Sweet Maxine...Where is your post?

[lewdyan1]

Aren't you going to post and tell us all about your scrap weekend? Did you bring enough or too much? Did you get a lot done? Details please!

 

[sweet maxine]

Good morning!

Well Dyan, I'm just on my first cup of coffee, so I'm still a little groggy.

About my weekend---I had a blast! I've never been to any kind of scrapping party, crop, or weekend, so I really had no clue what I was in for. I packed just enough to get me through the weekend (or so I thought). I was so worried I would pack too much, or that I would forget something, and I think I worried myself silly just getting ready to go. I have my stuff in a soft-sided tackle bag I got from Wal Mart that has a nice padded shoulder strap. Well, when I got to the convention center, I looked around and almost everyone had one of those big rolling bags (except me! ). Actually, my bag wasn't terribly heavy, but I wouldn't use it again for a weekend unless I put some kind of rolling attachment on it.

Anywho, I was really excited when I arrived, so I was at the door about an hour early. Not many people around, so I decided to run to the store for some last minute supplies. When I got back about an hour later to check in, the line was almost out the door! Ooops! I finally got checked in and bought a cute t-shirt and received all my registration stuff and headed for the crop room to find a table. At this convention, there were mostly 8 ft. long tables with 4 chairs at each one, so there was plenty of room to work. There were several large round tables with 4 chairs at each too. Everyone seemed to have enough room, and we weren't crowded at all. I met some girls from my home state, and they invited me to sit with them, so I happily joined them. We were given tickets for each crop (morning and evening), and when we checked into the crop room each day, we were given a goodie bag which was a 2 gallon ziplock filled with lots of neat stuff! I couldn't believe all the stuff I came home with just from the goodie bags we were getting!

The crop room was open from 11 a.m. til midnight, and classes started at around 9 each morning. After 11 a.m. or so, they began having make & takes in the hallway leading up to the crop room. I spent lots of time doing all of those! I came home with a big baggie filled with all kinds of neat things. In the vendor rooms they also offered make and takes, but I didn't get in on enough of those. There was just too much to do, and not enough time to do it all! One vendor had a lady who was teaching make and takes that were just amazing---used those new laser die cut thingies (sorry, I don't know what they were called). She should have been charging a small fee for her stuff---it was beautiful! I tried to get in on all the things she offered, but again, I just couldn't get around to everything.

There were lots of vendors, and I finally saw some of the papers I've heard so much about. Basic Grey is beautiful! So many new things I have no access to unless I order online---the shopping was amazing! I went to the CM booth, and watched the demo of the curvy paper cutter (is that new?). I bought one of those, and considered the paper cutting system of ovals and circles, but came home without them. I'm wishing now I would have bought them, but I guess there's a next time... I just couldn't believe all the neat stuff to buy. One vendor sold beautiful page overlays to order, and everyone seemed to be buying these stackable storage units for eyelets and brads. They were hexagonal shaped units, clear with colored tops. They went fast!

I took several classes, and I have to say, I'm not sure if I would take any classes again if I had the chance to go somewhere again. I think the make and takes were just as good if not better. The organization class and tags class were a complete waste of money! Oh well, I learned for the next time.

 

[lewdyan1]

Wow...it sounds like it was a great time. I hope when the coffee kicks in, you might be able to post pictures of some things you made!

 

[sweet maxine]

Ooops! Did you notice I didn't say how many pages I actually finished? Well, I was actually a little embarassed. I only finished 4----yes, that's right 4 pages the whole weekend!

I spent so much time talking, shopping, and going to classes, doing make and takes and then wandering around looking at everyone else's books and pages that I really didn't get anything done at all! Well, now I know how to pack for a weekend anyway. I couldn't believe the stuff people were bringing into the crop room. I don't know if it's like that everywhere else, but people had drawer systems on wheels, huge bins next to the tables--you name it! These were some serious scrappers! I felt I was not worthy...

There was a tool table set up with lots of Sizzix dies, and I tried to take advantage of that opportunity, but the weekend slipped away, and of course I didn't do all I wanted to do.

I'm really looking at that Scrapbook Expo in Orlando in August. Anyone here going?

 

[piratesmate]

It sounds like you had a wonderful time! Now I wish I'd signed up for the one here this month.

Actually I'm always just afraid I wouldn't be able to get around too well. I hate walking in crowds...someone always kicks my cane out from under me - unintentionally of course. I tried doing make & takes at a local Michaels once and they had us standing at tables which were too low for me to work at (bad back too). I'm just a wreck!

So I guess I'll just continue to live vicariously through you all! I want to hear more!

 

[lewdyan1]

I'm really looking at that Scrapbook Expo in Orlando in August. Anyone here going?

When in August? Is there a link to this event?

 

[sweet maxine]

Dyan, I sent you a PM.

 

[wtpclc]

Glad you had such a great time!

FYI - The CM 12" Decorative Pattern is new. Also, you can go online and find a consultant near you for the custom cutting system. As a matter of fact, I hear CMCs like it when you call up with "A Scrapbooking Emergency" and ask for just that! (yes, I had that very call from Deb recently)