CHA

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Thursday was the last day of the trade show and I spent a lot of time going around and picking up flyers and order forms from various companies on behalf of Custom Crops. I found a new line of paper called Lillie Bee that I really liked, the new e-craft machine (the new die cut machine that does not use mats), the Spellbinder's new really big cutting & embossing machine, and peel-offs - awesome gold and silver card or page embellishing strips. There were so many amazing products. I found some "must have" tools and the papers - OMGosh! The papers were so pretty, so varied, and so amazing. And the papers were used in such creative ways, like this "store" with it's paper flowers.

I love this Christmas banner - the glitter and elegance of the design.

The trade show ended at 3:00 pm and then it was time to set up the booth for the Super Show. The staff at Custom Crops did a super job of setting up the booth - it is open but has lots of product. It has the most unique and fabulous paper, wood, and tag tree. I just love it. It is truly a work of art and I would love to take it home. I suspect the airline would not be as excited about the trees.

One of the elements of the "Centers" theme booth layout (or stations if you prefer - DVD Stations, Demonstrations, Pink Stamper, Retail lines, and make and take area) that I particularly like is the Framed Photo area. There is a Custom Crops contest for those who use the frame and post photos to the Iternet. Below the uber-talented Amy Chomas and I are goofing in the photo booth while we were trying to get it into position.

Thursday night included dinner out with part of the Custom Crops group; I just hated that Maria couldn't be there because she is so nice. Kelly took us out for authentic Chicago pizza and it was FABULOUS!

( Maria McGuire, Me, Donna Mundinger, Diane Campbell Payne [Capadia], and Melanie Brown.)

Friday morning I had a two special treats - I attended the Cricut Circle gathering. It was really nice to see so many Circle folks present. Mike from Provo Craft spoke for quite some time attempting to dispell rumors and such. I have enjoyed getting to know him this week. He is such a nice guy.

(Me, Joy Tracey, Diane Campbell Payne and Melanie Brown circling. I loved spending time with these three women. Diane was my roommate and Melanie & Joy are just fabulous!)

We had a special guest at the circle gathering and he was so amusing: The Cricut! The photo below was taken on the floor of the show but he was so cute I decided to use this photo instead of one from the gathering.

My second treat on Friday morning was my friend Peggy from home was in Chicago for a few days and she was able to join me at CHA for a few hours of shopping and make & takes! It was so nice to be with a good friend and she had fun seeing the new products and viewing all of the booths. As a HUGE bonus, Peggy took two large shopping bags full of products home so that my luggage will not go over weight and my carry-on will not dislocate my shoulder. While Peggy was here, of course I HAD to photograph her with the Cricut! You cannot come to CHA and miss the Cricut!

We also had to visit the Custom Crops photo booth!

I purchased a two of these AWESOME stamps, but I wanted to purchase more!

After Peggy left, I helped out in the Custom Crops booth. The CC booth was one uber-busy place! Each of the five areas was constantly packed. It was awesome. The next few photos are from the booth: