Scrapbooking has been around a long time, which is what I discussed in the first article in this series. Creative Memories has been around since 1987 and while having thousands of devoted followers, equally has thousands of people that really dislike the name. So what is the big deal with Creative Memories anyway?
Aside from their claim that they invented scrapbooking, there have been other problems with the products, and consultants from day one. This is not to say that I dislike Creative Memories at all. I am only relaying what the problems others have faced are. I do not use CM products, however one of my very good friends is a CMC and I scrapbook with her often.
Another common complaint by many is that the products are extremely limited. In fact, in reference to scrapbooking a CM layout, many refer to it as wall-papering. Here’s why. A CM album is called a Scrap Hinge album. The problem with most scrap hinge albums is that you have to scrapbook in order because the pages go directly into the scrapbook and you scrapbook on the front and back of the pages provided. There is no room to mess up, or you will have a scrapbook that is out of order. For some this is not a problem, but more most, it seems to be an irritating factor. In addition, you are provided with completely white pages. They only way to add color is to add your own cardstock or patterned paper. Thus the term wall-papering. For a long time, CM did not have much to wall-paper with leaving people with bland and boring pages. Thankfully they have come a long way and are now offering new products that really are much more fun and exicting to use. They still have a long way to go in the products they carry, but I am pleased at their expansion, as are many other people who have chosen to stay away from CM.
There is much more on this topic. Please read What is the Deal with Creative Memories (1) and stick around for the next installment in What is the Deal with Creative Memories (3).