CKC Conventions

Hi Everyone...

Have you ever attended a CKC convention? I'm thinking about signing up, but was a little overwhelmed by all the stuff going on. What was your experience like? Was it worthwhile? What are the "must dos" of the day?

Thanks!

Know the price of things at your local LSS or here in the Superstore. In general, prices are the same at the convention, but the advantage is so many vendors in one place.

Some classes are good. Some not so good.

Also wanted to add that in my experience, in most of the classes, you copy what the instructor does, ie copy her layout or her project. So whether or not you want to take classes really depends on whether it appeals to you to do a class that's copy work.

Even in you're copying, you may learn techniques new to you. I took the Technique Tuesday class last year and learned new things there.

Tech Tues always seems to get good reviews. I believe their class this year is

Technique Tuesday – Friends Through Thick and Thin
Someone who attended that class this year wrote: I like that you get a choice of colors in this class. Pink/brown or Blue/brown either choice has an accent of orange. This class makes two 1-page 12x12 layouts. One is done in class, the other to take home. They give the best, most detailed instructions handout of any class I’ve ever taken. Kit includes a stamp set, 3 inkpads, a full 12x12 sheet of Techniques Tiles, and more. Lots of helpful tips on stamping from the instructors.

Last year, at CK, I made the outer scallop frame and the heart frame that I ended up using on this page below. I had never used their "technique tiles" before (cream colored chipboard), so it was fun to learn ways to alter it.

These tiny feet By IzzyB

There was a thread about a week ago on CK conventions, so you might look at it. I think it's here. There was just a long thread on this about a week ago. I think it's here:
http://www.scrapbook.com/forums/showtopic.php?tid/15322...

I attended the CKC in Nashville, Tn back in September of 09. I didn't attended any of the classes cause I really like to do my layouts my way. I really like the make & take projects at some of the booth. I learned lots of tips and techniques. I loved looking at all the new products. You do have to watch the prices on some of the items. My friend and I went to the convention and had a great girls day out. I'm looking forward to going again in August.

I also have never been to a CKC convention. I would love to go but I'm just to overwhelmed to go by myself & on the shy side. Is anyone going to the CKC in Charlotte in Aug? We need someone who has been before to help us newbies.

Cheryl

Just attended Mesa. It was cramped. I didn't take any classes, couldn't afford it. But their were a few I would have taken. Honestly I don't think they are nearly as good as they use to be. Know your prices. You can get some good deals if you do. You can pick up some good deals at the Dollar booths, but be sure your getting something you will really use. It is easy to get caught up in the frenzy and you have a lot of "stuff" you'll never use.
If you have never been before take a few classes but don't get carried away you'll get overwhelmed. Just be ready for the fast pace. Don't worry about being shy there are people like me who will have no problem talking to you, I would recommend going with a friend. Hope you enjoy. I would go with you if I was there....

deja vu

You can also learn things without taking a class. Alot of vendors have little class like demos at their booths or have a thing where you can pay a fee-usually a dollar or 2 and learn how to use their product and then take what you made with you. It's fun and not a few hours to do. The good ones usually have lines tho and some of the demonstrators are so busy taking $ they don't give the attention needed to get the technique, but most were good and I had fun learning.
Basically as a newbie, have in mind, or a list of specifics you want to see or try. Don't let the crowds get to you, some people can be mean and pushy, but you have just as much right to see the demo as they do!
*** I have had bad experiences tho with people with strollers and children...not a place for kids who get bored easily and do not scrap! Some people use the stroller as a battering ram and could care less if they hit you, so be careful!!! I really don't like rude people in a situation where you cannot get out of their way . But you see them at the grocery store too, so whatever is my opinion
So GO SEE and HAVE FUN! You can always get fliers on the companies you want to check out and go to their websites too...I mean if you run out of time to see everything you want

I'm planning on attending Great American Scrapbooking Convention in Chantilly, VA June 25 & 26. It's not a CKC convention, this one is by Memory Makers Magazine. My daughter lives in Reston, VA just 10 miles from Chantilly so I'm going to visit her and attend the convention

I just went two weeks ago in St. Louis and I agree with what everyone else has said-just try to be aware of the prices of things and think about how much you will actually use something before you buy it. If you are taking classes and do not want to just copy a layout, look for a "techniques" class. GCD Studios has a good one and they give you a lot of their new Melody Ross paper, which I love. Try to take a good look at the pictures of the sample for each class before you sign up. To me, it looks like a lot of them use paper that isn't selling for a reason. The crops are overpriced for what you get, but if you are by yourself, it can be fun just to go and meet people. A lot of vendors show up at the crops and sell things that aren't available on the main floor at discounted prices (my favorite booth had $10 Basic Grey paper packs). If you are looking for the best deal on adhesive (glue gun refills, etc.), Stickles, and Glimmer Mist, look for Scrapbook Pal on the main floor. Good luck and have fun!

I go to the Manchester convention every year with friends. We have a ton of fun and I wouldn't miss it!! The prices are fairly comparable to the stores though there are some good deals if you look carefully. If you do anything, just go to shop the vendor floor to get a feel for it. The classes are crowded and you don't get a lot of space, BUT I always take some from some of the national level vendors. The class fee covers your project kit which typically includes a lot more product than you need to complete the project. I encourage you to go! The countdown to Manchester is on and I can't wait!

Cheryl - I'm going to Charlotte in August and went last year and had a blast. PM me if you have any questions!

Ohhh i think you must go! If nothing else you can be amongst thousands of other people who love the same hobby!! I recently went to the St Louis CKC for the 3rd year in a row & still love it. I did not take any classes as I wanted to just shop & enjoy the day. If you feel a bit overwhelmed maybe take a class one day & attend the Vendor Fair another day. Myself personally, I just wanted to wander & look. Take a camera, as MOST allow you to take photos of the layouts or work on display (although some do not). You can get really good deals & some not so hot... just depends on what you are wanting.
I have always found the experience to be positive. Yes, you have crowds & with crowds comes all the things that are to be expected ( a few rude folks, lines etc) But it is what you take away from it, So go & have some fun! I had a blast!

• catzscrapper Said:

That's true about the stroller thing in the past, but when I was looking at the rules at CKC Valley Forge, no strollers, rolling totes or anything on wheels unless it is for life support (like oxygen tanks) are allowed on the vendor floor or in the classrooms and hallways. Not even at the crops at night are you allowed to take a rolling tote. Which, imo, is grand! Also, no children under 10 are allowed either.
The classes can be hit/miss. There are some project classes, like non layouts, that might be of interest..like gift books, etc...
When I went to CKU last year the Imaginisce class was AWFUL!!! The instructor was a preschool teacher and talked to we ladies like we were 5! At first we thought it was a joke, but then realized she was for real! UGH!

I just went to CKC Mesa and reviewed the classes at my blog:
http://www.scrapbook.com/blogs/102227/view/163 871.html

I took 4 classes:
Slice Tips, Tricks and Techniques - Slice
Irresistibly Intriguing Technique - SEI
Magic Memories - Queen & Co
Top Techniques for Tantalizing Cards - Technique Tuesday

I'm going to CKC in Charlotte for the first time in August. I can't wait! It's the weekend before I have to go back to school so I actually get to go and spend Friday there! Woohoo!

I'm a rather shy person and hope I can get over it to be with all those strangers. I've been so conventions for other things before so I don't think it can be any worse than those. I'm just trying to figure out what classes to take. There are so many!

CKC is ok! If you are a fairly advanced scrapbooker you won't learn much. If you are just starting out and kind of timid you can learn a lot.

I like to go for the fellowship and the vendors along with the chance to see all of my friends I only see once a year in St. Louis.

Technique Tuesday probably has the best classes they send a rep from Portland that knows their stuff.

When I have taken classes in the past, I NEVER follow instructions of the teacher. LOL!
The Imaginisce class instructor wasn't too pleased, but Lance from Rusty Pickle and Tim Holtz cheered me on. Such a rebel..LOL!

GO! I'm jealous! I agree with the above poster - its fun just to be around all that sb and paper goodness!

I've been to a SB Expo for the vendor floor - some years I've taken classes and some not. I do agree that when you take a class you usually make an exact replica of the teachers project - which isn't my favorite thing to do - but if its a new product or a technique I want to learn - its really worth it. I did that with a glimmer mist class and now I'm addicted!

Andrea

I'm glad to see that other people feel the same way that I did about the Imaginisce instructors! I thought that I was the only one irritated by them at CKU last year (there were two ladies and they weren't happy that I was using the other side of the paper for a project). I never just copy an instructor's layout either and sometimes they seem very hurt by that! I just want my layouts to be the product of my own creativity and I am just not comfortable copying someone else's work.
To LilacGal - I am also a very shy person and I always go by myself to scrapbooking events, but everyone I meet is so nice and I always end up having a lot of fun. Good luck in Charlotte and I hope you have a great time!