This Friday, I head out early, pick up my buddy Elise, and hit the highway for Southern California. We are going to Anaheim for the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) 2012 Winter Show. There’s a lot of buzz around crafty sites about CHA this time of year because many of us in the “industry” are so excited about going for so many different reasons. Manufacturers and craft companies go to showcase their new products and services. Shop owners and buyers go to view and order the latest and greatest scrapbook and art supplies, textiles, equipment, lighting, furniture, services and more. They also enjoy the opportunity to craft with and try out many of those items first hand at the workshops or at the presenters’ booths. There are many bloggers and other members of the press who go to get a preview of what’s new to share with their audience.Designers go to showcase their talents and network for new clients to design for or represent and some in hopes of seeing their work licensed. Most every craft company and craft celebrity you can think of is represented at CHA. It takes days to take it all in, that is if you’re like me and stop and talk to someone at every booth, in the aisles, cafeteria… (I probably drive people crazy!) I can’t help it, there’s SO much to know and learn and see! The people are my favorite part.Last year, my fabulous friend Elise Durenberger and I went together for our first time and Elise, being a spectacular scrapper/papercrafter/designer, helped me navigate my way through the showroom, sharing what she knew about most of the companies. Priceless information to a craft industry newbie like me! (Newbie= less than 5 years in the industry.) This year, I’m really looking forward to meeting up with lots of friends made from around the country who will be coming. Also this year, just like last, I was behind in booking myself into classes before being sold out. But there are still many awesome business workshops, seminars and events we will be able to attend. To give you an idea of how much there is to do, should one choose to do it all, here’s the CHA Schedule.

I purchased a table in the Designer Showcase and have been working on my display all week. I thought you’d enjoy a few sneak peeks of what I will be showcasing, which I placed throughout this post. Once it’s all set up at the show, I’ll take more photos to share.

I can hardly wait to return and share all the fun things I saw, learned, heard, and receive at CHA- it’s a wonderful adventure!