Checking out Upcoming Craft Shows

I’m going through some major writer’s cramp lately. Maybe it’s the start of school, maybe it’s me overextending myself, as usual, or maybe it’s Typical-Me expecting to write earth-shattering, life-changing posts all the time. Could be topic overload too. Could be burn-out or fallout from attending the Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show. Everywhere I turned, incredible displays were in my face.

Display for Prima Products

Tell you what, I have a backlog including a couple of craft locations and restaurant visits. I just haven’t felt the initial inspirational spark to start writing. Look at that journal I saw from CHA… I’m pretty sure that was a Donna Downey sample. So beautiful. Talk about inspired writing… sheesh.

Before the school year and activities completely swallow me up, and before I get even further behind, I wanted to share these events to anyone interested out there!

  • Coming to Chicago in September Renegade Craft Fair
  • Also in September, Craft Social. While not a craft show per se, it’s a blast of an evening with make-and-take projects, light eats and lots of friendly faces. Check out the social from last spring.
  • Urban Craft Uprising is out in the Pacific Northwest and is taking applications for their Winter show. I visited the Summer show while I was in Seattle.
  • Keep a lookout for Indie Jubilee next year… I missed their inaugural show this past summer while I was away.

Reporting from Craft & Hobby Association Summer Show 2010

There’s something to be said about freelance writing for Craft Critique. Not only am I able to see what’s up and coming in terms of crafting products, but I’m surrounded by all these creative people and it’s awesome feeding off of each other.

Hanging out with the ladies yesterday was so much fun: met a few fellow Critique-ers in person, laughed a lot, learned a lot. I came home after twelve hours of walking around 260 booths of amazing craft product and inspiration… talking to lots of movers and shakers, taking pictures (150+ pictures!) of incredible projects, booths and watching demonstrations and make-n-take projects.  I also came home with much reading and creating to do, not to mention WRITING. If you wander over to Craft Critique, get ready for some eye candy! I’ll be covering a handful of manufacturers and products. My first CHA Summer Show article on Jillibean Soup is already posted.

I really enjoyed seeing Tim Holtz in person, and meeting Donna Downey! Like the geeky crafter that I am, I brought along my book in hopes I might meet her. She was so nice and approachable, like we’ve met before, and I hope we meet again.

Awesome. “Live a life inspired.”

I have every intention, Donna. Thank you.

Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show

My head might explode if I ever attend this trade show. The Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) Trade Show just finished up in Anaheim, California. Many designers and crafters I follow were in full force. I wonder if I’ll attend some day – crafter or otherwise.

Here are a few links to some of the captured moments.

Donna Downey’s Simply Me

CraftCritique

CHA Trade Show Home Page

Related Posts with Thumbnails