Scrapbooking Dreams become a reality

Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
DREAM TEAM — Scrapbooking Dreams opened for business at its new location in Island Falls, just off Interstate-95 in January and has seen brisk sales thus far. Business owners include, from left, Emily Hosford, Jennie MacArthur and Jen Hartsgrove. The business was originally located in Hartsgrove’s home in Patten, but the need for more space prompted her to expand in Island Falls.
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    ISLAND FALLS — If arts and crafts are your thing, a trip to Scrapbooking Dreams in Island Falls is in order.
    Located at 1143 Crystal Road, just off Interstate-95 next to Porter’s Cash Fuel, Scrapbooking Dreams opened at its new location in January and has seen steady business. Owned and operated by the self-proclaimed “Dream Team “ of Jen Hartsgrove, Emily Hosford and Jennie MacArthur, the business has a variety of items for both the novice and experienced scrapbooker.
    The business began in the Patten home of Jen Hartsgrove in 2005 and enjoyed a faithful following. However, after she started having children, she quickly ran out of space at her home and started looking for a new location.
    “I had my bachelor’s of fine arts, with a concentration in photography and scrapbooking just went along with taking pictures,” Hartsgrove said. “It was my creative outlet.”
    At first, she had about 700 square feet designated in her home for the business, but as her family grew, the business space suffered.
    Two customers — Hosford and MacArthur — approached her to open a new retail location and the trio quickly began looking searching for the ideal location. When the group found the perfect location available near the Interstate, they jumped at the opportunity.
    “We are not too far from Houlton and not too far from Medway,” explained Hosford. “It really is the perfect spot.”
    Inside Scrapbooking Dreams, customers can find a variety of items to get them started. Paper products, stamps, stickers and tools for the trade are all readily available. Among the many lines they carry are Kaisercraft, American Best, Technique Tuesday, Stampendous, Best Creations, Outlines, SugarTree, Papers Best, Heartfelt Creations and Mosaic Moments (Tammy Potter).
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
HOLIDAY CRAFT — Jennie MacArthur works on an Easter craft.
    The business also features a large classroom space where they hold card and layout classes, as well as “Open Crop Night,” where individuals can bring their own supplies and use space to visit with friends and be creative for a cost of $2.
    Hartsgrove said she loves scrapbooking her kids while chatting with fellow scrappers. She is also the hostess at the North Country Scrappers’ retreat.
    Hosford was introduced to scrapbooking through a friend. After discovering the addiction of paper and paper crafting, she soon went from scrapbooking her grandsons and cats to card making.
    “I love to design cards and share with others the art of papercrafting,” she said. “Socializing with a group of friends who share the papercrafting passion is my time for relaxation from a busy 8-5 career in banking.”
    Card classes are held Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and are typically led by Hosford. Scrapbook layout classes are held Thursdays and Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. and “Open Crop” nights are Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m.
    Another aspect of the business is special weekend retreats held at various times throughout the year. The “North Country Scrappers” retreats are opportunities for scrapbook enthusiasts to gather for a weekend of extensive project making held at North Country Lodge.
    The next retreat is slated for March 24-27, with a second weekend set for March 31-April 3. The all-inclusive retreats typically field about 30 individuals. For more information or to make a reservation, call 528-2320.
    The business is closed during the weekend retreats. The women are also exploring expanding to private retreats for groups of 10 or more individuals for events such as baby showers, wedding parties and benefits.
    MacArthur has been scrapbooking for about six years, but, like Hartsgrove, found having smaller children made it difficult to do in her home.
    “I would clutter up the dining room table and then need to put it away to serve dinner,” she said. “My mother [Hosford] got me interested in it again a few years ago when we started going to the North Country Lodge retreats. I love it all. Doing pages and kits and cards. I consider myself the organizer of the Dream Team. I like to keep notes and records and have all of my ducks in a row.”
    The store is based on the belief that customers’ needs are of the utmost importance. The team is committed to meeting those needs and as a result, a high percentage of business is from repeat customers and referrals.
    “We would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service in the industry,” Hartsgrove said.
    Scrapbooking Dreams is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 267-0390 or visit their website: www.scrapbooking dreams.net.