Creative Memories vs Scrapping Stores

[girlsma]

I am just getting into scrapbooking and trying to figure everything out, so I thought I would ask some pros...

Do you prefer one over the other and why? I have pretty much made up my mind which I like better, but wanted to hear some other opinions. Does this question make sense?

I hope this is not a repeat question..

Thanks in advance for your advice...

 

[Alice28]

Oh boy....I love both. I think CM is great for beginner scrappers, because it starts with the basics and helps you learn easy and simple layouts, and as you go, you can learn more techniques.

I love the scrapbook store for the sheer variety of stickers, diecuts and papers.

I buy all my books, pages, protectors, adhesive from Creative Memories. I buy the stickers and papers I like, as well as the page pattern ideas. I also have all of their organizing items, like the bags and sticker book (I was a consultant for about 8 months and "earned" that stuff for free). I also like the paper punches- good sizes.

However, when I need stickers, certain color or patterns of paper, interesting die cuts, eyelets, etc., it's all about my local scrapbook store. I also invested in a Sizzix that I bought with a 50% off coupon at Michaels and have been slowly building my die collection.

 

[aunties]

I love the CM tools! So far, I have found them to be the best. But I usually get my paper and stickers at my LSS, Michael's, AC Moore, and wherever else I find something interesting. I am working on seven 8 1/2 11 albums (for my nieces and nephews) that were started before 12 x 12 albums became popular. I know this doesn't really answer your question, but just giving my 2 cents. I do have a warning though for you - scrapping is very, very addictive! I haven't seen my kitchen table in months! But it is lots of fun!

 

[Alice28]

D'oh! How could I forget the cutting tools! They are my favorites too- an absolute must have! Esp the circles and ovals...and the 12" tool....and the cutter....

 

[KaitlinsMom]

I just wanted to say I agree with the above posters - CM is a great way to start - That is what I did - Then, once I was comfortable with that, I ventured out - CM has great cutting tools! Love them!

 

[Fire14]

I like CM tools, Books, and page protecters. I like my LSS stores for variety and if I only want 1 piece of a color card stock I have that option.

 

[nicurn]

personally I prefer the lss and all the craft stores because there is a lot more room for my own style that way. I like using all the funky stuff that's out there from drywall tape to paint to eyelets, etc. I do have the cm square punches which I love, but other than that I like the stores better (and there isn't anyone telling you that your book is going to fall apart and your pictures aren't protected the right way, etc... ) Really it's up to you and whatever your personal style is though. If you like cm, that's great, if you don't that's ok too. maggie

 

[ToDisney]

Ditto to everything Maggie said!! Except I think I only used my square punch for two layouts... LOL!!

LSS's offer scrapping classes, too... and personally, I'd recommend you take those.

 

[Mamu]

Another lover of CM tools and books. The rest of my supplies I purchase on sale and with coupons.

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Ok, I'm going to take a different direction here....

If I had gone with my first impression of this craft (from a CM party) I probably never would have done any more. I know it is probably the consultant, but as they say first impressions....

She was very "this is the way to do it, and any other way isn't any good, no other products are worth considering, etc...."

Fortunately (or not depending on the point of view), I went ahead and did a book on my own...sort of muddled through and then hooked up with a good friend who had been scrapping for years. My friend Brenda is a die hard CM fan when it comes to her books. She loves working in the 8 1/2 x 11 strap hinge format. But was quick to point out that the end result is the main thing. And that it is more important to use the tools, style, etc. that YOU like rather than anything else.

I have some CM things - the personal cutter and corner rounder, but mainly use LSS for the rest of my materials. And I've found I definitely prefer a post bound but am as particular about which one I will use as CM fans are about their books.

So bottom line, our preferences really don't matter! Go for what you like. Just go for it!

Deb

 

[Betsyt82]

Help!!! What is LSS? I love to use most of CM stuff and have no problems with using what I call CONTRABAND, non CM stuff. I have to much fun with the whole thing. I am a minimalistic type of scrapper who likes the pictures to be the main focus, that is my style. MY sil loves to embellish to the hilt. We have fun scrapping together. I will most definatly use the CM books primarily as well as there taping systems. There (CM) cutters are the best in my book. I get papers from the stores as well as CM. I do find that I really like the CM stickers......they have a less of a cartoon feel and will always purchase the Jolee stuff!!

 

[erikalk]

Another CM user. I use all the cropping tools, they are the best. I've tried other systems and they just don't work as easily as CM. I also only use CM adhesive, albums, pages, and protectors. I am not happy with the selection of stickers and cardstock. They have been getting better. I use my LSS for stickers, decorative papers, and cardstock. A much better variety and cheaper (with coupons). My former CMC was ok with my use of non-CM stuff, she just kind of gave my weird look. My new consultant also uses non-CM stuff. (We go shopping at LSS's together).

LSS = Local Scrapbooking Store

 

[RadioNate]

Like os many others I do both. I really like the CM albums but I also have some post bound. I'm not really much of a wallpaperer so I like using the CM albums for big projects.

I use the CM cutting system, which I love but I get most of my embellishments and paper from the LSS.

I guess I just do my own thing.

 

[nicki dahling]

My wish list for CM and non-CM stuff run about neck and neck. I love both. CM stuff: the tools, organizational stuff, albums, and tape runner are my favorite. Non-CM stuff : papers, embellishments, and stamp products. I tend to combine BH sketches with my CM style layouts. So lots of clean simple lines. ( I'm not big on collage style lay-outs ). I do tend to use more black or natural pages rather than the white. I have a few postbound albums , but prefer my strap-hinge albums for my WDW and family books ( And yes mine have bulky items in them ). I love how they look on my shelf and I like that they lay down flat. I'm even crazy enough to like the jeeping on the sides. I believe there is a place for both in the scrapbook world. And love to combine the two in my albums. The one thing I always tell people is that it doesn't matter which style/items you like. The important thing is that you create a memory and a visual document of your family's life.

Cyndi


I tend to shop at Walmart, Target , Michael's , Joanne's and AC Moore rather than the Local Scrapbook Store ( LSS ). Let's face it this hobby can break you , so I use coupons whenever possible. I usually only go to the LSS for my Disney items. The one near my home has the best selection of Disney products I have seen yet. Once in a blue moon I will buy something on-line.

 

[cobbler]

When I first started scrapbooking I got a rather inexpensive 12x12 album and tried to do it on my own. Free handed everything and just realized things looked like crap.

Came here, heard about CM so did a search for a consultant and we got together. I ended up buying 250 worth of product that night!!! Well long story short, I now am a cm consultant.

I love the products and the books are far superior than what I was using so I am redoing them.

Me personally I am into simple layouts just because that is my style but I may venture out into others later.

As for use of non CM stuff - sure I do it and have no problems with it and don't have any problems with any of my customers/friends who use non cm stuff too.

Its all about preference. Sometimes you find a sticker that is just way cool that you can use and so what if it isn't non-cm. Bottom line, do what you like, what is your style and your personality.

But the CM cutters I could never live without, so easy and just great. I love the punches too and I love the pens and paper and I use a variety of cm and non cm stickers

 

[ILOVEPOOH1]

I started with CM and like their tools. However I prefer K&Co albums (I think the designs are beautiful) and I like a true 12x12 top loading album. I personally do not like CM adhesive, I use mono or xyron, but that's just me. Most people I know who start with CM move beyond it rather quickly. It all depends on your style. CM is great for quick simple layouts. I happen to like the artsy, shabby chic style of layouts, so I use alot of patterned paper and fun embellishments. I also do a lot of different techniques like mosaics. I say get the CM tools...they are the best around, but keep your mind open to all the fun products at your LSS. Either way, have fun and enjoy your new hobby!

 

[Pammy jo]

I use both, which seems to be the consensus here. I have some nice CM tools that I like but I truly think that if you only use one product you'd be missing out on so much that is out there. Personally I don't care for the CM albums, but some do and that's fine. In this day and age with all that is available it's a shame to stick to just one brand. IMHO.
For me scrapbooking is not only a way to keep my memories alive, but a fun hobby I have of learning new crafty ideas. (And shopping of course!)

 

[Allabtprincesses]

(1)I am another "both sides of the fence" scrapper. I started scrapping long before I knew CM even existed. I do love many of their products, but don't use their albums or adhesives. I do think however, if I was someone who wanted to get started and was overwhelmed by the amount of pictures I have or products available, CM is a good place to start. Their patterns make it easy to do layouts, just add your own pics! I will continue to buy my albums, adhesives and many other things at Michael's, JoAnn's, ACMoore, and LSS because they have sales and coupons! And by the way, my CM DOES frown upon the use of other products, but too bad. If she wants my business she won't say a word to me!

Mother of two (5) and (1)

 

[diznygirl]

I'm making a confession here: I'm a CM consultant and don't use all CM products - so there!

I just can't help myself when I get into the scrapbpook store - all those stickers! I'm a stickeraholic. They say obsessive/compulsive disorders run in the family...

Anyway, I started with my free CM album for doing a home show, then bought strap hinge albums at Michael's - and side-by-side it is easy to see the difference in quality. So I compromised for awhile with CM pages and Michael's albums. Now it's just CM albums and pages.

I like the price of the Michael's stuff better, but I just can't do it cuz of the quality.

But I do manage to spend a lot of money there on other stuff!

 

[Spinning]

here is my take on it!
I love all my CM tools. But that is about it for CM. I love the covers of their albums but do not like the pages or the page protectors.
I am a top loading person. My favorite album is Forever yours hard to find and pretty much have to order online.
The reason I like top loading I have more flexibility. I can work on what ever lay out I want and deal with putting it in the book later. If I decide a certain theme needs it's own book I have that option later. ( which has happened more than I thought it would)I don't have to worry about what is on the back of the page. I need all my pages to be in chronolgical order! But get bored very quickly working on the same theme. Does that make sense?
I love my LSS and spend almost all my money there. I could go to Mike's and ACMoore but I love the personal touch I get from Sherry. I also love that I can always find what I need when I go there. Granted if i need big ticket items I will go to the craft stores. But for the most part I buy my paper at the LSS. She also has some wonderful sales and treats her costomers great with coupons.