Great Lakes Mega Meet 2019

I have been out of craft circulation from quite sometime.  I know there has been a lot of new products in the market that I'm most probably not aware of.  I remember back then, I was updated with everything paper crafts.  I would sit hours on the computer to check what's latest - being active in the message boards and online communities.  Now, I am not sure if these boards and communities are still existing.  I am slowly learning that some of the brands have ceased production.  Even the monthly scrapbooking, stamping or card making magazines are mostly gone too.

So this year, as a treat to myself, I made it a point to go to a crapbooking/stamping show in Michigan.   One of them is the Great Lakes Mega Meet in Novi.  I think this is the biggest show in my state, hosted by Great Lakes Scrapbook Events.  The venue is over 3 hours away from me, so I expect a limited time at the event.  

Every time I go to a craft show like this, I always feel like a kid entering a gigantic candy store.  I can't believe that despite my age, the excitement is still there.

Of course, I studied the layout and the vendors of the show ahead of time, so I know where to go and what to buy.  I conditioned my brain not to do any impulsive shopping, unless it's really a good good deal.  As always, I have to see everything first.  Kinda like speed shopping.  I did find some good deals, but was able to buy the ones that I really need for my new craft space.

Above all, I wanted to visit Our Daily Bread Designs.  This brand has a special place in my heart because I worked for a couple of their shows here in Michigan many years ago.  Just very recently, they changed their name to Divinity Designs, which I really like.  They started out with rubber stamps, but have expanded their product line to thin dies and other paper crafting products.  I really love their dies!

It's always a treat to see the creations of their designers!  I always get inspired that I want to go home right away to play with my new Divinity Designs dies.

I have to share with you the numbers that came out at the cash register during my purchase.  These multiple ones have been showing up in my life lately.

It was so great to see owner Kelley doing her magic at the show.  The time we had catching up was so short!

I was surprised to see Tim Holtz doing a demo at the Stampers Anonymous booth.  I wish I could stay longer, but it's almost time to go.

I really had a great time at the Great Lakes Mega Meet.  I am crossing my fingers to be able to attend and actually participate in the crop and classes next year.