Growing up during an age of expansive internet advancements, I was presented with all the warnings when it came to safety on “The World Wide Web.” The biggest takeaways from these lessons were always:
- Never reveal your true identity. Use a fake name, and don’t share personal details.
- Don’t meet up with strangers you interact with on the Internet.
Fast foward to July, 2025 and where do I find myself? In a camper van (with my parents, I might add…safety first!) traveling to Portland, Oregon. Why? To hang out with twenty-one online “strangers” I’ve never met in real life and who probably know more about the Lindsy behind @migimon2002 than most colleagues or family I see on the regular.
Participating in my first ScrapHappy Reunion is one of my biggest scrapbook event highlights to date! And, let me tell you, once I arrived in Portland (ahem…actually, Vancouver, Washington), these “strangers” quickly became the type of friends you feel you’ve known all your life. So all the warnings from my youth, be damned! I’d highly recommend meeting your virtual pals IRL. At least the crafty ones!
When J.R.R. Tolkien penned, “All that is gold does not glitter; Not all those who wander are lost…” he got it mostly right. A ScrapHappy Reunion is the perfect place for creative wanderers looking to find fellowship and crafting adventures. One definitely does not feel “lost,” but rather found. I mean seriously, who doesn’t want to hang out with like-minded crafty peeps in an epic location?! I disagree about the “all that is gold does not glitter” part, though. As scrapbookers we love to glitter all the things – be it the embellishments on our page or the sparkle of adventures in our stories.
So, wander along with me as I countdown the Ten Things I Love About ScrapHappy Reunion, following my 2025 experience. And, we just might find some glitter along the way…
10. Peaches, Peaches...Peaches, Peaches, Peaches (and Snacks)!
Anyone who attends crops knows crafters are all about the snacks. This weekend was no exception. It started with my family picking up fresh peaches in Maryhill, Washington the day before our arrival. The whole box – we’re talking at least 60 peaches – was only $15! We managed to eat quite a lot, and one of the local gals took the leftovers to make jam.
We also had a plethora of strange treats to match our theme (based on Portland’s unofficial motto, “Keep Portland Weird”). You just had to keep going back to the counter to try more. Plus, us Canadians got to share some unique selections from “The North.”
We had so many lovely meals out together, too. And, no Portland weekend is complete without some Voodoo Doughnuts!
9. ATCs Gone Weird
Ahead of the event it was decided people would make artist trading cards (ATCs) to bring. With 22 attendees it was a time consuming endeavour, to say the least. But they were SO worth it. I loved receiving everyone’s cards, and now have a stash of personal souvenirs to commemorate the trip.
On the cards we were tasked with listing three ‘weird’ facts about us. It was yet another way to lean into our theme. It was a blast learning about each other in this way. And, for many, this was the first time they’d created something like these. How special!
8. Disco Balls At Dinner
I told you there’d be glitter!
The first evening of the retreat took us to Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers for dinner. This fast-food joint was seriously made for us, as there were sparkly disco balls hanging from the ceiling. Ummm, yes please!
The fact there were 22 of us didn’t even phase them, either. They simply called, “line to the door” and before we could barely blink they’d taken – and filled – all of our orders. I’d highly recommend this place, as the chicken fingers were some of the juiciest I’ve ever had from a chain restaurant.
7. Food Truck Fiasco
Some of my favourite core memories from Reunion are from Monday Funday. On this day we decided partaking in some of Portland’s vast food cart culture offerings would be a perfect addition to the itinerary for lunch.
Well, let’s just say those of us who Uber’d to the location had a little <ahem…dropped off at the wrong maybe-not-the-bestest-of-downtown-locations> detour. At least it gave us a story to scrapbook about!
6. Class Shenanigans & the Bestest Seat Neighbours
Considering Alice and I live in the same province in Canada (although, in our defence, 6.5hrs apart), we had NEVER met prior to this event. We were both very excited to see each other in the flesh, instead of merely through our computer screens.
We ended up being seat neighbours for the weekend (which I may or may not have taken upon myself to ensure as I plopped down my stuff next to her upon arrival, without giving any other option). Needless to say, I think it’s safe to admit we were clearly meant to know each other.
5. Powell's City of Books
Monday Funday included a visit to Powell’s, one of my FAVE places in Portland. This multi-story locale takes up a whole city block – a bookworm’s dream come true. I could spend all day here. Good thing there’s even a coffee shop inside, for when you need a break.
4. Supporting Local
The first night of Reunion included a road trip to the nearby city of Beaverton, for a private shopping experience at Whimzees & Pandamonium. Not only did they keep the shops open late just for us, but they also prepped make & takes. I purchased papers specific to the Pacific Northwest and Portland area, and helping to support local brick and mortar stores made the shopping experience even better.
3. A Two+ Hour Lunch Break
When you head out for lunch you don’t expect an experience. But that’s exactly what we got on Saturday at Jorge’s Margarita Factory. I wonder what the restaurant staff initially thought when a gaggle of ladies in matching tie-dye shirts traipsed through the door?!
Not only was the food amazing, but this restaurant had one of the most unique (dare I say, weird) drink menus I’ve ever seen. Margaritas served in fishbowls, high heels, and Tiffany & Co blue boxes adorned our tables…and our cameras were out capturing it all! It was refreshing to find I wasn’t the only person taking photos of my food, for once.
I’d sign up for another scrap-tastic lunch break with these gals anytime.
2. The Willamette, Dammit
Our Monday Funday afternoon cruise along the Willamette River was the perfect finish to my first ScrapHappy Reunion experience. I also learned I’ve been saying Willamette wrong my entire life but, thanks to Misty, I have the best rhyme to remember now. 😂
1. Teaching My First In-Person Layout Demo
I was both flabbergasted and honoured when Alice asked me to instruct on Friday afternoon. I’ve done small demos at events, both in-person and virtual, but this was my first official class.
I designed a sketch to lead the ladies through, complete with two samples (and even a handout to make it feel official). To create their layouts every attendee generously received a kit from Simply Stated Design, an independent Canadian paper-crafting company. To say we all had fun is an understatement. It is a scrapbooking moment I’ll cherish forever.
Again, I cannot express how lucky I am to have had the opportunity to make lasting connections with such fabulous individuals. Hopefully, it’s the first of many more meet-ups for @migimon2002 because, for this girl, ScrapHappy Reunion 2025 turned virtual reality into actual reality. And, contrary to what some may believe, reality doesn’t ‘byte’ … “not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.”
You can read more about our 2025 ScrapHappy Reunion in Misty’s Reunion Recap.
Until next time. Stay fun and fantabulous, scrappers!
