This is what I saw last year at CHA

It's that time of year - when all of our crafting buddies get together at the fantabulous craft show - the Craft & Hobby Association's Winter Conference and Trade Show.  Full of awe and wonderment. the craft show is the hot spot to be this weekend and for new readers among us, here's a quick overview.

CHA (pronounced C-H-A, each letter, not like cha-cha-cha) is like the Christmas morning for crafters since all of your favourite manufacturers are there. Held twice a year, the Winter Show is the THE place to be for buyers for retail chains, independent craft stores, websites, and media looking for the latest, awesome stuff in crafting. You will also have a chance to meet crafting friends you have "known" for years - either through their blogs or design team sites. Manufacturers bring out their latest and greatest, designers are on-hand to display, demonstrate and answer questions, store owners and their buyers order merchandise, and in time, you, the consumer, can find it in your favourite stores' shelves and websites.

I could go on and on about what is there - however, as any crafter knows, photographs speak a thousand words:

 

I am so excited to see everyone again, catch-up on the latest and of course, check out the new collections and supplies. I can't tell you how fun it is to touch all the new paper and run your fingers through yards of ribbon and fabric.  If you are on on Facebook, I am sure you have seen the continuous updates of Sneak Peeks - if you have time, check all the great new items though this post on Scrapbook Update.

If you are going to be a CHA 2012 - please look for me - - my rolling bag will be filled to the brim with swag from at the Blue Barn. All you need to know will be the Secret Word which will be posted daily on the at the Blue Barn Facebook Page.  Also, let me know that you'll be there and at which booth - I may stop by! See you at the show!