Scrapbook Converts 101

My friends and I were at a local scrapbook store and we met a girl scrapbooking by herself. After chatting with her a bit, she told us that she didn't really have any friends who scrapbooked. Not ANY friends who scrapbook? I couldn't exactly relate to her problem, but I've known the feeling of wanting people to share my passion for the paper crafting industry. I've always had a few friends who scrapped, but I've always day-dreamed about how fun it would be if more of my friends shared my joy. Here is a program which I have used in the past to convert some of my not-so-willing friends to scrapbook with me. Yeah, it's a little sneaky. Think of yourself as a secret agent for the scrapbooking industry... it's your duty to serve! Convert them!!

{Insert Mission Impossible Music}

"The Gift That Keeps on Giving" Route
Show them your scrapbooks. As you have friends, neighbors and family over; sit them down show them your scrapbook. You can start by saying something like, "Look what I made this weekend!" or you can be extra sneaky by saying, "Have you seen how much my daughters look alike?" Your friends will never expect you to convert them into our way of thinking. You should get a response like this, "WOW! I love your pages. I could never do that!" which brings me to the next trick.

Give a completed album or calendar with empty spaces for their photos and/or journaling. Be sure to include adhesive for them too. Nothing says, "I can do it!" like slapping pictures into an album. You can even add a baggie of some embellishments for them to add themselves.

This can lead to the next step, creating a project together. "Jenn, wanna come over and help me make a gift for Farrah's baby shower?" You can even ask your friend to split the cost. You can encourage them further by praising their talents and efforts. When your mutual friend opens her handmade gift, it will give your scrapbooking apprentice a great sense of pride and accomplishment.

You can give her your old idea books and/or magazines. "Here, just copy what they do. Before you know it, you'll be coming up with ideas of your own." www.scrapjazz.com is also a great source to refer somebody to. There are thousands of how-to articles and layouts available for viewing for free.

You can also share your supplies with your friend. The upfront cost of scrapbooking can be overwhelming for some. You can give your friend some of your unwanted items too.

The Crop Route
Host a crop at your house and invite your friend. You can ease her into it by saying, "Just come over and organize your pictures." People usually need to organize their photos and visiting with people is appealing. I've also converted others by telling them, "Just come over and hang out with us while we scrapbook." Watching others "in action" can inspire somebody to create. One last try could be, "You can catch up on filling in your baby book, calendar, plan your weekly meals, and/or grocery list."

Not willing to open your home? Invite your friend to a local scrapbook store crop and/or visit your local community center. They usually have rooms available for use. If all else fails, you can open your house. How bad do you want a scrapbooking partner? A safe way in-and-out is to set a time like 7-10pm. That way if you or your friend is not having a good time, it will be over quickly. That might also make your friend more comfortable to attend.

The Home Party Route
I saved this option of home parties for last because it can backfire in your face. This is a Russian roulette of sorts. These parties can be wonderful because they can teach people how to scrapbook. The attendees even go home with a completed page. . However, I've also seen folks be overwhelmed by the cost of a kit and be so discouraged that they disregard the hobby.

Home party companies often sell top notch products at a high price and somebody just starting might think they cannot afford the products and therefore can't afford to scrapbook. One way to save your friend from being discouraged is to let them know after the party, "That company sells some great stuff. But, you can find other things at craft stores for cheaper."

If you wish to have a friend to scrapbook with,I think you should make every effort to get one! If your attempts to bring somebody into your world have failed, do not be discouraged. You can just go to a scrapbook store and strike up a conversation with the person sitting across from you, much like the girl I mentioned above. You can meet people taking a class too. If there aren't any local stores; there are online crops, message boards and chat rooms. People don't care if you're in your pjs and you don't have to work extra hard to be accepted. We're scrapbookers, our common thread will knit us together, even through a computer screen.