Make-and-Takes at CHA

One of the best things about the Craft and Hobby Association Mega Show is being able to try new craft materials or learn fresh ways to use classic craft materials. A high percentage of the exhibitors have demonstration stations set up and many offer make-and-take projects that use their products. I absolutely love being able to try out new (or new-to-me) media and learn tips and tricks from the experts.

It would be impossible to do all the make-and-takes offered at CHA, as there are literally hundreds. I did, however, do as many as I could manage in between my classes, meetings, and other commitments. Today I want to share some of my favorites. 

I'll start off with the first make-and-take I did. Marvy Uchida was showing their Easy Chalk Board Marker, Bistro Chalk Markers, and the Easy Crystal Applicator. I used the chalk board marker to color a wooden frame (couldn't get into the corners with the broad tip - my only criticism of it) and a piece of white cardstock. The coverage was amazing! I put the bling on the frame and used chalk markers on my card. They dry instantly, but can be erased with a moist paper towel! Super cool. 

Next up, Deflecto. I hadn't used their products before, but I really like them. I ended up doing three different make-and-takes with them over the three days! The first was a cupcake-shaped magnet using their Magnetic Craft Sheets. Next, a 5" x 7" frame. It unscrews so that you can slide different patterned papers or photos inside.

I thought this next one was so clever! It's a 4" x 6" clear frame, tipped to use as a desk notepad.  

My next set of make-and-takes are from Best Creation. I knew them as a patterned paper company, but they've moved away from that and into glittered specialty products. They had a huge line to make a cute bag using their iron-on glitters and rhinestones and only one working iron the first day I stopped by, so I made the quick Minnie bag without rhinestones (because that would have meant waiting for a second turn with the only iron). The next day, they had a shorter line and more irons, so I made the kiss bag, complete with iron-on rhinestones at the bottom. I'm really impressed with how well they've stayed attached!

I had a great time hanging out with the ladies from Bazaar Star Beadery! I was their very first make-and-take customer, so they had me pose for an Instagram picture to show off this cute and colorful bracelet.

Here's a cool note holder I made at the Tombow booth, trying their Xtreme Adhesive. I'm a loyal Tombow user, but I'd never tried the Xtreme products. They're a must-have!

I made this fabulous Foldover Clutch at the Beacon Adhesives booth. They had HUGE piles of ribbons, trims, blooms, leaves, gems, sequins... it was so hard to pick what to use. I kept mine minimal, true to my style. Some of the other crafters at the table must have added 2 pounds of embellishments to theirs!

This picture shows two totally separate make-and-takes. The glass jar is painted with DecoArt's Chalky Finish for Glass. I made the stretch bracelet using beads from Linpeng International.  

The last make-and-take I want to share is this adorable cupcake photo/card holder. It's made with a Smoothfoam base, covered with Mod Podge Collage Clay, and then sprinkled with glitter and decorated with sequins. I am absolutely in love with the collage clay! It comes in a piping bag with three decorative tips. I can't wait to play with it again soon! 

So there you have it! Just some of the many make-and-takes I made at the CHA Mega Show. Any favorites?