Monday, July 27, 2009

CHA and Orlando.......Here we are!

Day One........

Here we are in Orlando, Florida for the Summer CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) Show. All I can say is WOW ! First let me start out by defining "we". That would be myself and my husband, Larry. He has got to be the BEST husband in the world. I mean, how many of you can say your husband could be dragged to a CHA show and participate in the workshops much less volunteer to do so. I had a dear friend who was going to attend with me but for reasons beyond her control she was unable to so do (miss you K) so my husband agreed to come along so I wouldn't have to make the drive alone. Yes, I said drive, 12 hours! (I refuse to fly). Anyway, I had signed my friend and I up for several workshops that I thought I would have to miss half off since she couldn't attend. My DH said he would be happy to attend and get the kits and take notes for me, I didn't even have to ask. Isn't he great! We needed a vacation since we haven't had time to spend together since we started the store so this worked out great.


(this is me and Larry after a long hard day or workshops)


(this is the convention center lobby at the west wing)

We started our day out by leaving Tennessee at 9:30 am on Sunday morning and arrived at 1:30am Orlando time. (We stopped several times to stretch our legs and grab a bite. I had a 8am class this morning as did Larry, but he decided to sleep in and skipped class. His class was with Piggy tales so I picked up his kit and will put it together later and show you. My class was with Clear Scraps. I loved this class and was able to experience so many first and try out some great products. I will be bringing this knowledge back with me and teaching this class in the store.

I got to use Copics to airbrush with, which was a first, as well as use Copic refill inks to stamp with (like Ranger Alcohol inks). We used some transparencies from Prima that you can color on with the Copics that turned out stunning. I know that I will be headed to the Prima booth tomorrow to place an order. For those of you wondering I already carry the Clear Scraps Albums in the store. This is one of those projects that you have to see in person to appreciate. I still have to finish mine. There is a title to be put on the front from chipboard but I haven't decided what photos I am going to use yet so I am waiting on that and I still have to put the last page together. I will post another pic when it is complete but I was so excited that I wanted to go ahead and post a little of it.



My next class was with Hero Arts. I enjoyed this class well as we used water coloring on our cards which is something I don't do ofen so this was a challenge. I had the priviledge of meeting Jennifer McGuire.She is the sweetest little thing. The team from Hero Arts did a great job. This is another booth that I am anxious to visit. I will post the pics from this class tomorrow, I have a few touch-ups to do. But here is a pic of me and Jennifer.



Guess who I saw..........that's right, just next door to my class was Tim Holtz. I was Tim's teacher's assistant 2 years ago at CKU in Nashville. I love his products and carry a large selection in the store. We are trying to get a class organized this month so be sure to check back ont he blog for more information. I am going by the booth tomorrow to order everything needed so it is just a matter of if it comes in in time for the class. We will keep our fingers crossed. This is a class you will not want to miss!

;

Larry's class was with Quick Qoutes for which again he picked up the kits that we will complete and post later. I saw the young lady that taught the class in the hall and she approached Larry and I and told be he was very attentive and took excellant notes, A+. I can't wait to rip open these kits and get to work. The completed ones I saw from some of the other retailers was awesome.

We had a short break for dinner and a little shopping. Since Larry had been such a goodd sport I took him by the Harley Davidson store here in Orlando and bought him a few goodies. We got some great t-shirts, sweat shirts, patches and a hat. We meet a wonderful young lady from Rome, Georgia who worked there..... hi Brittany. Thanks for the wonderful service and conversation.

After dinner, back to the convention center for two more workshops. Larry's was with SRM Stickers and Cosmo Cricket. They created a 2010 Calendar. Again, you know the drill, pics later.

My class was my absolute favorite so far! I went to a Flower Soft workshop. I had been thinking of getting this for the store after I saw Beth (babies, PTI forum) and Niki use it, now I KNOW I will. This was so easy to use, I was stunned. We made some amazing cards. I got to meet Susa, the inventor of Flower Soft as well as their TV demonstrator, Noreen. Mark from the Indiana distribution center and his wife were there, as well as, Rachel from customer service. These are some the kindest people I have met. I could listen to the beautiful accents of Susan and Noreen all day (from the UK). This product is amazing, I cannot wait to get my order in first thing in the morning. I have been assured it will ship immediately.


(Susan, the creator of Flower Soft, me, and Noreen, their demonstrator)


(The first card we made, I am stunned that "I" actually did this)


(another card we created)


(Susan and Noreen's name tags, they are so cute)

I have a lot more photos but trying to upload them a the Hotel is proving to be trying so I will wait until I get home. These few will give you just a little taste of the wonderful things we are experiencing while a the CHA Summer.

That's about it for tonight. We are exhausted so we are back at the Hotel for a good nights rest to prepare for tomorrows show. I will try to get as many photos as possible and be back to post tomorrow evening. We have 7 am workshops in the morning so enjoy the projects and as always, thanks for stopping by Precious Scraps, Goodnight.....

7 comments:

rhondalyn said...

Wow! Sounds like you are having a great time down there. Thanks for the updates..I love Tim Holtz and Quick Quotes stuff so I can't wait to take some classes at your store. Have lots of fun! Rhonda, in Clarksville~~~

IamDerby said...

Oh Bev how exciting!!!! And what a wonderful husband you have. I love love love your santa card. Beautiful work

Kevin Renz said...

So jealous... wish I was there with you, but so looking forward to all the pictures you will have to share. Have a great time!

Jamie said...

Hi Beverly, How exciting, looks like a lot of new ideas & products. And I think you're a great teacher! You know the road to a friend is never long . . . even coming "all the way from Clarksville." Can't wait to attend another class at PS. Have fun! Safe trip home. Jamie

Nicole said...

HI BEV!!!!!!! OH MY GOSH! I wish I was there with you! I bet you are just having a BLAST! Please keep us updated on all of your goodie purchases for the store!

I still can't believe I haven't gotten there yet! I take Josh to INDY this weekend to prep for his room at my Aunt's then take him back up again in two weeks for the final drop off! UGH, SNIFF SNIFF!

Maybe I will have to make myself feel better with a DOVER trip, including SCRAPPIN' PURCHASES!

Hugs to you and KUDOS to the hubby for hanging with you! XOXO Nicole

Niki Estes said...

Bev, it sounds like you are having so much fun!!! I am trying not to be jealous! lol I can't wait to hear all about it! Larry sure is a keeper!!

Kelsey said...

So good to see an update from CHA. Missing you lots! Wish I could be there. Larry is an amazing husband and I'm glad that you two are getting to spend time together. You two deserve it! :) Love ya lots! We'll have to talk when you get home. I want to see all of the projects you and Larry got to do! Have a great time! :)