For generations, women throughout the world saved mementos of family passages in humble scrapbooks. Usually, they were photo albums renamed as "scrapbooks." Scrapbooking did not gently morph into the art industry it is today. Rather, it popped out pretty much like a hatchling a decade or so ago. Nowadays, there are aisles in craft stores dedicated to specialty scrapbook paper, stickers, graphics and bindings. There are scrapbooking clubs and events, even a series of murder mysteries cloaked in scrapbooking garb. The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department [VVFD] Auxiliary turns the popular hobby into a semi-annual fundraiser. On Friday and Saturday, March 9 and 10, VVFD’s Flame Room hosts scrapbooking workshops and activities, open to the public.
"This is a good opportunity for a mom to focus on creating her album for her family or her children without interruption," said scrabooking chair Lisa Emerson. "For a couple of times a year, these women get to see one another because they’ve made friends who have the same interests. They’re excited to get together and talk about their families and their lives."
Local businesses help support the event, now in its 12th reincarnation, Emerson said. Three vendors, Close to my Heart, Stampin’ up and Creative Memories, will sell supplies and give demonstrations throughout the days. Even a massage therapist will provide massage, charged by the minute, to event attendees. Newcomers to the craft are welcome to come and learn techniques.
Every paid participant receives a "goody bag" provided by vendors and local businesses. Each ticket gives the guest a chance to win a door prize valued between $50 and $100. Local businesses donated gift cards as raffle prizes.
"The most important thing about this, is that we’re raising money for the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department," said Emerson. Last fall, the scrapbooking event raised $2,000 for VVFD.
The Friday night activities run from 6 p.m. to midnight, and the day-long Saturday workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department station is at the corner of Center and Cherry streets, opposite Waters Field. Free parking available at the fire house.
Early-bird registration is closed but registration fees of $55 for both days is still open. Fee includes lunch on Saturday.
For more information, see vvfd.org.