CHA - Days 2 & 3

Day 2 - Since we just kind of walked around and scoped out the floor on Day 1, I decided to make a list of the vendors that I absolutely had to see . . .and by the end of the Day 2, I saw all but four booths on my list. I collected even more catalogs and was again overwhelmed by all the new goodies! I also knew that I really needed to start thinking about what I was going to order and get those forms filled out and turned in. Oh the choices! There was soooooo many new cardstock and paper lines that I could barely contain myself! I swear, I need to open a store for just paper!

Basic Grey didn't disappoint . . .the new lines (Gypsy and LilyKate) are just fabulous! AND, they are available is 6x6 packs. YAHOO! Yes, I'll be ordering those in the near future.

Die Cuts with a View . . .OH my! There are three new lines of paper that are too die for. Couldn't resist ordering these right away. And I ordered the 12x12 stacks for display sake. (I just don't have any more room in my paper racks). So, the three new collections are called "Far East" which has an Asian feel to it, "Old World" which has a vintage feel to it, and "Pocket Full of Posies" which has a sparkly feel to it . . .probably because it has glitter on the cardstock. Real glitter! Sooooooo sparkly! (Yes, Deb, I've already planned on setting one aside just for you.)

DCVW also has chipboard in packs that can very easily go through a Sizzix machine! And they come in packs of black and white, brights, and neutrals. I cannot wait to start playing with them! And a box of cards. You get a whole lotta boom for your buck. Here's what the box looks like.

There are a few other goodies that I ordered from DCWV, but I'm a little hazy on what exactly they are . . .I guess I'll be just as surprised as you when it comes in.

So, by the end of Day 2, I only placed one order with DCWV, but had plenty of catalogs to go through that night . . .except for . . . Johanna dragged me into "the city" to visit some stamp stores. (okay . . .she didn't really have to drag me. I was more than willing to go!)

First stop: Stampology. Cute little store. And they carried a good variety of stamps and paper. The girls there were very nice. I found some great stamps that just had to come home with me and a really cool flower punch. Hard to describe what it does, exactly, but the end result is way cool! They also had some great samples. Be sure to stop by and visit if you're in the area.

Next stop: Stamp on In. OH my! I loved this store! Rick and Terry (the owners) were very kind to us . . .they even stayed open late because Johanna just kept shopping and shopping and shopping . . . (and I thought I was bad!) Anyway, you simply MUST visit Stamp on In when you are in Chicago. You won't be disappointed at all! I came home with lots of goodies from their store . . . paper packs, embellishment kits, stamps (one for my sister), punches . . .the list goes on.

Last stop for the evening . . .dinner at a lovely Italian Restaurant. The food was fabulous, the wine was perfect, service was unsurpassed! Hey, Johanna: What was the name of that restaurant? I can't find my card.

Needless to say, Day 2 was a very full day for us. . . and Day 3 was just as eventful!

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Day 3 - Lale (our hostess for our time in Chicago -- thank you Lale for being so hospitable!!) joined us at the show on Sunday. There were still a few booths that I really wanted to see, but was very focused on turning in my order forms that I had completed. While she and Johanna made lots of make-n-takes, I whisked up and down the aisles turning in orders.

The first order turned in was to One Heart-One Mind. I really, really like the "cut-a-part cardmakers." And the colors are wonderful, and the patterns are delish! I really think you will like them too!

Then, I stopped by Hero Arts and ordered a few of the Monogram Clear Sets. Yes, I know . . .Clear?? Very unlike me who loves my wood mounts, huh? BUT, these Monogram stamps sets are wonderful. Not only do you get the monogram, you get two or three "other" versions of the same letter, a swirl or paisley or other image, words that begin with that letter . . .it really is a great set! Besides, I just had to have a "C." Warning: These are not due to ship until mid-September.

I stumbled upon the Stamper's Anonymous booth and was able to see the new Tim Holtz stamps live and in person. OH Boy oh boy oh boy! I cannot wait till these come in! So glad I ordered them before I left for the show.

In that same booth, I saw the new fall/holiday supplement for Inky Antics and Art Gone Wild. I just love their stamps, too! AND they've come out with two new projects to do as well. . . I'll have to talk to Deb and see if she'd want to teach these projects. I bet she will! I can't wait! If she does teach . . . even I might take the class (I know . . .Cat in a class? Very unlike me, again!)

Moving on down the aisle, we have Art Impressions. I created the cutest little Halloween card using their new Simplet and a new stamp set. (Yep . . .I've got them on order.) In addition to Halloween stamps, I've also got some of the "Glamour in the City" stamps coming in, as well as those penguins! Remember them from last year? Well . . .they decided to spend this Christmas in Sunny San Diego . . .just wait till you see them! EVER ever ever so cute!

And right across from Art Impressions is Rubber Soul . . .creator of the Funky Monkey! And they've been very busy designing some great new images and idea boards. I just couldn't resist ordering the Funky Monkey board. They have our friend participating in all sorts of different activities. In addition to that Monkey board, I've got some of their new Halloween/Fall stamps on order. I love the witch shoes and hat. . .you will, too!

And, finally . . .Wordsworth. Thanks to the girls at Stampology, I just had to stop by the Wordsworth booth and place my order. They have GREAT new clear sets. (Yes . . . more clear sets) I'll be posting samples soon. . . be sure to check back. Anyway, the girls at Stampology were kind enough to show me samples using the new Halloween stamps and I just had to have them . . .after all, Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday. Of course, I have more than just that on order . . .you are just going to love these new sets!

Whew . . .that's about it for ordering while at the show . . .but I have stacks and stacks of catalogs to go through still. Keep checking the blog to see what else I've got coming in. . .