I arrived in Chicago yesterday morning.  Oddly, this year it only took us 5 hours to get here.  Of course it really should only take us 5 hours, but due to our yearly travel misfortune it always ends up taking us up to 9.  We really didn’t hit any trouble at all until we got to Chicago.

I’m one of the super lucky people that gets to work with Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L.  As part of their Certified Instructor Program I get to work with the best adhesives on the market, and also educate other scrapbookers and paper crafters about all sorts of adhesive options and techniques.   Today I filled in at the Make-n-Take table for the lunch hour.  Let me tell you, that booth was CRAZY all day long… non-stop.

There are some new Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L releases for this show… fantastic releases.  One of my favorites would have to be the mini foam squares.  They are 1/4″ square and come in both white and black.  Not only have they made another size foam squares, but they also are available in a variety pack.  Gotta love that!  I’ve been cutting those foam squares apart forever and now I don’t have to anymore.  Yipee. :)  (Yeah, I know it is a little odd that I get so excited about adhesive.)

I spent a lot of time on the show floor today checking things out.  The Queen & Company booth was fantastic and full of fun stuff.  Personally, Queen & Company ranks up there as one of my favorites at every show.  They have come out with a ton of new, cool, and innovative stuff for this show.  Here is a layout the uses some of the product.  Too stinkin’ cute.   This layout uses a ton of the felt product they have out at this show.  Queen & Company has also changed the package on the felt items.  It is much better in my option not only for storage, but for product integrity.  Nothing worse than jamming something back in a package and finding it ruined the next time you try to get it out.  It is now carded instead of rolled.  Perfect if you ask me.  Some of the new felt strips are up to 6″ wide.  There are also loose flower designs and such.

For those of you that are big into home decor you are going to love K & Company.   Here is a photo of a WALL of home decor items.  Coasters, frames, wreaths, oh my!!  All of this product is due to ship this October so you should be seeing it in stores right around that time.  Be sure to keep an eye out for that.  I know I’m excited to play with it myself.  These items will make for some awesome additions to your home decor collections.

Lastly for today, Scenic Paper Route.  I really love their products and this release is no different.  There are some fantastic papers in that booth.  Really great colors, and they are all double sided and a great weight.  Another thing I like so much is that they are all printed on a white core.  For those of you that don’t know what I mean… white core has the print on the top layer of the paper so that when you tear it, sand it, etc., you will see the white exposed as opposed to color all the way through.   This photo shows a layout that uses the white core to add a little pop to the layout.  Exposing the white really makes a big difference in the overall design.

Outside of the show I had a class today and yesterday night.  Last nights class was awesome.  The main focus was on Memory Glass, but I picked up so many great techniques.  I can’t wait to share all the cool stuff that I learned with everyone back home.  This next card class is going to be full of new and fun stuff.  I still have some spots open for students and kits.  Email me to book a spot and I’ll get you on the list for either.

I’m beat so I’m going to call it a night for now.  Have a great night!!

~j