iluvpink
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,376
Location: Michigan
Jul 13, 2014 12:40:31 GMT
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Post by iluvpink on Nov 13, 2018 18:21:47 GMT
When I was scrapbooking years ago, my sister, cousins, aunts all scrapbooked. So I'd go with them. Now most do not. I have one friend who cross-stitches so we are going to a crafting event in a few weeks but she does not scrapbook. I'm not outgoing at all. Will I feel like a third wheel if I start going to crops myself?
I'm 47 and so do not mind too much if I'm sitting alone if I must. But it would be nice if people are friendly. I know some groups are more accepting than others and nobody here can really say, just wondering if anyone has done this and how it worked out?
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Post by cathyb on Nov 13, 2018 19:01:30 GMT
I have and I don't mind. I will talk to just about anyone so if I don't feel the vibe people want to talk, I just do my own thing. I rarely get to scrap these days and I enjoy crops so I just figure it out as I go.
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Post by Prenticekid on Nov 13, 2018 19:04:38 GMT
I do. People are friendly, but if they are there with friends, they tend to stick together. People who are alone either stay alone or sort of seek each other out.. I know people who have become friends that way. I haven't gone that far, but after awhile you recognize each other and you have sort of a quiet comradery, if that makes sense. You sort of start sitting together and have pleasant small talk basically.
The only crops where I have felt third wheel-ish or thought that some of the attendees were standoffish were crops that were run by MLM consultants or very, very small LSS. I tried out a Creative Memories crop because it was close to me, and I felt like I was in a room full of queen bees. They would even go out of their way not to sit with newbies!
However, I wouldn't not go to those crops to see what they are like. You'll find your place.
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scrappington
Pearl Clutcher
in Canada
Posts: 3,139
Jun 26, 2014 14:43:10 GMT
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Post by scrappington on Nov 13, 2018 19:05:49 GMT
That is how I met my scrappy friends. I am an introvert , but obviously you have something in common with these ladies so you just start with idle chit chat.
I'd let the host know your going alone and if there is a table with any other a lone guests
I wouldn't let you discourage you in going and if it is a regular crop and you go enough you will get to know people.
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Post by workingclassdog on Nov 13, 2018 19:11:04 GMT
I did when I was first starting out, that is how I met one of my dearest friends (she passed away last year.. in fact this month)... I haven't gone alone in a long time but I would if I had the chance.
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Post by LisaDV on Nov 13, 2018 19:26:18 GMT
I have gone to the lss crop 2x last year. I'm not outgoing. I was fine. There were bunch of friendly people, not overly talky. Little chatter here and there which I find perfect. Then the last crop had a group of 3 ladies and one was way talky, annoyingly so. I put in my earbuds. All you can do is go and see. You might find your new scrapbooking bff.
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Post by walkerdill on Nov 13, 2018 19:36:31 GMT
Every crop I go to I don't know anyone. I went to one in Orlando last weekend and I ended up hitting it off with the lady at my table. I'm pretty sure we will get together in the future. I'm going to the Quick Quotes 3 day reserve this weekend in Daytona by myself.
At the scrapbook expo I sat by myself and nobody ended up sitting at my table so I literally was by myself. It was boring but I did get a lot accomplished.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,418
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
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Post by scrapnnana on Nov 13, 2018 19:47:56 GMT
I did long ago, but I did not particularly enjoy them. I don't go to crops anymore, anyway, because I have a nice scrapbook room where I can play whenever I want. I work better in quiet, not crowds.
Most people at crops come with friends. They aren't trying to be rude or exclude others, but they sometimes do. I felt more alone at a couple of those crops than when I scrapped at home alone.
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Post by julieinsweden on Nov 13, 2018 20:09:41 GMT
Yep all the time. I don't know anyone that scrapbooks and crops are the only time I get concentrated me time.
Most people are friendly. But if they have come as a pair or small group then they tends to chat amongst themselves.
I go with the mindset of getting lots done. If I end up on a fun chatty table then its a bonus.
Go have fun.
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Post by 950nancy on Nov 13, 2018 20:20:25 GMT
Yes, I have met lots of great people.
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Post by gmcwife1 on Nov 13, 2018 20:34:24 GMT
Yep, I have done that several times!! I don't mind it at all but I'm very much an introvert and a people watcher. So I enjoy not having to talk if I don't want to.
I do take my headphones in case I need them. I have noise issues so they help if I'm near someone that whistles or a loud eater or loud talker or a gum chewer
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Post by lisacharlotte on Nov 13, 2018 20:58:02 GMT
I haven’t, but I’m the one who arrives when it starts and leaves when it ends. Typically early and late I’m without friend(s). Going alone wouldn’t bother me. I love nothing more than putting in my earbuds and getting stuff done. I’m an introvert but not shy so I easily talk to people nearby. Even with friends I’m the one with earbuds in ignoring everyone.
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Post by 950nancy on Nov 13, 2018 21:04:14 GMT
Yep, I have done that several times!! I don't mind it at all but I'm very much an introvert and a people watcher. So I enjoy not having to talk if I don't want to.
I do take my headphones in case I need them. I have noise issues so they help if I'm near someone that whistles or a loud eater or loud talker or a gum chewer I sometimes worry about the crafter who sits beside my friend and me. We can chat up a storm for hours and then not talk for a long time. It just depends. I will say that we always introduce ourselves to the lone cropper (or group) and tell them to join in the conversation if they want to do that. I always wonder why people put in headphones at a crop and your reasons make sense.
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kelly8875
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,415
Location: Lost in my supplies...
Oct 26, 2014 17:02:56 GMT
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Post by kelly8875 on Nov 13, 2018 21:04:15 GMT
That’s how i started. I didn’t have any friends that scrapbooked at all. I was in my mid-20’s, and told my husband that I didn’t care if it was all 80 year olds, I wanted to be around people doing the same thing. Eventually I met some great people, and have been scrapbooking and going to crops with these women for nearly 20 years now! Most of us don’t get together outside of these crops, but when we do, it’s fun. Many of them are Facebook friends. Several of us have high school kids/college kids so we’re busy.
Go, have a good time!!!
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oaksong
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,167
Location: LA Suburbia
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 6:24:29 GMT
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Post by oaksong on Nov 13, 2018 23:23:10 GMT
I go to the Scrapbook Expo crops alone, and have always found everyone to be friendly and welcoming. It didn't seem awkward at all. It's fun being around people with the same interest and seeing what they do.
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Post by huskermom98 on Nov 13, 2018 23:30:16 GMT
I went to several by myself when I first started--mostly one night crops at Archivers and one or two day crops. I haven't had to go by myself in years, but have considered it because I either needed to get a project done or catch up on regular life LOs. I didn't sign up for those crops for one reason or another, but wouldn't have had an issue going by myself.
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msliz
Drama Llama
The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Nov 14, 2018 0:46:35 GMT
Last year I started going to a local crop, and I didn't know a soul there when I first started. But they were all so welcoming, I never felt out of place.
The woman who ran it has stopped holding crops, and now I miss those ladies. Those were fun times, even as a newbie to that group.
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Post by nancydrew on Nov 14, 2018 0:55:31 GMT
I am actually going to a 4 day retreat this weekend and don’t know anyone else who is attending except for the lady hosting it. She is the owner of my lss and hosts several retreats a year. This will be my first retreat with her but have gone to a couple of all day crops at her store and really enjoyed them. Everyone was very nice and welcoming.
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Post by BSideCrafter on Nov 14, 2018 1:41:08 GMT
I have. I just take along my headphones and some podcasts and music and do my own thing. While I have a scrap space at home. I like the change of scenery.
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Post by mrssch on Nov 14, 2018 2:34:33 GMT
Not to crops because I used to have scrappy friends back when I attended them.
Currently, I have no scrappy friends so I probably wouldn't know any other attendees. I have no problem attending alone. I'm rather outgoing so I'm not afraid to engage others. If I didn't make friends but still felt welcome; I'd be okay with that as well.
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Post by refugeepea on Nov 14, 2018 2:37:54 GMT
I would absolutely love to go by myself. I can go to movies, eat alone, go shopping, or whatever and love doing my own thing! I went to a scrapbook expo, but not to the crop. I did meet my cousin for a bit.
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,605
Jun 28, 2014 21:14:36 GMT
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Post by kitbop on Nov 14, 2018 3:04:48 GMT
I haven't exactly for the same reasons as you. (I could have written your post. I'm even 47!) And the answers here are encouraging that I should try going to one of my LSS's crops - I might actually make crafty friends? That would be awfully nice. I went to the 2 peas crops in Toronto (this was about 13 years ago) and we had so much fun talking and admiring everyone's work. I really miss that.
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leeny
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,780
Location: Northern California
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 1:55:53 GMT
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Post by leeny on Nov 14, 2018 3:06:25 GMT
The initial group that got me into the current scrappy incarnation no longer scrap. Then I went to Scrapbook Expo a couple of years ago and sat by myself and a group of 3 sat down with me. Found out we worked in the same type of business but don't live close to each other and I've sat with them for the last few Expos. This year I got to expand my cropper experience at Expo with Gramma from the Peas. Turns out I knew someone she brought along! I like to go and chat as well as work on my projects.
This weekend I am going to a crop with a new Creative Memories consultant I found online, so I won't know anyone. Hoping it will be a good group!
I've also stalked meetup.com which is where I joined a Fun Stampers Journey Coach's cardmaking group. I also found a scrapping group but it was being held at a lady's house who has cats, which I am highly allergic to.
I am not outgoing by any means, and have a craft room, but I like to get out and work better when I am with others.
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cbscrapper
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,477
Sept 5, 2015 18:24:10 GMT
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Post by cbscrapper on Nov 14, 2018 4:32:21 GMT
Yes! I first started going to local crops (at my LSS, R.I.P.) alone and that’s how I met and became friends with all my scrappy buddies. I’ve also been to a big retreat crop alone - I sat with other “loners” so we chatted and had a great time. If the crop you are going to has assigned seating, maybe you can request to be seated with other singles?
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Post by anniefb on Nov 14, 2018 5:41:07 GMT
Yes in the past at my local LSS now closed and also a couple of SU card making events.
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iluvpink
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,376
Location: Michigan
Jul 13, 2014 12:40:31 GMT
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Post by iluvpink on Nov 14, 2018 17:17:50 GMT
Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, I don't mind if I don't come away with new friends, but I have been to some crops in years past when I would occasionally go without my sister etc and some places are friendlier than others. Some will chat a little and others will ignore you and act like you are annoying if you try and involve yourself in some casual conversation.
I'm going to try going to one at the nearest LSS after the holidays. And there is a weekend crop at a hotel in the spring. I'm going to sign up just for Saturday. I don't want to spend for the whole weekend, nor do I really want to be away for a whole weekend if I don't know a soul.
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Post by mikklynn on Nov 14, 2018 20:40:52 GMT
I haven't, but it would not bother me.
In fact, it could be awesome, as my friend I go with NEVER shuts up.
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dald222
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,602
Jun 27, 2014 0:50:15 GMT
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Post by dald222 on Nov 18, 2018 3:02:43 GMT
I just to go to many by myself and had a great time and made some freinds
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Post by jstblondie on Nov 18, 2018 4:01:51 GMT
Every crop I go to I don't know anyone. I went to one in Orlando last weekend and I ended up hitting it off with the lady at my table. I'm pretty sure we will get together in the future. I'm going to the Quick Quotes 3 day reserve this weekend in Daytona by myself. At the scrapbook expo I sat by myself and nobody ended up sitting at my table so I literally was by myself. It was boring but I did get a lot accomplished. I was suppose to go to the quick quotes in Daytona last year but the hurricane canceled the trip.
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Ohno
Junior Member
Posts: 82
Jun 26, 2014 3:57:22 GMT
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Post by Ohno on Nov 18, 2018 15:13:18 GMT
I take my iPad and earbuds, so I can watch something if people aren’t friendly, but they usually are. Give it a try. I have made so many friends from crops and I am shy.
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