CHA 2014: Post 1

I recently returned from the CHA Mega Show that took place in Anaheim, California. Sponsored by the Craft & Hobby Association, this now annual event brings together manufacturers, retailers, designers and other creative professionals for a blockbuster conference and trade show. Hundreds of companies exhibit their newly released product lines as part of The Marketplace. The Education component includes workshops, business seminars, and demos. Round table discussions, chapter meetings and networking events make up the Community component. And of course, there are endless informal connections happening round the clock.

I have been a Designer member since July 2013 and this was the first show that I have attended. It by far exceeded my expectations and I am happy to say that I met my goals of leaving both exhilarated and exhausted. Of course leaving the single digit temperatures of NYC and spending time in the 80 degree weather in Southern California was an added bonus!

For the many of you who could not attend, the following is taste of CHA 2014!

The event took place at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The weather could not have been better.

So much effort goes into planning and set up before the show even opens.

Day 1 marked the start of the Education Program and the first of my two workshops.

Some of the 51 people who attended my Mixed Media Magic Canvas class.

A special thanks to Spellbinders for sponsoring the workshop and providing their expertise, assistance and product. Also extending thanks to the following companies who graciously donated supplies: Tsukineko, DecoArt, and Fun Stampers Journey.

The show floor opened on Day 2 and the Education Program continued.

The crowd was excited waiting for the doors to finally open.

People eager to see and buy the new product releases flooded the booths.

On the afternoon on Day 2, I taught my second workshop.

50 people attended my Art Journaling: The Basics class.

We even made some art in between all the laughing.

Many thanks to the following companies for generously providing supplies: Spellbinders, Authentique, StencilGirl Products, Tsukineko, Prima Marketing Inc., and Blue Moon Beads.

That evening I attended a Bloggers Networking Reception sponsored by Prime Publishing where bloggers met with company representatives.

I left with both new connections and 4 bags of swag! Thanks for the generosity.

For me Day 3 was filled with meetings, seminars and a few very special events.


My publishers North Light Books and F+W Media had a booth and sponsored a number of book signings. Special thanks to my publicist from North Light Meaghan Finnerty for setting this up. I had a chance to spend time with my editor Tonia Jenny and also with Tommy Semosh from NL.

I had a great time signing copies of my new book The Mixed-Media Artist.

Both Rosaland Hannibal and I are contributors to Quinn McDonald's new book Inner Hero Creative Art Journal, and we joined Quinn for her signing.

On Day 4, I briefly walked the show floor one last time and packed my bags to head back to NYC -- also know as Winter! The show continued for one more day after I had left.

Though I said goodbye to CHA for 2014, you do not have to just yet. Stay tuned for several more posts highlighting the booth, products, and people of the CHA Mega Show 2014. Stay tuned...