Help! It wasn't my fault - they kidnapped me!

[Secondgradememories]

This is the excuse I'm giving my husband, because I am going to a scrapbooking party for the first time. He's been worried about my joining my friends in this obsession. Now I need some advice. What are the supplies I will need so I can actually make some pages at this party? I'll bring my Disney Pictures, and I'd love to make a Disney book, but I'm afraid the supplies will cost an arm and a leg at the party. Is it okay to bring some things with me? Is that an insult to the partygiver? And, where do I get the most reasonable stuff? Sorry for all the questions - but I am so lost! I feel silly asking the hostess, I'll bet she gets a share of the profits from the night, right? I don't want to be rude, but I also don't want to spend $100 that night.

I'm so glad I found this page! I've been reading for an hour now. Thanks for all of your inspiration everyone!

 

[ella6599]

What kind of a party is it? I'm assuming it's being thrown by a consultant, for one of the scrapbook companies, and not a crop at a store? I've never been to one before...is the intent to scrap pages, or is it to try out new toys? What's the company? Is there stuff you could plan to buy there, but other stuff that you wouldn't be able to get there (like Disney themed stuff)?

 

[Secondgradememories]

It's a Creative Memories Party. She said I could buy everything I need from her right there, but I'd like to buy my own scissors, etc, if that won't insult her. I can't imagine she will have them at Target prices, or if she will just let me borrow some for the party. I'm not sure what else I will need, maybe photo tape and some scissors, and then buy paper and fun stuff from her? Do people bring their own cutting things and tape? Thanks for helping a newbie who obviously is clueless!

 

[PollyannaMom]

Last time I went to a Creative Memories party, the consultant brought all the paper, stickers, tools, etc. - you could use them to make one page there. All you needed was your pictures.

The stuff you buy is just an order that comes in at a later date, for you to build your own collection at home.

So if you have time, I would say check the prices/selection at the places you would like to buy supplies, then order something at the party that you didn't see anywhere else, or that is a special deal, and fill in your other supplies at the store.

Have a great time!

 

[Secondgradememories]

Thanks PollyannaMom! That is exactly what I needed to hear. That's why these boards are so nice - we can ask the questions we are afraid to ask elsewhere. I've been doing my research and found some cute stuff. I also found the Creative Memories web page so I can see what she will have to offer. It helps to know that I have to order it and not buy it right there. I just didn't want to offend anyone. I can see why everyone loves this so much! I can't wait to make my pages!

 

[MyLittlePiglet]

I am all for buying stuff at the right price. Let me suggest however, that the cutting system CM has is pretty cool if you think you'll like to crop with the oval or square etc. And I haven't found another adhesive I like as much as CM tape runner, but they are changingit so you might want to wait to buy it until the change over (so you do not have to but it twice so to speak).

I have other Cm stuff, but nothing I think is esstenial. I like my photo cropper and other stuff, but not sure you couldn't find something else you like just as much.

If you need more product advice let us know.... we will all chime in our 2 cents

 

[Secondgradememories]

Thanks, I think I'll try out the cropping tools there and not get those ahead of time, thanks for the advice about them. It was really difficult to figure out which I would like at the stores I've visited. I went to Archivers and came out overwhelmed with it all. So far I've picked up some Disney stickers and an album I like. I didn't like the CM Disney one on the web site. I thought I better have the page size I want for the party. So, I'm set until tomorrow's party. I'll be back asking for more advice after I get going, I'm sure. Many thanks MyLittlePiglet! (BTW- your name - at my house Piglet is known as Pigler, a favorite of my DD)

 

[kaddjr]

Just jumping in here to say that depending on the consultant, you may or may not have to order some things. My neighbor is a CMC and keeps very little stock on hand. There is the consultant a group of gals that I have scrapped with use for their scrap days and she has quite the inventory with her when she comes. Then again, she has a bigger customer base as well.

Also, and I don't want to offend any CMCs here, some consultants can be a little pushy. By that I mean they will say you should use CM and ONLY CM products in your books- anything else is inferior. The second consult above is that way. She will only use CM products, which is fine if that's what you want to do. At times, however, she gets very critical when we use other products. Since none of use subscribe to her philosophy, this has made for a few tense moments at our get togethers. The two gals that brought her into the group had to tell her to knock it off or we will find another consultant. On the flip side, I've had other consultants tell me it's your book, do what you want with it. I'm not trying to scare you or anything, just want you to be aware of this.

As far as the products go, I LOVE their tape runner (adhesive). Some of their sticker packs are a good value. I like the file mate organizer- just wish it were 12x12. The albums are nice, but I feel they are a tad expensive. Oh, and the 12x12 album pages don't have a true 12x12 workspace area (more like 11 1/2x12). That's kinda a pain for me, since I like to wallpaper and have to cut my paper down to fit.

There should be some supplies there that you can try before buying. Keep in mind though, if money is a factor, you can usually do better on price at Joann's or Michael's with a sale or coupon on similar products.

 

[BuzzBelleMom]

some consultants can be a little pushy.

Thanks for saying that. I like to use a variety of products and don't like being told I am wrong. Some of the Stampin Up consultants can get like that, too. I have one that lives behind me and shows up on my doorstep, unannounced to try to get me to buy stuff. Another one calls me every three months to put in large order IMMEDIATELY so she can meet her quota.

 

[Secondgradememories]

Well, the party is over and your advice was perfect. Yes, even the pushy part. She showed me that Mickey album 3 different times! It was just too expensive though - mine was half the price and I like it more. I got a little sneer about my Mickey stickers - she even came by to show me how to use CM punches to make other Mickey heads in case I didn't want to put "those other stickers" on my page. So I used both! It was a clever idea! I did buy the tape, and she had TONS of pages and books to buy, but I held off. I ordered the cutting system as my big splurge. It was pretty slick, even for a beginner. I'll head to Michaels for the rest. Thanks again everyone! I'm glad I asked. I was nervous about the pushy part, and I know I'll be seeing this woman a lot, so it helped to walk in knowing that I didn't have to feel the pressure.

 

[MomOf2DisneyKids]

glad the party went ok...and ITA about the pushy part. I've gone to my last CM crop. I told the hostess that I absolutely was not CM-exclusive, and would that be a problem, blah blah....she said no, this consultant is very open-minded, not pushy, etc. Wrong-o! She was borderline rude and I was so annoyed by the time I left there. (this is not in any way trying to insult any CM consultants out there...just my personal experience!)