ok i committed to a "scapbooking retreat weekend " with my moms club (only doing one day) and intend on getting a small book, simple done for my 2.5 daughter.

the person hosting it is a creative memories consultant. the retreat cost inclues use of all her tools, book ideas and help. she emailed me and told me that whatever paper supplies i need i can buy from her.

will this be expensive? or should i go somewhere and buy ahead?


now ladies, i dont intend on making masterpieces. just simple SIMPLE albums that i can churn out and then get OUT! suggestions? the scrap day is in two weeks and i dont know if i should go there empty handed and buy all the paper from her?

help?

Honestly I would buy my stuff somewhere else. The only things I buy from CM is their cutting system which is awesome!! Their albums aren't true 12 x12 pages and if you use other paper then thiers you have to trim it, which is a b&^%$! They are also extremely expensive.

Happy Scrapping!

I went to a similar event and was able to make a small album. I received the album as a gift and it was from Creative Memories. I used a kit for weddings that I think was called a snap pack. It included paper borders, stickers and idea pages. I was very pleased with the results. I know they also make these for babies/children.

If you are going in with only an album it could get expensive. Decide ahead of time what your budget is and possibly share this with the consultant. She should be able to help you get more bang for your buck. At the very least you will need paper, adhesive, stickers and archive safe pens. It can really get tempting to blow the budget. You will be able to try and use the consultants cutting tools and they are some of the best in the biz. As far as bringing in outside products just remember it is a CM event and they are design to help the consultants grow their business. You will need paper, stickers and archive safe pens. Sometimes outside stuff (we call it contraband) is frowned upon but there's really no avoiding it. You can always get your photos on pages and add embellishments later.

Before you go take the time to go through your photos and decide on your favorites and a few "maybes". Even 15 minutes prep will help. If you are planning a small album the consultant can tell you approximately how many pictures to bring. This will be a big time saver. Also, bring a small new scissor you will only use for scrapbooking (sometimes the CM consultant will give you this as a gift). Just wait until you see the luggage some people tote to these events. It's amazing!! I used to do that but I've learned a little organizing ahead of time helps me pare it down. I also don't stockpile like I used to because there is always something new out there.

I'm sorry this got a little long. I really am a keep it simple scrapper...I hope this helps.

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Nadene

I wouldn't buy everything from her. That's probably what she's hoping for since she makes commision off of your purchases. I would probably only buy the pens and adhesives and prbably the album elsewhere and then purchase the papers, die cuts, and accessories from her.
I don't know why they call it a retreat if you have to go broke to go. In my opinion, a scrapbooking retreat should be where moms get together with thier own supplies and take time to themselves to scrap. I know, I'm old fashioned..lol. I'm also a frugal scrapper. Good Luck!

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Scrap Goals:
~*~*~Shawn's First Communion Album~*~*~My Cousin's Disney Album~*~*~Misc Family Pages
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I also think that you can buy your paper, and stuff somewhere else before you go. I love CM's cutting supplies though. They seem to be better quality, and that isn't any more expensive than anwhere else.

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I agree w/ the other ladies. Has she given u a CM catalog? Then u can see how much everything is. I would check out stuff at the stores b4 u go.

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~~Ember~~
Mommy to Bailey 10/02, Brooke 9/04, & DJ 6/06