Last week I found my people...

In Chicago (ok, Rosemont, IL). 😊 I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to attend the H+H Americas show and thought I would share some highlights with you. Follow along below. Stay till the end for a treat!

H+H Americas is a sister event to H+H Cologne, the world's leading trade fair for the handicrafts industry. It was started by their parent company last year. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend last year, so I knew I had to be there this year. And the show did not disappoint. This year was bigger and better with more exhibitors and attendees. The event took place at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, just outside of Chicago. I flew into O'hare airport on Monday evening so that I could be sure I made it in time for my Master class on Tuesday. Because my class didn't start till 3 pm on Tuesday I took a stroll near my hotel. It just so happens that my hotel was right around the corner from the "Fashion Outlets of Chicago" which has some really fabulous shops. As I was on my way there I noticed another lil gem attached to the back of my hotel, "Murray Bros Caddyshack" where you can eat, drink and be Murray!😂 Too Funny! Unfortunately, I never ran into Bill.

So anyways, back to H+H Americas...There were several Master Classes taking place that day, but I chose to take "Leveling up your Photography: A Hands-On Workshop" by the acclaimed photographer Gale Zucker. The class was super helpful and Gale and her assistant were awesome! I learned all about using diffusers and reflectors (note to self, I still need to order those.)

This is me on the first day being perfectly pink.😉

 

 

 

Jennifer Crandell - Craftermoon

 

Ok, So the Official first day started off with a "State of the Industry Panel" moderated by the Fabulous Abby Glassenberg of The Craft Industry Alliance and had the following panelists: Steve Jeffery of Brewer, Kamaca Champion of Miss Purl Chicago, Jan Hurwitz of Premier Needle Arts and Heidi Ehlen of Initiative Handarbeit e.V. Let me just tell you that Kamaca Champion stole the show with her thoughtful take on being a small business owner on the south side of Chicago. After the keynote, I headed to my first class of the day from the lovely Charmaine Jennings of Strategic Charm Boutique who spoke on " Building a Social Media Strategy for Crafters". Next up, was a learning lab Instructed by Adrienne Lee of Painted Sky Textiles and Looms by Funem Studio. I followed that up with a panel discussion on "How to create a totally unique best seller". This panel was moderated by Dana Connell of Retail Mavens and had the following panelist: Jess Barrera of Sallie Tomato, Tracy Krauter of Splash Fabrics, Carolina Moore of Carolina Moore Patterns, Nichole Schneider of Coley International. I finished off my day at the Craft Industry Alliance Dinner at Crust Brewing where I got to meet Abby Glassenberg and some really cool ladies, who I will mention a bit later.

 

Below is a quick video I made of walking 2 of the aisles at H +H Americas. I wish I could have done more, but my video would have been too long to post to IG. Also, If you aren't already following me on IG you can find me @craftermoon_htx.

 

 

Day 2 started off with a bang. I got to see the amazing Kathy Cano-Murillo of The Crafty Chica speak. She is super bubbly, vibrant, and positive. I found her talk to be very inspiring! You can see some photos below of 1) Kathy and some of the lovely ladies I got to sit with at the Craft Industry Alliance member dinner. 2 &3) is Krista West of Avlea Folk Embroidery whose gorgeous kits are carried on Craftermoon.com. 4) is Linda LaSala from Scented Stitches. She creates the most amazing aromatherapy products for Knitting and Crochet. I'm trying to figure out how to incorporate them into embroidery, so stay tuned. You may see her products on the website soon. 5) is Stephanie Carswell from Hawthorne Handmade. I absolutely love her wool felt kits and you can also find them in my shop. 6) Lastly, is Wendy Batten. I took her course "Run Profitable Special Events and Workshops" because I would like to start adding some local make-and-take events. Comment below if you are interested in hearing more about that when I get something set in stone.👇

 

 

I ended day 2 by making this cute felt Bracelet at the Craft Industry Alliance Booth. Christie Troxell of Ritzy Parties did a demo and supplied all of the fixings for me to create it. Thank you Christie!❤

 

I also wanted to attach some photos of the cutest project bags/makeup bags/ everyday bags that I saw while I was there. I am thinking about carrying them. Aren't they adorable!! Let me know your thoughts in the comments section.

And one last shout out... I saw Toni Lipsey of TL Yarncrafts in Chicago at the show and I was too scared to go up and introduce myself. I love following Toni. She is so creative and gives away so many patterns for FREE in her newsletter. I am a beginner crocheter, but I wanted to post a picture of something she shared in her Mother's Day post last month. I am going to make some of these, but if you are interested in learning more about crochet you should definitely sign up for her newsletter because she is AWESOME!

 

And thank you all for following me on this journey and staying till the end of my post. I hope you all have a safe and Happy 4th of July! Also, because my birthday is 2 days before that, I would like to give you all a gift from me, 20% off your next purchase on www.craftermoon.com . Code good through 7/7/23.