In The Burbs: Friends -- Scrapbookers share more than memories at crop nights

Scrapbooking is about more than encapsulating family memories into a book.

For one group of friends, it’s a regular, enjoyable outing for creating their own memories.

The social aspect of scrapbooking is what brings together sisters Carol Duerkes of Brookfield, Sue Svehla of Oswego and Kathy Feltz of Sandwich, along with their friend Kristen Rios of Downers Grove.

“We get to catch up,” Svehla says.

“It’s our girls night out,” Duerkes adds.

A girls night out for the ladies used to be meeting for dinner, they say, until the scrapbooking bug bit them all. The four women have been meeting for monthly scrapbooking sessions for five years, often attending Friday crop nights at Memories & Beyond in Downers Grove.

“We also like to come for scrapbooking ideas,” Rios says. “It’s nice that this place has a lot of stuff that you can’t find at other places.”

Alice Myk, owner of Memories & Beyond, says those who attend crop night have access to the die-cut machines and paper cutters, among other scrapbooking supplies. The store also provides light refreshments, and welcomes children.

The group of women chatted with each other, talked about their scrapbook page progress and indulged in some chocolate cake at a recent Friday crop night. Memories were transferred across the table of a friend’s wedding, family trips and a baseball game.

“(Crop night) is a common ritual for scrapbookers,” Myk says. “It gives people the opportunity to gather with their friends...

It’s a lot more fun doing it with people with the same hobby. It’s scrapbooking camaraderie.”

Crop nights at Memories & Beyond are from 5 p.m. to midnight every Friday and Saturday for $8 per person.

MEMORIES & BEYOND
WHERE 1400 C 75th St., Downers Grove
HOURS 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday
WEB SITE www.memoriesbeyond.com
CONTACT (630) 271-0610

ALSO TRY
The Scrap Shack in St. Charles - www.thescrapshack.com
Michaels, the arts and crafts store - www.michaels.com