2016 Craft and Hobby Mega Show Wrap-Up!
I had a dream come true recently, I got to attend the annual Craft and Hobby Mega Show at the Anaheim Convention Center. I have been wanting, wishing and hoping that I would be able to attend this annual gathering of craft companies, craft stores, retailers and media.
I went into this fairly blind in that I was not sure what to expect. I downloaded the application on my phone and tried to map out a plan – that did not work. I did have a couple of priorities including seeing a couple of booths and meeting a couple important VIP’s. Other than that initial plan, I was able to just cruise around.
I woke up with as much excitement as you can imagine and hopped in the car for my hour and 1/2 drive up to Anaheim. I spent my drive preparing and getting ready for the adventure I was about to embark upon. The parking was simple and despite the fee, seemed like a bargain since I got really accessible parking (which my feet appreciated near the end of my adventure). I actually got to walk the show floor on my entrance as I entered on the back-end, and used the show floor to cut through. I got my press badge and goodie bag, and I was off, but now the questions was where to start.
From L to R: Perler Beaded 80’s game icons, Japanese Paper, Coloring Books by Kaiser Craft, Stitching by Lanarte and the car to end all cars!
I decided to make a instant bee line towards the Fiskars Booth, as that is where my first VIP was located. My first go around, as luck would have it she was cruising the show floor, so I was destined to return. I headed off and began introducing myself to the company representatives. As I was walking I realized that my second VIP was near by at the Charity Wings booth. Again, I end up catching the time my VIP was walking the show floor – just an excuse to return later.
Soap and more Soap at the Life of the Party booth!
I noticed that coloring books are gaining in popularity and many booths I saw had coloring books. I learned about some products I have never heard of – Smart Fab (review coming soon!) and KB Looms – specifically their Sock Loom 2 (review coming soon) in which I will be making a project for you see the items in action. I have many other reviews, and even some giveaways, coming from CHA relationships that I made.
Jennifer and the Loom Suit from Jimmy Kimmel Live!
One of my highlights came when I saw the Rainbow Loom booth and “Jimmy Kimmel Loom Suit”, and imagine my surprise when I was able to get a photo with it. The origins of this suit was when Jimmy Kimmel asked the children of the world to submit a loom bracelet or other loomed masterpiece for him to weave all together into the ultimate loom suit. I will tell you that if you think it looks small, it was! I was STUNNED how small it really was. Not only was the “suit of loom” made but all the proceeds from the sale went to Max Love Project for the bargain price of $40,000.00. as it turns out the winning bidder was the Rainbow Loom creator – it now travels to trade shows year round. If you want to read the whole story, click here!
Rainbow display at Caron celebrating 100 years!
I also saw some old favorites like Becky Higgins Project Life, Caron Yarns, Bo Bunny, Maya Road and American Crafts to name a few. The best part about going to something like this is that you get to see what will be hitting stores a couple months before the general public and I can tell you that designers and companies have gone a step above for 2016!
From L to R: My childhood friends wife – Terri and Jennifer, and Elena from Charity Wings and Jennifer
I finally made my way back to the Fiskars booth and got to see my first VIP – the wife of my childhood best male friend. We have talked on Facebook for years, and each year she attends the CHA show, but I was unable to until this year. I thought since I had so much luck seeing her, I would head towards VIP #2 – a classmate of Jason’s that runs Charity Wings, which is an arts and crafts center located not to far from me.
I walked around and saw some really neat things, and I also made some great relationships that you will see the fruition of on this blog in the coming weeks and months.
After all was said and done, not only did I really enjoy myself, but I also saw a dream come true! My feet were tired but I was inspired and realized that there is a world of creativity out there and I am proud to be a crafter! This was a once in lifetime experience and I am so happy I got to go, and I got to share it you!
Glad you had a good time!!!