scrapnnana
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Post by scrapnnana on Mar 22, 2024 23:40:39 GMT
Scrapbook Expo is in my area right now. I looked up the vendor list, and there were only about 24 vendors, two of which were a skin care vendor and a massage pillow vendor. I debated whether or not to go, since it was so small, but I was hoping to find things for scrapbooking Disney and Universal trips, and I was very happy with what I found. Tall Mouse always has some fun things for card makers, too, and it seems like the only items they offer online are the less popular leftovers from conventions. If you want to good stuff, they only have it at convention. They were the main reason that I decided to go.
I didn’t stay more than two hours. I easily could have stayed longer, but I’d spent more than I had intended as it was.
I thought that it was definitely worth going to, despite the shrinking number of vendors. I have no LSS near me, and the craft stores offer very little of interest. I mostly buy online these days.
Have you given up going to the conventions, or do you still go to them if you have a chance? If so, do you have to travel far, or do you only go if they are relatively close to you? For me, it’s the latter, but I’m lucky if I manage one each year, even though we usually get about 3. This year, I am really hoping to go to all three. One down, two to go, however small they may be.
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Post by Linda on Mar 22, 2024 23:51:50 GMT
I've never been to one. They do come to Orlando which is about 3hrs away but I haven't been able to justify it between asking DH to drive me down there and then the expense of shopping etc...
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scrapnnana
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Post by scrapnnana on Mar 23, 2024 0:10:13 GMT
I've never been to one. They do come to Orlando which is about 3hrs away but I haven't been able to justify it between asking DH to drive me down there and then the expense of shopping etc... I don’t blame you. If I had to drive 3 hours, and/or get a hotel, I wouldn’t be able to justify it, either. And if I were going to Orlando, I’d rather go to the Disney and/or Universal parks. I wouldn’t spend my time at a convention or any LSS. |
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Shakti
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Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Mar 23, 2024 0:13:25 GMT
I've never been to one either. I almost went to one recently, but life got in the way. One is coming up near here soon. I planned to attend, then didn't, but even before you started this thread had begun to reconsider. They do seem to showcase companies I'm not yet aware of, and I like that.
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Post by Night Owl on Mar 23, 2024 0:31:01 GMT
From about 2002-2010 we had a huge scrapbook convention downtown every year. It was a 2 day event with classes and workshops. The big companies were there like Creating Keepsakes and Sizzix.
That ended but they started having a 1 day convention every year at a big building in the suburbs (convenient for me because it was close to my house and better parking than downtown). The big company booths and classes were gone but still there were a lot of good vendors and there were demos.
But 5 years ago they moved it to about 1 hour away from me, I can understand why they moved it because it would get hot and crowded in the smaller building in the suburbs, but I haven't been back since they moved it and I wonder about the quality of vendors.
I miss the heyday of scrapbooking, we went from local scrapbook stores to now only big box stores. I had gone with my mom and a friend to the conventions downtown and now my mom and friend don't even scrapbook any more.
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pantsonfire
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Post by pantsonfire on Mar 23, 2024 0:35:43 GMT
I have never been to the one that comes to Ontario, CA. Was never my thing. But years (like years) ago friends went and it was huge. They did classes and shopped.
I remember the convention in Anaheim too where all the companies came to show off their new stuff.
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leeny
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Post by leeny on Mar 23, 2024 0:43:24 GMT
I miss the big ones. I think the pandemic did them in for the most part. During lockdown many companies went to virtual classes and they still do as it beats the expense and hassle of traveling. javascript:popSmilies()
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Post by lindamh on Mar 23, 2024 0:49:01 GMT
Back in the day (we're talking back in the Donna Downey days!) I lived 2 hours from Orlando, and both Creating Keepsakes and Scrapbook Expo had BIG events there. At that time they were both held in the Gaylord Palms resort (and the Gaylord had really good teacher room rates back then!) and I would go to both each year. There were so many vendors and the classes were really big name companies and teachers. If I'm not mistaken, I think I remember the Expo starting on Thursday night and going through Sunday. I loved staying at the Gaylord, and the events were so much fun. I really miss those days.
Now I live in North Carolina, and the closest Expo is in Duluth GA. I'm older now, and due to health issues not as confident in driving that distance by myself. I'm thinking about going this summer and I'm waiting to see the class list. Being honest, I doubt I will go. I'll just remain grateful for those virtual events.
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MDscrapaholic
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Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Mar 23, 2024 1:01:35 GMT
I have been to CKC Lancaster a couple times - back when Lisa Berenson was teaching! Went pre-COVID but not since. I'm not even sure if they offer it anymore!
First year I took some classes, but after that I just went for the shopping. It was so fun to see things up close! I miss that.
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Post by artisticscrapper on Mar 23, 2024 1:30:35 GMT
I remember when the Expo was at the Orange County, CA fairgrounds. That was about 20 years ago. The Expo was enormous and I spent all day there shopping and taking classes. It was only 5 minutes from where I lived. A couple of years later it moved to another city, then a few more moves all within an hour’s drive. I went a few times and yes they’re much smaller and the big companies don’t sell there any more. I haven’t been in years. I’d planned to go to the one in Ontario, CA last October but I came down with Covid.
There was also a stamp convention 3 rimes a year about 45 minutes away. Another expo type thing that started out huge. People would line up an hour early since there would be a few hundred people waiting to get in. Even though it became much smaller it was still fun. Covid did it in.
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scrapnnana
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Post by scrapnnana on Mar 23, 2024 3:32:17 GMT
I love finding companies at convention (that I didn’t know about before).
And I remember and miss the big conventions. I used to live near one of the convention centers, so it was easy for me to attend, and they had so many vendors and products!
In spite of how small this convention was, though, I still discovered new companies. I also still found it all too easy to overspend.
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Post by boymom5 on Mar 23, 2024 3:36:15 GMT
I never went back in the day when they were huge. I have gone recently though in the past couple of years and do plan on it again this year. Smaller for sure than just a few years ago when I first went but I still enjoyed myself last year. This year I have a room and am planning on the crops.
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cbscrapper
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Post by cbscrapper on Mar 23, 2024 3:51:13 GMT
I still go. They are 2-2.5 hrs away. I usually make a day trip of it to shop. Sometimes I get a hotel and go the weekend and sign up for the crops.
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Post by skycrashesdown on Mar 23, 2024 5:02:25 GMT
I went to a few Creating Keepsakes cons in Bellevue, WA, in probably the 2008-2011 time range. I got to take a class from Cathy Zielske, which was very cool. There were a ton of vendors, classes, make-and-takes, product demos, etc. I quit scrapping for several years not long after that and haven't been to a con since. The few I've looked into definitely seem sadly diminished.
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paget
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Jun 25, 2014 21:16:39 GMT
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Post by paget on Mar 23, 2024 5:13:50 GMT
I went to a few Creating Keepsakes cons in Bellevue, WA, in probably the 2008-2011 time range. I got to take a class from Cathy Zielske, which was very cool. There were a ton of vendors, classes, make-and-takes, product demos, etc. I quit scrapping for several years not long after that and haven't been to a con since. The few I've looked into definitely seem sadly diminished. Same! Bellevue was the only one I went to in that same timeframe and it was fun and then a couple years later I also quit scrapbooking for like 12+ years. |
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scrapnnana
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Post by scrapnnana on Mar 23, 2024 14:38:45 GMT
I used to scrapbook regularly, and when I did, I had far more interest and incentive to go to the scrapbook conventions, especially since they were close to where I lived. I even managed to keep scrapbooking during our major move, although not as often. In 2019, though, I started teaching a card class in my home every month, and it took far more time than I expected, and I stopped scrapbooking. As a card maker, I didn’t feel the same incentive to go to conventions, and when the conventions stopped due to COVID, and we had some other major personal challenges, finances were tighter, anyway.
I had only been to two conventions that were local since the conventions started again, and yesterday made the third. I have no scrapbook or card buddies willing to go with me, which makes it harder to want to go. I did look at the classes, but most were more expensive than I was willing to pay. In the past, I took a couple of classes and loved them, but none of the classes this time were worth the cost to me.
So I just went to shop, since I have no LSS near me (the only one in my area is twice as far to get to as the convention was, and through far worse traffic). Besides, at least part of the reason to go to a convention is to find things that you don’t find at the LSS, and to see the wares of vendors you might not have found online.
If Tall Mouse hadn’t been at this convention, though, I would probably not have gone. I only went because they were going to be there, but I had forgotten that one of the reasons for going to convention was for the ideas that are showcased. Rubbernecker Stamps has changed hands and name. Their son took it over, and it is now called Brass & Bliss, and they had some of the most fun and cute cards that I have seen at convention. I had forgotten that just seeing the sample layouts and cards can be an additional reason to go, besides the shopping. I took lots of pictures at the Brass & Bliss booth. Scrappy Boy had some really cute samples, too.
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Post by huskermom98 on Mar 23, 2024 15:23:40 GMT
I only ever went to one convention in my city--if it was here other years I must not have been able to go. It was ok. I enjoyed thumbing through boxes of pattern paper single sheets. I found things I hadn't seen at my LSS or Archivers. I met a few scrappy friends at the evening crop and had fun with them, but it was a PITA figuring out what I could fit in one rolling case and one bag I could carry, and then walking from a parking garage into the convention area. I'm glad I never paid to travel and stay at a hotel to go to one in another city (especially a very busy one). But I was also lucky because around that time there were 2-3 LSS and an Archivers in the metro area (plus Michaels and Joanns) so I always had lots of shopping options.
Now I did go to Archivers' Scrapfest at the Mall of America in MN several times. That was fun because I could do the classes and make'n takes during the day while DH took the boys to the amusement park, aquarium, or back to the hotel to relax/nap.
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alleyscrap
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Post by alleyscrap on Mar 23, 2024 15:37:27 GMT
I went to the expo in my city last year just to see what it was about. It was at the fairgrounds in a bigger building than I thought it would be and the crop area looked full. I had never been before so I can’t compare it to the huge expos of yesteryear but I thought it was fun. I just shopped and although there weren’t a lot of big brands, the vendors had some of the big brands and some new brands I had never heard of from Europe. One vendor had a great selection of 49 and Market so it was nice to see those products up close. Another vendor had Simple stories products for cheaper than retail and I did some damage there. I only stayed an hour or so because I brought along my sister who doesn’t scrap so I felt a little rushed. But overall I enjoyed it and would go again to spend some more time looking at everything. However, it was maybe 20 mins from my house so no real traveling was involved and I don’t think I would have gone if I had to travel a longer distance. As someone who joined the scrapbook community after its peak, I was thrilled to see so many people who enjoy the hobby under one roof. But again, compared to how the past events sounded based on what I’ve heard from others, it probably was pretty sad looking.
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azcrafty
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Post by azcrafty on Mar 23, 2024 16:07:21 GMT
Last year in September I went to my first one and loved it.
It had some companies that I like and never seen their products in person. Its interesting that those are cardmaking products but they don't come to the one that its more specifically for stamping/cardmaking convention.
PhotoPlay had great deals! $10 for older die-stamp combos.
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Post by katieanna on Mar 23, 2024 17:20:17 GMT
I've been into scrapbooking (off and on) since 1998-ish. Although I don't do a lot of scrapbooking now, I do enjoy making cards, mini-books, journals, and that sort of thing where I use scrapbook products. So, in that sense, I still consider myself a "scrapbooker." Unfortunately, I never did get to attend the large scrapbook conventions during their heyday and now regret that I didn't. What a wonderful way that would have been to spend a weekend! Now that I'm retired, I am an able to go - but, alas...
Our area has a mini-convention at the fairgrounds every Fall called stampercon. I'd gone there a few years in a row, and then got away from it when Covid hit. Last year, my sister and I had gone to it and to tell the truth, I wasn't expecting much. But I was SO GLAD that I had gone because there I was exposed to some great products (that were new for me) and some creative techniques! I was especially impressed with the Blue Knight line of stamping products. Needless to say, I walked out of after having spent around $100 - but I don't regret it. I'm looking forward to going this year.
But I will say that it was A LOT smaller than it used to in those earlier days before Covid. I'd be surprised if there were half the vendors there that used to be there. Personally, I don't think that Covid is so much the reason for the smaller conventions as the interest in scrapbooking and scrapbook-related products is not what it used to be. I sure miss those days!
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angel97701
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Post by angel97701 on Mar 23, 2024 18:17:42 GMT
I've been to stamping and scrapbook conventions from all the way back to 1988. Similar date to katieanna I was a stamper first and then just a few years later a scrapbooker. My Mom, sister and I would book a hotel and go to the convention. From the very beginning of CKC in Portland, Oregon. It was actually a smaller local company for three years and my mom found it. Then it was sold to CKC. On our 10th anniversary they let us know at our registration they had gifts for us! Sweatshirts and other swag. We keep going for about 15 or so years and towards the end they got smaller and smaller. Then we cropped in our room instead of the party crops. Ah those were the days! We went to one in the Portland Metro area Oct of '21 as a threesome. It was good memories. Now I'm in a different state. I am really thankful for the online crops we've had here at 2peas. The heyday of scrapbooking is over as even the big box stores are reducing their stock. It will stay around, but online shopping will be the way of the future as it is in other crafts as well. |
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Post by craftmepink on Mar 23, 2024 22:05:05 GMT
We have Scrapbook expo coming here in April. There's a noticeable difference before and after covid. The event isn't as big but there's still a good turn out.
I am still trying to decide if I should go or not. Last year's event was fun and I ended up taking a class and buying too much. I don't really need anything but I love seeing all the cards in person.
I am thinking of doing the Mega Make and Takes on Thursday but not sure if I could stay past the evening.
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Post by katlady on Mar 23, 2024 22:19:45 GMT
I remember the convention in Anaheim too where all the companies came to show off their new stuff. That was CHA, the trade show. It was held in Anaheim for quite a while. It moved and changed names. I think it is called Creativation now and was held in Phoenix for awhile. I think it moves around every year now. |
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scrapnnana
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Post by scrapnnana on Mar 24, 2024 20:30:14 GMT
I started scrapbooking in 1996. I scrapbooked regularly until we moved halfway across the country in 2016. I still scrapbooked after getting settled, but not as much, and I started doing more card making in 2019. I am trying to get back to scrapbooking, since I have Disney/Harry Potter World trips that I want to get scrapbooked.
What I bought at the convention this weekend was geared toward getting those trips in the album, but also for card making.
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jediannie
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Post by jediannie on Mar 24, 2024 21:57:40 GMT
My friend and I went to the expo a couple of weeks ago and I was kind of glad there weren't as many vendors because nothing much tempted me. We spent more time cropping than shopping so I got a lot of stuff done. That being said, it was $40 to crop and we used to get candy/coffee and a small goodie bag but now you just get a seat. Plus if you want to sit with your friends you have to pay to reserve spots together. We used to go twice a year to expos since 2000 and this was by far the smallest it's ever been. I'm not sure if I'll go again next year but we shall see.
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Post by riversong1963 on Mar 25, 2024 10:44:26 GMT
I started scrapbooking in 2001, and I used to love going to the scrapbooking and stamping shows. All the big names would be there. Now there are only a handful of vendors at the Edison, NJ show, which is the only one close enough to me for a one-day trip. It's about an hour's drive for me. I still go, and I still find things to buy, but it definitely isn't the same. I also go by myself now, and again, it isn't the same.
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Post by boymom5 on Mar 25, 2024 13:15:55 GMT
My friend and I went to the expo a couple of weeks ago and I was kind of glad there weren't as many vendors because nothing much tempted me. We spent more time cropping than shopping so I got a lot of stuff done. That being said, it was $40 to crop and we used to get candy/coffee and a small goodie bag but now you just get a seat. Plus if you want to sit with your friends you have to pay to reserve spots together. We used to go twice a year to expos since 2000 and this was by far the smallest it's ever been. I'm not sure if I'll go again next year but we shall see. Yes it’s a bummer to just get seats for cost and nothing more. So odd in the cropping world. And you need to pay more for power! Still I plan on going and don’t need to worry about reserving a seat since I’m on my own. |
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Post by mbanda on Mar 25, 2024 14:08:25 GMT
I also went to the Expo this weekend scrapnnana! My 2 friends & I went on Friday. We spent around 2 1/2 hours there and we just shopped. No classes or crops. Last year we did a class and ended up spending most of the day there. My friend got a text right after we left she won a door prize and since we live in the same city as the Expo she went back up there and claimed it ($20 GC to Teslar booth). We did the Spellbinders make & take and got to make a card using the Betterpress and wax seals which was fun. I haven't used either of those products before so I was curious about them. We all managed to find things to spend our money on but it was a lot less than in previous years for sure. I like Tall Mouse as well so I was glad to see they are still in the convention lineup! I agree that Brass & Bliss and Scrappy Boy had some amazing cards. I really loved Scrappy Boy's themes. They had some great pop culture themes like Golden Girls, Wednesday, Madonna, Friends, Marvel....just lots of unique ideas. Years ago this Expo was held at the Gaylord & when it was there we would stay the night and do the crop & classes but of course it was much bigger then (pre-Covid). Now the Expo has moved to the city I live in so we don't spend the night and we don't do the crop either. I think we have been spoiled by our twice yearly retreat in having 2 tables to use for cropping so we see the small space at the convention crops and end up not doing it there. I've been going to conventions and Expos for a long time and like others, I have even been when Lisa Bearnson was teaching classes (my mom & I took a class from her). I did see the Great American Scrapbook Convention has moved from Arlington to Denton this year and I'm torn about going. That is a much further drive for us so my friends and I are not sure if we're going this year - especially since we will likely only shop. |
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scrapnnana
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Post by scrapnnana on Mar 25, 2024 15:48:05 GMT
I also went to the Expo this weekend scrapnnana ! My 2 friends & I went on Friday. We spent around 2 1/2 hours there and we just shopped. No classes or crops. Last year we did a class and ended up spending most of the day there. My friend got a text right after we left she won a door prize and since we live in the same city as the Expo she went back up there and claimed it ($20 GC to Teslar booth). We did the Spellbinders make & take and got to make a card using the Betterpress and wax seals which was fun. I haven't used either of those products before so I was curious about them. We all managed to find things to spend our money on but it was a lot less than in previous years for sure. I like Tall Mouse as well so I was glad to see they are still in the convention lineup! I agree that Brass & Bliss and Scrappy Boy had some amazing cards. I really loved Scrappy Boy's themes. They had some great pop culture themes like Golden Girls, Wednesday, Madonna, Friends, Marvel....just lots of unique ideas. Years ago this Expo was held at the Gaylord & when it was there we would stay the night and do the crop & classes but of course it was much bigger then (pre-Covid). Now the Expo has moved to the city I live in so we don't spend the night and we don't do the crop either. I think we have been spoiled by our twice yearly retreat in having 2 tables to use for cropping so we see the small space at the convention crops and end up not doing it there. I've been going to conventions and Expos for a long time and like others, I have even been when Lisa Bearnson was teaching classes (my mom & I took a class from her). I did see the Great American Scrapbook Convention has moved from Arlington to Denton this year and I'm torn about going. That is a much further drive for us so my friends and I are not sure if we're going this year - especially since we will likely only shop. I went to GASC when it was in Arlington last year, and the year before. It’s a 45 minute drive for me, but Denton is much closer, so that will be easier for me to get to. After moving here, I have always had about a 30 to 45 minute drive to get to any convention, depending on the convention. When we lived near DC, I went with friends, and the convention was only about 10 to 15 minutes from us, so I got pretty spoiled. If I had to get a hotel, I wouldn’t go. I’d rather spend the hotel cost on scrapping supplies. I hope you had a nice time with your friends, and got some great things, even though the convention was smaller. Yesterday was my DH’s birthday, and I used a die set that I bought from the Scrappy Boy booth to make his card. He loved it! |
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Post by papersilly on Mar 25, 2024 17:43:21 GMT
i gave up on expos when they moved from large convention hall venues to practically the elk's lodge 40 miles outside of the city. as manufacturers ceased to exist, vendor lists shrunk. the last expo i went to, basic grey was there selling off tons of their paper packs. i haven't been to one since.
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