Memories in the Making: Tinley Resident Takes Scrapbooking to the Next Level

resident Kathy Congreve had no idea that making a heartfelt gift for her parents' 50th wedding anniversary would lead her to embark on a new career path.

She now is a consultant for the web-based business, Creative Memories. It all started when she and her sister decided 14 years ago to make a scrapbook for their parents' wedding anniversary. They raided old albums and solicited photos from friends and family. Not only did her parents tell her it was the best gift they'd ever received, but others said they were inspired to make scrapbooks of their own.

Today, Congreve’s consult work is flourishing. The website offers inspirational tips for every level of scrapbooking from crafters who are just starting to those looking for a new twist on an old technique.

Congreve teaches her clients how to use journals and memorabilia to tell stories that go along with their pictures. But what’s made her successful is her understanding that photography and technology are constantly evolving.

“With digital cameras, our business has really changed," Congreve said. "When we started out, we encouraged people to get their pictures out of the shoe boxes under their beds. Now, we're encouraging people to get their pictures off of their memory cards."

She makes sure products and ideas for digital scrapbookers offer organization and editing from a computer—she wants those tips to be as readily accessible as physically taking on the craft.

There’s no need for the modern-day scrapbooker to buy stickers, paper or tools, she said. The digital scrapbooking software allows clients to go beyond the personalized pages of a book and transfer their memories to objects like mugs and calendars.

In some groups, scrapbooking is a social outlet. Congreve takes advantage of this by regularly hosting scrapbooking parties and teaching classes in after-school programs, Girl Scout troops, women's groups, various libraries and park districts.

She stays motivated by always thinking of the lasting impact of her products and her work.   

“I feel I am providing a valuable service not only for this generation, but future generations that can look back on our lives through the scrapbook albums we've created,” she said. 

Know More About Creative Memories:

• The company website allows customers to search for consultants in their areas, linking them to those specific websites.
• Congreve's Creative Memories features online catalogs and ordering with direct shipping options.
• Specials and new products are introduced every month.
• A project center available on the site gives clients inspiration and ideas.
• Services cater to both traditional scapbookers and digital scrapbookers.

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