"Scrap-A-Train" - The First Scrapbooking Day at IRM

Web Article, May 2007

by Ray Piesciuk

The 2007 version of the IRM Scrapbook Page

The event was sponsored by Julie Piesciuk who is an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. She underwrote the entire project so the event was put on at no cost to the museum. Julie also acted as the coordinator of the event. She designed and supplied the pieces for the page, lined up the volunteers, prepared the Diner Annex for the event and supplied the refreshments that were given out to all the visitors.

The weather that day started out very dismal; cloudy with a steady rain. Normally that would have dissuaded many visitors since family plans for the day are often made early and are based on the morning weather. Fortunately the skies brightened up around mid-day. After a slow start, the stream of visitors was steady throughout the afternoon. The scrapbookers ran the gamut from first-timers to experts. There were five stations set up for them to create and assemble the page. Many of the visitors commented to the Scrap-A-Train volunteers as well as train crews how much they enjoyed the event. One of the event goals was to give an alternate activity to family members who visit and may not be as interested in trains as other family members. We heard a couple of moms say "This is the most fun we've ever had here." We feel that this particular goal was met.

For a below average weather day, we enjoyed an above average number of visitors to the museum. We also had about 50 people come through and make scrapbook pages. In addition to the scrapbook activity, there was a display of Stampin' Up! products which the visitors could try. 100% of the net proceeds of any sales made during Scrap-A-Train Day were designated to be donated to IRM. In her ongoing commitment to the museum, Julie has generously extended this offer to any sales made until June 28, 2008. Mention code #IRM100 when ordering and the museum will receive an additional donation. So, if you are interested in scrapbooking or stamping, please visit Julie's website to view the on-line catalog. To place an order, contact her at 630-640-0802 or piesciuk@comcast.net. Not only can you get some fantastic crafting supplies, but you'll also be helping the museum.

Hats off not only to Julie for orchestrating this project, but to the many other volunteers who made the day such a success. First, thanks to Dave Diamond and Jerry Lynn from Buildings & Grounds for making the Diner Annex available and getting it ready for the event. Of course this event would not have happened at all without the help of the volunteers who staffed the various stations, giving the visitors guidance through creating their masterpieces. A huge "Thank You" goes to Virjean Brokaw (Station 1 - Punching), Jenny Math (Station 2 - Stamping), Jen Kolanowski (Station 3 - Detailing), Don C. Brokaw (Station 4 - Brads), Jennie Schauer (Station 5 - Gluing), Lori Anderson and Rosemary Anderson (Station 5 Help), Don V. Brokaw and Richard Schauer (Roving Help). The author helped with dispensing the snacks and Jerry Lee Saunders assisted with the clean-up.

There are a very limited number of scrapbook page kits remaining from the event. They are available through the gift shop for $9.95 while supplies last. All you'll need to do is add a little glue and your own pictures. Everything else is already done for you. But, once they're gone, they're gone. So hurry out and visit the museum gift shop to get your 2007 keepsake. If you are a stamper or scrapbooker or would like to get started, you can visit Julie's website. Make sure you mark your calendars for May 3rd and 4th, 2008 for our 2nd Annual "Scrap-A-Train" event. We look forward to working with you to make your own 2008 IRM scrapbook page.