CHA Summer trade show in Las Vegas was a huge success. It started off as a rough start. This was the first trade show that I had ever driven to. I was on my way to Vegas and had a friend with me in the car. We were on our way to pick up Gentry at her home when the sunroof of my car (I had it only for less than 2 days) emploded. It sounded like a 50 caliber gun exploded in my roof and the sunroof shattered and glass EXPLODED down on us, in the car, on the roof and the trunk. It was so scary and it happened for no reason. I was driving maybe 25 mph and 76 degrees outside with no cars in front or back of me. I was so scared. I immediately went to the side of the road and took photos and surveyed the damage to both of us and then the vehicle.
Instantly, all I could think about was being THANKFUL. I was so thankful that we had not been hurt beyond a few scratches. I am so thankful that the car dealerships immediately took action to help us. I even had a loaner car in Vegas for the week.
Sometimes... things like this puts everything in perspective. I would never have thought this would or could happen. I just felt so thankful that I did not wreck from the reaction. Even though it was a new car for me... well, it is just a car and no matter what I knew the car could easily be replaced. Our life could not.
So when we arrived at the hotel, I was a little overwhelmed from a long day of driving, dealing with two car dealerships and trying to get my car fixed and safe to drive. The hotel has made a mistake and gave us ONE single bed. I needed two beds. I had to move rooms. The new room was so dirty (it looked like a crime scene). I was then moved back to my original room. I was told they would bring me two cots. Well, after waiting hours they brought me ONE and very "snappy and rude" told me they would not bring me another and I needed to pay for the cot each night. I went to the hotel check in and asked for a new room and they were very nice to give me free internet and change our room again. Well, it was quite the adventure. In all the drama, I was not upset and I think they appreciated my attitude of understanding and wanted to make me happy. To be honest, it was just a hotel room and I was just so thankful that we had made it to the show okay.
We had a great time!!!! Yes, we enjoyed girl time every night in the hotel room. We loved to laugh and talk. I am blessed with the best girl friends. I love that my daughters are truly my best friends too. I am lucky to have friends that believe in me and support me. (TC, Amy, Cheri and Gentry)
THIS is my team!!!! Cheri Piles is the head of my design team, Gentry works all the trade shows, does blog posts and helps refine my collections. I always like to get the Gentry and Taylor seal of approval. Jared and Brian Orr are my sales directors. I have truly enjoyed working with them. Amy Coon is officially my cheerleader. She is my friend and so much more.
I debuted FOUR full collections and the TC Craftwell ebosser machine with embossing folders, and two new tools with Xyron (TC Xyron chipboard punch and pink stapler). It was a great show for us and I am just so thankful. The show was much smaller and we kept busy the entire time. I am so thankful for the retailers that constantly inspire and support me.
Did I mention we had flash floods the first couple of days we were there? Oh, I was caught in this one. Another reason to be thankful.
We stayed at the Las Vegas Hilton. LVH connected to the Convention Center.
Here I am filming for Scrapbook.com. If you go to their site you can see me debuting and showing each of the new collections. Oh my... my dress kind of matched the curtains in my booth. ha! I LOVE showing the new lines and what inspired them!!!!!! All of the collections did well. Retailers can order one collection or all four and almost all the stores ordered ALL FOUR collections. I hope the store closest to you ordered the new lines too.
I filmed a 30 minute TV segment of the home shopping CREATE and CRAFT live from CHA. I was on with Dean and he is a hoot! I love being able to show the collections and sharing how you can use them.
Then I debuted my brand new machine with Craftwell. Oh my... this was a BIG HUGE hit at CHA S. The Craftwell TC eBosser is the ONE machine you will want. It is the ONE MACHINE that does it all- embosses (my folders are big letter size and 8.5x12"h) and will use all your dies to cut as well. Yes, you can use any of the leading dies to cut in the machine. (spellbinders, provo craft, accucut, accuquilt, sizzix, ALL OF THEM). The TC eBosser comes with all the platforms to use any of them. The machine is completely electric- no turning a knob. In only 15 seconds you will emboss or cut your image like a pro!!!! The machine is fool proof and is heavy duty (all metal parts so it's durable).
We did fabulous make n takes each day and the lines were long. We did RUN OUT!!!!!
*you can see the manila tag and white card that we embossed on this view.
Here are the other folders that I designed that are available.
My machine comes with the TC Craftwell eBosser and TWO of my embossing folders (sophisticated and it's about time). Also, I will be introducing the WORLD WIDE LAUNCH DEBUT of the machine in September on HSN during the 24 hour craft day. The machine will be avaiable after that on October 1st. I can't wait for the debut!!!!!!!
I finally got to meet Emily. I have been working with her for months. She is a sweetheart and we clicked immediately. I also meet Jasmine. I knew that Craftwell was the perfect fit for me. They are a technology based company with the highest standards of workmanship, and customer service. Craftwell hired these models- Abercrombie models to walk around with the TC eBosser machine. They were at the booth and took photos with so many people during the show. Thank you David, Paul, Jasmine and Emily for going above and beyond in our debut and partnership.
This was Cheri's first show and she really enjoyed meeting everyone and seeing first hand how crazy fun and busy the trade shows are for us. (Abercrombie Craftwell TC Ebosser models, Kristine McKay (My Craft Channel) and Stephanie Hamen (Fiskars).
Just wait to see what we have planned for CHA Winter in Anaheim!!!!!!
Also, if you are looking for the new tools with TC/Xyron... you can order from Xyron, Notions and Product Performers.
They are not shipping yet, but I will let you know when they are available. You can get the TC Mega Runners, TC Stickermakers and the TC Adhesive KITS NOW!!!!! The stapler uses LARGE staples and is heavy duty.
Okay... now for the BIG PRIZE WINNER... we looked and watched to pick a winner. Drum Roll.....
the lucky winner of the FOUR brand new paper collections is:
Alexia Misso
You really helped to promote the new collections- thank you!
Thank you so EACH of you that entered to win and who helped share the collections. It truly meant so much!!!!!!!
Okay.. THIS FRIDAY I am headed to Hannah's Home Accents to teach this weekend. The address is: 455 Lake St, Antioch, IL 60002. Please come and visit us. The store has ALL of my paper collections and we are going to have so much fun!!!! The workshops are sold out!!!!! However, PLEASE come and join us and shop. I would LOVE to meet you.
