Thursday, June 7, 2012

Kismet and Crafters

 
I came home late from my daughter’s dance class last night and flipped on my computer just to check emails, Facebook, and Twitter messages. When I landed on Twitter, I saw the hashtag #scrapchat. Whoa. They were having a live chat then and there. When you participate in one of these chats, you just use the hashtag for each statement you key in and click the hashtag. Which makes it a live chat.

I was pretty excited—even though I was exhausted. I am not a night person at all. I hung in there and chatted with some interesting folks. The group hosting the event was ScrapExpo, who holds these huge scrapbooking conferences throughout the country. (One of these days, I'll get to one!) And they were chatting with Melissa Francis. I had no idea at first that they had a guest and was just chatting away with Rachel. Then we started chatting and asking Melissa scrapbooking questions. (Click on those names and you'll be taken to their blogs.) It was so much fun to pick her brain. It really just felt like a bunch of people getting together to chat about scrapbooking. Ni-ice. Here’s the thing: I had no idea that they are major designers and scrapbookers.

But it never really seems to matter how “big” scrapbooking artists and crafters become. Most of them are so inspired that they want to teach you everything they know. That is pretty cool. And generous. When I first started scrapping, one of the things that amazed me about the women and men I met were their generous spirits. It thrives among crafters everywhere.

Sometimes, it’s difficult to keep track of all the hashtags and events on Twitter. I just lucked out on this one. Now I know a couple of fabulous designers. And all because of a late night dance class. Kismet, wouldn’t you say?

5 comments:

Linda O. Johnston said...

I've remained reluctant to dive into Twitter, Mollie, but the kind of event you mentioned sounds like fun. I wonder if any are ever held about books... and pets!

Mollie Cox Bryan said...

Yes, there are I am certain. And there are other fun things like #Fridayreads. You just check in every Friday and mention what you're reading with that hashtag. You can see what everybody is reading and what they think about it. You can search on Twitter just like anything. Maybe do a search for dogs or cats and see what's happening in those communities. Thanks for commenting!

Scrapbook EXPO said...

Love this article!

If anyone is interested in the #ScrapChat Twitter Chat @ScrapbookExpo hosts them on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday every month at 6pm PST. Join in to share, learn and meet other Scrapbookers!

-ScrapbookExpo

Mollie Cox Bryan said...

Good to know! Thanks so much!

Betty Hechtman said...

I keep meanig to spend some time playing with Twitter. Now, you've given me a new reason. The chat sounded great. I went to my first knit and crochet show last summer. It was great, but a warning, you buy way more than you have time to work with.