2010 Summer CHA was smaller in size and attendance than the last time I went, which was the summer of 2008. I am thankful that the store is still going strong, and the attendance and size was approximately one-fourth to one-third the size it was two years ago.
This time I made sure I brought my Layers book by Shari Carroll, and when she had a moment alone I politely approached her and asked if she would autograph it for me. She was kind and generous, and after she signed the book she asked if I had a camera and would I like a photo. Um, Yes and please! One of the gals working the Hero Arts booth kindly took this pic for me. Totally made my day.
I will not go to another CHA again without touring it with Sherry Cheever, or Bad Sherry to most of you. OMW this woman is like my soul sister, and I missed her my first day home. Sure wish we lived closer, but I am convinced law enforcement would eventually not take kindly to our full, bad-side potential. I am kidding. Or maybe not. 
Met with Micki Harper, Daisy from Eclectic Paperie, some of my shistah girlfriends - Nancy, Hooty, HB (Carol Halvorson), Bevie Pearl, Donna and Navy. I ate breakfast one morning sitting next to the beautiful Nichole Heady (who looked stunning as a brunette with chunky blonde highlights!), her DH and the talented and gorgeous PTI design team (gentle hugs to dear Mish who had surgery yesterday). Micki has a great shot of everyone in her post here.
There were so many wonderful, new products - I'll just mention my personal favorites as a paper/altered artist: Tim's Configurations by Advantus and Wendy Vecchi's Art Parts. Second best thing? The Imaginisce I-Rock tool and the bling, which eclecticPaperie will be carrying, and Viva Decor's Pearl Pens, which I think eP will carry but I ordered them too. Viva Decor won two awards at this CHA, and it was easy to see why:
Pearl paint, in a squeeze-style pen, that creates a perfect bead of pearlescent paint. You control the size of the bead. Non-self-leveling. Use on paper, fabric, etc. Oh and when it's dry...yep - machine washable. More info here. They had an incredible make & take but it took 45 minutes to complete - I believe Micki details this particular project on her blog.
OK something artsy to finish this post off with - a few cards created using Amy Butler glitter paper, glitter rub-ons, fabric tags and covered brads, and combining them with Ivory colored Twinchies. The Twinchies are two-inch square, highest quality matboard art accessories that totally finished these cards in spectacular fashion.
I hand-cut and shaded the flower pots. I am currently training for my next 5K, scheduled for next month to benefit our local food bank. Gotta run! Thank you for stopping by today!
