Finding your crop friends - advice?

Sorry I can't be of help to you, but I can certainly empathize with you. I live in a rural area in a State that does not seem to have much in the way of cropping opportunities. Although I have been to several cropping/retreat events in the past, I found that like you, I had difficulty fitting in with the group due to differences in politics/values and even interests and behavior. At first it really bothered me but I had to sit back and realize that I am just not a very clique(y) personality therefore I will not fit in in most of these settings. I have taken a hard look at the events and groups I have been in and the ladies that have left and the thing I found in common is that most of the people who often don't feel like the fit in are highly independent, maybe a bit introverted, and those personalities by nature do not fit in with the very clique(y) nature of these groups. These type of people (me included) really what the focus on the hobby, not on all the subjects that can be controversial. This is just what I discovered for me. I would like a group that just got together, talking most about the craft/hobby and other talk should be very upbeat and chit chatty, not politics, religion, relationships, lifestyles etc. I hope you do find a group that you will be happy with. I find doing the challenges here on two peas, and FB crafting groups work best for me.

First, good for you for not continuing to attend those crops. Blows my mind and makes me sad that in what should be an inclusive hobby, the organizers set that kind of tone. Gross and not okay.

I think that Creative Memories used to have a spot on their website that their consultants could post crops they hold and you could search by your area. I have never been a huge CM purchaser outside of their albums (which I personally feel are the best quality available), yet the crops I attend everyone is welcome and I have yet, in 20+ years, to have a consultant tell me what supplies I should use. I have 2 consultants that host regular events from one day to 4-day weekend retreats. They are well-attended and generally fill up quickly. My group of friends that attend has gotten pretty small, yet I would totally feel comfortable with the groups that I would continue to attend alone. And here and there gals I hardly know will throw out invites to go with them to shop or out for dinner or drinks.

I haven't looked for a long time, although you could check one of the meet up sites in your area (which I don't even remember what the official website is now) I used to see scrapbooking groups post in there.

Could you put together your own crop with those friends? A weekend retreat at a cabin? Reserve a room at the library (I see this at my local branch sometimes).

I haven’t read all of the replies, but I can tell you what worked for me in the past. I used to live near DC. A few friends and I met at the LSS during off hours to scrapbook. Sometimes it was just two of us, but it was really nice, and I loved the quiet. The friend and I who got together most were from opposite political views, but we mostly avoided talking politics. When the last LSS in Northern Virginia closed, we met at the local library. Sometimes we met at the church (where we had met one another), but eventually we just met in individual homes.

When you set up your own crop with one or two friends, you can set your own rules, including determining ahead of time topics that aren’t allowed.

Perhaps you and the one friend (who no longer attends crops) can reserve space at the library, or meet at one of your homes? If you have young kids, get a sitter. That would be your only cost. It worked well for my friends and I. Finding friends to crop with is another issue. Perhaps ask on NextDoor? That might help you find other scrapbookers near you, and maybe they go to crops at places you aren’t aware of.

What worked for me back in Virginia has not worked for me since I moved to Texas, because I ended up in a different situation. I had ni LSS near enough. No library close enough, either.  I had trouble finding others who scrapbook who are interested in cropping together. I found one gal at church, and we met in my home, but she moved away. Since COVID hit, and with DH recovering from last year’s heart attack, I am no longer willing to invite anyone to my home due to his vulnerability.

Is there a product rep--Stampin' Up or Close to my Heart--in your area? If there is, find out if they hold gatherings. Sometimes you can meet new scrappers that way, and you don't need to buy a ton of product if you don't want to. They sometimes host annual crops, and once you have met people in the classes, you get a sense of belonging at the crop. Same goes for Michaels or Joannes if they hold classes.

If you have scrappy space at home, you are welcome to join any of the virtual crops the Peas set up. Keep an eye on the GS board for threads that announce them and give you the link to join in.

Can you please share the PNW group? I’m moving back to WA and would love to find some local crafty friends. Thank you!

I recently posted a very similar thread. The peas overwhelmingly supported me not going to those crops. What my friend and I did at first was go to the library and grab two tables and scrapbook there all day. Then we found out about a bookstore with some craft space (think paint night) and they agreed to us scrapping there on Fridays. The hours aren't great but it's free so far. We invited 4 other people we know to join us but usually it is just 2 or 3 of us.

My suggestion is find one or two of the ladies you like to scrap with and see if they will join you in finding another location to scrap together. Some restaurants have unused party rooms and you could get your meals there. Some neighborhoods have reasonably priced rental space in their clubhouse. Mine doesn't but if it is otherwise unused they may be glad to get $10 a person vs. nothing. You can also check out Creative Memories folks in your area. I have found they often run crops and aren't demanding of use of CM products.

The problem with racist conversation is that many people would deny they are racist and making racist commentary. It is so pervasive that people are completely unaware. I am not talking about extreme PC or SJW POV and sensitivities. It's far more complex. So since you won't change them, you have to remove yourself. If nothing else, invite some crop friends to your home or rotate until you find someplace.

Oh my gosh, you’ve clearly been out of the area for too many years  

It’ll be nice to have you up here!

I used to crop at a semi LSS with some ladies that I knew thru the store and had developed friendships with. But as time went on they just became so negative that even my husband noticed I would come home from cropping and complain about how horrible they were talking. He told me I needed to find new scrappy friends so I connected with a lady that I met at a retreat who sells CTMH. She's over an hour from me but she has a monthly crop at a church so I drive to it when I can. Even though it's a longer drive than the LSS the uplifting, positive group is so worth it! Sometimes you have to put in a little more effort (or drive a little further) in order to be with right people. I've been scrapping with this group for several years now and I just love how I feel when I'm with them and always look forward to our next crop together. Good luck! Don't give up, the right group is out there!