When in fact, it’s quite varied with loads of beautiful colors and more modern designs than I imagined.
This line full of teals, whites, and greys was my absolute favorite. Swoon!
I like how they have the release date of each line on the shelving it’s housed on. Wicked smart.
I didn’t catch her name, sadly, but the person I spoke to in the Kaisercraft booth was supermodel beautiful and had that lovely Aussie accent.
I asked what their most popular items were and she said their line of adult coloring books (this becomes a theme) and this beach line. Which I love, and told her I live near the beach and we go there a lot, though it’s not summer. And she pointed out that it IS summer in Australia :D
Aren’t these projects beautiful?! I love the paper that looks like fishing net.
This album is going on my CHA 2016 Wish List for sure. I love the color and the quote!
These albums were pushed more back into the shelf so I slid them out to get a better photo. Unbeknownst to me, a woman was standing behind me waiting to also take a photo of them and I’m pretty sure it was Julie McGuffee from Scrapbook Soup!
As I turned around from pushing them back into the shelf, she said, “Aw, you put them back” and smiled. I immediately pulled them BACK out so she could take a photo and she told me I was sweet :) So that was a fun exchange.
You know that column in “Us” magazine called “Stars – They’re Just Like Us”? It reminded me of that. My mind is bumbling over this ‘scrapbook star’ and she’s just taking a photo like a normal person, LOL.
Kaisercraft has quite a line of mists!
Here’s one of their outer walls, which I assume alludes to their coloring book line. (I may be dumb but I’m not blonde!) (Ummm, wait a minute … I don’t think I said that right).
I asked if the majority of Kaisercraft’s market was in Australia and she estimated about 60% was, with about 20% in America and 20% elsewhere.
Thank you for enlightening me to your product lines, Kaisercraft! Loved your booth.
I took over 200 photos at CHA (in 5 hours, wow!). I couldn’t post close-ups of everything but if there are items you’d like a closer look at, please leave a Comment on this post and I’ll edit the photo(s) so you can see better :) Just another service provided by your friends at Scrapbook Obsession. Okay, well, it’s just me but I wanted to sound important.
I hope you’re enjoying a fabulous and relaxing Labor Day Weekend, if you’re in the States. If you haven’t done any shopping yet, make sure to check out my post with a bunch of scrapbook-related sales and discounts RIGHT HERE.
I’m going to try something new here @ Scrapbook Obsession Blog – a weekly round-up post of cool things I saw online this week that I think will be right up your alley. And away we go!
– Sounds like the first CHA PAPER ARTS SHOW was a success. Do you think they’ll keep doing them?
– ECHO PARK has posted some videos showing how to use their new “Designer Dies and Stamps.”
– This COOL ITEM is supposed to be for party tabletops but I’m picturing it being very useful on my scrapbook desk!
– Simple Stories has been putting out some great “Inspiration E-Books” for each of their new lines. Check out the latest one HERE.
– Don’t forget to use these GREAT COUPONS by tomorrow, Monday 09-01-14!
– BIG NEWS from October Afternoon, one of my favorite lines in the whole scrappy world. {There was some message board speculation that they were closing or selling to another company because of their, um, business practices? But, no, that’s not it . . . Phew!}
– Lisa at “Blackbird Darlin'” blog is making a Project Life album in 6×8. Check out her progress HERE.
Did you enjoy the “Scrapbook Obsession Weekly Roundup” post? Please let me know in Comments below. Based on your feedback and traffic, I’ll most likely continue doing these. They’re fun, don’t you think?!?!
YES! I got to go to CHA* for the first time!!! And it was absolutely amazing! Scrapbook Bucket List item checked off! I could only go for one day (Saturday) but I’m so grateful even for that. It’s like Rome or Disneyland – there is NO possible way to see and do everything you want to in one day. So I ran around like a scrappy chicken with my head cut off and crammed as much as I could into 7 hours.
*Are you wondering what the hay CHA is? Check THIS out.
There was so much greatness packed into those 7 hours that I can’t put it all in one blog post. I’ll do a series over the next week or two and that way I can be more detailed (maybe TOO detailed but humor me, LOL!) Simple Stories and Basic Grey might take 2 posts each. We’ll see how it goes. But I want to share the experience with you of being a total geeky newb in the Emerald City. I must say, Oz was extremely welcoming :) And no flying monkeys. BONUS!
Pinch me. I still kind of can’t believe it. OUCH! Jeez, I didn’t mean ACTUALLY pinch me. It was a figure of speech. Sheesh. That’s okay, it didn’t hurt that much. Between CHA yesterday and the Golden Globes and The Bachelor tonight, I’m in heaven anyway. I still love you <3
For an idea of what’s to come, below are some of the booths I went to and people I met.
I got a tour of these booths, met some wonderful people, and got you some good intel: BASIC GREY – Talked to one of the owners, Rachel Brenchley, and briefly met Kelly Purkey SIMPLE STORIES – Met the owners Kevin and Amber Crowell, and Jodi, Sue, and Layle Koncar ECHO PARK / CARTA BELLA – Met Andrea Smith WEBSTER’S PAGES – Met Allison Kreft and Shimelle PROJECT LIFE – Met Becky Higgins CHICKANIDDY CRAFTS – Met Heidi Sonboul’s husband MAMBI (Me and My Big Ideas) – Met Shelby Strichard
As you can see, I’m a Paper Girl. If you’re looking for inks and stamps and tools, I’m not your gal. I mean, all that stuff is awesome but I had to prioritize so I went for my first love: PAPER!!! I’m a confessed PAPER SNIFFER from way back, remember? I’ve always been open with you about that. Don’t hate.
I also got to meet Nancy Nalley from SCRAPBOOK UPDATE and we had a quick fun convo at the end of the day. I hope I remembered to mention every person and booth I visited. If not, I’ll include them later, swear!
Overall, I will say that my photos will not be the best you’ll see out there (camera problems so most are iPhone photos). I didn’t take a TON of project photos because I know each manufacturer posts those on their blog, etc. My focus will be on telling you the story of the day, how amazing and fun it was to be there, the conversations I had with some of my favorite companies, what I’ll do differently next time, and hopefully some insider information that you won’t hear anywhere else. The posts will be LONG. I’m verbose. Deal with it.
I did offer those I interviewed the chance to do a run-through of our exchange before I post it. I don’t have the greatest memory and I’d feel HORRIBLE if I misquoted someone. I also don’t want to share any details they’d rather keep under wraps for now, or anything too personal. They are businesses, just real people making a living, and I totally respect that. But if there’s a delay in posting anything, that’ll be why – just wanted you to know ☺
So please come back to read more about my adventures at CHA 2014. If you want to make sure and not miss a post, you can sign up for updates in the top right corner. That way, you get an e-mail every time I post.
In the meantime, if you’re Jonesing for CHA product and project photos, I encourage you to check out all the vendor blog links in my Blogroll on the lower right. If you go to their blogs, you can usually find a link to their Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook where they’re sharing photos from CHA and/or products debuting at CHA. Also, in my post above, anything that’s bolded is a link to their blog or website.
Another way to see amazing pics from the floor of CHA is check out Melissa Stinson/Scrappy Jedi’s FLICKR FEED. She has a nice camera and her CHA photos are wicked good. I was hoping to meet Melissa @ CHA but never saw her, dangit! I’ve followed her blog for years and am a big fan.
Sorry no pretty pictures this time. I’m still downloading and editing them – I took almost 500 total. In 7 hours. Yikes. Excessive much?
Well, YESTERDAY’S REVEAL was certainly a big hit. Everyone seems to love the new Simple Stories line of a 6×8 personalized scrapbooking/journal line, along with memorabilia pockets up to 12×12 size.
Now it’s time for Memory Works and Simple Stories big reveal #2 of CHA …. Introducing “Fabulous”!!!
NOTE: All images and projects are courtesy of the Simple Stories blog
The Simple Basics Designer Cardstock is one of my favorite elements of the “Fabulous” line. I love the pretty, simple prints AND the ledger sides, too. How will a girl choose???
These “Fabulous” Journal Pages will go with the 6×8 journal products revealed YESTERDAY. Is that cool or what? My mind is spinning with the creative possibilities of mixing and matching these journal pages from all the new Simple Stories lines into the 6×8 journals! Oh my gosh, talk about personalizing your journal/scrapbook!
Okay, that’s the whole line ~ what do you think? I’m loving the whole thing. Often “girl” lines are just pink-pink-pink, and it really limits what you can use the lines for. One thing I like about “Fabulous” is that it has a variety of colors and designs that can be used for other layouts – for instance, All About Me, spring, summer, swimming, birthday, etc.
On the message board for MEMORY WORKS consultants, we’ve gathered suggestions for future Simple Stories lines at least twice before. “Boy” and “girl” collections always come up, so I know many will be happy there’s now a girl line for Simple Stories.
I hope it means that a Boy line is next. I can’t wait for tomorrow’s reveal!!
Tell the truth…Do you qualify to enter the MESSIEST SCRAPBOOK ROOM CONTEST? Deadline is 8-24-09 and you could win a $50 gift certificate.
Check out the TOP BUSINESS TRENDS AT CHA-SUMMER 2009. To sum up the trends: Eco and cheap-o….err, I mean….cheaper! Not cheap as in shoddy, just more affordable to all us broke scrappers, LOL!
I’m so excited for my AMR friend, KELLIANNIE. I’ve bragged about her mad cardmaking skillz many a time, and she’s an awesome illustrator, too, who has gotten into the stampmaking business. At one time, she made her own stamps for sale, and now she’s had designs picked up for manufacture by a major company, UNITY STAMP COMPANY. Her dragonfly stamp is included in USCs August Kit of the Month, which you can order (or just drool over) HERE (hers is #6, the dragonfly on the top right….so pretty!).
Kelli posted about it recently HERE and one of her designs, a double lilac bloom, unbeknownst to her til now, was even at CHA! I tell ya’, there are some big shots hanging out over at AMR. You might want to join up so you can schmooze with them.
Our own JOSCIE CUTCHENS even had a page published in the latest Memory Makers issue. Look for her on page 66. ETA 8-14-09: To clarify, it is the latest and it is the last :(
Speaking of AMR, there will be a SCRAP CHAT HOUR tonight at 8:30 pm CST (that’s 6:30 for you PSTers like me). The topic is sharing scrapbooking tips we’ve learned along the way, so come join us. I’m sure you could teach us, and learn, a thing or four. Also, we have the ongoing BOOK OF ME (aka BOM) project and would love you to join us. Abby gives us layout challenges, we throw around ideas and ask questions, and share our finished layouts. It’s a very good thing to do for yourself….don’t you deserve it?
So, tell me about your messy (or perfectly organized) scrap space, and/or your thoughts on the latest scrapbook trends.
I just saw ^^ this ^^ in the store over at ALL MOMENTS REMEMBERED and fell in {LOVE}. Which is appropriate, considering the theme of this line is love and Valentines Day. Here’s another view of the line, although you get MORE than this in the above kit from AMR:
You can order the Splendid 12×12 paper kit {the one in the top photo} HERE.
I’m also loving this one by Fancy Pants called “Summer Soiree.” I’m hoping Stacey will be able to carry it at AMR; she is so good about getting pretty much any product you ask for. Anyway, LOVE it! The colors are so bright and fun. With all this winter, I’m looking ahead to scrapping some fun spring and summer photos with this.
If you’re not familiar with CHA, read all about it HERE and then come back, LOL! It started today Sunday, 1/25/09 in Anaheim, California and runs through Wednesday, 1/28/09. In a nutshell, it’s the biggest craft show in the US where all the LSSs and online retailers get to preview the new lines, interact with their Scrap Homies, see all the fun displays, do make-n-takes, receive giveaways, etc. You get to see all the Scrap Celebs in their natural habitat, amongst the pretty paper and smell of adhesive. You get to drool over cutie patootie TIM HOLTZ and his sexy forearms while he demos his latest ever-so-clever ink technique. Ooooh….I’m so verklempt! Must….focus…..where was I? Oh yeah, CHA!
Ever since I got serious about scrapbooking several years ago, I have always wanted to go to CHA. I think you can tell, if you’re a regular reader, that I’m quite in love with scrapbooking products, what new things are coming out, and where to get them. I mean, “in love” is somehow an understatement, LOL! Unfortunately for the average scrapper, only verified store owners and their staff members are allowed to attend. When I became a consultant for Memory Works and then opened my own little scrapbook business from home, I wanted even MORE to attend. I looked into joining CHA (the Craft and Hobby Association) so I could do so, but the membership price was too steep for someone just starting out (ironic, yes? because who needs to attend CHA and make those wonderful network-y connections more than a new store owner?). I resigned myself to never being able to attend, but I always get caught up in the Sneak Peeks from each company and turn green with envy at all my online friends who’ve been able to attend.
Well, going back to work full-time due to this crummy economy meant I had to put my little biz on the backburner until I have time to fire it up again. And if you want irony, I’ve got it for you. Who got invited to CHA this time? Who lives only 4 hours from where it’s being held? Lean in real close and I’ll whisper a little hint in your ear……closer……closer…..okaaaaaay……ME!! It’s a long story how the invite came about but don’t make me relive it because I couldn’t go. Not only does it interfere time-wise with this little thing called my Normal Work Week, but the price of a hotel, etc. is just not something my pocketbook can stretch to accommodate right now. So that’s the irony….being invited the one time I can’t go. I felt so unduly privileged to have an invite but who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth? It’s like if Brad and Angelina ask to adopt me because they need another freckle-faced white kid to represent! Who am I to ask questions? Just take the gig and roll with it…
I was visiting a friend on Friday who happens to be another online store owner – well, okay, if you must know, I was meeting her to pick up some Bazzill cardstock she was selling on Craigslist but that’s another post – and she said, “Oh, I’m so excited! Me and Lisa are leaving for CHA on Sunday!” Well, mother (bleep). Someone ELSE who gets to go! Not only that, when I told her I also got an invite but couldn’t go because of fundage, she says, “Oh, you could’ve roomed with us. Our third girl just backed out today. We’re sharing a big suite and it’s only $100 total each for 2 nights.” Again I say, mother (bleep)!
And just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, I found out one of my all time favorite people is going to be there! This is quoted from a CHA press release:
“Paris Hilton, internationally recognized model, singer, author, and entrepreneur will be available on Sunday, January 25, 2009 from 2:30 – 3:30 pm in the Wooky Entertainment booth #2500, to unveil Paris Hilton, the Creativity Collection™ a multi-faceted line of fashion crafting kits from some of the most popular craft segments including scrapbooking, jewelry making and fabric embellishment. Paris will be on hand for photos and signing autographs.”
Is God trying to punish me? Did I tinkle in someone’s Wheaties??!!! Oh, the horror of missing my girl, Paris! Just kick me while I’m down, why don’t you? Dig the knife in a little further, okay?
So you can see why CHA-W (or “chaw” as we insiders call it) is so bittersweet for me this time. To all my homies out there in Scrap World who are down in Anaheim right now, sipping your little freakin’ Mojitos or whatever by the heated indoor hotel pool, gabbing away about how much FREAKIN’ fun it was at CHA today and how much more FREAKIN’ fun it’s going to be the rest of the time, you just have a wonderful time, okay? Really. Don’t even worry about me. At. All. Cuz I’m not bitter.
For the Scrapbook Obsessed, you could say that CHA time is even more anticipated than Christmas, Mother’s Day, and your birthday all smushed together. I mean, am I right?? Well, it’s that time again and the excitement to see all the new products is building. FYI: CHA Winter 2008 is being held in Anaheim, CA on February 10-13. The keynote speaker this year is financial diva, Suze Orman. According to the press release, “Orman will help attendees understand how their relationship to money affects their businesses and lives.”
I’ll keep adding any product previews or news I find to this post, so keep checking back (most recent entries will be on top). Please let us know what ya think, what ya might buy, what ya must have, and what ya won’t buy even with a 40% off coupon at Michaels…
And away we go!!!
DAISY D’s
I usually LOVE their stuff, one of my favorite brands, but…
Sorry, me no likey at all…
AMERICAN CRAFTS
Lots of their usual bright, cheery, easy to use stuff. There’s so much, I can’t post it all here. Just CHECK THIS OUT ~ it’s all laid out very nicely!
QUEEN & CO
This is from Q&Co’s blog; make sure to read the fine print!
“Introducing… the NEW Valentines line….
Queen & Co is excited to announce the arrival of our new Valentine products. Included in this release are new 3/4″ Felt Ribbons, two new Clear Stamps sets plus several fun styles of brads! Products are starting to ship this week. Look out for them in stores soon!
(note that these are not our CHA Winter releases – these are an extra mini release …keep an eye out for CHA releases soon!)”
UNITY STAMP COMPANY (new company!)
See everything on THEIR BLOG
