CHA Show Winter 2011

Hi everyone,

I'm back from the CHA Winter show. It's the biggest craft show in the industry. As always, it is overwhelming and amazing and great exercise. We got quite a work out. Some of the meetings and seminars were a half mile away (I think!) from the show floor, so we all did plenty of walking. And, of course, since we carry or drag pounds of samples, catalogs and projects, we did our weight-lifting, too! Now, if I can only keep up the regimen!

I didn't take a lot of photos. I was too busy gawking at all the wonders of the craft booths. But, a well-known designer, Julie McGuffee, took amazing photos of the show. You can see them here on her blog. You'll feel just like you walked the show with her.

I did have a photo of me and my showcase taken. Here I am in a large meeting room with about 40 other designers and their displays. Each of us have a 6 foot table on which to display our designs and portfolio. The place just oozes creativity!

All in all, it was an amazing show. And, it was the people that made it so fantastic. I met fellow designers whose work I have admired, an editor who is just a sweetheart, and worked with a wonderful family at Stanislaus Imports that has been in the industry for many years.

After the many changes in 2010 that had left many of us designers disheartened, I think this year will bring new and exciting oppurtunities! And, for all of you who attended I wish you a prosperous and enriching year. And, I don't just mean money!