So you've fallen in love with this beautiful hobby, you have an album filled with layouts, and a house filled with scrapbook supplies. Maybe you've even taken a few classes at your LSS. But you want more, more, MORE! What do you do now?
You pack your tools, send the kids to Grandma's, kiss you husband goodbye, and head out to somewhere where people understand the importance of chipboard: the scrapbook convention.
There are several big conventions out there: Creating Keepsakes Conventions (CKC), The Great American Scrapbook Convention, and Scrapbook Expo are a few. I've only been to CKC because that's the only one that hits the New England region. A scrapbook convention is like heaven for scrapbookers. There's a vendor fair where you can buy enough goodies to last you for a year (or five), great classes, crop parties, and, perhaps best of all, a whole bunch of other people as crazy about scrapbooking as you are. Each year I go to CKC and take 5-7 classes. I love learning new techniques and trying out new products. Some classes are more project-based and although I don't learn as much, I end up with a fabulous mini album or whole bunch of pages done. Some of the most popular classes at the CKC's around here are those taught by Technique Tuesday, Quick Quotes, The Button Farm, and SEI. These classes typically sell out, so sign up early! Here are some FAQ about conventions:
What if I Can't Keep Up?
My very first CKC class was a full album class in an hour an a half. I actually started to have a panic attack and left the class early. Since then I've realized that almost no one keeps up or finishes during class. The teachers explain the projects and generally provide step-by-step printed instructions with the kit. Just take your time and listen to the teacher while you work. You can finish your project at an evening crop or in your hotel room that night. People are very friendly and your neighbors will generally help you out if you looked panicked, too!
What Classes Should I Take?
Think about what you already know and what you want to learn. Read the class descriptions carefully and visit the sponsors' web sites to get a feel for their "look". For instance, Quick Quotes does beautiful, super fancy, heavily embellished layouts, but their busy patterns and colors are not for everyone. Think about your goals as well. Do you want to learn new techniques or create a lot of pages? Please, please, please be aware of the class levels. It's perfectly fine for a beginner to take an advanced class, but don't insist that the instructor slow down to accommodate your pace.
What If I Don't Have Anyone To Go With?
I'm the only one of my friends who scrapbooks, but I still love going to CKC. Think of this as much needed "you" time. As I mentioned earlier, scrappers are a friendly group, and I've always found neighbors to chat with and croppers who welcome me to their table. You can also get on the CKC message boards a www.clubcreatingkeepsakes.com to meet people who'll be there.
What do I Bring?
Practically nothing! You'll be lucky if you have 18" of table space in your classroom. Bring a teeny-tiny organizer with a paper cutter, scissors, tape runners (and plenty of refills), brown and black ink, a couple of good pens, a mounting block (if you're going to be stamping), a hole punch, and a paper piercer. Bring wipes for messy fingers and cash for the vendor fair. Bring a couple extra tote bags for class kits and shopping purchases. Bring your camera to photograph projects displayed at the vendor fair and to capture your memories. Don't bother bringing layouts to work on at the crop. You'll have all you can handle finishing your class projects.
What If It's Far Away And The Convention Hotel Is Too Expensive?
Once again, get over to the clubck website and find someone to share a room with. Or, do what I did and use www.priceline.com. You can select a geographic area and a hotel rating and name your own price. In about 2 minutes you'll find out if a hotel accepted your offer. This year I stayed at the Four Points Sheraton about 5 minutes from the convention center (with free parking) for $60! The lovely folks there put me in a $300 room with a king size bed, flat screen tv, and huge executive desk perfect for scrapping! All this cost less than some of the chain motels in the area.
Will You Come With Me And Hold My Hand?
I'd love to! But unfortunately, finances require me to be grounded in New England for the present. But don't worry -- you can do it! Conventions are a ton of fun and you'll never regret you went.
