The second and third days of the CHA trade show began with running through the aisles!

I co-hosted two “virtual make-n-take” webcasts on Cool2Craft with Tiffany Windsor – these were live 2-hour broadcasts from the show floor. Different exhibitors were featured each day with a 10 minute segment to demo a project or technique using their newest products. Laptops and webcams in hand, we opened the show in the first booth, then Tiffany filmed the first demo while I ran to the second booth to set up, then while I filmed the second demo, she ran to the third booth and set up, then I ran to the fourth booth, etc. Our third co-host, Linda Peterson, was online with us from her home studio to introduce each segment and field questions from the viewers.

All the exhibitors were so excited to participate in a live webcast to give crafters a sneak peek at their new products. It was a really fun, casual show format…despite some delays with the video feed (since we were connected to the internet via air cards), the viewers were still thrilled to catch an “insider’s look” at CHA. They all said they could feel the buzz and the energy of the show, just like they were really there! The webcasts were recorded and are archived on the Cool2Craft website for you to view any time. Visit the Cool2Craft YouTube channel for more videos taken at the show as well.

I attended a wonderful charity auction hosted by Westcott and Charity Wings, benefiting the Wyland Foundation. Thirty CHA Designer Members donated their “under the sea” themed work to the clean water cause – one home décor piece and one wearable piece. I was thrilled to bid on and win this gorgeous mixed media painting with a matching pendant by Donna Salazar.

We had fun making Lutradur® flowers in the Petersen Arne booth! After cutting, burning, and spritzing, retailers walked away with a beautiful corsage pinned to their lapel. Click here for instructions to make your own Lutradur flower. Be sure to visit our Flickr page for lots more photos of the trade show.

Then came the Craft SuperShow that was open to the public. Thousands of people poured through the doors to shop and PLAY! Students in my ATC workshop enjoyed working with Timtex®, Lutradur® and Liquitex® Iridescent Medium for the first time.  I had a full house at my Craft Academy session out in middle of the show floor, painting Lutradur with stencils. We rocked the SuperCrop with blank board book prize give-aways, and TAP® demos.

There was a sewing pavilion hosted by the National Sewing Council where people could learn basic sewing and quilting skills, and the Craft Yarn Council taught folks how to knit and crochet.  Beads, clay, papers, embellishments, metal crafts, fabric, paint supplies…there was something for everyone! It was a terrific, creative week in Chicago for all!

Related posts:

1. CHA – First day of the show!
2. On my way to CHA!
3. CHA – Opening night reception
4. TAP® Wins Most Innovative Product at Winter CHA!