I'm not a CM consultant, but I use their products a lot (almost exclusively). I got involved because a woman from church was a CM consultant. I was impressed with the quality of the products, but the real incentive for me was her monthly workshops, which got me moving on scrapbooking and keeping up-to-date. If you have a large network of neighbors, friends, school and church contacts, and a home that can accommodate regular workshops, give it a try!

I guess I am showing my true ignorance about this, but I am a self-taught scrapper who has done it all on my own. Anyway, is a CM consultant kind of like a Tupperware lady or Avon lady? I mean, do you have private parties in people's homes or what? And how could I find a local CM consultant? Do you just have to know someone?

I started out in scrap booking a couple of years ago in Creative Memories. Some consultants do do home parties, but most have monthly parties held in hall of some sort, depending on the size of the group. They are getting so big now that perhaps they might be listed in the phone books or contact a craft store they might know who is doing it. They are out of St.Cloud MN. I can't find a phone # on them, but I bet if we check the internet we could find a web site for them. As far as I'm concerned they are the best, bar none. I would think it would be an excellent job for some one with kids at home. You can name your own hours. So I say Susan go for it. Besides you have the name for it. My consulant's name is Susan and so is another consultant that I know. Norma

I learned how to start scrapbooking when I attended a creative memories party. However, after i really got into it, I noticed that creative memories is really lacking in variety. I like to use 12x12 printed papers all the time to add interest and color. Plus there are so many local stores in the large ciy that we live in, and so much selection of scrapbook supplies to choose from (and find on sale) that it seems silly to me to limit myself to only one brand. In my opinion, creative memories is good for people who are interested in serious archival, and simple, preserved pages. For those who really get into scrapbooking, consider it a craft, and a hobby, creative memories supplies just won't do.

Hi,

I am a Creative Memories Consultant, but I'm mostly a hobbiest. I sell to my friends and family & get my discount. I love the company, products and mission & my upline inspires me to want to be successful. However I don't really have the desire to turn it into a big business. It can be done !! You can work your business to make a little extra or to have a second income. All of the support CM provides is very good & motivating. If you decide to work it to make money make sure you have a upline that is helpful & motivating. I say go for it ! Attend a business information meeting in your area & that will help you with any questions you might have. Good luck !

Happy scrapping,
Aimee
P.S. I have used other products in my books, but I choose carefully & still think CM has the best quality & doesn't overwhelm your photos.

I don't do much scrapbooking but I read an article awhile back in a magazine about a lady who (for a price) would do your scrapbook for you. She contracts with an individual who hands over the photos and interviews the person as to the text to go along with the photos. It might be an opportunity for those inclined to place an ad for this type of service. I think the best selling item would be to show the prospect several of your own scrapbooks. It could turn out to be a nice little business. Some people just don't have time to do it themselves.

Hi- I've seen some gals make A LOT of $$$$ doing Creative Memories and I've seen a couple of them lose A LOT of $$$$ with angry DH's to boot. Who can blame them? One friend spent over $1800 trying to get her business off the ground and it just never happened. Khrystyne is right, CM is a great place to start but once you learn you get supplies else where.

I considered doing CM but balked when I realized I had to sign a contract to use only CM products. There are too many things on the market to limit yourself or your customers to one expensive product (which is lacking in variety). I started my own business independently.

I too, am considering making my hobby, a part time job. Not necessarily for the money, but for the company of other crafters who enjoy the same hobby as I do. To the best of my knowledge there is not an active club or group within 15 miles of me now, and I hate having to drive a lot futher to learn new ideas and layouts. I can't make myself just go with CM though. I find that there are just too many new items coming out almost daily, that CM just does not carry, and many people are requesting for their books. I think that CM got so used to being the "only" supplier early on, that they no longer tried to find and market new items, and so they are now paying the price for their slow marketing skills. While I do use some of their products, and enjoy them, I find MANY items cheaper, and of a MUCH larger selection, in the variety of stores that are now catching on to this craft, along with of course all the online stores now available. I would say that if you have enough of a following in your area of friends, who are not already connected with a CM consultant, then by all means go for it, but do your homework first. For example: How much will it cost you to rent/use a building for a class, if your home in not big enough for you to hold it there? How many friends do you know who would be willing to leave their regular CM consultant now, and become your customer? Who will watch your children while you are at your classes? What is your up front cost going to be and how long do you project it will take you before you recover these inital expenses? Does the building in question have heat, cooling, tables, and at least a fridge or soda machine for your classes? The more answers you find for these and other questions you ask yourself now, the more successful you will be later, and the more you will be able to judge if this should be your job or remain just your hobby. Good luck and I wish you the best. Penny

Thank you all for your responses. My current consultant actually came to me with the idea because she might be moving...I initially didn't want to start anything until she leaves. She would be helping me with everything and has given me all the start-up info...Looks good to me, even better if some of her customers (who I crop w/ already once a month) will stay with me if she leaves. I'm still thinking...I have a 6 and 2 yo, plenty of room in my house for a sm/med group, and my dh would watch the kids for my mo.workshop. I still am not wanting to jump into anything. Thanks again...and keep scrappin!!!

I think it's great that you are looking into turning your hobby into a job. I teach at a local scrapbook store and just love the creative opportunity it provides. Do you have a store near you? Have you thought about teaching classes? You could also talk with your local craft store - i.e. Michael's - to see if they need teachers. I haven't worked with CM but feel that you are limited if you must use only CM materials. There are so many great products out now. What a shame to limit anyone to one product line!