Scrapbook Expo

Written and Created by PaperCraftCentral Susan

Scrapbook Expos generate a lot of interest in my part of the world!

"Australia's annual Scrapbook & Papercraft Convention & Expo,
brought to you by the organisers of the Craft & Quilt Fairs, is held once a year
and only in Brisbane."

Do you go to Scrapbook Expos when they come to town?

I have a wonderful time at the PaperCraft Expo in Brisbane. They always seem to have people there who come up with new ideas, equipment and machines and I always want everything!

You will be pleased to hear I am (sort of) restrained and usually only came home with some new paper, a few new tools, some new paint colours, some freebies and some 'make and takes'.

You know I am a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, right? Well, I helped run a Stampin' Up! stall at one such event with five other friends. We had quite a time, meeting so many new people and enjoying ourselves demonstrating some of the lovely products. (If you live in Australia and I can help you place an order , do check out my Stampin' Up! store)

The Benefits of a Craft or Scrapbook Expo

One of the best things about such shows is the chance to meet up with so many like-minded people.

Everywhere I looked there were people on stalls or giving classes or browsing who I just knew were interested in everything to do with paper crafting.

That's a very special feeling to me.

These people knew about all sorts of things that non-papercrafters just didn't know.

Try talking about Die Cut and Embossing Machines and Accordion Albums to non-crafters without explaining what they are. They will think you are talking about important people and musical instruments, right? Lol!

You can have a chance to show off your own work at paper craft events like this too especially if you are already a stall holder. You can often enter your work in competitions to win prizes for themed layouts as well. Here's a white space layout I displayed one year:

I love the social aspect too. I had the company of a good friend and I am usually  able to meet other lovely friends for morning tea,  lunch, and for afternoon tea.

As a stall holder I still manage to visit most of the stalls and take part in some of the free demonstrations, see some showcase events and of course browse through thousands of products for sale, often at discounted prices.

Friendly stall holders provide heaps of information, brochures, free copies of magazines, and even some free stamps.

It's also a perfect time to see what might be the new trends in paper crafting.

One year I noticed new brands of cutting machines were everywhere. There were manual ones, electric ones, computer enhanced ones and even free software discs on some stalls. I think home decor items are going to grow even more popular and the variety or products and projects available for enhancing your home is going to grow too.

Another trend is to provide lots of ways to have customised embellishments.

Another year I noticed cupcake embellishments, doilies and dress forms. 

People were interested in gift packaging another time.

I wonder what will be popular next year?

The only regrets I had were that I forgot my camera/phone a couple of times and I could have spent another day, just taking in all the displays and classes available.

I hope you are able to take advantage of a similar scrapbook expo opportunity in your own part of the world or at least have the chance to travel to one (and even take your camera/phone along!)

I think such days are perfect for inspiring and enlightening us crafters about new paper craft techniques, products and machines.

Talk about getting your mojo back. It's one of the best ways I know to do that.

How to Find Local Craft Expos

You can find out about events being run in your area by searching for craft expos online. Try adding your town's name to your search.

For example, in Brisbane, Qld, Australia, the Scrap Book and Papercraft Expo site always has details of what is coming up.

You can also ask at local craft shops about what events they are aware of.

Another great source of information is fellow crafters! Often word of mouth is how people find such events. You might gain the bonus of attending with a few crafty friends too, by asking if they know when an expo is coming up.

Local radio, newspapers and magazines will be advertising events such as this.

There could also be posters and billboards around your town advertising expos.

I hope you will get to attend a Scrapbook Expo and have a great time.

If you enjoyed reading about this, you may also like to find out about how I used to run the Cards for Troops drive, or about how to run a Craft Auction or a Craft Market Stall yourself. These might inspire you to create an event or charity of your own, or to search for one to contribute to.