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CHA Recap

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The summer Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show is always held in Chicago. More specifically, Rosemont, Illinois. I had originally intended to head down their myself, but after meeting and interviewing the Craft Editor for Reader’s Digest Publications, Shalana Frisby, we decided to go together. I just love hanging out with Shalana, we have become fast friends! (pictured left to right: Shalana Frisby, Country Woman Magazine; Heather Mann, Dollar Store Crafts; Amy Anderson, Mod Podge Rocks!; and me)

There were quite a few vendors on display, though I didn’t get a chance to chat with them all. There were plenty of make and takes available. Unfortunately for me my battery pooped out before I got all the pictures that I wanted, but suffice it to say that there was no shortage of scrapbook and paper product vendors at the show!

Shalana was able to snap quite a few pictures and shared them on Country Woman Magazine’s Pinterest board here.

There were a few things that caught my eye. One was this ribbon display. So many gorgeous patterns and colors as far as the eye could see! So if you’re looking for a trendy ribbon supplier, be sure to give May Arts a look.

FloraCraft had a fun Halloween display as well. Lots of purple, and the royal blue mixed with black was quite striking! They had a fun display using, of course, Styrofoam.

They also had these hydrating water beads. When hydrated they are perfect in vases and bowls, then just lay them out on a plate or cookie sheet to dehydrate to shrink to their original packaged sized. Reusable. Very cool.

And of course, how could I attend CHA and not meet up with plenty of industry friends. Here’s Amy Anderson of Mod Podge Rocks! at the Plaid booth.

This shot is of Jen Goode of JGoode Designs, Heather Mann of Dollar Store Crafts, and me. These ladies are a big part of my everyday online life and I loved finally meeting them in person!

Lastly, here’s a shot of Alexa Westerfield of I Love to Create along with Heather and I. I hosted a make and take at their booth for part of the afternoon. I also had the opportunity to met fellow Craft Gossip editor (of our Candle Making channel) Heidi Gustad. Unfortunately we didn’t snap a picture.

It was fun seeing all that craft product in one place. What would you ask the vendors if you could go?

 

Comments

  3. I loved meeting you – so fun! You are as great in person as you are online. There’s only one thing I’m upset about which is my HAIR is these pictures. It looks like crap. It was acting up!!

  4. I wish I would get my act together and open a shop on etsy so that I could afford to go to such a show as this one and buy some neat supplies. Wouldn’t it be fun if you could win a chance to do a Supermarket Sweep kinda thing but with craft supplies instead of groceries?

  6. I so enjoyed spending the day with you Amanda at CHA! It was a blast. And meeting everyone you knew was amazing – such a talented lot of crafters and designers 🙂

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5 Must-Know Secrets to Turning Your Suburban Home into a Profitable, Sustainable Homestead

If you’re dreaming of creating a self-sufficient homestead but feel limited by your suburban setting, you’re not alone. Many homeowners believe that homesteading is only for those with acres of land, but the truth is, it’s entirely possible to transform your suburban home into a profitable and sustainable homestead. Whether you’re aiming to cut grocery bills, reduce your carbon footprint, or even earn some extra income, here are five must-know secrets that will help you turn your suburban space into a thriving, sustainable homestead!

Maximize Your Garden Space with Vertical Growing

In a suburban backyard, space can be limited, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow a bountiful garden. Vertical gardening is the key to utilizing your space more efficiently and maximizing your yield.

You can grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs vertically by using trellises, hanging planters, and vertical garden towers. Plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, and beans do especially well when grown vertically, as they can be trained to grow upwards instead of sprawling out.

Secret Tip: Consider using vertical gardening methods for food that you and your family consume regularly—like herbs, lettuces, and even strawberries—so you’ll have a fresh supply right at your fingertips. Not only does this save money, but it can also reduce your grocery bill over time.

Incorporate Small Livestock for Eggs, Meat, and Manure

Raising small livestock like chickens, rabbits, or even bees can greatly contribute to your homestead’s sustainability and profitability. Chickens, for example, provide fresh eggs and natural pest control, and they can even be kept in smaller, urban-friendly spaces.

Secret Tip: Chickens are relatively low-maintenance, and with a well-designed coop, they can thrive even in a suburban backyard. If you’re interested in expanding your livestock options, rabbits can also be a great choice. They reproduce quickly and offer meat that is lean and nutritious. Plus, their manure can be composted and used to fertilize your garden!

Profit Tip: By selling eggs, surplus poultry, or even honey from your bees, you can generate some extra income. A small side hustle like this can help pay for your homesteading supplies or even turn into a full-time business over time.

Harvest and Store Water with a Rainwater Collection System

Water is essential to every homestead, and one of the easiest ways to become more self-sufficient is by harvesting rainwater. A rainwater collection system can help reduce your water bills and ensure you always have water available for your garden, livestock, and even for household use (if treated properly).

Secret Tip: Set up rain barrels or a larger rainwater collection system with gutters to capture rainfall from your roof. The collected water can be used for irrigation, washing your car, or even cleaning outdoor spaces. Just make sure to use a proper filtration system if you plan to use it for drinking or cooking.

Profit Tip: Rainwater harvesting also reduces your dependence on the local water supply, which could be especially beneficial during dry spells or in areas with water restrictions. You’ll save money while helping conserve natural resources!

Implement Solar Power to Cut Energy Costs and Increase Sustainability

If you’re serious about sustainability, investing in solar power is a must. Solar panels are a great way to reduce your energy costs, and depending on where you live, you may even be eligible for tax credits or rebates to offset the installation cost.

Secret Tip: Start small by adding a few solar panels to power outdoor lights, a small garden pump, or a shed. If your energy needs grow, you can gradually add more panels to your home. Some homeowners even sell excess energy back to the grid, which can help offset the cost of installation and lead to potential income!

Profit Tip: In addition to cutting your electric bill, generating your own solar power means less reliance on external sources of energy, making your homestead more resilient and eco-friendly.

Monetize Your Homestead: Sell Homemade Products and Services

One of the best things about turning your suburban home into a homestead is the ability to generate extra income from the hard work you put in. Whether it’s selling homemade preserves, eggs, flowers, or even hand-crafted items, there are plenty of opportunities to profit from your homesteading efforts.

Secret Tip: Start by making small, high-demand products like jams, pickles, or soaps and selling them at local farmers’ markets or online platforms like Etsy. If you’re raising livestock, selling fresh eggs or meat can also be a great way to earn some cash.

Profit Tip: The key to monetizing your homestead is to identify products or services that you can consistently produce and that have a steady demand in your area. Your local community may be looking for fresh, local produce or sustainable, handcrafted goods—and you can meet that demand while earning a profit!

Turning your suburban home into a profitable, sustainable homestead doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. By using smart space-saving techniques, raising small livestock, harvesting rainwater, and implementing energy-saving solutions like solar power, you can reduce your reliance on external resources and create a thriving homestead right in your own backyard.

And don’t forget the potential to monetize your homestead! Whether you sell homemade products, eggs, or garden surplus, there’s money to be made in homesteading.

Start small, take it one step at a time, and before you know it, your suburban home will not only be more sustainable, but it will also be a profitable, self-sufficient homestead!