On to the Maya stand. I loved all the chip board books...beautifully decorated. The range of flowers and ribbons set out in row upon row and all the stamps in their lovely tins, does anyone else like Maya package tins? Or is that me?

And some more...

Finally on to this wee chap...filled with "wise owl" quotes. I thought he was really cute.

Now to Doodlebug...

I have liked this company for years and years. I love their advertising and displays, the magazine pages with everything matching, and so good for us card makers with small patterns, from their cake decoration pages to the new camping one the attention to detail is brilliant.

Their stand was no exception, set out as a house, take a look and let me know what you think...

Good enough to eat!

And the bedroom.

On to the kitchen.

Marlene and I enjoying a wander around Tim Holtz stand. Beautiful work and fabulous mini-books galore.

Whilst visiting the Ranger stand look who we bumped into!

Firstly when in Rome we had to join in and have a picture.

We were stood admiring the work especially the handmade flowers so Marlene asked would he show us how their done?

Of course he said and here it is.....

We also did a great make and take with him which I will show you later.

Very good instructor, guess what he knows his products...well!

I really liked the Little Yellow Bicycle stand...complete with yellow bike and sheds.
In particular the Christmas Advent Calendar 12" kit.
What a great idea.
I think...in true crafting style...I'd like one of those!!

A little more Basic Grey for you.

I agree with your comment too Dawn...I'm liking the new BG better than previously.

Now I know it's early for Christmas cards and decorations but I just loved these.

The cards are pretty and colourful with what I think is a modern twist on the more traditional...but that is only my opinion!

As for the houses...so cute and a lot of work..some one has been very patient.

So you want some more?

How about Basic Grey?

I love there Halloween selection...I did tell you I have "a thing" for Halloween stash!!

I also love all the little boxes that you can get with each range of papers...so here goes with a few pics.

Before I get started on my next installment today I'd like to direct you to some more blog candy, if I may?
A fella CHA crafter Gayle is giving away a lovely bundle of stash at http://littlebirddesign.blogspot.com/2009/08/cha-blog-candy.html
Leave a comment and mention her on your blog and you could be the happy new owner!
Good luck everyone.

On to today's selection...this is for Teresa and all those cupcake fans out there.

Enjoy!

Well fella crafter's this was my favourite wreath out there...for all you Halloween fans...

I have to admit I have "a thing" for Halloween stash, I don't know why but I just do. I collect it!! (Is that wrong?)

This is especially for the Aberdeen girls...Fiona, Dawn in particular..after our wreath making class earlier this year I can see another one coming up...don't you think?

Now the show had many beautiful LO's to ooooo and arrr over but this one on the Prima stand caught my eye. I adore the picture of course, who wouldn't, but I love the fact that the papers melt into the background which makes you notice the photo and the new range of prima flowers more. Then flowers are all wired together, just ready to lay down....I think they create a simply stunning effect...what do you think?

We made it!!

"Ain't it hot!!"

What a choice?

I've been asked by a few friends "So what did you buy in the States?"
This is my little bundle of stash...still waiting to be safely stored or to be played with.
What to use first?

How lucky am I?
Now those non-crafter out there will probably yawn, lol, but I'm sure those of you that do craft will agree that there is some fun to be had in that bundle!

Before heading across the pond our local village had it's annual gala...normally I do not enter but this year I thought why not?

This is my card entry. I used a Stamps Happen image Collecting sea shells...I've had this stamp for a long time but never found the occasion to use it..as we are by the sea I thought it appropriate, together with Paper Adventures tropical breeze papers.

I entered a charm bracelet into the Jewelry section in keeping with the beach/seaside theme. I really enjoyed making this as I rarely make nonpapercraft items, and I have a vile of Hopeman sand as a reminder of what a great place I live.

Finally onto my photographic entry..this was really last minute and is one of those pictures that doesn't come around often (in my case!). I took it last year whilst having fun with my kids on the beach. I have a canvas of this at home and love it to bits, courtesy of my brother.

So Guys can't wait to find out about CHA from little old moi?
Just got another post after this one then all will be revealed...so not much longer to wait.
If however, in true crafting style you can't wait.......drum roll please......why don't you pop over to Marlene's blog where she is giving...yep giving away stash candy from C H A !!!!!!!
Go on you know you want to!!

http://mar1ene.wordpress.com/2009/08/04/cha-candy-giveaway/#comments

Marlene I've just gone and done it!
Copic's are ordered...can you believe that they're cheaper here than in the US...isn't that unusual!

Before updating on CHA I thought I should post in order as I have a few pre-trip crafty items to share.
These were a couple of cards that I made for a relatively new friend Jim. He has helped me so much over the last month...so it was only fitting I make him cards for his daughters wedding, the theme being...can you tell?? Sweet peas.
Don't know whether he will catch this in "blog land" but I'm sure he knows how much he is appreciated...and I do hope he liked them.
It was nice to make Wedding cards out of my comfort box..with plenty of colour.
Jim I hope you got your speech sorted and the weekend was one to treasure. Oh and "I did it, enjoyed it and yep we got a meal"! But then you know that already don't you!!

Well guys that's me back from Florida and this years CHA craft trade fair.
What can I say about it?
Well I have never laughed so much in a long time. The company was fantastic, thanks girls. The food and drink just kept flowing. And as for the craft shopping well, we all had to pay extra shipping to get our cases home...I think that says it all!!
As for pictures...I hope to get them to you soon with lots of interesting news so watch this space....