Creative Memories question

A good friend of mine just invited me to a Creative Memories Get Together. I've never been to one of these before, so I'm a little wary. I've been scrapping for quite a while, and consider myself fairly knowledgeable. Are these "parties" worth going to for someone like me? I don't know that there's much new I'm going to learn. But I looked on their website and they have a few things I might be interested in buying. Should I just place an order instead of spending the time at the party? What CM items are highly recommended?

Any opinions would be welcome!! Thanks!

If this consultant is doing the newest format for a Get Together then I'd say go. The new format is basically a walk through of the catalog where the consultant highlights the benefits and features of the different product lines. Then some consultants will have some stuff out for a hands on portion if you'd like.

Highly recommended products? Any of the newest paper lines are just adorable. Memory Manager is a fantastic program. The new pen adhesive is very handy. The new Quick Kits make AWESOME gifts as do the minutes picfolio albusms. It all really depends on what kind of scrapping you're into these day.

CM changed the way they do their home parties. I think they still are worth going to, no matter what your ability is, because it allows you to see the different types of scrapping CM offers, depending on the consultant you might be able to try some of the product before you order and it's a chance to meet new people, learn about crops, etc.

I'm a big believer in the Power Layouts system. I love it because I can layout half an album (my albums are huge), keep it fairly organized and still be able to run with my creativity when I have time to scrap. I've found that spending an hour or so putting my photos, memorabilia and embellishments (and sometimes paper) in the box saves me the hassle of hunting everything down when I crop. The adhesive pen rocks, too. I hated glue pens before I tried this one. I went out of my way to not use them. The power sort system for storing pictures is good, i have several of them.

I'm trying to limit what I say because I could go on and on. I am biased, I've been a consultant for 3 1/2 years now. But the products that I mentioned I would have bought even if I wasn't a consultant. PM me if you have any other questions.

I got most of my tools from CM, when I was just beginning to s/b. And imo, they have the BEST tools! But like I said, just my opinion.

If you have been s/b'ing awhile, you've probably already got most of what you like to work with. There may not be anything you'd actually spend money on or think was worth it. Some of their stuff is kind of pricey.

But I use their albums and refills ONLY, so I'm a CM snob! I would recommend just trying the tools. There are some awesome tools they carry.

I love their paper corner punch and circle/oval cutters, never been to a party myself though. It would be fun with friends though.

I have a lot of their tools and I love them. Their trimmer is the only one I use. I like the circle cutter and shape punches. They have a multipurpose tool that is great with stickers. If you use stickers a lot for lettering they have a template called Titletopia for centering lettering and putting it is different shapes (circle, banner, swirl). Their stuff is great so I'd recommend going and checking them out. I'm personally not a fan of their albums because I like the drop in pages......but that's just me.

the tools are the best I use to sell but got out. I love the straight trimmer. all the tools are great and a lifetime garuntee.

I have been using their oval and circle cutting templates for years and still haven't had to replace my blades. Although it's pricey- these products are of good quality and worth it.

i started out with CM and have a lot of the tools, and cutters, and they are nice but i don't really know anything else so can hardly compare. some of their things are all most too expensive for me, but i can't say that i've been unhappy with anything i've bought really. i am getting out of using their albums, i'm going to finish up the ones i have started, but then i'm going to the post bound drop ins, i change my mind about my lineup a lot, and i think it will be better for me not to have to trim and glue down the pages, it's time consuming and a pain in the butt imo

My cousin is a CM consultant so I've been to many of these parties. In my opinion, I'm not too keen on the parties. When I first started, the first one was nice to learn what SBing was but once I did a LO, the parties were silly to me. If you've never tried their products, I'd go to one to learn what they are.

I started out with CM tools (not the albums though...never really got into those) and some of their paper and still use quite a few of them. However, some, I haven't bought because of the price. Their tools are a good quality but sometimes I just prefer other brands. Here's some of my experience... 1)A Word of Advice...the paper is super cute (I love their Christmas paper, the vintage one, and their inspiration set) but it's not "true" 12x12. It's a little smaller so that they'll fit in their albums (which, the covers are 12x12 but not the pages inside...I think they're 11.75x11.75?). 2)The Cutting System is wonderful in my eyes...especially their new ergonomic blades! Most people really only use the circle and oval cutters. 3)The personal trimmer is fabulous for trimming up photos. The 12" straight trimmer stinks and is cheap. I greatly prefer the Making Memories one. 4)Their fine tip pens are very nice but I'd just go the cheaper route and stick with ZIG s. If anything, just get the black one. 5)The journal blocks/photo mats are great! I love them! I mostly use them for journaling on a LO. 6)The corner rounder is wonderful and works smoothly (as do all of their punches...I also have the circle and square punches)...MUCH better than the Whale of a Punch ones by EK. The guard doesn't come off like the Ek Success one so you can't do scalloped edges. 7)The albums are great on quality and have a lifetime guarantee but you have to glue the LO to it (the page protector comes off so all that attaches to the album is a cardstock-type page). 8)Their tape runner is good but, again, the cheaper ones work fine too. 9)Their Power Sort System is nice (I have the mini box for my photo storage) but if you already have a system, don't change it. 10)The Sidekick is a lifesaver for me! I am typically a mess and having the cup holder and trash right there is fantastic!

Anywho....I would tell you to go ahead and go to check out some of their products but don't go hog wild and replace your entire tool supply with all of their's. They have some good products but others definitely aren't worth the dough!

the pages are 11 7/16 x 12.

The other thing I negelected to mention is that if product doesn't meet CM standards, it doesn't get sold. I'm currently waiting on a backorder because the batch of paper that they got in wasn't up to CM standards. They've also decided to not sell items after ad campaigns started because they couldn't get a good result consistantly.

I started sb'ing by going to a CM party. I use the personal trimmer, corner rounder, circle and oval cutters all the time. I agree with whoever said above about the straight cutter not being great. I wouldn't buy it again. The blades do last a long time. I've had mine for about 6 or 7 years and have never replaced one.

I too started out using their albums but have switched because I prefer the drop in type.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the 12" trimmer!! My personal trimmer got super dull within a year. I did use it alot, but there is no way to replace the blade, so the only alternative is buy another one. Honestly, I haven't really used it much lately. I really like the circular cutter and especially LOVE the corner rounders!

I think it really depends on the consultants. I go to 2 weekend retreats held by CM consultants and I love them!! I'm not an "exclusive CM scrapper" but neither is my consultant I ONLY use CM albums though, which I think are wonderful quality. I also LOVE the CM corner rounder!!

I started scrapping with CM about 10 years ago. After attending my first party, I bought the corner rounder and circle shape cutting system thing. I use them constantly and have never had to replace any of it because of dull blades or anything. I love CM tools, the quality cannot be beat. Their papers have improved so much in recent years. The Vintage set is awesome!

I would recommend that you go, even if you don't learn anything new as far as techniques, you will see their product lines and then be able to incorporate those into how you already scrap. And- it's a night out spending time with peole who also share your passion for preserving memories!

I am not sure about the albums, yet.
I have several, varying sizes and such, but have not used them yet. I do like that there is no way for something to spill down the top of the album and get the pages ruined. But the slipcover makes it tough to include any thick embellies on your LO's.

Wow, I think most people already covered it. I started out scrapping with CM. From what I have heard, their parties have changed a lot and are really good to go to if you want to learn about their tools and stuff. 1) I LOVE their custom cutting system. I have circles, ovals, and a couple of the other shape kits; 2) I love their double punches. I have mini and reg squares, circles, stars, and hexagons; 3) Their corner rounder is the best; 4) I love the personal cutter and have not had to replace mine. My blade has not gotten dull, but I might try to sharpen it like a knife blade if it ever does (hmmmm... I wonder if this can be done. Liz, do you know?); 5) The sidekick is a life saver if you like to have a drink and an easy trash can near you while scrapping, without worrying about spillage of the drink or stretching to reach your trash bag; 6) I like their mini power sort box; 7) I really like their markers and use the black one constantly. In fact, I have several so there's always one at my fingertips!!! and I also like their photo mats and journal mat sets.

Now, for stuff that has not impressed me that much: 1) I never even used my titletopia. Not once; 2) their self-healing mat is a little too small; 3) I like the way the stickers coordinate together, but it seems like a waste of money to buy some packs that have multiple sheets because you probably won't use some of the sheets; 4) I don't like their tape runners. My Tombo works better for me; and 5) I haven't really seen much use for the multi-purpose tool. I just use one of the scrapers that comes with Pampered Chef stones.

Hope this helps. Go the party and have fun!!!

I love all of their tools; that's what I use right now and I got most of them years ago. CM is how I started scrapping too. I'd go and check out their stuff and see if they have any new techniques.

A CM party was what got me into scrapbooking. I went to a party and fell in love... and have expanded on it over the years. I REALLy love their cutting system... I own a decnt amount of the shapes to the cutting system (circles, Ovals, Octagons, heart, star) And really love the cutting system... I haven't looked at their product in a LONG time... but I would def. do a party again.... I think it's nice to see all the different products, ways of doing things, ideas that are out there

Gina, I've always been told that the blade can't be resharpened, but it probably could be done, it would just void any remaining warranty on it.

ok, just asked my DH, my blade expert (he collects knives and sharpening stuff). He thinks it could be done, but from the looks of the blade, it would have to be sharpened the same way that hockey skate blades are sharpened, which means that the cutting arm would have to come off.

• moxiegirl23 Said:

Thanks, Liz. I don't think I am eligible for the warranty, anyway, because I bought mine from someone else (she was the one who purchased it from the company). Even if I tried to sharpen the blade and it didn't work and I had to buy a new one, I'd do it. I've had the one I bought for a while now and that sucker just keeps on cutting, so I guess it's a moot point right now!

It sounds as though CM started a lot of us off with our scrapping, including me! I have the personal trimmer which has lasted brilliantly and despite the grid on mine not being quite straight (?!) I love it. I also loved the cutting system but don't use it any more as my style and taste has evolved. The corner rounder is also excellent.

I have to say though that I do not like the albums at all. Although the quality was excellent the size and the strap system drove me mad and I never bought one after the initial one when I started.

I'm curious to look at their new stuff though to see how they've revamped everything!

• theboydbunch Said:

I'm the same way!!!! I dislike when CM people don't "let" you use other things. I think CM makes the best, but they don't offer EVERYTHING! Ya know?

The personal trimmer, and most other tools, can be sharpened by cutting foil. I've done that, and it really does work!!

I've sharpened my square maker like that before. Also, I've done some punchies too.

I buy a lot of there products; especially the 12' trimmer and some of the totes. the quality is great! i would go!

It's definately worth going. I was a CM consultant years ago.

Love the personal Trimmer, it's my can't live with out trimmer. Haven't used the 12" on, I like my MM trimmer. I love the corner rounder, and the other punches I like the double size in one punch. I have the Custom Cutting system ovals and circles, don't use them much but they are great.

Still use my fine point journaling pens, love the black and the brown.

I don't use the adhesive's anymore I like other's better, and they are a bit expensive.

As far as the albums, they are incredible quality, but I prefer the drop in and like to be able to move my pages around. I don't like having to wallpaper their pages.

Thank you, everyone, for your great input! I decided to go, if only to get a night out with some of my friends! I have looked at the products online, and I don't know how much I really "need", but I'm sure I'll find something fun to buy. I am really intrigued by the power layout system...I think it might really help me get my projects organized. And some of their paper looks really pretty...like I NEED more paper! LOL! Thanks again for the insight!

I actually LOVE the 12" trimmer. I've never had bad cuts with it. I also use their power sort boxes, and plan on getting the sidekick because it looks so AWESOME! I also really like their tape runner.

I like the quality of the albums but I also don't like the drap/drop options since I change my mind all the time... I'm undecided on if I'll keep using their albums.

But I say go for it, because they do have a lot of good quality and cute stuff!

The new papers are awesome and the storage systems are being revamped. The storage that holds punches now comes in hot pink/lime green and brown/light pink. Another new storage product is coming out December 1st that will be blue and green--I think.

Tons of changes. I'm excited.