Hey everyone! I'm back from Creativation 2017 in Phoenix Arizona! It was a great week! Now I'm sorting through all my photos and my catalogs and trying to get my head back to reality! How have you been? I hope life is good in your creative space and in your life. I left last Thursday for Phoenix to attend the CHA - Creativation Trade Show. The largest craft and hobby trade show around. This was a new venue this year, usually the show is in Anaheim. So we were all newbies this time around, trying to figure out the lay of the land and where everything is. Oddly enough, it rained almost the entire time... Except the last day when everyone was flying home! I did have the most gorgeous flight I've had in a long time, with all those clouds. Just like heaven! I had never been to Phoenix before, and I'm sad to say that I didn't see too much of it - only the downtown area near the Convention Center. I really want to go back and explore one of these days. I attended the show this year as part of the Simon Says Stamp crew and I had a great time taking photographs for their social media and writing blog posts each day on the SSS blog. I hope you were able to follow along with me during the week!
Overall it was a fantastic show! I would say that I did not see tons of new companies this time. What I did see was loads of great new products from the companies I already love. So nothing new, but then again, some new things.... If that makes sense! I always go to the Tim Holtz booths first - Sizzix, Idea-ology, Ranger, etc to see what he has in store for us. Of course it was all amazing. He demo'd the new Oxide Distress Inks and now I have to have all of them! And his new stamping tool is the best! I loved everything new from Waffle Flower Stamps - so pretty and unique. The new Hero Arts catalog launched just before the show and I had lots of samples in their booth - that is really fun to see your work on display!
Planners and planner supplies are still all the rage. Lots of companies making cool planners, stamps, tapes, and stickers to use to organize our lives. I was particularly smitten with the new floral planners and accessories from Webster's Pages. Then again, I've been a fan of that company for years!
Altenew has beautiful new stamps and more markers coming. Lawn Fawn has made more plaid paper (my favorite papers) and this time it's rainbow plaid! Yay! I was really struck by the abundance of items with a faith based theme. Lots of planner items, stamps, stickers and paper for Bible journaling and for making cards. I want everything from the Bella Blvd new paper lines.... I saw a funny collection from Simple Stories called Emoji Love! SO cute.
I had fun seeing my creative friends and colleagues, eating and drinking too much, and walking until my toes hurt. It's all such a good experience. This is the one time of the year when we are all together in the same place and the energy is wonderful. Hugs for days! I'm so moved by the kindness of our industry and how people lift others up and are so willing to be positive. I always come home in a happy mood. There are some real angels out there that I am lucky enough to call my friends.
I made a video out of some of my favorite things from the show. I thought that might be easier than trying to post 40 pictures here! I'll put some links below the video to some of my favorite products. I would say that if something is available on pre-order and you want it, I would get it now. Then you won't have to wait months for re-stocking. I've learned this the hard way over the years. Especially the Tim Holtz items. Let me know in the comments what you are excited about!
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To check out my favorite new things from the show,
here are some links!
NEW TONIC STAMP PLATFORM FROM TIM HOLTZ
If I think of anything else, I'll pop back in and tell you. I'm sure I've forgotten something (many things)! Saturday, I'll be sharing a fun felt Valentine project on my Weekender with Wanda post on the Simon Says Stamp Blog. I'll also have a post here! I'm back in the studio! Yeah! Have a great day. XOXO
BTW, Wanda, did you ever draw for the Altenew marker release hop? I was just checking and I can't find it.
Posted by: Teresa Doyle | 01/27/2017 at 02:21 PM
So glad you're back. Looks like a great time was had by all. Amazing stuff coming. Loved your video, all those smiling faces bring pure joy to my heart. Do you know who's music accompanied it? I loved it and had to share it with my husband. Welcome home!!!!
Posted by: Anne Sturgeon | 01/27/2017 at 07:13 AM
Hey Wanda, glad you are back safe and sound! It ALL looks amazing, how could one choose just ONE product???
Looks like a fun event to be able to attend, you are among great people!
Posted by: Teresa Doyle | 01/27/2017 at 03:50 AM
Such a great photo video Wanda!!
Love it!
Posted by: Holly Saveur | 01/27/2017 at 12:59 AM
Hi Wanda, Your posts are always wonderful, this post was so much FUN!!! I enjoyed the links you posted, very helpful and I will be making some purchases from your recommendations!! Thanks so much & Welcome Home!!
Posted by: Peg Parsons | 01/26/2017 at 05:13 PM
Welcome back, Wanda!! Glad you had a great time! I'll have to come back and check later to see if your video is available as I get an error message when trying to play it.
Looking forward to seeing your crafty posts again soon!
Posted by: Christy Q | 01/26/2017 at 04:17 PM