Creative Girlfriends - Chicago CHA

Wow! That was a whirlwind two days! To Chicago and back for the CHA (Craft/Hobby Assn) tradeshow. If you're into crafts, love to make your own cards or just print an image on cloth and make a pillow out of it, this is THE spot to be to see the newest products and techniques. So inspiring!

To me, even more inspiring are the wonderful, creative girlfriends I have in this industry. They welcomed me into the group seven summer CHA's ago and every year is such a wonderful homecoming where I get to see and hug my creative 'sisters.' If you ever find a group of women who make you feel this welcome, you drive wherever to see them!

A few fun observations from the show:

* Everyone is blogging! Two of my favorite designers and girlfriends are hosting very popular blogs: Katie Hacker keeps beaders up to speed on the latest techniques and scoop in the beading/jewelry world. She's just so cool and creative! My friend, and great clay artist, Linda Peterson brought her fun, whitty and so patient daughter, Mariah, with her to the show. Donna Kato wasn't there (or I missed seeing you!) but is also an amazing clay designer. Check out just some of my creative girlfriends!

* Along that same note, technology has taken over the craft industry. Web sites have online craft shows like HowToTVOnline.com - check out my girl Katie in the jewelry segments! Epson was there with their great printers, scanners and technology solutions for everything from scrapbooking to those personalized pillows. There actually are too many to even go further and, after all, it was a long trip in the past two days!

So off to bed to rest up for the real world. I'll miss seeing my wonderful girlfriends tomorrow but I know we'll be together as soon as we can. (I'm taping with some of them next week in Cleveland so another road trip to see my creative girlfriends!) Enjoy your girlfriends! Every moment with them is precious! Good night!