OT...any scrapbookers out there with some advice?

[SeekerMage]

Im thinking about having a scrapbooking party...come and scrap only (no sales pitch stuff) any ideas on what to provide for the party?

I was thinking about providing greeting cards (I have a pack of 50 I need to use!) and scraps of odds and ends for decorating them (paper, die cuts, stickers) if they didnt have books to work on. And having them bring their own books, pictures, and other supplies and tools. Does this sound ok? Its mainly a chance to get together with some adults for fun and conversation without having to buy anything. I will provide snack stuff and drinks too of course :)

What do you think? Can you suggest things to buy, and where to buy them? I have never scrapbooked before....just bought my first book from creative memories and will start this week once I get more supplies. Are there any good places to buy supplies pretty cheaply? Im heading to michaels tomorrow and cant wait to buy stuff as I know they have a big section...any other places? (chicago subarb area or online).

[MelissaTC]

If you want some ideas in terms of goodies for your guests, etc.., DIY has an article on it that is very helpful : http://tinyurl.com/2t6tq

AC Moore and Michaels are a good place to get popular things at lower prices. Local scrapbooking stores are a gem but their prices are sometimes higher than the discount stores. Of course, they have a vast selection so it is a trade-off.

Enjoy your cropping party! I did one a few months ago and we had a ball. We drank margaritas and pina coladas, ate snacks and had some 80's sing-alongs...lol. I used evite.com to invite everyone...

HTH!

Warning!! Scrapbooking can be very addictive--especially buying all the little things. Try to have a general idea of some layouts you want to do so you don't buy too many unnecessary things. My favorite new book is called "Creative Sketches" by Becky Higgins. She has drawn about 70 different layouts and you can just copy them. It is so much easier than having to be original--at least for me.

I say let everyone provide their own stuff (except for the things you listed already). Believe me, if they scrapbook, they'll have what they need or they'll get it.

I'm not exactly sure about your area, but in the back of my "Creating Keepsakes" mag there is a store directory of a few stores. The only one specifically listed in Chicago is called Scrapbook Source Inc. at 557 W. North Avenue. Phone is 312-440-9720. There are about 30 listed for Illinois though. Some in Moline, Libertyville, Woodstock, Rockford, Mattoon, Downers Grove, Champaign, Arlington Heights, Columbia, Vernon Hills, Aurora, Wheaton, Orland park, MortonGrove, Ottawa, Fairview Heights, Bloomington, Wood River, Joliet, Springfield, Downs, Homewood, Lake Zurich, St. Charles, and Momence. If you want any of these just let me know. BTW this is not a list of all stores so there are probably more in Chicago than just the one.

Try twopeasinabucket.com; scrapbook.com; scrapbooks.com

HTH and have fun!

mandy

[jamsmu]

I've been shopping at Michaels and AC Moore. I find ACM to have a better variety, though they just opened a new Michaels which is supposed to be much better. Anyway, I have a Creative Memories consultant who I've never used. Are the prices and selection comparable or should I just stick with the chains?

CM prices are higher, especially the albums and pages. I find some of the CM stuff to be a little higher quality, but not all of it, so I pick and choose what I buy from CM versus AC Moore. My favorite CM things include the tape runner (th AC Moore one gets very gummy) and the shape cutting system (a system of blades and shapes which allows you to easily cut your pics into circles or ovals and make a corresponding shape out of colored paper that frames the pic - I haven't seen the equivalent at AC Moore). The CM albums are nicer but if you're watching your budget it's a good item to skip. HTH!