Creative Memories (or Creative ----)?

Hi Neighbors!

What do you all think of Creative Memories? ...my cousin is trying to get me to go to one of their parties. She thinks that because I'm just getting into scrapping that the class will be a good way to start. I'm a little reluctant. Is this just a set up to buy Creative Memories supplies...sort of like going to listen to a "time-share" pitch in order to get a free toaster? <hehe> Some of the stores you all suggested would probably have everything I need, right?

Plus, I'm a little shy about scrapping in groups...what do you all do?



Nicole

I've never been to a class/party for scrapbooking and I think I've done pretty ok. The ideas and LO's shared here at sb.com have been all the class I can handle with a 16 month old permanently in tow. You do whatever works for you. I DO, however, like CM stuff and have found a consultant close by that I purchase things from. She also came over one evening while my munchkin was asleep and give me a personal class of sorts with how to use their Tools and things of that nature. She also give me great tips on other stuff as well... she said she's not married to CM... hee hee.

If you're not comfortable doing the group thing, maybe you can get the consultant to come over and show you her wares etc. Welcome to the wonderful world of scrapbooking. It's addictive :-)

I think that Creative Memories probably has one of the best cutting systems that they make. I love some of the supplies that they have. Saying that, I don't agree with the way they teach scrapping as something that should be quick and simple. I once upon a time sold creative memories and would never totally give up the consultant that I use but I have MOVED on in the way I scrap.

Pam D.

Welcome tho the world of Scrapping! Hey, I personally wouldn't go, I went to one and though their products are very well made, I think you can do just as well elsewhere. My CM consultant (at the party) was a little snobish about what my scrapbooks were like.... I like embellishments... she didn't.... anyway, just get together with some friends and have fun on your own... just my opinion! Janette

I, too, used to sell CM. Honestly, I think you can learn more online and going to your local store. You will find more things at your local store. There will be a sales pitch at the "class" that is the actual point of the class. I am NOT downing CM. But you asked for an honest opinion and that is what I am giving.

I, also, don't like the "get them done quick; no need for the embellishments" mentaliity of CM. The creative part of scrapbooking is what I love. I like to spend the time making a page the way I enjoy doing them. That is how I relax and how I like to see my books.

That being said, you might enjoy yourself. It is something you will have to decide for yourself. But if you go, realize, they will want you to buy. There may or may not be a "pressure" to buy. It depends on the lady who is selling.

Just my personal opinion - I don't care for creative memories. (please don't take offense anyone!!) It just doesn't fit my style. I agree with Janette that they tend not to use as many Embellishments as I do. I also went to a CM crop, and every one kind of looked at me strange -my pages looked nothing like theirs! They may very well have some wonderful products worth buying...I have actually used some of their albums. I guess it depends on style.
BTW, welcome!!!
danielle

The reason I started scrapping is because of a CM party. I think they have excellent products, but would never use them exclusively. CM is a pretty big thing where I live, but there are no LSS here. With that said, I would go. It is a good way to meet other scrappers and they do have some good products.

I really like Creative Memories products as well.. I never went to a party but went to meet a lady I got off the internet site and she was great.. I don't know if I would go to their crops just because I too want to add the Embellishments and stuff and CM is more a just use their products kind of place.. but if I wouldn't have found this site and know about all the cool stuff you can put in layouts that are still safe for your Albums I wouldn't have known that and probably would have had a blast there.. I too am a little shy about scrappin with a group mainly cause I just started but more than that I don't want to have to go alone.. I feel like I would be chillin by myself the whole time but I really wish I would just get up the nerve and go I would probably have a great time plus think it would be a great way to learn more...
Anyway back to CM.. the cutting Tools are the BEST!! I really like the accessory binder they have... and there bags and Totes are the best quality I've seen! I also like the Albums and the paper they sell... ok so even though I scrap different.. I still love all their stuff and would HIGHLY recommend going...

I would'nt go if I were you. I go to the parties just becasue I have friends that sell it and I go there to support her. The only thing I go to besides their parties is the all day crops. I went on May 31 and it was real fun.

My cousin took me to a CM crop party well I was hooked then lol I like it I use several different products I don't just stick to one.

Since you're starting out, I think you should go. I started with Creative Memories and have branched out from there. But, they do share valuable information regarding acid-free, etc., and why that's all important. You could certainly then go to your LSS and get other pointers, tips, products. However, Creative Memories is not a bad system to start with. I got some pages (and Album.) done quickly and understood some basic design ideas before I started dabbling in all kinds of other stuff.

99% of my Album. are by Creative Memories. I think the quality of their products is excellent. Their Totes.and stuff are very well made. I love their small personal paper Trimmer.- similar ones abound in other stores and such but I've found the quality to be far less. For me, it's easier to use in cropping pictures than my Fiskar's 12" paper Trimmer.

Anyway, at worst, you'll meet new people that share this (soon-to-be) addiction of yours. Oh, and BTW, WELCOME to the neighborhood!

I would go if I were you. I love CM, but also like using Embellishments.html" target="blank">Embellishment.. I have scrapped with CM for 5 years. All my Album. are CM Album., and although they are a little more pricey, they are worth it. My CM consultant is wonderful and loves the use of the Embellishments.html" target="blank">Embellishment. in my Album.. Using CM is a great way to get started. They don't bombard you with all the "other stuff" included in scrapping. When I just started out, I needed to start simple and CM was perfect for this. As I have grown in my scrapping, I still go back to my CM Album. and idea booklets. Yes, it is true that they don't emphasize Embellishments.html" target="blank">Embellishment.. Their main thing isSticker.1.html" target="blank">Sticker.. and Die Cut.. but that is when you can add your own taste to the LO. I don't have a LSS. CM is the only type of SB information around here. But like I said, I get my Album., pages, protectors, cutting supplies from CM and hit WalMart up or any other SBS I can find, with my Embellishments.html" target="blank">Embellishment. . CM crops are a fun way to get together with the "group of girls" and scrap too...so go and have fun...just remember you dont have to buy everything from CM!!!
HTHS
Brandy

I think you should take advantage of the CM party. That's how I started and I love their stuff. I have a really nice consultant who doesn't care if I use Embellishments.html" target="blank">Embellishment. or anything other than CM items. She even lets us bring them to the crops (she uses them too). I found it to be fun and a good way to get to know other people. Good luck!

I may not be adding anything new, but here goes...
I was first introduced to scrapbooking by a CMC, and have been hooked ever since. Using the CM style and products was a good way for me to get started. Of course it didn't take me long to realize there's a whole different world of scrapbooking supplies out there. And I love going to my LSS and trying out all the goodies!
But I still get my Album., pages, and Page Protectors.exclusively from CM. I just think they are the best out there.
You can think of CM as the starting line, and how you run the race is up to you. You can make your own adjustments along the way. I'm sure everyone out here can agree that they have seen changes in their own styles and techniques. That's just a natural progression. Good luck and have fun!

Angie

OK, I'm such a dunce...what is LLS? I've seen several people mention it.
Thanks!

Nicole

took me a while to catch on to this one.. LSS- Local Scrapbooking Store..

Christy

Hey Nicole, that was my first question too when I started here. LSS is Local Scrapbook Store. I live in San Mateo, and I don't know any in Palo Alto but I know there is a great one in San Carlos and Half Moon Bay, in addition to all the Michaels/Joann's etc. If you know any in your area let me know..I'm always on the look out.

LOLAM <laughing out loud at myself> !!!

I've been scouring the Internet for LLS...from all the posts, it sounded like the chain of stores was *everywhere*!! I googled every possible combination I could think of and was getting so frustrated...I almost called google to ask what was wrong with their search engine! <lol> Well, I guess it is working just fine!

As for stores in the area, rumor has it that there's a pretty good one at the San Antonio Mall on El Camino and San Antonio...you might see me there this weekend...it's on my list of places to go!

Also, there's a little party supply store on Hamilton in downtown Palo Alto...they have all sorts of cute little things that could be used for Embellishment. (just not sure if they are acid free ).

Finally, I'm able to answer a question rather than ask one! <hehe>

Nicole

The one in Mountain View at the San Antonio shopping center is called One Memory Lane and it's kinda hard to find. It's in the corner next to a hobby shop and a diner-type restaurant. Walmart is in the same parking lot and it's diagonally across the parking lot from it. It's behind Sears and the 24-Hour Fitness. I haven't been there in ages and I'm not sure what it's like now...I wasn't very impressed with their inventory back then but it sounds like they've gotten better.

A new Scrapbook Store, Memories Live On, is having its grand opening tomorrow, Saturday, and it's on Prospect Road in Westgate in west San Jose. Not entirely sure of its exact spot but I'm going to search it out tomorrow. Supposed to be doing lots of fun things like make n'takes, etc.

I buy my sb supplies from a local store or on the internet, but as far as CM goes, i go weekly to a class that my local CM consultant holds. The products are expensive, but they are one of a kind and awsome. Don't think of CM as a "way to scrapbook" but as having great products. I have some of the really neat products but still :"do my own thing:". I would not worry about the party thing. Just have fun!

Welcome. I say you should go. You will have a good time. Personally I like to stamp and I am hoping to become a Stampin' Up demonstrator (when the money tree is in full bloom). I had a friend who had a CM party and I went to it. I really learned alot. I have learned alot from the Stampin' UP parties too. I feel that it is not only nice to get out but you learn at least one or two things. The more you go to parties like that the more ideas you get. You can get ideas from anywhere, it is all in how you look at it. My belongs to stamping but I look at how other people have used their ideas and think how could I do that with stamps. Not to mention seeing others ideas and enthusiam is great too!!! Go have fun!! Meet other scrappers. As far as their products I like the Tools and the Albums. I know I haven't seen a bad thing said about them yet.
Cheryl

I went to a CM party way back and got a free pair of blue handled Scissors free. I don't know if this is a standard freebie, but I LOVE these Scissors and would be lost without them. I really haven't use many other CM products, but they do seem like good quality. I would definitely recommend that you go and get the Scissors (even if you have to pay) Mine have lasted now for 5 years and like I said, they're great!

Welcome!

The CM subject can be so controversial, and I hope that it isn't here! I personally do not use alot of CM products, but I do love my Album, and I love the cutting system! I do not scrap cm style with alot of Stickers and rounded edge Photo Corners, but I think it is a very great way to learn some basics of scrapping! I don't want anyone mad at me, so I am not implying that CM is only basic! I like the look of lots of texture Embellishments, and CM doesn't usually incorporate this style. Going to a CM party usually is a sales type party, but they may give good scrappin tips, too. I think that it is hard to scrap with people that you don't know, and it would be harder for me to be the odd one scrappin in a different style, but that is just me!

PS I am sure that you will find lots of great info on this board, and if you have scrappin questions, we are always here to help when we can!

Ugh! Here we go again.....First of all, OF COURSE the consultant is going to try to sell you CM product (no differently than ANY home-based business presentation)....we're grown-ups, we understand that. Secondly, I get so tired of CM being labeled as "beginning" scrapbooking. It IS quite often how people get started but I think that hapPens to be because it's the biggest IN-HOME scrapbook class you can find. People come, like yourself, by invitation. So, it's possible that people who weren't previously scrappers become scrappers there. It's not just because of its simplicity. CM doesn't encourage Embellishment. and hardware largely because that does seem to discourage lots of people from getting started (I know many of my friends have personally said "I can never do that" because they've seen CK magazine, etc. and it's very very intimidating). So, CM removes all of that 'pressure' if you will and says you don't NEED to scrapbook that way. Now, having said all of that. I've been scrapping for seven years - I consider myself a "veteran" scrapper. I started the "LSS" way. I was in debt, stocked to the gills with things I rarely - if ever- used and didn't get anything done wiht all the time I was taking to lay out my pages. Then I went to a CM class (mostly because I had already bought everything I could buy at the LSS and still wanted to buy more so I thought I'd check them out!) It CHANGED my scrapbooking life! I preferred and liked the clean/classic style of the pages. Personally, I love Stickers. People must love them because even the LSS still sells them (though it sounds like to be a "real" or a "good" scrapper you're not supposed to use them anymore).....I liked that I could do many many different pages with JUST one supplier. (I also stick to Stampin' Up for my stamping too....guess I'm brand-loyal, but it's also less confusing for me and less expensive - once I find an outlet I like I just go there)....So, my point is even a veteran scrapper can CHOOSE to scrap the "CM way" - It's not that I'm not capable of using Eyelet. and wire and metal Tags and mesh in my albums...I don't choose to. I stamp too and frankly, that's the place where I do all of that stuff. To me the stamping is JUST about the art of it anyway, and the photo Album. are about the photos and the stories...... CM gets a bad reputation (and in some cases from some consultants deservedly so). But, it seems the "LSS vs. CM" debate is perpetuated on BOTH sides of the issue......everyone says it's a choice or a personal preference, but at the same time the implication that CM is for "beginners" runs the risk of shaming people into scrapping in a different style just so they can be "legitmized" in the scrapbook world. Drives me crazy! I don't mean to come off harsh, but I'm tired of CM taking a beating.. Look, people even have to ask whether or not they should go to a class. Does anyone ever post asking if they should walk into a Scrapbook Store. Why do CM loyals need 'permission' to use their products and opt out of hardware and Embellishments.

Thanks for the great info scrappin4us, I learned a lot from what you said. I see how many styles there are out there and I happen to like the extra Embellishment. but also not all my layouts will have them.
Anyway back to my main message, thanks for the great explanation.

I agree with scrappin4us, cm does tend to get the bad wrap alot, and I don't think it's fair.

CM is about the oldest scrapbook only company out there, and the reason a lot of us started with it, was because they were the ONLY ones out there helping us with acid free products for MANY years. Now that sbing is such a wide spread hobby, they have relaxed their stance on "only cm" quite a bit, and to me that shows a lot of dedication to their customers. The reason they had that mindset in the beginning was to protect the time and effort that people were putting into their books.
I loved my cm contact because she was so knowledgable about things that were important to me. She taught me about safe products, all sorts of differant techiques, and yes she sold me products (after all that WAS her job).
I think the party would be a good place to go to learn about differant Tools, and differant ideas if you're new to sbing ( and even if you're NOT new!). Even if you don't like what is called the "cm" style, you can learn a lot.

I love some CM products. Their cutting system is the best in the world. I just prefer to go to my LSS or to a craft store and buy the stuff off of the shelves--more convenient for little impatient me!

I think that we need to remember the reason that we scrapbook. It's not to see how simple or fancy your layout can be, but to preserve your memories. I say use what you want to use, however you want to use it. Just do something to remember the things that happen in your life!!

I like their Cutting system and thier Albums, as for whether you should go... thinking about the possble knowledge you might recieve from others.

I totally agree with scrappin4us. I too am a dedicated CM scrapper. I have an awesome CM consultant, who doesn't care if you bring and use non-CM stuff. She is very supportive of any style of scrapping that you chose to use. I am also frustrated to constantly read that CM is a beginners way to scrap. I have been scrapping for a year and half and I scrap the "CM way" because I like the look of the pages when I am done. I don't scrap the "CM way" because it is quick and I can bang out pages one after another. It is actually the opposite. I enjoy every layout that I do, even though I do a simpler layout without a lot of Embellishment I put alot of thought and time into each and every layout. I would never criticize anyone else's way that they chose to scrapbook, such as fillng the pages with Embellishment. and only one picture. If that is they way that you like to scrap that is great, its just not the way I do it.

I am not sure who said it in this thread but they were right on the money when they said that scrapbooking is not about the way you do it, it is about preserving your memories for yourself as well as your future generations.

MY NAME IS KELLY AND I AM A CM SCRAPPER AND PROUD!

I just found this site through SBA and I must say I am really impressed. There is soooo much here. I may never get off the computer today. That said, I just wanted to say that I started scrapbooking because of CM. A friend invited me to a workshop and I was hooked. I have many, many years of pictures to go through. I would never have started if it hadn't been for CM. My CMC is a wonderful young lady who doesn't discriminate in the least. I love the tools from CM and have purchased almost all of them. I really enjoy the workshops and the crops, having met a whole new world of friends there. The albums are really beautiful and I have 14 of them so far. I have been really busy the last year working on my pictures but I have never had so much fun. If you are open minded about scrapbooking, I say go and have FUN.

HTH, Sandy

Welcome to sb.com, Sandy! Glad you found us

And today won't be the only day that you think you won't be able to get off of the computer!

I agree with Kari.. once you start typin its hard to stop... all the ladies here are so WONDERFUL Welcome to the neighborhood!! Glad to have you!

Welcome, welcome Sandy!!

Sandy, I'm glad you happened upon the neighborhood. Don't worry your not the only one who cannot get off of the computer!!

welcome sandy

welcome