Scrapbooking Retreats, Creative Memories Products & Creative Inspiration Serving the St. Louis Metro Area

Scrapbooking Retreats, Creative Memories Products & Creative Inspiration Serving the St. Louis Metro Area

Make Time For Your Memories

Your photos deserve more than sitting on your phone.

At The Scrappy Flamingo, we help scrapbookers throughout the St. Louis metro area, Metro East, and Southern Illinois turn treasured memories into albums they'll enjoy for generations.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing scrapbook retreat, the latest Creative Memories products, or a welcoming community of fellow memory keepers, you've found your creative home.

Our scrapbook retreats in O'Fallon, Illinois offer dedicated time to work on your albums, organize photos, learn new techniques, and enjoy uninterrupted creativity with people who share your passion.

Hi, I'm Patty Mullins

Hi, I’m Patty Mullins (aka The Scrappy Flamingo) a Creative Memories Advisor who believes your memories deserve more than a spot on your phone.

My journey with scrapbooking began in junior high, where my fascination with genealogy and old family photos naturally grew into a lifelong passion. In the mid-1990s, my sister introduced me to Creative Memories, and in 1998, I embraced the opportunity to become a Consultant.

Over the past 10 years, I’ve found a true passion for hosting retreats that bring scrapbookers together to work on their projects. These 3-day crop weekends offer dedicated time and space away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. I love getting to know my customers during these events, and it’s my goal to make each person in the room feel welcome, relaxed, and inspired.

For me, scrapbooking isn’t just a hobby — it’s a meaningful way to preserve the stories and memories that connect generations. Whether you’re looking to organize your photos, bring cherished moments out of the past, or create a beautiful album to pass down through the years, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s turn your photos into something you can hold, share, and pass down for generations.

RETREATS

Join One of the Best Scrapbooking Retreats

Our scrapbook retreats are designed for scrapbookers of every experience level.

Whether you're creating your very first album or you've been preserving memories for decades, you'll enjoy a friendly, no-pressure atmosphere where creativity comes naturally.

Every retreat includes:

  • Spacious work areas

  • Dedicated creative time

  • Scrapbooking inspiration and ideas

  • Access to the newest Creative Memories products

  • Shopping throughout the event

  • Door prizes and special surprises

  • A welcoming scrapbook community

  • Plenty of laughs and new friendships

Many of our guests travel from throughout the St. Louis metro area, including O'Fallon, Belleville, Fairview Heights, Collinsville, Edwardsville, St. Charles, Chesterfield, St. Peters, and surrounding communities.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Patty's crafty weekends are the perfect balance of fun and flexibility. I love that all of the themed activities and games are optional, so everyone can participate as much or as little as they want. Whether I'm socializing with friends, focusing on my projects, or doing a little of both, I always feel included. There's never any pressure, just a welcoming atmosphere where every crafter can enjoy the weekend their own way.

Shelly E.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I love Patty’s retreats because they are the best group of friends a girl could ask for.   Scrapbooking is my therapy and I can go and work and leave all my worries behind.   This group of ladies have become my greatest of friends.  We laugh we cry we fellowship.   Whatever I need I can always find it with this group of friends.   Thank you to Patty for some of the greatest retreats I have ever attended.   I also get so much done during the 3 day event.   I average between 60-90 pages so that’s a win win for me.    Thank You Thank You Thank you. 

Elaine
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I love Patty's retreats, her themes for each crop are delightful, the group is so friendly and welcoming, and I get inspired by being with others who love scrapbooking as much as I do!

Sage T.

Want to stay up to date on all things Creative Memories and The Scrappy Flamingo?

Join my email list to be the first to hear about new Creative Memories collections, upcoming scrapbook retreats and crops, special promotions, creative inspiration, and memory-keeping tips all delivered right to your inbox.

Why Scrapbook?

Scrapbooking is about so much more than paper and photos.

  • It's slowing down long enough to remember what matters most.

  • It's preserving family history.

  • It's celebrating life's milestones.

  • It's sharing stories with future generations.

Whether you're just getting started or finishing albums years in the making, we're here to encourage, inspire, and help you enjoy every step of your memory-keeping journey.

Creative Memories & Stamp-n-Storage Products

Everything you need to create beautiful projects and keep your craft space organized.

As an Independent Creative Memories Advisor, I offer albums, papers, embellishments, border punches, tools, adhesives, page kits, and the newest Creative Memories collections to help you preserve your memories.

I also proudly recommend Stamp-n-Storage for high-quality craft room organization, including paper storage, die and stamp storage, ink pad holders, and customizable storage solutions designed for scrapbookers and paper crafters.

Whether you're shopping for creative supplies or organizing your craft room, you'll find products I personally use, love, and recommend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are The Scrappy Flamingo scrapbook retreats held?

Our scrapbook retreats are held in O'Fallon, Illinois, just 20–30 minutes from downtown St. Louis. We proudly welcome scrapbookers from throughout the St. Louis metro area, Metro East, Southern Illinois, and surrounding Missouri communities.

Who can attend your scrapbook retreats?

Everyone is welcome! Whether you're creating your very first scrapbook page, you've been scrapbooking for years, you're a card maker, paper crafter, or simply looking for dedicated creative time, you'll find a friendly, supportive community waiting for you.

Do I have to use Creative Memories products?

No. While I'm proud to be an Independent Creative Memories Advisor and offer the latest Creative Memories products at my events, you're welcome to use whatever scrapbook supplies you already own. My goal is for you to enjoy creating memories, no matter what products you use.

What should I bring to a scrapbook retreat?

Bring your photos, albums, papers, tools, adhesives, and any projects you'd like to work on. If you realize you need additional supplies, you'll be able to shop the newest Creative Memories products during the event.

How do I register for an upcoming scrapbook retreat?

Simply visit the Events page, choose the retreat or crop you'd like to attend, and complete your online registration. Seating is limited, and many events fill quickly, so I recommend reserving your spot early.

Why should I attend a scrapbook retreat?

A scrapbook retreat gives you uninterrupted time to work on your projects without the distractions of everyday life. It's a chance to make progress on your albums, learn new ideas, meet other memory keepers, and enjoy a fun, relaxing weekend doing something you love.

Do people travel from the St. Louis area to attend?

Yes! Many guests travel from St. Louis, St. Charles, St. Peters, Chesterfield, Belleville, Fairview Heights, Collinsville, Edwardsville, and communities throughout Missouri and Southern Illinois. O'Fallon is a convenient location that's easy to reach from both sides of the river.

Can I come by myself?

Absolutely! Many guests attend their first scrapbook retreat on their own, and they quickly discover how welcoming our community is. Whether you come with friends or arrive solo, you'll find plenty of friendly faces, encouragement, and people who share your love of preserving memories. By the end of the weekend, you'll likely leave with new friendships along with completed scrapbook pages.

Ready to Preserve Your Memories?

Whether you're looking for scrapbook retreats near St. Louis, Creative Memories products, or a community of people who love preserving memories as much as you do, we'd love to welcome you to The Scrappy Flamingo. Join us at an upcoming retreat and discover why so many scrapbookers return event after event.

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