Wow we had a fabulous time in the US. The timing was perfect and we arrived Thursday with a full day to relax before the two day expo on the Saturday and Sunday.

There was so much to see and do with a variety of classes on offer...and there were so many eager crafters who were clearly expo experts and came dressed for battle and armed with credit cards and wheeled luggage to carry home their bounty...and believe me those ladies weren't afraid to use those cards either....

Everyone was really friendly and happy to share info on things like which stands had the best bargains..although the long queues were a bit of a give-away and they were eager to talk about how they used their purchases.

I did a couple of circuits before I bought a single thing. There was so much to choose from, and not having a bottomless budget, I was almost paralysed with indecision...which I sometimes regretted because a couple of times I finally made a decision and when I got back to the stand what I wanted was sold out. I shan't let that happen again for sure...

English themed stuff is very popular over there and anything English related sold well. They are also extremely fond of ribbons and bling and anything glittery or glitzy. Some of the projects on display were way too fancy for my tastes but it was possible to see how some of the products could be used.

Some of the items were definitely out for me because of the language barriers...and unfortunately some of the wording stamps were gorgeous but too Americanised...I know it was America but you will all understand what I mean I am sure

Not everything at the expo was a bargain and we had been to Michaels the day before to check out latest pricing. I am so glad we did that because I saved myself a fortune by doing a little pre expo research.

In addition to Michaels and JoAnn's - and we visited all their local crafting store branches while we were there because they each carry basic ranges plus other things and don't all carry the same stock - (which is useful to know if you are planning to go), the large Walmart superstores have a scrapbooking section and you can pick up some real bargains there...again it is a case of turn up and see what they have, but its fun. I wish Asda superstores stocked even a fraction of the ranges (Walmart owns Asda) It would be wonderful...

Now all I have to do is figure out the best way/place to upload pics of the goodies I bought...and i'll be back

Thanks Rozzy...I'll take a look at PB

Okay I am hoping this works....here are my goodies

I think that's about it for now....

WOW!! Fantastic selection, I am so green with envy, wonder if my hubby would like a holiday to USA next year. So glad you had a wonderful time. Thanks for all the tips re Wallmart & Michael's etc. xx

wow ceej,what a fab array of goodies,look forward to seeing all you new projects.
glad you had a wonderful time
tracey x