My friend Linda and I went to the CHA supershow this past weekend. For those of you who don't live in the USA, the CHA (otherwise known as the 'craft & hobby association') hosts a convention twice a year. The first part of the convention is held for merchants to purchase products from companies to sell in their stores. The second part, (also know as the CHA Craft Supershow -held on Fri & Sat) is held for the public/consumer. Usually the show is held in Florida or California, but this time it was held in Rosemont, Illinois. For us it was about an hour's drive to get there so we decided to check it out. There were tons of 'make-it, take-it' booths and we kept really busy doing all kinds of things. Many of the companies hosted these projects and everything was, believe it or not - FREE (sponsored by companies such as Michaels & JoAnn Fabrics, Delta, Plaid, Crafts & Things, Paper Crafts Magazine, National Sewing Council and numerous others. We sewed dog colars, flowers from fabric, made beaded necklaces, painted t-shirts and wall hangings and the list goes on and on. Simply wonderful and what a fun time as everyone was enjoying themselves. The National Sewing Association was even raffling off sewing machines on both days!
Many, many well known artists also were there, including the fabulous clay artist - Lisa Pavelka (who used to be on 'The Carol Duvall Show') and mixed media artist Bernie Berlin! I think my jaw dropped when this woman standing in front of one of the craft tables turned around and I realized it was Bernie! I hadn't expected to see her but had always hoped to one day. She was teaching people how to create ATC's. Even though I've made a few of them myself, I couldn't resist sitting for awhile and soaking up any info she was sharing. She's an amazing artist and in my opinion, a real 'earth angel' - a kind, generous and gentle spirit. For those of you who don't know her, Bernie operates and owns an animal rescue called 'A Place To Bark'. Anyone who has saved over 600 dogs lives, in my opinion should be given a special place in heaven. I asked Bernie if I could take a photo of her so I'm posting it on my blog. Thank you Bernie for showing us how to create ATC's and for being the beautiful person you are! She does accept donations so if you want to help her with this incredible mission she's on, please visit her blog. http://www.aplacetobark.com
Have a great nite everyone and thanks for stopping by:)
Hi Debbie, how wonderful that you got to go and enjoy the art show! And I agree with you about Bernie, what a doll!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHurray for you and the projects sounded so fun!
Hugs,Patti
Lucky lucky lucky!!! It is one of my dreams to go to CHA one day. It looks like such an amazing experience!! Glad you had a good time and so cool that you got to meet Bernie!!
ReplyDeleteOh.. how I would have loved for us to have met in person. I didnt even think about the supershow being after , because this year we werent doing that part.( I have to say.. that part didnt hurt my feelings.. because moving boths and re-setting up.. was HARD WORK!!) lol
ReplyDeleteI got something SO wonderful in the mail from you today!! I was blown away! It is just so absolutely beautiful.. and it was so so thoughtful of you to make it for me .. It made me tear up. I hope you know how much it means to me that you used my die , to make something so special for ME! You are truly a SWEETHEART! Thankyou so so much!
Hope you enjoyed CHA Debbie as much as I did! Sounds like you & your friend has a great time :)
ReplyDeleteLoved reading about your trip to CHA - sounds fantastic :) Lynne x
ReplyDeleteOh geez! Has it been this long since I've visted your blog. Between my vacation and the garden, I don't know if I'm coming or going any more.
ReplyDeleteThat day at CHA was so much fun, and just that much more special going with such a wonderful friend as you. I think you were as giddy meeting Bernie as I was to finally meet Lisa P. I do have the order in hand from her, so we can make lots of fun steampunk things.
I finally made a path to my craft table and made a birthday card with Vicki C.'s die. I can't wait to hear what my sister says when she gets it. Unfortunetly, I had to get it in the mail (just in the nick of time), and didn't get a photo of it. I'll have to see if she can take a picture for me.
It was fun to re-live the Supershow reading your blog post. Makes me happy!!! :) :) :)
Hope it's back next year as I've marked it on my calendar.