Maggie Farina's card for her 550 New Avenue Ave. business, Maggie's Place, reads: 'Come and join the world of scrapbooking.' After speaking with Maggie and her customers, it becomes clear that for them, scrapbooking truly is a universe unto itself.
"Most people think they're not creative," Maggie Farina said, "until they come to scrapbooking."
What Is Scrapbooking?
Scrapbooking is anything that you want it to be. You start out with a piece of paper and add photos, other objects, and journaling is a big part of it, too.
"You have to journal," Maggie said. "It has to be in your own handwriting."
Journaling gives each page a personal touch, which is the point for many.
Maggie added, "It's telling a story about your life."
A Real Community
"We're there to help each other," Maggie noted of those who attend her classes and scrapbooking sessions.
Classes at Maggie's Place (which is open about every other weekend. Check out her website for a full schedule) include Card Marking, Stamping, Scrapbooking, Papercrafting Techniques, K&Co's SMASH Books and Zentangles.
A day at Maggie's is affordable, too. "I charge $20 for the whole thing," Maggie said, referring to the regular 10 a.m. - midnight crop sessions.
Speaking with a few of Maggie's loyal customers, it becomes clear that they're a tight-knit clan. "It's a wonderful group of ladies," said Maggie's Place regular Kirsten Wagner.
Anita Taylor, another enthusiast, noted that she began scrapbooking, "because my mother passed away." Anita created a heritage album and explored the genealogy of her family through scrapbooks.
Of Maggie's Place specifically, Anita had this to say: "I'll be there forever."
