Question for a CMC (or any who has been to a CM crop)...

[DonaldDuckFan]

I was recently invited to a creative memories crop and I've been thinking about going. My only question is do you have to scrap only in the "creative memories way" while there? I have a CM album (which I love) and some other things from them, but I also use eyelets, fibers and other none CM supplies and always use card stock or patterned papers for the base of my layouts. Can anyone help me out? Thanks, Amy

 

[GrammieMame]

I've been to CM crops and done anything I wanted. I used to be a consultant and they don't want the consultants to use any non-CM stuff in their own albums, but they really can't tell the croppers what to do.

 

[Memaw2Wm]

It would depend on your CMC ... some won't allow OSS (other scrapbooking stuff) at their crops, others allow it, but ask that you are low-key when using it, and others don't care at all.

Just remember CMCs are in the business of selling scrapbook supplies, so I certainly wouldn't go to a CM crop and talk about the great stuff I bought at Michael's or whereever.

I would suggest that you call the CMC and ask what her policies are regarding OSS (also known as "contraband, LOL!).

 

[pattyT]

CM stuff they will call you a 'Purist' LOL
I would take my stuff - and ask when I get there.

Unfortunately the last CM party I went to - I got sick of CM only quests saying - oh what is that - what are you doing, etc... that I made my patges very simple - then got home and hated them so I wripped them all apart and redid them

Now I would just bring a stack of photos and sit - eat - chat- and crop the photos - wait til I got home to lay it out!

Patty

 

[Alice28]

I am a CMC and I think it is so lame that some consultants are so weird about CM products ONLY. Of course I think CM products rock & that their albums, papers and tools are above and beyond anyone else's quality...but you would have to live under a rock to expect people not to want to buy the zillions of other scrapbooking products that are out there. And I think you lose a lot of customer loyalty if you make other people uncomfortable for using non CM stuff- esp when it's something that CM doesn't even offer like brads, fibers, etc. I tell my customers just to make sure their stuff is acid free & lignin free, and that they love working in their albums and like the finished product. I hope you are able to go and that you have a blast and hopefully your hostess will have some cool door prizes that you win!

 

[Mamu]

I start my 8 week CM class next Tuesday. I sure hope it's not a regimented class where they only like you using CM products.

I'm a free-spirited cropper with tons of supplies, not that I wouldn't purchase their product or welcome suggestions.

I'm taking the class to learn about scrapbooking. Some new ideas, some do's and don't. But in the end I'm sure I'll still do it my way.

 

[ToDisney]

I would definitely call in advance and ask. I've heard non-CM stuff referred to as contriband. I've also had friends have mean comments made towards them for using eyelets.

 

[Spinning]

I would give a call. I have met many CMC and only one who is a little stricked about using her products, Mainly the albums which makes total sense. I know when ever I go to open crops (fund raisers, events etc...) the biggest topic is, What kind of album do you use...
So If I went to a CM event only with my top loading it could actually take sales away from her.
But no one will tell me what I can and can not put in my books.

Oh, Amy did I send you the info for the CM crop at our church on the 18th? She doesn't care what you use and knows I use top loading and CM stuff. She is fine with it

 

[kittychatalot]

but almost all the CMC I have met are very passionate about "preserving memories" and not just scrapbooking as a fad and the bottom line is all those brads, gromets, fibers which are not acid free, are going to eat into your picture and destroy them. I love those fabric Jolee stickers and use them in my own scrapping but eventually the weight of those items is going to push into the pics on other pages. Now if you are like me- who does not even like pictures all that much and scraps for the fun of it - that is fine. But if you are really into preserving the pictures for future generations- you cant use anything metal in you albums. That is the only thing I have ever seen a CMC get crazy about and I can't really blame her. Most don't care about stickers or papers- but the other day someone used aluminum foil in her album and could not get it through her head that it was bad for her album, lol

 

[DonaldDuckFan]

No, you didn't tell me about the crop at your church. Where is it at? Of course I haven't had a lot of chances to check my DIS mail lately since I've been having problems with my laptop (long story!!), I'll run off and check now!

Thanks to everyone for their advice, I'm going to call the CMC and see what she says! Amy