Hello everyone! I am so glad to be home after our long journey and work week surrounding the first ever CHA SuperShow. Everything has been such a whirlwind! When we returned home last night, it felt as though we had been gone for nearly a month!
Even though neither David or I hardly had a chance to snap photos while we were there, I have been able to piece together my pictorial journal by using photos from my dearest friends & co-workers, Mish, Debbie, Heather & Dawn. I am also incredibly grateful for the generosity of MacArthur (Bold Lifestyle Photography) & Ashley Newell (A New Design) for sharing some photos they took at the show as well! I hope you enjoy my version of the amazing events of last week!
It all started with a little Uhaul trailer in Tennessee. Packed with all the bits & pieces necessary for creating a Papertrey wonderland within a cement floored convention center. David and I were so thankful to *finally* have that Uhaul packed. We were supposed to head out at 6am that morning, but didn't end up being able to actually pull out until 3pm. In addition, the booth had been set up in our garage for nearly a month, and it was nice to clear everything out so we could walk through the building once again!
We drove all night, *literally*, and pulled into Orlando at 5am. We were so thankful to crawl into bed! David & I caught a few hours rest and then headed to the Convention Center to meet up with the rest of the girls and walk to floor of the main CHA show! Debbie was already inside on the show floor by the time we arrived, but the rest of us needed to pick up our passes before we entered. David captured this cool shot while we were getting everything we needed.
Our first stop was the Hero Arts to visit one of my stamping idols and dear friends, Jennifer McGuire. She graciously forgave me for missing the appointment we had set up for that morning so I was able to catch a bit of sleep.
Jennifer is one of the sweetest, most kind people you will ever meet and I always love the opportunity to see her. We all chatted a bit about a few industry subjects of interest and then we were sure to get a group photo of everyone together! (just ignore how exhausted I look!)
We walked the show a bit more until it closed up for the night at 6. I had a meeting to attend with Julie & Jane and then we all met up again for a yummy dinner at Maggiano's Little Italy. Dawn's new friend, Brooke, was kind enough to join us! She is a local Floridian who played the role of hostess to all of us at Papertrey Ink on more than one occasion! Brooke was such a joy to have at our dinner table and I was so pleased to get to know her a bit better! Our dinner reservation hadn't been until 8:00, so needless to say, we were out until late!
Back at the hotel, I had one more task to complete for the booth set-up the next day and I enlisted the help of all my girls to complete it. The task was a pennant flag made of Papertrey's ribbons, buttons & papers. I had packed all of the products that coordinated with my desired color scheme along with a few other essentials. We spread them out onto Dawn's bed and just started cutting, adhering & tying!
Heather, Debbie, Mish & I randomly cut the flags from different papers and added buttons & ribbon as embellishments. The flags were then handed off to Dawn who was in charge of attaching them to the string that would hold all of them to form a banner or sorts. It was fascinating to see how different each of the flags turned out!
We worked until quite late that night, even though an early morning was ahead of us. One of the most memorable events of this part of the evening that was not captured on film was the laughter. Oh my goodness, did we ever laugh. You know, that deep kind of belly laugh that just makes you feel like a kid again? I think we experienced that type of intense laughter for nearly two hours straight!
Mish was usually the cause of most of our laughter. She's definitely the biggest comedian of the bunch. She just knows the right things to say to make us all double over with giggles! One of her best moments was when she decided to have David take some Senior Pictures of her. Mish is lucky that I am *such* a good friend, because I am not going to post the other shots taken that night, but I figured this one would suffice to get my point across! (I'm sure she'll forgive me! After all, I need to provide my readers with a complete picture of all these events!)
After going to bed SO late, it was a little difficult to get back up at 6am! Our adventure began with all 5 of us packed into David's pick-up truck with the Uhaul in tow. Our mission was to find exactly WHERE we needed to go at the convention center to unload all of the booth supplies. We drove in circles around the perimeter of the Convention Center before *finally* finding signs to point us in the right direction. Julie & Jane were already there and came out one of the back cargo bays to help David back in. It took a few trips to get the truck unloaded, but with everyone working together it didn't take much time at all. While David went to park the truck, we began set up, starting with rolling out the carpet.
When David returned, he and I began erecting the grid wall system around the perimeter of the shopping area. There were so many boxes to be unpacked and fixtures added to the walls at one point, it was almost a little overwhelming! I forgot to mention the eight pallets of merchandise that had been delivered via semi that morning as well! Julie & Jane (above in black shirts) did a fabulous job of organizing the distribution of the pallets and their contents.
I had a detailed scaled floor plan I had created to help keep everything straight & organized during the set up process. This is a photo Dawn snapped of me referring to my trusty chart once again. I was SO thankful to have that, because in all the chaos, I kept forgetting where everything was supposed to go! Did I mention that they did NOT turn on the AC while we were setting up? Phew! Was it ever humid. You probably could have just sat still and broken a sweat! We were all quite *moist* by the end of the day!
ALL of the thousands of pieces of merchandise we had brought needed to be *tabbed*, which means a sticky back hang tag needed to be adhered so that it could be hung from the pegs we were using to display everything in the retail area. The brunt of this job fell on the shoulders of the *girls*, Debbie, Mish, Heather and Dawn. I give them extra kudos, because they didn't know what they were getting into when they arrived and worked their hearts out!
Dawn & Heather unpacking one of the hundreds of boxes that contained stamp sets.
Debbie & Mish tabbing more stamp sets.
Heather working on getting the patterned paper onto our spinner. Dawn unpacking more boxes!
We finally finished up the booth at 6pm, and we were SO hot & tired! We all headed back to the hotel to take a quick shower, freshen up and head out to dinner at Tommy Bahamas. We had such an incredibly good time that night! The food was absolutely delicious, the margaritas were cold (and strong) and the laughter flowed like a never-ending stream down the center of our table.
One of the funniest moments was when Michelle decided to feed poor exhausted Debbie some dessert we had ordered to share. What REALLY made it a sight, was that Debbie was in the middle of telling us all a story and out of no where she suddenly had a spoonful of brownie coming in for a landing in her mouth!
The laughter that followed was SO contagious! A few of us even had tears coming from the corners of our eyes because we were laughing so hard! I am so glad that the moment got captured on film so we can re-live it over and over again for years to come!
Two of my favorite personal shots were taken that night as well. Heather took this one of Dawn & I. It was a shot we made sure to get, because at the last show (which was the last time we had seen each other) we didn't have a single photo of just the two of us. Not only did we *check this off the list*, but it turned out beautifully and I am looking forward to framing it in my office to I can remember my dear friend fondly even when we are apart!
The second one was a fun candid taken by Dawn. If I remember correctly, I think David & I were told to pose while we were sitting finishing up dinner. I like this photo so much because it embodies the moment perfectly and how wonderful it was to have David along for the ride with me. This is the perfect opportunity for me to thank him for all he dedicated and sacrificed for this entire CHA experience to happen.
I hadn't cooked for weeks leading up to our departure date. He was taking care of the house and kids when he wasn't at work. He designed & constructed several important parts of the booth. He had very little sleep for nearly a week straight, and never complained once about it. The fact that he is as dedicated as I am even thought he is not directly responsible, really allows me to see how much he loves me, supports me and cares about my hopes & dreams. I am SO incredibly lucky, and that night at dinner I was overwhelmed with these emotions, making this photo even more special & memorable.
Since we had eaten dinner late, once again, we didn't arrive back to the hotel until nearly midnight. Another early morning followed, beginning at 5am. We needed to get over to the booth to prepare all of the last finishing touches for the *official* opening that day. It was a great opportunity for everyone to get shots of the completed booth before customers began filing in. This is the first color wall you see on the right-hand side as you enter the booth. All of the products were meticulously organized by color to make it easy to find everything.
Each color section included our exclusive cardstock, ink, buttons and ribbons. I made swatch books for each color that included the cardstock & all the ribbons. These hung and each section so that people could easily touch everything and feel the quality that we have insisted on. The swatch books also worked well in allowing people to see all of the elements of a color collection together in close proximity.
This is the back stamp wall where we had over 60 of our most popular stamp sets available for sale. Isn't it purrr-ty!
Each stamp set was on display with it's own index sheet so customers could clearly see all the images. There was also a small shelf for each set, showcasing samples using it's images. It was so fun for Heather and I to pick out which cards went on each shelf. The finished product was truly inspiring. One of the coolest parts of all this was getting to see our fellow design team members work in person. It was amazing to see each creation in real life and appreciate all of the detail that went into it. Sooo awesome. I admire all of them even more today than I did before the show!
This is the other color wall, on the opposing side of the booth. More colors, more eye candy! It was SO fun even for us (the owners) of PTI, to see everything together like this! We normally just see everything in the warehouse, in cardboard boxes nonetheless. We were just giddy when we put the final products out for display so we could see them together in all their glory!
This is a little display I created beside the t-shirt display. For all of you that have been wondering, this is where the fruit came into play that I shared a little sneak peek of last week. ( BTW, I will be providing a printable template and instructions in the near future for those of you that have asked). A few other small details I thought I would mention… a tiered cake created from ribbon spools, an altered bottle of designer water, complete with a Papertrey Ink logo, and a delectable bowl of sorbet, berry sorbet buttons that is! Which all ties into the catch phrase displayed at the top of the fruit stand…
I have my dear friend Dawn to thank for the phraseology! She always helps me when I am stumped! Thanks again, Dawn!
This is the cash counter, where Jane and Julie set up the two laptops that served as our cash registers. Notice the pennant flag banner? That would be the very one that all of the girls & I made in the hotel room together! Didn't it turn out cute?!?!?
In case you were wondering what was in those polka dot bins on top of the counter, they were filled with free notepads and pens that were decked out with our logo. They were a big hit with everyone that passed through the booth!
This is the Floral Fusion wall, which could be found directly behind the make & take area. I created small individual displays for each of our design team members that included their headshot, card sample and a quote regarding their first impressions of the stamp set. They all did an AMAZING job on their samples! All the designers will be sharing their Floral Fusion projects with you over the next month or so on their individual blogs, so be sure to keep an eye out!
This is the poster I created for the promotion of Floral Fusion, an exclusive set available to CHA SuperShow customers who spent $100 or more. Two of these posters were on display in the booth to help spread the word of the special show promotion.
With all of the finishing touches in place, it was about time for the convention doors to open!!! The team and I posed for a quick photo with our matching Papertrey t-shirts & aprons. Gosh, looking at this photo just makes my heart burst with pride and thankfulness for all these girls invested in the show. I couldn't ask for a better team to surround myself with.
Shortly before the clock was prepared to strike 10, I got an extreme case of butterflies in my stomach and was so nervous as to what was about to happen. I can't even describe it really! David could totally tell and he came up to me in those last few seconds and put his arm around me and told me how beautiful I looked and assured me everything would be okay. He ALWAYS knows just the right thing to say at the right time.
…and then, almost as if someone had turned on a light switch, the crowds began pouring in. It happened so fast, the chaos was almost a bit overwhelming!
We had lines just to get in the booth to go shopping. Several portions of the day on Friday reported hour long waits just to get into the booth.
Julie and Jane worked so hard to ring people's purchases up as fast as they could!
Even the lines for our make & take projects were quite extensive! But everyone waited with a smile and happily chatted with fellow PTI addicts (or converted those that hadn't yet heard of us!)
As soon as the flood gates opened, as I described above, the entire
Papertrey Team jumped into action. Debbie facilitated her make &
take projects beautifully.
Heather was gracious enough to facilitate my make & take project so that I could remain in my meet & greet spot.
Michelle really knew how to keep everyone moving along and laughing all at the same time.
Dawn helped me greet people at the front of the booth. This proved to be a great pace to be, especially when the lines were so long. I loved the opportunity to talk to each customer in a personal and genuine way. Dawn & I had many fun & interesting exchanges with all of you when you passed by!
Here is a shot of everyone working away at their projects. Such concentration by these PTI students!
My partner/co-owner, Jane was dedicated to on of the cash registers the entire length of both days.
Julie, the other part of the threesome and daughter of Jane, was focused on processing purchases as well.
We had two energetic, insightful helpers, Andrea & Kristen. They helped bag, process credit cards & make change. Julie & Jane couldn't have moved as fast without them and we appreciated them being there SO much!
And of course, I cannot forget David. He and JD (Jane's son/ Julie's brother, not pictured here) constantly made lists and ran back and forth between the booth and our extra stock that was kept out back on pallets. It was absolutely shocking how fast the inventory of each item within the booth was dwindling on the first day of the show. Buttons were the hottest commodity and had to be refilled the most often.
David is specifically preparing to restock stamps in these photos. He seems to be concentrating SO hard!
After two *long* days of booth work along followed by a few hours of tear down, myself and the team were COMPLETELY exhausted. Showers and a change of clothes along with reservations at the local Capital Grille were the perfect prescription for all involved. It was a nice change of pace to get dressed up and out of our Papertrey t-shirts and aprons!
That pretty much sums it all up! I hope you enjoyed my overview of the show! It was SO amazing to have the opportunity to meet SO many customers in person. I felt as though I was surrounded by friends all day. So many hugs were exchanged, you shared your praise & encouragement. I felt so energized & inspired by ALL of your kindness. What more can I say other than my cup runneth over.
Thank you to each and every one of you who made the journey out to visit us. I know how much a trip of that nature takes, whether you are coming from near or far, and we all just want you to know how much we truly appreciate it. You were all shining stars in the little piece of Papertrey we were able to bring to you at this show and it made every moment, every hour of lost sleep, every strain & stress, completely worthwhile.
Thank you.
Kimberly Crawford says
Everything looks AMAZING!!! I am SO thrilled for you and your success at the show!! How fullfilling!! SO SO SO sorry that I didn’t get to see it and that I didn’t get the chance to visit with you at all. Thanks for the shout out when you walked by on the floor!! 🙂 (((HUGS)))
Melissa says
Thanks for all the photos and for retelling the story of CHA! I’m so sorry to have missed it, but it looks to have been a smashing success! I hope that they will continue these shows for the public and that I can come!
Ann Alyea says
I enjoyed the papertrey booth so much. It was the highlight of the show for me. I especially enjoyed the work that was done to have everything so well organized. You all did a wonderful job.
Sarah Doyle says
wow!! I wasn’t able to attend but this makes up for disappointment,, it looks amazing and now reflecting, you must be so proud! So glad it was a success.. I love everything Papertrey:) You and your team leave me inspired month after month! thank you for the detailed recap!:)
Gabriela Duclos says
It was so nice to meet you and the other girls. I had so much fun shopping in the booth and doing the make and takes. I am glad it was such a success!!
Gaby
vianna says
You deserve every bit of th succes – a lot of hard work went into putting everything together and having it look beautiful and run smoothly. It was THE BEST booth on the floor bar none! I really enjoyed meeting all the team members (and having my picture taken with you) and (finally) being able to sit through one of your beautiful m&t’s Saturday morning. I wish all of you continued success – and hope to see you again one day.
Sharon D says
Thanks for this recap, Nichole! It was great to meet you and the other PTI folks. The booth really was amazing! It was so nice you had out samples of the patterned paper, ribbons, and cardstock–especially the patterned paper, so we could see all the prints in the package. Andrea and Kristen were very efficient helpers at the checkout. Everyone was great!
jen says
WOW!! You must be so proud of what you have accomplished (and with good reason). It looks like the show was a great success.
Alessandra Loiacono says
BEAUTIFUL!!! I wish I was there:( But congratulations on the huge success and thank you so much for sharing the photos, everything looked fabulous!!
Niki Estes says
Everything looks so wonderful, Nichole! I love seeing photos of the booth. Glad you all had fun and that everything went so smoothly and successfully!
Bernice says
Thanks for the photographic recap. Looks like you had an awesome time! Wish I could have been there to wait in line and chat with you all!
Tamikko Gordin says
What a beautiful little store and display. Wish I could of been there. All your hard work was definitely for a great cause. Thanks for all the great pictures, and recapping your CHA experience.
Cheri Howard says
Wow! What a wild ride! Thanks for the pics giving us insight into all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into such a fabby booth!
Penny J. says
Nicole, thanks so much for sharing your version of CHA. I have truly enjoyed all the pictures and stories from Debbie, Mish and Dawn but with yours added to the mix it has made me feel like I was there even though I was unable to attend. It was as if I was sitting right there in the room with all of you girls as you made the banner. Oh and so you don’t feel too bad about posting Mishes “senior picture”…..I thought it was a very good one!! Where she came up with that idea is beyond me but I sure think it makes for a fun time had by all and some interesting looking photos!! Congrats on the CHA success and once this release is over maybe you and David can get some much needed R&R.
Christine Arthars says
A BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL FROM aUSTRALIA.
By looking at your pictures may I say just how pleased I am that Im thousands of miles away .How could I go and still remain married and not in debtors jail.
My mouth was drooling looking at all the beautiful products I know I wouldn’t have been able to stop myself from blowing the budget.You all looked like you had a great time and must have been exhausted.Well done girls and thanks for sharing the photos I had alovely time looking at them all and yes I read every comment you wrote.Made me feel like I was there.Hugs from Australia
SueB says
Thank you, so much, Nichole, for the wonderful journey you’ve allowed us. Wow! What a lot of work. You’ve got a tremendous team. If you do it again, I hope I have the opportunity to be there.
Titta says
I wish I could’ve been there! I’m glad to hear you guys had fun, and that the event was such a success for PTI. I hope you’ll be doing something like this again. I know I’d love to get the chance to shop “live”.
Lori West says
I am a TENNESSEE girl, is Papertrey in TN? I never looked at the return addy on my packages. I am so dying to know if you all are here!!!
Artyjen says
It is such tiring work doing a show…..but it looks like you were busy so that helps a lot!
Maybe one day I can fly across the “pond” to visit.
xoxo
Denise in Oz says
I am with the others that said “seeing these photos made us feel like we were there too”……WOW congratulation on a fabulous stand and maybe maybe I can make it all the way from Australia one day to the next CHA or maybe at lease Papertrey in Ohio 🙂 PS Hi to Christine Arthars from Australia, might see if I can “find” you on the forum and chat….
Heidi S says
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! Even though I wasn’t there I really enjoyed the event through photos and discussions on the forum and blogs. Congratulations on your huge success!!!!
Joan B says
Thanks for the wrap up. I loved every minute of my time at the booth and I have the bills to show for it!
Debbie S says
Thank you for partcipating in the CHA Supershow, and allowing us to meet the great minds behind Papertrey. It was a pleasure meeting you and all the talented PTI ladies, and being able to see all of your products. I attended CHA just to visit the PTI booth!!
Naomi Chokr says
Oh it was soo awesome!!! Im just glad I missed the long line from Friday. I love how you said that you read your comments. I know you get ALOT so i figured well she’ll never read mine. But after you said it makes me want to leave you a note here and there all the time! Glad you made it home safely. Your booth was the best and the only reason we went to CHA.
Cam says
Thanks for sharing your experience. Congratulations to you and everyone involved for what was obviously a huge success! Oh how I wish I could have seen all those goodies “live”.
Taheerah says
Nichole thanks for the fantastic account of CHA, really brings all of us that couldn’t make it ‘closer’ to it all if you know what I mean!
You’ve accomplished so much and should feel very proud. It looks like it was fantastic and I only hope that there’s a repeat next year and that I can make it over from the UK!
Valerie C says
Thanks for sharing, Nichole! I felt like I was there! I wish I was…it looked like it was FANTASTIC!!!
stacy says
Everything looks great with the booth the only thing missing was me. I already had plans when they announced that the public could come but congrats and it looks like it all went well. you did an amazing job as always.
CherylQuilts at SCS says
Awesome! So glad for the photo highlights of CHA Orlando…so much fun…which I sorely missed. But SO GLAD you had a wonderful and successful time! I LOVE PTI!
Susan says
Your booth looks absolutely amazing! I can see all of the signature Nichole touches. So meticulously organized yet artistically and beautifully done. I enjoyed seeing your adventure in pictures. Congrats on the CHA success!!
Dee says
Your booth was, by far, the best at CHA! It was beautifuly displayed and organized. The checkout line was very organized, too. The best part? Seeing you in person as well as all of your PTI product . . . you guys ROCK!
amymom24 says
Thank you for this post, Nichole! For sharing your CHA experience, and especially for all the words of appreciation for your husband. In a culture where spouses are so often taken for granted, I felt blessed to read your kind and loving words about him:)
Lisa says
Everything looked amazing!
You have a wonderful team and thats more than money can buy!!
I was drooling looking at all your product set up….I really wish I could have been there..I would have been your biggest spender! LOL
I really hope the new stamp set for the show will be avaliable for us to puchase!! 😀
Vicki says
Wow, thanks Nicole for the play by play. I have always wondered what happens at CHA. Being a Canadian Girl, I am not sure I will ever have the opportunity to go so seeing all the work and love that you put into it is really awesome. Congratulations on such an amazing and sucessful show! All the best to you and your family
Julia Aston says
Well – now I feel like I had been there Nichole! thanks for all the fun pics! You ladies must have been totally exhausted with so much work and so little sleep! but I’m sure the excitement of it all kept you running!
Staci Miserlian says
Looks wonderful. Thanks for taking me there (in photos).
It’s nice to see how much you appreciate your husband and how much he loves and supports you!! Big high-fives to both of you!
Bonnie Sharp says
Nichole, I can’t even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed the make & takes and the booth and the whole thing. It was totally fabulous! I can only hope that you get the rest you all deserve and hopefully this experience is like having a baby. Never do it again until, of course, you forget the worst and relive the best!
Crafty Math Chick says
Sounds like a lot of fun (except for the humidity with NO AC – BLEH!)! Really wish I could have been there! Thanks for sharing your adventures.
Shannon R. says
It was great to meet all of the people behind PTI. The booth was excellent. The make and takes were fabulous. I was so excited to meet the authors of the blogs I read regularly. Great job!!!!!!!!!
laura rangel says
It made feel like I was actually there with you guys. Thank You for sharing your coolest experiences and momentos with us. When will the Windy City have the opportunity to see a Papertrey Ink convention out here?
God Bless!
Kim says
Love all of the photos Nichole! I tried to grab a few when we were there but your booth was so packed! 🙂 Nice to see you again and have a chance to say “hi” as well as an opportunity to meet Mish, Deb, Heather, and Dawn in person! A great time and a great job!
Oh, and we had a good chuckle everything we say David running by for more product…LOL!
Tori H. says
WOW is all I can say! I went to CHA primarily to shop your booth! PTI DID NOT disappoint!! 🙂 I was not too impressed with the rest of the show, but have been to many scrapbooking shows at OCCC and knew this one was going to be much different. Anyhow, your booth was AMAZING!! My girlfriend and I ran there as soon as we got there on Sat and then made another pass-through after finding little else of interest in the other booths. We figured more money for PTI stuff!! YAY! I am the proud owner of 5 new cardstock packs, 4 new stamp sets, 5 ink pads, 5 button packs and some ribbon…AND the BEAUTIFUL free stamp set!! I can’t wait to play with my new stuff!! i was at the beach for a week with my kids, so am just getting back from a long vacation!
PTI totally MADE CHA IMO! 🙂 Thanks for all of your (all of the PTI girls & the hubbies too! LOL!) hard work! Your booth organization was FANTASTIC! I have been to many scrappy events, and have never seen a booth as organized!
I am sorry I did not get a chance to meet you! 🙁 I saw you at the front of the booth, but you were busy and I did not want to impose! Maybe next time! 🙂
Thanks again!
~Tori
Mary says
Wow! Everything looked just fantastic, though I would have expected NOTHING less! So jealous of the gals who got to attend — behind the scenes and in spite of the long lines! 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing the photos and for all of your hard work…
I have to also say that your blog is one of the most BEAUTIFULLY designed that I’ve seen! I’d love to know how you edit your photos, and the process you use to add the watermarks, the photo labels (e.g. “Notes from CHA” with the extra text and etc.). Fabulous!
I also want to mention that I LOVE the stamp set index sheets that you displayed with the inventory in the booth. I loved it when PTI added the CD case decals into the mix — perhaps an index sheet could also be available? I’d love to have my growing (though never FAST enough! Hee!) collection in a “stamp inventory” binder… I am a bit of an organization nerd…
THANKS!
Mindy says
It was so great to meet you all in person… the PTI booth was the hit of the show! Thanks for your hard work and all the little details.
I believe I recognize that picture of Heather doing the make & takes… 😉 Glad you could use it in the post!
Heather says
Congratulations on your shows success – your booth looked amazing!!!
Debbie says
Hi Nichole! As a long time fan, this post makes me so happy for you guys as a company and for you personally! More continued success and happiness to you and your company! SO wish I could have been there :).
Beth Silaika says
SO fun! I wish I was there = but I think I need a nap just reading about it
mamajulie says
I’m so excited that you had what looks to be a very successful show. I buy Papertrey items often (I have more of your stamps than any other brand) and your attention to detail and quality are amazing.
I also follow the blogs of all your designers, and reading their takes on the show and looking at their pictures of all of you working together for success is inspiring. Your husband sounds like one in a million. Hard work is always worth the price when you’re doing something you love.
Shay says
Thank you so much for sharing the CHA Supershow with us and congratulations on such a brilliant success! I was so, so hoping to make it simply because Papertrey Ink was going to be there. From the pictures, the booth looked divine. I imagine those lucky ladies who made it where thrilled. One of these days I hope to have the oppurtunity to see Papertrey Ink in action!
Sharon Harnist says
Thanks for the wonderful report, Nicole — it’s greatly appreciated by those of us not able to attend the show (sniff — me!). The booth looked awesome!
Jolene says
Well, Nichole, the “fans” wouldn’t have flocked to the PTI booth had it not been for the FABULOUS customer service, product and personality you, Jane, Julie, David, etc etc etc give to PTI. I don’t know of any other company out there that I like nearly as well as PTI and a lot of that has to do with the face you put with the PTI name. I hope some day I get to meet you and all the girls face to face – even if its just for a brief, fleeting moment – because I know, even though our paths may just briefly cross without a word and maybe just a smile – you DO appreciate your customers and that comes thru loud and clear with you PERSONALLY answering questions on the forums (and on here) and your commitment to not only listening, but HEARING what we, as the consumers, want.
A BIG BIG BIG THANK YOU TO YOU TOO!!!! I hope I can make it to the next CHA show (if PTI is going to be there AND they let the general public in again!!!)
Michelle Balletti says
Congrats on the success of your show!! It seemed like such a daunting task but the reward of it’s success seemed to definitely outweigh it! I will always wish PTI (the company), everyone involved with PTI and the customers who make PTI the success it truly is….BTW, can you please either clone your supportive husband or send him to my house to give my boyfriend some pointers? Thanks 🙂
Elizabeth says
Congrats on your success…..I had never heard of your company until Friday when I was in your booth…and now I am HOOKED!!! Everyone was so nice and helpful. My mom and I had a great time looking at all the beautiful stamps and card samples…
And I even made it into a picture…well at least my backside did : )
You gals ROCK!
Connie says
I wonder if you would be up for some constructive criticism? I loved your booth and your displays and your make and takes but I totally despised becoming trapped in that shopping line. I simply wanted to purchase some buttons, but would have to wait – I’m guessing an hour?? – to get from the beginning of the line to the check out area because you forced everyone to stay in that line. An improvement would be to have the check out area outside of the booth so that another line would form for checkout instead of the lookie line and the checkout line becoming the same line. JMHO
Kellie says
I waited from start to checkout about 2 hours and I have to say it was worth every miniute and went by quite fast. I met a new friend, saw people whose Blogs I visit, and was able to soak in all the product. I bought more then I intended, who could resist really? And I still need to do an online order to get some things they didn’t have. I LOVE PAPERTREY INK!
Tammy says
Hey Nichole! It was so great to meet you at the Super Show! We enjoyed having your booth next to us… I mean you guys were so slow and all…I mean you could have seriously left everyone else at home and ran the booth yourself..;)LOL You guys rocked..So happy to see the love everyone was giving you!
Just wanted to let you know I loved the STAMPS/PAPER I picked up from you guys! Totally addicted to your company now… Looking forward to seeing you guys at the next Super Show! 🙂
Lizzie Jones says
Thanks so much for sharing the experience from your point of view! It was such a pleasure getting the chance to meet all of you. I can’t begin to tell you what an inspiring and motivating trip it was. My endless thanks go to all of you for making the Papertrey Booth such a wonderful place. All the best!
Sally says
Loved the show! I had a blast and really appreciate all your efforts. Make and takes were fantastic. Many Thanks to all the DT ladies, extended family and friends that helped make the event possible. Hope to see it happen again.
Diana says
I love the album. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. It makes me feel like I’m part of an extended family. You’re great!
Bonnie aka raduse says
Thanks for sharing your point of view. Definitely sounds like PTI was THE happening place to be at CHA. Congrats on a successful show.
Kristy says
Thanks for writing your perspective of CHA for all of us to read. I came to CHA just because of PTI and the free stamp set but had such a blast at the supershow. It was so wonderful to meet you and the other Papertrey girls. The booth was just beautiful and so organized and easy to manage for the huge number of customers moving through the booth. The make-and-takes were also wonderful and I’m so glad to have a couple of them from the weekend. It was completely worth the trip. Thanks again!
Nancy L. says
It was so much fun to be there and meet you wonderful ladies!!
Debbie Marcinkiewicz says
What a wonderful pictorial of your fabulous show experience! Thanks so much for sharing! How exciting for you … looks like everything was a huge success!! I could tell that you put countless hours into your booth — the displays and set ups were great! I only wish I could have attended. Keep up the great work … I enjoy your blog and PTI very much. I find much inspiration from your projects and tips!
Aimee says
The booth was awesome… and oh my going through and looking at your shots.. I saw myself or at least my back….
Ellen says
I’m in awe of the amount of work that went into the preparation for this show. It must have been a great show. Congratulations to all of you for a job well done. Wish I could have been there. I am truly in love with Papertreyink. (and what a sweetheart of a hubby you have!!)
charlene says
Your booth looks wonderful–that hard work paid off!
Lois Noyes - MN says
Thanks for sharing your pictures of the show. It sure shows how much work it was for you and your team to put together such an awesome display. Do you have any numbers on the show – I’m curious especially as to how many people you think may have been at your booth. Thanks for sharing.
Suzanne D. says
hi nichole, thanks for all this info! i am so jealous of everyone who could attend this. do you ever come to shows in or around boston? thanks for posting this all to your blog, one of my favorite places on the web.
khadijah says
Congratulations! Sounds like PTI was a very successful.
Sarah Fisher says
Thanks for sharing Nichole! It was so amazing to read your log of the CHA events. I wish I could’ve been there. Your team is an amazing group of people!
Gwen says
I had the opportunity to shop and meet the gracious Papertrey Ink team there! My two friends, who are crafty, but not stampers, as of yet… but may soon become, loved the gorgeous displays. Despite the crowds, everyone was so sweet there! It was definately my favorite booth!
KathyJ says
PTI booth was my sister’s and my FAV!! Beautiful make and takes, fun and helpful demonstrators/designers, booth was beeaauuttiifull, and the guys were amazing, manuevering around crazed shoppers to keep the booth stocked! I was there for every make and take; you all were always smiling and cheerful! It was a fun place to be! It was fun reading all the behind the scenes that went into the event! Your booth made CHA for me! PTI rocks!
Debra says
Thanks for posting all those pictures and giving those of us who were unable to go a feeling of what went into not only the prep for a show like that, but also a feeling of being there. Papertrey Ink was nothing short of professional, not only in display but also in product and preparation. I hear through the blogs from several people that your booth was one of the most popular and am really glad to see you had great success!
Lilian says
Thank you for sharing your story with photos. The booth looked amazing! You have an AMAZING Team!!!
I am sorry I was unable to go. Hopefully someday… 🙂
Justine says
Nichole,
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed reading this post. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself and the behind the scene photos with those of us who Love PTI but could not attend CHA. Congratulations on the huge success that PTI has become.
Kim FAucher says
It is so amazing to read just how much actually goes into the set up and operation of the booth!! You all should pat yourself on the back.. and I am very very glad I was not there or I would have bought everything you offered! rofl… good thing I don’t own a store or I would be broke!! 😉
Rest up and Ilook forward to previews this week!!
Kim
Katy M. says
This looks like sooooo much fun! The booth looks great. Love how it was set up.It’s great that you had all those wonderful helpers, including the hubby!That’s great he is so supportive!
Danielle says
Wow Nichole, this was such a beautiful journey you provided for us all! I loved getting an insider view of all your wonderful DT ladies and the special people who helped to make this a great success! I wish I could have been there, but this was pretty close! Thanks!!
Nadine says
Hi Nichole! I had a blast meeting you and your team at CHA – I just want you to know that I spent a small fortune at your booth & all other booths paled in comparison! You guys are a blast & are genuinely some of the sweetest people I met. Your husband is an absolute doll! I wish you all continued success & much happiness!
Tamara W says
Love all the photos and descriptions! Your booth looks absolutely unbelievable!! I don’t know how anyone could walk in and not walk out without one of eveything!! I can see why there was a waiting line. So glad you had such a great success!! Tamara
Stephanie Cox says
I wish I could have been there to shop. Oh my!! Your booth looked amazing! Congratulations! Where did you find the adorable pink polka dot baskets????
Deanna says
Wow what an awesome post, thanks so much for taking the time to put it together! I think if you ad a shop it would be close to heven for me! 🙂
Felicia Lie says
looks like a huge success to me!!congratulations!! 🙂 how i wish wish wish i was there…
Cathy Groden says
Thank you for providing us with highlights of your adventure! I felt the excitement of the moment as if I was right there with you. Of course, I wasnt’t able to get to CHA but after seeing all the work you did to get there I wanted to jump in and unpack a box or two for you. What an incredibly special moment to share with your partners, design team and customers. Congratulations, wish I could have been there!
Ashley Simmons says
I was fortunate enough to visit your booth—twice. It was definitely the BEST booth of the entire show. Your hard work and attention to detail really paid off.
After admiring your sample cards for years, I was amazed at how much more I liked them in person. They were absolutely adorable. Your sample card using “Birds of a Feather” inspired me to buy the set to use for my friend’s upcoming bird-themed wedding. The sweet birds and nest will appear on her menus, table cards, favor bags, etc.
Congratulations on all of your success. You deserve it.
tanna says
OHHHH I am so jealous of all the people who got to see your booth in person! NOT FAIR 🙁 Looks incredible.
LORI BOYD says
WOW!!! The booth was beautiful and although hard work…It looks as if you girls had a fabulous time. Congrats!!!
Pink Hugs~ LORi BOYD
Elizabeth says
I had never heard of PTI until I entered your booth at CHA and it was love at first sight…
What great stamps and samples! And your staff was amazing….and I even made it into one of your pitures…at least my backside did : )
You girls ROCK!!!
Sara says
I am glad everything was so much a success for you guys, you have definitely worked hard for it!! I enjoyed meeting all of you IRL and it was worth standing in line for 😉 I don’t think your booth was every not hopping…CONGRATS. I bet you guys went back with a practically empty semi, did you?
Sarah Deakins says
Nicole, I recently found Papertrey and I am so impressed with you & your company! I was blog hopping one day and came across your blog. I have been doing Stampinup for the last 6 years or more put actually have fallin in love with the papertrey stuff! I am so excited to order some stuff! By the way you have such a talent team! So excited! Sarah Deakins Spokane Wa
kristie larsen says
Thank you again for providing such a wonderful experience at CHA. It was delightful to meet you!! I finally got my pictures loaded on my blog if you want to take a peek
http://thekristiesessions.blogspot.com/2009/08/cha-photos.html
Looking forward to many more wonderful releases and experiences with you and Papertrey Ink!!
loves to you
k
quilter says
Thank you for a great CHA experience. Karen, my daughter and I had to twist my husbands arm to change his plans for a family vacation in Branson when you wrote about 3 months or more ago that you were going to have a booth at CHA. Thank you for showing the behind the scenes pictures, and sharing your talent and time with all of us. I appreciated all your hard work. We weren’t ready for it to end. Your “girls” are such a neat group and it was so much fun getting to visit with everyone in line and doing make and takes. I didn’t think I needed to buy buttons till I saw yours in person. I have at least 5 quarts that I inherited! Karen and I spent money in your booth like it was a “going out of business sale”, and then we added new things to our “dream sheet”. We head back to TX tomorrow and I see you are already doing the new Aug designs. Keep us the good work.
Shelly Kettell says
Awesome and Amazing!!! Thanks for sharing it with us! It is so great to see you start from your first set to what you are today and I can’t wait to see where you go!!!
Carole (TruCarMa) says
Nichole, it was such a pleasure to visit with you at the Paper Trey booth. All of your & Team PTI’s hard work paid off and I know I speak for MANY when I say thank you for such a wonderful shopping EVENT! It was first class, all the way, and I’m thrilled I was able to experience it. Big hugs & so happy for your success!
LMcBurney says
Absolutely amazing what all goes into one of those shows. Thanks for sharing!
Pam L. says
Nichol, thanks for sharing this wonderful day. I can only imagine the excitment you all felt. What a wonderful accomplishment. I wish Papertrey continued success.
~Pam
http://stampsinc.blogspot.com
judy says
i can visualize using this set for both halloween and thanksgiving. i usually do place cards for t-giving and the pumpkins would be darling! also, i have a friend who does “friend” cards each year and i can see this set being used for that, also. a very versatile and useful set!
Lindsay says
Thank you so much for posting your experience. I was just Googling for help on setting up a retail booth at a Christmas Expo and I stumbled upon your wonderful pictures and advice (even if you didn’t mean to give any). Just wondering (as I have no where else to ask)…where did you get the carpet you used to cover your booth floor?
Chanel Bags Outlet says
I am donating Two My Baby Loves Cd’s and Baby Dipper Bowls is donating a specially designed triangular Baby Dipper bowl! I would love for you to check it out over at Adventure’s in Babywearing! Bidding starts at only $10 and goes up in increments of $2. Please, go and visit and see if this is something you would want. If you are not interested in my things I am donating, then there is a whole list of other goodies up for bidding on! Here is the FULL LIST!
Reva says
Haven’t the foggiest idea why or how I happened to click on ‘travel’ but I thoroughly enjoyed seeing and reading about the CHA show. So many hours and still big smiles in the last picture. Thank you for sharing.