CHA, day one
Wasn't planning on posting from CHA (I'm never sure if when I get here, I'm going to want to carry my camera, if I'm going to in fact remember to take pictures, if I'm going to make the time to post -- etc, etc) Anyway, I wasn't prepared for the rush of adrenaline I felt yesterday when I walked into the convention center. I guess it hit me, just how long I've been coming to these shows and how everything is so familiar and yet new all at the same time. Seriously, just so good to be here!
And, as a note -- even a short report on the highlights thus far is long ....
(and please know that the light on the floor, combined with my lack of photography skills, leaves much to be desired)
The "Lucky" line from Rusty Pickle. Perfect for St. Patty's and more. We are still seeing lots of flourishes and nested circles and blue and green (I am good with this.) Love that themes are often understated and yet available if you need them. 
This delicious line is from Pine Cone Press. Great color and whimsical design dedicated to chocolate (what more do you need?) Paper front right is an "instant" love coupon book is you cut it up!
New rubber stamp company (to me) called Cornish Heritage Farms. Stamps are all handmade, right here in the US on a (you guessed it) old/restored farm! Hard to see I know, but GREAT/BIG journaling stamps in a beautiful deep-etched red rubber (I'm still a fan) that look like notebook and grid paper. They have a FAB line from designer Leslie Langdon, called Urban Grunge.
Another NEW company (to me anyway) called Dream Street Papers. They have grown "smart" and seem to really understand who they are and how they are unique in their market. This is Miron, one of their paper designers, holding up her paper purse (which was SO stickin' cute) Each of their "lines" features six full papers and two smaller sheets, designed to work with their rectangle and square chipboard pieces that would make assembling one of those cool/layered albums so EASY.
Not sure why I can't keep my mouth closed, but next up ... I met Jon The Warehouse Guy at Cosmo Cricket. If you have not seen any of their pre-show movie clips, you must go NOW. You will then understand my thrill in posing with this adorable man. Great company, great products ...
LOVED the new Blackboard books ...
Black, smooth chipboard (almost feels like a chalkboard) very cool!
Ok, this was one of my most exciting moments. Autumn Leaves has licensed Heather Baily. I will be posting more about her soon -- please consider me thrilled. Look at this ....
cool package of mini folders and labels (Ooooh, the creative potential)
No show is complete for me, until I stop by Doodlebug. Wendy has been toting this bag for several months and for several months I have been dealing with some pretty steep feelings of envy. No more. I had to sing So I had a little chicken and he wouldn't lay an egg ..." and I did (nice and loud) but I got the bag.
Love this company, love the people ... LOVE. You won't believe how cool their new flock and boutique and velvet brads -- delicious.
There's so much more. Chatterbox has new, beautiful Artsylicious and Happy Day lines (saturated color and texture everywhere) Heidi Grace (gets the most prolific designer award in my book) has a brand new baby and seven new lines. Bazzill has beautiful wedding whites, a very fun "Lickety Slips" program for photo-album scrapbooking and PAPER BRADS ... I could go on and on (but must now take a shower)
Angie made one more rather significant announcement was made last night on the Simple Blog (read all the details there) Tamara Morrison was crowned The FUNNEST Scrapbooker Ever (for the year 2007) and we all had a blast meeting and getting to know her better.
