Happy Hellos Everyone!
I hope today greets you at a point where joy and laughter begins and peace and tranquility never ends. It’s hard to believe over half of January 2011 has already come and gone. Before you know it, March will be here—at least that’s what I’ve been thinking. So, this year I decided to celebrate my birthday doing something I would really enjoy. I decided to have a ‘Birthday Crop.’ So, I choose a date, secured a venue, and selected a theme & a menu. The only thing I was missing were my guests. I pondered and pondered and pondered and for as much as I pondered, I came up with three people I was able to invite. Did I mention each person lives at least 40 miles away? I thought, ‘That’s not a party. That’s a regular crop.’ I decided to throw caution to the wind and invite my non-crafting friends. Well, I sent out the save-the-date notices and was I ever surprised. The first five responses I received were from my non-crafting friends. Their responses warranted telephone calls and sure enough, there was sincerity in the voices I heard. They genuinely had an interest in the process and not just the finished product.
That led me to think, "Will I convert any of my non-crafting friends at my Birthday Crop?" Who knows? What I do know is, in my small area, more and more people that look like me have become more receptive to the idea of scrapbooking and cardmaking. I hear less and less of this wonderful hobby being only an interest for our lighter sisters.
That prompts my question to you. Would you consider inviting your non-crafting friends to paper crafting event? Do you think they would show? How many of your family and friends have found interest in your hobby? When you’re shopping at your local craft store, are you beginning to find more people that look like you in the scrap aisles? Now that I’ve shared my thoughts, I’m curious to know yours.
Peace & Blessings,
Lorie
Yes indeed! It is nice to see diversity in scrapbooking growing in my area. The crowd I typically crop with includes a nice diverse group of people. It's such fun to watch as more and more people begin to enjoy this craft!
ReplyDeleteSo true. I can remember when I said "What is scrapbooking ?" Now my life is consumed with this wonderful hobby that helps me to meet many beautiful people.
ReplyDeleteThat's so true. I have met so many people and ventured out to several places I would not have ordinarily have traveled.
ReplyDeleteLorie my invite must have gotten lost in the mail.
ReplyDeleteYes, I would invite non-scrappers to a party. I have invited non-scrappers to CTMH, CM and SU gatherings in the past...now I am even more likely to do so after reading this post. ty
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started crafting (10-12 years ago)and I would go to some of the craft shows, I barely saw any Afro Americans. I'm beginning to see more of us at the craft shows, at Michaels, at the retreats and on-line. I have even found a craft club here in Chi Town and have been a member for several years. It's better sharing your art with someone else. It's lonely crafting alone.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post Lorie. I am seeing more and more ladies that look like me in the crafting aisles and it's a beautiful sight to see.
ReplyDeleteLadies: It's actually inspiring to know there are more and more people of color that are taking a genuine interest in our craft. Having read your comments confirms the need of having E:spire. It also makes the next seven days even more exciting as we anticipate the arrival of such a needed publication.
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