Fun Times at CHA High

I had a fun weekend of checking out lots of fab crafts at the CHA (Craft & Hobby Association) trade show that just happened to be a hop, skip, and a jump away from me in Anaheim.  I saddled up with my crafty pal, Sonya Nimri, to check out all the fun goodies.

Let’s just say that once I walked in and saw this beaded curtain, I fell in love and immediately wanted to make one.  Unfortunately I am without rogue doorways or spaces that need such a curtain, which is probably a good thing as I can only imagine how long a project like this would take to tackle/work on/finish.

Best beaded curtains ever!!

(*However let it be known that I am not opposed to anyone making it for me…in that case, I’m sure a place would present itself rather quickly!)

I also became obsessed with a paper mache elephant that was fuchsia.  You paint anything fuchsia and I’m totally on board.

Paper Mache Elephant!!

I had fun making jewelry at the DCWV booth where there were beads, jump rings, clasps, and jewelry pliers galore!!

Bracelet-ing!

I was quite happy with my little project.

New Jewels!

That was one of the most fun parts of the show – all the crafty projects that were available to be made at most all of the vendor booths!  At the Offray ribbon booth, it was DIY headband time!!

Headband Supplies!

Sonya was cranking her band out…

Crafty Sonya!

…before I could even pick my ribbon!!  (I went with animal prints, because you just can’t go wrong.)

Headband supplies

All that was needed was a headband base (this one had a foam layer on top of the plastic), two different prints/colors of ribbon, and a glue gun.  Easy peasy!  The ribbon was already cut for us, but I’d say trim at least a yard of both of your ribbons.

All you have to do is dab a bit of glue at one end of the headband base, and then begin wrapping your ribbon around the headband, covering all of it.  When you get to the other end, hot glue the ribbon down to hold it in place.  Next, take your contrasting ribbon and glue it down to one of the headband’s ends and begin to wrap this around the ribbon you already put down.  This should be more spaced out than your base ribbon.  (I had seven rotations of this ribbon.)  Now, when you get to the other side, glue the ribbon in place and repeat this step going the opposite direction to create a criss cross effect.  Glue your end in place once you make your way back, trim edges, and then rock your band!

Close up, finshed product!!

Our lovely Offray tutorial givers were super helpful when I thought mine looked awful about 1/3 of the way in.

Jersey Girls!

Sonya and I ended up using the same ribbon and totally had matching headbands.  (PS, I love this shot because it makes me look like I have super short, Michelle Williams hair!!)

Headband-its!!

We found amazing paints that end up looking like beads and pearls when affixed to fishing line…

Paint that looks like pearls!

…and we also loved these cool molds that could shape fondant into cupcake toppers or clay into medallions.

Cupcake toppers or crafty medallions!

We also ended up spending a whole lot of time at the Scotch booth playing with all their colorful tapes.  The colors were such fun – Sonya decorated a mirror and I made fun shapes, er lines, on a mini-shopping bag.

Getting crafty at Scotch!

Craft Attitude’s booth was also another treat, as their image transfer paper is no joke, and we got to hang with the always chic Jonathan Fong!

Love JF’s steampunk hat!

They too had an elephant.  Do I see a trend forecast for 2013??  Elephant fever??

Running theme…

I left chock full of inspiration and was glad to be taking notes on my iPhone to keep in mind for future projects.  Nothing like a little bit of ribbon and scissors to get a girl’s wheels turning!

Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend, from relaxing to watching NFL and perhaps having your team win, to heading to the movies, or watching Tina Fey and Amy Poehler host the Golden Globes.  Fun week ahead…lots of outfit posts to come!!