Scrapfest '07 @ MOA

I'm going (of course!) as I only live about 10 minutes from there. Get to the mall early each day. Study the maps of where the vendors are and if you like certain products try starting at their booths. If one of our group finishes a make and take first, they go grab a spot in the next line. Get your packed Thursday night, if you are in town in time. It can save a lot of time on Friday morning.

On the end by SEI (usually by Macys), there is usually a booth (EK success??) that changes the make and take every day. Me and My big ideas also changes their make and takes each day so it pays to do them each day. Most others keep the same ones, so don't feel bad if you don't get through them all over the first day, especially if you have classes to go to.

DCWV always has an easy, quick one and the line there is never long. For the past couple of years they have been in the Bloomindales corner. A good one to sneak off and do if you are in a long line. And there are lines, so it pays to keep a magazine or two in your bag to read through. Also bring a stiff sided paper keeper or the like so your make and takes don't get smushed. girlfriends and I are traveling from Georgia to the mega event, and

We did get classes, thankfully! I was in Alaska on a mission trip with my church, and my friend was on one computer, her husband on a laptop, and her 11-year-old son on another laptop to get all three of us signed up! I think 2 of us got 6 classes and one of us got 2 classes...we got 1 Crop Around Town at the mall and are winging the other night...boy did they sell out quick! I keep checking every day to see if the class I didn't get opens up, but no luck. Maybe there'll be an opening when we get there, or someone will want to trade. I'll keep those fingers crossed!

Thanks for the heads up on reservations and the like. We're staying at the Hilton and we're flying in early on Thursday. I think we arrive 3ish so that should give us time to study the mall and see where we want to go and what we want to do. The great thing about the

3 of us is that we're not attached at the hips! (Although my one dear friend is recovering from back surgery back in January of this year, and has currently been battling 2-directional vertigo...but, God love her heart, she isn't letting it get her down! Scrapbookers, trudge on!)

With Archiver's (do you just LOVE that store, or what?!?) opening up their 3rd store at the MOA, will each store have different make 'n takes, or will each store be the same? I did read a previous blog (and it was probably yours about the sturdy make 'n take holder) and passed that info on to my friend...fantastic idea! When you say stiff sided paper keeper, will something like a Creative Memories paper organizer tote work, or something similar (got this really cute 12x12 accordion divider with handles at Wal-Mart on clearance!) or should it be hard plastic like what the cropper hopper is made from? Kinda like a make 'n take tackle box? LOL! The things we do to crop!

Thanks again for all this great info! I knew there'd be a fellow Scrapfest-er out there!!! : )

MissyCat, are you flying up from Atlanta? I will be going up there Thursday morning, and coming back Monday afternoon. I'm really looking forward to this trip! Kathy, thank you for the tips, I hadn't even thought about dinner reservations. I can see I have some more planning to do. Will the vendor maps be available ahead of time? Where's the best place to get one? I haven't been to MOA since the first year it opened, I'm sure it's changed somewhat. It should be a great weekend!

Mel K

Great job on getting into classes and into a crop. We only do a crop on one night too, the other we (meaning my sisters and friends) get together to do show and tell of our favorite make and takes from the day.

You should have plenty of time to get over to the mall and scope things out on Thursday. Archivers will start to have some of the stuff up in the store (of the new products) you can't buy then, but you sure can look. Plus, packet pick up on Thursday is much less crowded.

A creative memories paper tote/organizer should be just fine, as should your great Wal-Mart find. I usually carry a large bag too to pop everything in (including a water bottle).

And the bathrooms in Bloomingdales are much nicer than the mall bathrooms and less crowded.

I was a little confused about your MOA reference. Archivers only has one store at the mall. For this thing they use a conference room for one of the crops and I'm not sure where the 3rd crop will be. They usually do a card or two up in front of their store as their make and takes. Nice place for a break, and typically the only make and take on the 3rd floor. All others have been on the first floor. Kathy

Missy and Mel: If you run into issues when you are in town or just want to say high my cell number is six-five-one-three-two-four-three-five-five-three. Kathy

The Scrapfest website says that this year, for the first time, they are using the Rotunda for the crops. They say it has about 75 seats. I was able to get at least one workshop for each day, which wasn't easy, as both the signup and my nose surgery were at exactly the same time. Fortunately, I have a very understanding (and web-savvy) DH. He signed me up for exactly the classes I wanted. I'm going to have to carefully balance what I bring and what I take home against the limitations of checked baggage. I may end up shipping a bunch of stuff on Monday!

Mel K

Archivers in the mall is very expensive too. so beware. might find it on ebay cheaper later, if you have patience.

I recommend the "Rainforest Cafe". so cool to eat here.

cowchipper

I was there in town for 3 days and we only went to the MOA while we were there and STILL didn't see everything. I loved the aquarium in the basement too!

cowchipper

dash?...where's the 2 dashes.... now I am totally confused....lol

cowchipper

I am SOOOOO jealous! You live that close to go! Ah well, that is omething that soneday I'll get to goto. For those going I hope you ahve a grand time, spend lots and wear out that wallet! LOL