Review of "CHA Live" with Scrapbook Royalty

As you may or may not know, it is one of my big dreams to actually go to a CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) show. The thought of all of those scrapping companies and all of that new stuff just makes my heart go pitter-patter, but so far I have not been able to attend one. Just when I was feeling sad about missing CHA Winter 2011, I read about being able to watch it LIVE with Scrapbook Royalty!

So what is Scrapbook Royalty? Scrapbook Royalty is a volunteer-run non-profit organization (now under the umbrella of CharityWings.org) that helps crafters raise money for various causes. The group hosts and sponsors scrapbooking events all over the country to raise money for charities such as Susan G. Komen, American Heart Association, Boys and Girls Clubs, Autism Speaks, and more. The CHA Live event raised money for Crops of Luv, a charity that makes scrapbooks for terminally-ill children who have been granted wishes through groups such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

This year, Elena Etcheverry (founder of Scrapbook Royalty) and her team of talented ladies took on the daunting task of broadcasting live from CHA for all of us who couldn't attend the event. For three-and-a-half days, Elena did interviews with vendors and crafting "celebrities", ran all over the floor to show cool booths and products, and had fantastic make-and-takes that we could do at home (at-home participants got a BIG goody box with TONS of product!). We got to "chat" with other participants, ask questions to the vendors, and enjoy CHA without the hurting feet! There were minor technological glitches related to the site that was being used for the chat room, but Elena's enthusiasm and the opportunity to see so much of CHA more than made up for it.

I am so glad that I was able to be a part of this event. It was great to "virtually attend" CHA and the new products and websites that I learned about will keep my wallet empty well into the year! I can't say enough good things about Elena and all of the wonderful volunteers at Scrapbook Royalty for their time, dedication, and enthusiasm for this event.

Also thanks to Nikki Sivils, Flower Soft, Unity Stamps, Westcott, Clear Snap, Bazzill, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L, Prima Marketing, Faber Castell, Maya Road, Mod Podge, and Copic Markers for donating products included in the "swag bag".

P.S. All of the vendors that Elena spoke with were more than happy to donate some of their products for eBay auctions to further benefit Crops of Luv. So head on over to eBay (Seller name: princesslanie) and bid on the cool things that are being auctioned for a great cause.