At last I am safe and sound and back at home in NYC. This summer's CHA was a small show, but a lovely one. (If you're unfamiliar with CHA, please read this post where I explain all about it.)
I headed off to Chicago a week ago, Sunday, on an early morning plane ride.
I entertained myself on the flight and in the airplane waiting area by sketching and watercoloring.
After a little while, I was joined in Chicago by a certain someone who I like to call "Julie's Little Helper."
I love going to these events with my Mother. Partly because she truly is an enormous help, but also because I trust her opinion implicitly and it's so lovely to be able to hash over the day's events with someone whose opinion you trust.
It's also nice to share dessert with her.
On Monday I had the great pleasure of giving two lectures: "How to Build A Better Blog" and "The How-Tos of How-Tos."
I'm a natural ham, so standing up in front of an audience is such fun for me! But, the best part of giving a lecture is meeting all sorts of new people afterwards.
I love meeting everyone, but it's especially fun when blog readers come up and introduce themselves! I like to put the face with the name.
After all the lecturing, there was a long but very important business dinner to be had with all the KS Productions girls. We are the hosts of Hands On Crafts for Kids, Beads Baubbles and Jewels, and Scrapbook Soup TV.
And we all got presents at dinner! Who doesn't like getting presents?
Tuesday morning the show floor opened and I started the make & takes at The Crafter's Workshop booth. So many awesome people stopped by to play and make necklaces!
The best part of the day, however, was dinner with my "Mouse in the Blender" girls:
Ronda, Christine, and Nathalie are lovely, courageous, talented, generous people. I feel very lucky to call them my friends. Each CHA we meet and share and discuss our careers. It's a wonderful check-in every six months and I so appreciate it.
Wednesday morning rolled around way too early for my tastes. Nonetheless, another day, another black dress.
I spent the morning walking the show floor snapping pics of whatever interested me. Clearly I have a thing for tabs and tags.
I also loved seeing the Crafty Couture dresses. Here are a few of my faves:
The biggest thrill, of course, is seeing my own product on the show floor. It's unbelievably cool — like a dream come true!
By the by, Blue Moon Scrapbooking has put up a "Buy It All" option for the six sets of matching stamps & stencils that came out earlier this year.
In the afternoon, I shot some video:
And helped lots more folks make awesome stenciled necklaces!
Before I had to leave Chicago, I had a delicious dinner at Chicago legend Giordano's. Delicious pizza, great company, and plenty of laughter. My kind of evening. I hated to leave CHA a day early, but I was delighted to go out in style!
In the morning I headed to the airport.
Time for a new adventure: three days of classes at CREATE in New Jersey. But that's a tale for another day!
Thanks for stopping by!
oh my! I need one of your dirty girl aprons! my friends are horrified that I don’t clean them or my stamps…. that just takes away from the crafting time!
I have loved watching your time at CHA and can’t wait to get my hands on some of your new templates when they hit Australian shores
D xx
oh my! I need one of your dirty girl aprons! my friends are horrified that I don’t clean them or my stamps…. that just takes away from the crafting time!
I have loved watching your time at CHA and can’t wait to get my hands on some of your new templates when they hit Australian shores
D xx
oh my! I need one of your dirty girl aprons! my friends are horrified that I don’t clean them or my stamps…. that just takes away from the crafting time!
I have loved watching your time at CHA and can’t wait to get my hands on some of your new templates when they hit Australian shores
D xx
oh my! I need one of your dirty girl aprons! my friends are horrified that I don’t clean them or my stamps…. that just takes away from the crafting time!
I have loved watching your time at CHA and can’t wait to get my hands on some of your new templates when they hit Australian shores
D xx
oh my! I need one of your dirty girl aprons! my friends are horrified that I don’t clean them or my stamps…. that just takes away from the crafting time!
I have loved watching your time at CHA and can’t wait to get my hands on some of your new templates when they hit Australian shores
D xx
Thank you I really enjoyed looking at the photos and reading al about you’re doings
It sounds so much fun. I never go to show like that but because of post like these you can be a little bit part of it thanks
Thank you I really enjoyed looking at the photos and reading al about you’re doings
It sounds so much fun. I never go to show like that but because of post like these you can be a little bit part of it thanks
Thank you I really enjoyed looking at the photos and reading al about you’re doings
It sounds so much fun. I never go to show like that but because of post like these you can be a little bit part of it thanks
Thank you I really enjoyed looking at the photos and reading al about you’re doings
It sounds so much fun. I never go to show like that but because of post like these you can be a little bit part of it thanks
Thank you I really enjoyed looking at the photos and reading al about you’re doings
It sounds so much fun. I never go to show like that but because of post like these you can be a little bit part of it thanks
oh, if only I could “buy it all”!!! Can’t wait to get my hands on some of the new stencils, stamp sets, but how to decide which ones I want first?! Is there a “love it all” button?
oh, if only I could “buy it all”!!! Can’t wait to get my hands on some of the new stencils, stamp sets, but how to decide which ones I want first?! Is there a “love it all” button?
oh, if only I could “buy it all”!!! Can’t wait to get my hands on some of the new stencils, stamp sets, but how to decide which ones I want first?! Is there a “love it all” button?
oh, if only I could “buy it all”!!! Can’t wait to get my hands on some of the new stencils, stamp sets, but how to decide which ones I want first?! Is there a “love it all” button?
oh, if only I could “buy it all”!!! Can’t wait to get my hands on some of the new stencils, stamp sets, but how to decide which ones I want first?! Is there a “love it all” button?
Was that a dress contest?? Thier awesome!!
Was that a dress contest?? Thier awesome!!
Was that a dress contest?? Thier awesome!!
Was that a dress contest?? Thier awesome!!
Was that a dress contest?? Thier awesome!!
Could you share directions for making the stenciled necklaces? They look awesome!
Could you share directions for making the stenciled necklaces? They look awesome!
Could you share directions for making the stenciled necklaces? They look awesome!
Could you share directions for making the stenciled necklaces? They look awesome!
Could you share directions for making the stenciled necklaces? They look awesome!
Looks like you had a great time! So nice that your mother could join you. I love those butterflys! (and all the rest of the new stencils).
Looks like you had a great time! So nice that your mother could join you. I love those butterflys! (and all the rest of the new stencils).
Looks like you had a great time! So nice that your mother could join you. I love those butterflys! (and all the rest of the new stencils).
Looks like you had a great time! So nice that your mother could join you. I love those butterflys! (and all the rest of the new stencils).
Looks like you had a great time! So nice that your mother could join you. I love those butterflys! (and all the rest of the new stencils).
Looks like a blast Julie, I so miss it. Nice seeing you at create tho. 🙂
Looks like a blast Julie, I so miss it. Nice seeing you at create tho. 🙂
Looks like a blast Julie, I so miss it. Nice seeing you at create tho. 🙂
Looks like a blast Julie, I so miss it. Nice seeing you at create tho. 🙂
Looks like a blast Julie, I so miss it. Nice seeing you at create tho. 🙂
What fun! I wish I had the money to “Buy It All”. Looks like it is time to sell off some supplies so I can. The dresses were awesome! Would love to know who designed those. And an apron is a must. You are the best and such an inspiration, Julie!!!
What fun! I wish I had the money to “Buy It All”. Looks like it is time to sell off some supplies so I can. The dresses were awesome! Would love to know who designed those. And an apron is a must. You are the best and such an inspiration, Julie!!!
What fun! I wish I had the money to “Buy It All”. Looks like it is time to sell off some supplies so I can. The dresses were awesome! Would love to know who designed those. And an apron is a must. You are the best and such an inspiration, Julie!!!
What fun! I wish I had the money to “Buy It All”. Looks like it is time to sell off some supplies so I can. The dresses were awesome! Would love to know who designed those. And an apron is a must. You are the best and such an inspiration, Julie!!!
What fun! I wish I had the money to “Buy It All”. Looks like it is time to sell off some supplies so I can. The dresses were awesome! Would love to know who designed those. And an apron is a must. You are the best and such an inspiration, Julie!!!
I love those dresses! Too cool! Thanks for the link to buy all the stamps/stencil sets together. Super excited!!!
I love those dresses! Too cool! Thanks for the link to buy all the stamps/stencil sets together. Super excited!!!
I love those dresses! Too cool! Thanks for the link to buy all the stamps/stencil sets together. Super excited!!!
I love those dresses! Too cool! Thanks for the link to buy all the stamps/stencil sets together. Super excited!!!
I love those dresses! Too cool! Thanks for the link to buy all the stamps/stencil sets together. Super excited!!!
I’d love to “build a better blog”. Will you be sharing this presentation?
I’d love to “build a better blog”. Will you be sharing this presentation?
I’d love to “build a better blog”. Will you be sharing this presentation?
I’d love to “build a better blog”. Will you be sharing this presentation?
I’d love to “build a better blog”. Will you be sharing this presentation?
Thanks for letting us see CHA through your eyes. I know you were excited seeing all your new products displayed.
Where and when can we see the video you made at CHA?
Thanks for letting us see CHA through your eyes. I know you were excited seeing all your new products displayed.
Where and when can we see the video you made at CHA?
Thanks for letting us see CHA through your eyes. I know you were excited seeing all your new products displayed.
Where and when can we see the video you made at CHA?
Thanks for letting us see CHA through your eyes. I know you were excited seeing all your new products displayed.
Where and when can we see the video you made at CHA?
Thanks for letting us see CHA through your eyes. I know you were excited seeing all your new products displayed.
Where and when can we see the video you made at CHA?
Julie, I’m just a ‘consumer’ and would never be able to go to CHA so I delight in your pics, especially the dresses! Wondering what they were selling?…. I also just read your post from years ago about what CHA really is and I was fascinated! So drawn in, and so repelled at the same time. The greed & stealing was shocking to me. Although I live in small town, rural mid-west, I’ve been to NYC quite a few times and wish I had met someone there as nice as you. My husband and I stayed at a hotel about 1 or 2 blocks from where you live! Your career in art seems to be heating up and I wish you continued success. Now I’m off to finally order a bunch of your stencils. I so respect your art because you do not pander to the CAS or grunge groups. Well, guess I’m a little chatty today…LOL
Julie, I’m just a ‘consumer’ and would never be able to go to CHA so I delight in your pics, especially the dresses! Wondering what they were selling?…. I also just read your post from years ago about what CHA really is and I was fascinated! So drawn in, and so repelled at the same time. The greed & stealing was shocking to me. Although I live in small town, rural mid-west, I’ve been to NYC quite a few times and wish I had met someone there as nice as you. My husband and I stayed at a hotel about 1 or 2 blocks from where you live! Your career in art seems to be heating up and I wish you continued success. Now I’m off to finally order a bunch of your stencils. I so respect your art because you do not pander to the CAS or grunge groups. Well, guess I’m a little chatty today…LOL
Julie, I’m just a ‘consumer’ and would never be able to go to CHA so I delight in your pics, especially the dresses! Wondering what they were selling?…. I also just read your post from years ago about what CHA really is and I was fascinated! So drawn in, and so repelled at the same time. The greed & stealing was shocking to me. Although I live in small town, rural mid-west, I’ve been to NYC quite a few times and wish I had met someone there as nice as you. My husband and I stayed at a hotel about 1 or 2 blocks from where you live! Your career in art seems to be heating up and I wish you continued success. Now I’m off to finally order a bunch of your stencils. I so respect your art because you do not pander to the CAS or grunge groups. Well, guess I’m a little chatty today…LOL
Julie, I’m just a ‘consumer’ and would never be able to go to CHA so I delight in your pics, especially the dresses! Wondering what they were selling?…. I also just read your post from years ago about what CHA really is and I was fascinated! So drawn in, and so repelled at the same time. The greed & stealing was shocking to me. Although I live in small town, rural mid-west, I’ve been to NYC quite a few times and wish I had met someone there as nice as you. My husband and I stayed at a hotel about 1 or 2 blocks from where you live! Your career in art seems to be heating up and I wish you continued success. Now I’m off to finally order a bunch of your stencils. I so respect your art because you do not pander to the CAS or grunge groups. Well, guess I’m a little chatty today…LOL
Julie, I’m just a ‘consumer’ and would never be able to go to CHA so I delight in your pics, especially the dresses! Wondering what they were selling?…. I also just read your post from years ago about what CHA really is and I was fascinated! So drawn in, and so repelled at the same time. The greed & stealing was shocking to me. Although I live in small town, rural mid-west, I’ve been to NYC quite a few times and wish I had met someone there as nice as you. My husband and I stayed at a hotel about 1 or 2 blocks from where you live! Your career in art seems to be heating up and I wish you continued success. Now I’m off to finally order a bunch of your stencils. I so respect your art because you do not pander to the CAS or grunge groups. Well, guess I’m a little chatty today…LOL
No, but you can check out this post for a lot of the same content: http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2011/07/some-thoughts-on-blogging.html
No, but you can check out this post for a lot of the same content: http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2011/07/some-thoughts-on-blogging.html
No, but you can check out this post for a lot of the same content: http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2011/07/some-thoughts-on-blogging.html
No, but you can check out this post for a lot of the same content: http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2011/07/some-thoughts-on-blogging.html
No, but you can check out this post for a lot of the same content: http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2011/07/some-thoughts-on-blogging.html
Here you go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGKywg-WmS8
Here you go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGKywg-WmS8
Here you go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGKywg-WmS8
Here you go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGKywg-WmS8
Here you go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGKywg-WmS8
Love peeking at CHA photos, and loved the tongue-out photo of Ronda! 😀 And p.s. what does “I’m a natural ham” mean?
Love peeking at CHA photos, and loved the tongue-out photo of Ronda! 😀 And p.s. what does “I’m a natural ham” mean?
Love peeking at CHA photos, and loved the tongue-out photo of Ronda! 😀 And p.s. what does “I’m a natural ham” mean?
Love peeking at CHA photos, and loved the tongue-out photo of Ronda! 😀 And p.s. what does “I’m a natural ham” mean?
Love peeking at CHA photos, and loved the tongue-out photo of Ronda! 😀 And p.s. what does “I’m a natural ham” mean?
Thanks for the peeks! Hope you get to put your feet up a bit before you are off and running again!
Thanks for the peeks! Hope you get to put your feet up a bit before you are off and running again!
Thanks for the peeks! Hope you get to put your feet up a bit before you are off and running again!
Thanks for the peeks! Hope you get to put your feet up a bit before you are off and running again!
Thanks for the peeks! Hope you get to put your feet up a bit before you are off and running again!
Hi, Julie,
when going through my emails, I always leave yours until last, as a dessert so to say. And I am never disappointed! Thanks for this lovely CHA report.
Sabine
Hi, Julie,
when going through my emails, I always leave yours until last, as a dessert so to say. And I am never disappointed! Thanks for this lovely CHA report.
Sabine
Hi, Julie,
when going through my emails, I always leave yours until last, as a dessert so to say. And I am never disappointed! Thanks for this lovely CHA report.
Sabine
Hi, Julie,
when going through my emails, I always leave yours until last, as a dessert so to say. And I am never disappointed! Thanks for this lovely CHA report.
Sabine
Hi, Julie,
when going through my emails, I always leave yours until last, as a dessert so to say. And I am never disappointed! Thanks for this lovely CHA report.
Sabine
loved seeing CHA thru your eyes Julie. Where will I be able to get the hand carved days of the week, etc. stamps? I know where to get the stencils but who will have the stamps? Thanks so much. Can’t wait to see (uh, have) all your new goodies in my grubby paws.
loved seeing CHA thru your eyes Julie. Where will I be able to get the hand carved days of the week, etc. stamps? I know where to get the stencils but who will have the stamps? Thanks so much. Can’t wait to see (uh, have) all your new goodies in my grubby paws.
loved seeing CHA thru your eyes Julie. Where will I be able to get the hand carved days of the week, etc. stamps? I know where to get the stencils but who will have the stamps? Thanks so much. Can’t wait to see (uh, have) all your new goodies in my grubby paws.
loved seeing CHA thru your eyes Julie. Where will I be able to get the hand carved days of the week, etc. stamps? I know where to get the stencils but who will have the stamps? Thanks so much. Can’t wait to see (uh, have) all your new goodies in my grubby paws.
loved seeing CHA thru your eyes Julie. Where will I be able to get the hand carved days of the week, etc. stamps? I know where to get the stencils but who will have the stamps? Thanks so much. Can’t wait to see (uh, have) all your new goodies in my grubby paws.
Impression Obsession makes all the matching stamps and they will be available at Blue Moon Scrapbooking. Thanks!
Impression Obsession makes all the matching stamps and they will be available at Blue Moon Scrapbooking. Thanks!
Impression Obsession makes all the matching stamps and they will be available at Blue Moon Scrapbooking. Thanks!
Impression Obsession makes all the matching stamps and they will be available at Blue Moon Scrapbooking. Thanks!
Impression Obsession makes all the matching stamps and they will be available at Blue Moon Scrapbooking. Thanks!
The “mouse in the blender girls” seems like a good support for you artists. Love those dresses. Not sure where I would wear them but what fun!
The “mouse in the blender girls” seems like a good support for you artists. Love those dresses. Not sure where I would wear them but what fun!
The “mouse in the blender girls” seems like a good support for you artists. Love those dresses. Not sure where I would wear them but what fun!
The “mouse in the blender girls” seems like a good support for you artists. Love those dresses. Not sure where I would wear them but what fun!
The “mouse in the blender girls” seems like a good support for you artists. Love those dresses. Not sure where I would wear them but what fun!
Julie you are so cool!
Julie you are so cool!
Julie you are so cool!
Julie you are so cool!
Julie you are so cool!
Could you please give suggestions of how you use your deli paper? Would be much appreciated.
Could you please give suggestions of how you use your deli paper? Would be much appreciated.
Could you please give suggestions of how you use your deli paper? Would be much appreciated.
Could you please give suggestions of how you use your deli paper? Would be much appreciated.
Could you please give suggestions of how you use your deli paper? Would be much appreciated.
Thanks for sharing the photos
with us. Can’t wait to play with
all the news stencils.
Thanks for sharing the photos
with us. Can’t wait to play with
all the news stencils.
Thanks for sharing the photos
with us. Can’t wait to play with
all the news stencils.
Thanks for sharing the photos
with us. Can’t wait to play with
all the news stencils.
Thanks for sharing the photos
with us. Can’t wait to play with
all the news stencils.
Love seeing CHA through your eyes. Meant to tell you the watercolor is one of my favs from you. Simply Stunning.
Love seeing CHA through your eyes. Meant to tell you the watercolor is one of my favs from you. Simply Stunning.
Love seeing CHA through your eyes. Meant to tell you the watercolor is one of my favs from you. Simply Stunning.
Love seeing CHA through your eyes. Meant to tell you the watercolor is one of my favs from you. Simply Stunning.
Love seeing CHA through your eyes. Meant to tell you the watercolor is one of my favs from you. Simply Stunning.
It was awesome to see you 🙂 Love your photos of CHA!
It was awesome to see you 🙂 Love your photos of CHA!
It was awesome to see you 🙂 Love your photos of CHA!
It was awesome to see you 🙂 Love your photos of CHA!
It was awesome to see you 🙂 Love your photos of CHA!
So absolutely cool to have met you Julie! You are as witty and nice as you are talented! Loved my time at the CW booth with you!
So absolutely cool to have met you Julie! You are as witty and nice as you are talented! Loved my time at the CW booth with you!
So absolutely cool to have met you Julie! You are as witty and nice as you are talented! Loved my time at the CW booth with you!
So absolutely cool to have met you Julie! You are as witty and nice as you are talented! Loved my time at the CW booth with you!
So absolutely cool to have met you Julie! You are as witty and nice as you are talented! Loved my time at the CW booth with you!
A ham is slang for someone who likes to be funny in front of people and clown around.
A ham is slang for someone who likes to be funny in front of people and clown around.
A ham is slang for someone who likes to be funny in front of people and clown around.
A ham is slang for someone who likes to be funny in front of people and clown around.
A ham is slang for someone who likes to be funny in front of people and clown around.