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Post by Nikki on Aug 14, 2011 19:58:08 GMT -5
Anybody going this year? I've never been to one but this year it actually falls during my week off so I'm severely considering it!
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Post by scrappykaren on Aug 14, 2011 20:08:41 GMT -5
I live about an hour away from Mall of America. I was thinking about attending this year. Never been to Scrapfest either. So it might be a possibility.
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Post by Nikki on Aug 14, 2011 22:00:15 GMT -5
What I like about it is that it's $22 "admission". And that includes 30 Make n Takes. Anything else is extra, like all the workshops, but there are still quite a few good ones with seats. I think I want to go and do the freebies and shop the vendors. For me, I'd rather spend the budget on products rather than classes anyhow. Anyways, maybe we'll both be there as first-timers this year!  |
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Post by Susan on Aug 14, 2011 22:21:25 GMT -5
I was at ScrapFest last year - and unfortunately I was less-than impressed with the actual event as far as scrapping goes. Here's why - you pay to get your ticket to go. That entitles you to do the 30-plus make-and-takes. The lines are HUGELY LONG, I'm talking 90-120 minutes long. To make a card with a half a sheet of cardstock and 2 cardstock stickers?!?!?!? Luckily I was there with a great group of ladies and we had fun talking and taking turns shopping the Mall of America stores... But lots of women get ridiculously impatient and rude. Some of the ladies that are there with walkers or wheel chairs thought they should have shorter lines, and made lots of the lines no fun to be in. Then there are the ladies there with strollers - and trust me - there are TONS! Really??? Strollers and toddlers at an event like this. Kids not happy, moms not happy. NO FUN for anyone to be around. The make and takes are run by manufacturers, and we did a total of I think 3 last year. One flower, one I-Topper brad and one card. The booths that are scattered all around MOA are just make-n-takes. In order to do any shopping what so ever you have to do it at the Archivers store in the mall OR the Archivers booth on the main level. ICK - lines and crowds are so not my thing. And the lines were everywhere. I think my friends and I left about 1pm - chalked up our entry fee to a lesson learned. The crowds and the ladies wheeling around scrapping totes and the mom's with babies and the lines - just made for a crazy morning. If you're going with friends, and you don't care how many projects you get to do, and you are looking at it as just a girl day away from home - then go for it. But I'd rather spend my admission $$ on supplies I picked out. Also - and I"m a little harsh in this category, so forgive me - but I was less-than-impressed with most of the make-n-takes. Stand in line for 2 hours at the Ki memories booth and stick a cardstock spider on a quarter-sheet of patterned orange paper - puhleeze!! So figure out ahead of time what you're looking for. If you're looking for crop-time, maybe just check out the night crops. If you're looking for inspiration and instructions - maybe a class? But overall I thought the idea of a wristband entitling you to THIRTY make-n-takes is kind of silly - there is no way anyone could have possibly made it to all 30 booths, if anyone made it to half I'd be shocked! Picture an amusement park like Disney land, where everyone has either a rolling tote, a stroller, a Cropper Hopper or a suitcase on wheels - and is also expecting great stuff for free. Pandemonium. Luckily - I went with a great group of girls and we could leave early and head to our cropping cabin in the woods for an amazing weekend!! Just my $.02!!!!  |
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Post by Nikki on Aug 15, 2011 2:18:13 GMT -5
Pfffft, who asked you, Susan???  ONLY KIDDING! That's all very good to know! The way it reads on the site makes it sound like vendors will be set up kinda like a convention all over, along with make n takes (which do sound kinda chinky but sometimes that's how it goes with "free"). I wouldn't necessarily want to go all the way to MoA just to shop at an Archiver's. It's a 5 hour trek and my adorable, naive husband agreed to tag along. I think if he read what you wrote, he'd rather just be shot dead now and get it over with. I don't ever mind long lines and such, but it does sound like maybe it's not worth the hassle. I agree completely that those precious crafting dollars can be better spent elsewhere-SL for instance! I appreciate your input, sincerely. Anyone else been recently? |
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Post by Susan on Aug 15, 2011 8:27:10 GMT -5
hahaha - you asked! And one thing I am is opinionated...and honest! Don't get me wrong - I had a great day hanging with my girlfriends, and shopping the stores we were waiting in line in front of. It's all about attitude - we laughed and told stories and people-watched. We didn't mind the 2 hour wait for the I-Rock demo...however...so many of the other people made it really difficult for the fun to continue. They complained and whined and had their kids in line with them - not fun to listen to for 2 hours!! And I will admit, the standing got a little old...I do better when I keep moving! LOL We had a great day - I'd never been to MOA so I explored the amusement park after we ate lunch in the food court, I bought some goofy tshirts about cold MN winters...but I didn't buy anything scrap-wise. I totally was under the impression that the vendors would be selling merchandise - and they weren't. Each booth of the mfg. ONLY had the make-n-take materials...and a few other samples of product projects. I don't want to totally ruin your opinion of the event - sorry! But I just wanted you to know that I flew all the way to MN to do the day with my girlfreinds and all of us were highly disapointed. LUCKILY we saved the entire weekend with scrap-plans we had made for after the event. Scrap-Scrap-Scrap at the girls' cabins...such a great weekend. 5 hours is a really long way to drive...if you're up for an adventure and are cool with people watching and visiting with friends - GO FOR IT!! Hang over the railing and hoot and holler at Tim...it's goofy fun! But if you're expecting tons of great deals...vendor shopping...and a relaxed atmosphere...you might be disappointed. If someone has a different point of view DEFINITELY speak up and share...I told you, I"m opinionated!! LOL |
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Post by 1whoscraps on Aug 15, 2011 11:26:12 GMT -5
I have never been but holly cow that sounds like something I wouldn't want to go near with a 10 ft pole.
Funny went to Expo this year (mainly go for the crop time) and I was so unimpressed with amount of vendors there and I laugh at the Make N Takes are on average $5..for nothing that interesting. It was bare bones and not that many people showed up except for the crop room which was completely sold out..and believe it or not someone brought a 4mo old baby..sigh..all in all had a good time but I have very little expectations other than the space I have to crop with.
I think if you go to the Scrapfest go with the fact that it will be a learning experience. Be forewarned as Susan mentions but sometimes you just gotta experience things for yourself and if nothing else just to have the right to say you did it. ;D
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Post by scrappykaren on Aug 15, 2011 13:11:05 GMT -5
Wow! Thanks Susan for the info. That's really disappointing. The Archiver's by me brags that event up to the hilt. Probably since they are involved with Scrapfest. I guess I could see the long lines and craziness at MOA. Not what I want to do. Well I guess I'll save my money and not drive down to MOA. Then I can buy more fun scrap treasures from Dani!  |
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Post by Susan on Aug 15, 2011 13:27:17 GMT -5
Wow! Thanks Susan for the info. That's really disappointing. The Archiver's by me brags that event up to the hilt. Probably since they are involved with Scrapfest. I guess I could see the long lines and craziness at MOA. Not what I want to do. Well I guess I'll save my money and not drive down to MOA. Then I can buy more fun scrap treasures from Dani! just to clarify - Archivers isn't INVOLVED...it's Archiver's event!!! They put it on, they line up the mfgs., they sell the tickets, they are the only ones allowed to sell merchandise. It's THEIR event. Get some girls together, have your own crop night - and keep the driving and waiting in line to a minimum!!! But if you go - just go prepared. I believe you can make your own fun wherever you go - last year when we were all waiting in one of the lines, we were laughing so hard that we were actually making other ladies MAD. I mean 5 of us standing there talking about stories and kids and husbands - laughing. And that irritated some people ahead of us who wanted grown women to behave! HAHAH!!! Go and have a good time with your friends...just wear comfy shoes!! LOL |
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Post by animal on Aug 15, 2011 14:17:47 GMT -5
Thank you for the 411 Susan, I always wondered about this event. Really, women getting upset because your trying to enjoy yourself w/ a group of friends who are standing in line and trying to make the best of it? Oh no! Susan, we call those type of people 'Haters'. That's too bad. When I'm w/ a friend or group of friends I'm as immature as a 15yr old cracking jokes, pulling stunts (don't ask) you know girl stuff... Like I said: Hatersssssss...  Thanks again! |
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Post by vicki7 on Aug 15, 2011 14:37:52 GMT -5
I just got pissed off dealing with back to school shopping moms, why do they have to be soooo rude but can't imagine dealing with a big crowd like that. Thought it was something I'd want to do but not now, lol.
Vicki
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vederekutz
Student Diva
"Get a good idea and stay with it. Dog it, and work it until it's done and done right." ?Walt Disney
Posts: 116
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Post by vederekutz on Aug 18, 2011 10:00:15 GMT -5
Wow. I've thought about doing some of these events with my mom and sis, but it sounds like it pays to do a little research and really figure out what you're getting into. You know, this only reinforces the idea of a Scrapyland get-together.  I know my mom mentioned some of us flying down to Florida to tour the warehouse, meet each other face-to-face, and have a great time scrapping. Wouldn't that be fun?  A lot of work to organize, though.  |
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Post by AnnaMatrix on Aug 18, 2011 13:06:10 GMT -5
Michelle, I so agree about a Scrapyland get-together! I think Susan is tired of hearing me nag about it...  Wouldn't it be fun, though? To meet all the divas in person, and Dani, and Susan, and see the warehouse and get to SHOP there???!!! To crop with each other over a long weekend, play games, win prizes, see some demos???!! Be still my heart!  I'd be more than happy to (help) organize it, if we can get the go-ahead!! Gail |
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vederekutz
Student Diva
"Get a good idea and stay with it. Dog it, and work it until it's done and done right." ?Walt Disney
Posts: 116
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Post by vederekutz on Aug 20, 2011 12:03:09 GMT -5
A Scrapyland get-together could be "Divas sharing with Divas," so that the demos are done by volunteers from the message board. Dani, Susan, etc, could get folks to submit videos of their proposed demos beforehand. That would help make sure folks kind of rehearsed their demos some, and it could help cut down techniques being duplicated. It'd also give everyone an idea of what supplies would be needed, what could be provided on-site, etc. Maybe some of the demos could be designated as the "Make 'n' Takes," while others might be better at featuring certain tools or products. And, I guess... if one of the demo folks couldn't make it, they'd at least have a video of the technique they could show. Someone could stand in to help participants with the details. Just thinking out loud. I think it'd be a lot of fun. |
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Post by AnnaMatrix on Aug 20, 2011 14:52:25 GMT -5
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ONLY KIDDING!
