Production Line - the fastest way to mass assemble

My preparations for CHA are well and truly underway. Just one more sleep to go and I'll be jetting off to Chicago to the craft industry's premier trade show event, CHA.

I'm still working on some projects that need to be finished and the only way I am possibly going to get things done is if I attack it production line style. Here's a few snaps of what I've been up to.

Firstly, my press kits. They give the media and press identities an idea about what it is I do. As I do a lot of jewellery making and love incorporating mixed media into it, I've opted to incorporate one of my jewellery designs into the covers. Here's a look at some of the components.

The paper clay drying rack

Painted buttons.Recognise these? Check my banner at the top of the page!

Cutting an opening on the cover of my press kits.

A lot of work goes into putting a press kit together, especially when you don't have a PR department to do the work for you. Apart from the creative components that make up the press kit, there is also the copy that has to go with it. As a crafter, you want to spend your time crafting, right? Well, as a designer, this all comes with the territory.

Next up, it's my little giveaways. Visitors to my Designer Showcase will be able to take a little sample of my work home with them. Every one loves to get little freebies at the show...... it makes the whole experience just that much more fun!

Cooking UV resin! These will be assembled into rings as giveaways.

It's like peeking into the oven to watch a cake rise!

You know, the light really doesn't look blue when it's on, but it always photographs that way!

More components for the rings

Drying time for the glue

Gift box assembly

I couldn't find a die to cut these with so each one is hand cut. Ask me about how my hands feel!

Presentation is everything at a show like this.

You didn't really think I was going to show you the rings. That would spoil the surprise for the recipients if they could see them in advance. It's all part of the discovery of the new designs and ideas that designers bring to the show. Maybe one day I'll share how cute these little rings look.

I hope you've enjoyed the little peek into my preparations. Now it's a matter of getting it all packed up so that it survives the journey across the big pond.

Stop by later in the week and I'll share some of the wonderful new things released at Summer CHA.

Have a happy crafting weekend!

'Til next time.....

If you can't get enough of My Tutorials and you want even more inspiration, click here to find my books and printable pdfs