About My Scrapbooking Retreats

Scrapbooking Retreats That Help You Finally Make Progress on Your Albums

If you've been looking for a scrapbooking retreat near St. Louis where you can relax, be creative, and actually finish projects, you've found the right place.

Hi! I'm Patty Mullins, also known as The Scrappy Flamingo, and I host welcoming scrapbook retreats in O'Fallon, Illinois, just minutes from downtown St. Louis.

For more than a decade, I've been creating events where scrapbookers, memory keepers, paper crafters, and Creative Memories fans can enjoy uninterrupted creative time in a fun, supportive atmosphere.

Whether you're attending your very first crop or you've been scrapbooking for years, you'll find a place where you can relax, laugh, create, and leave with completed pages instead of unfinished projects.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fun, Creative, and Inspirational are just a few words I would use to describe Patty's crops. I've been attending Patty's crops for years. I enjoy them so much that when I'm leaving her crop, I'm already excited for the next one. Whether you are a "newbie" or an experienced cropper, Patty's crops are a perfect fit. You will always leave having learned a new technique and/or how to use a new cropping tool. You will also either have made a new page layout or have all the materials to make it at home. 

Jill
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I've been going to Patty's Retreats since 2019.  She has become a close friend over the years to me and many others.  She puts a lot of time and effort in making each retreat fun.  Every retreat has a different theme and it's fun to see how the ladies dress up and also decorate their tables to match the theme.  I enjoy the free gifts Patty  (and Elaine) give to us and especially Hannah's cupcakes!!  

Denise
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Patty covers all the bases. She leaves “no stone unturned!” Her retreats are full of fun challenges as well as learning different techniques and are full of educational opportunities. I am not a scrapbooker. I’m a card maker. When she discovered this, she has made sure to incorporate “card making challenges and techniques” while using the products she supplies. Through all of this, I have made new friends, which is always a welcomed bonus. Patty is witty and fun to be around. I have traveled around to many retreats and her retreats are ranked up there as one of the best! I assure you that when you attend, you will not “get bored!”

Diana

More Than Just a Scrapbooking Crop

Life gets busy.

Between work, family, errands, and everyday responsibilities, it's easy for your scrapbook supplies to sit untouched.

That's exactly why my retreats exist.

When you join one of my scrapbook weekends, you'll enjoy dedicated time away from distractions so you can focus on preserving your family's memories.

Instead of wondering when you'll finally get caught up, you'll actually make progress.

Many guests tell me they complete more pages during one retreat weekend than they do in months at home.

What Makes My Scrapbooking Retreats Different?

When you attend one of my retreats, you're not simply reserving table space.

You're becoming part of a welcoming community where everyone is encouraged, supported, and inspired.

You'll enjoy:

  • Spacious 6-foot cropping space

  • Dedicated crafting time with minimal interruptions

  • Friendly scrapbookers who share ideas and inspiration

  • Creative Memories products available for purchase

  • Fun games, prizes, and surprises

  • Comfortable accommodations at the Drury Inn & Suites in O'Fallon, Illinois

  • A relaxed atmosphere where beginners and experienced scrapbookers feel equally welcome

Many guests come alone for their first retreat and leave with lifelong crafting friends.

Why Scrapbooking Retreats Matter

Our photos deserve more than living on our phones.

Albums tell family stories that can be shared for generations.

When you set aside time to scrapbook, you're preserving birthdays, vacations, holidays, graduations, everyday moments, and the people you love most.

That's why I'm passionate about creating retreats where you can slow down, enjoy the creative process, and leave with memories beautifully preserved.

Whether you're coming with friends or attending on your own, I'd love to welcome you.

Join Me at an Upcoming Scrapbooking Retreat

My goal is simple:

To create the kind of scrapbook retreat where you leave feeling inspired, accomplished, and excited to come back.

Come spend a weekend doing what you love with people who understand why preserving memories matters.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are your scrapbooking retreats located?

All retreats are hosted at the Drury Inn & Suites in O'Fallon, Illinois, making them convenient for scrapbookers throughout the St. Louis metro area and Southern Illinois.

Do I have to use Creative Memories products?

Not at all. While I'm a Creative Memories Advisor and products are available during the retreat, you're welcome to bring whatever supplies you enjoy using.

Can beginners attend?

Absolutely. Whether this is your first scrapbook retreat or your fiftieth, you'll feel welcome. Many guests attend their very first crop by themselves.

What should I bring?

Bring your scrapbook albums, photos, paper, embellishments, adhesive, tools, and any unfinished projects you'd like to work on. I'll take care of creating a welcoming environment where you can focus on crafting.

Can I come alone?

Yes! Many guests attend solo. One of the best parts of my retreats is the friendly community you'll quickly become part of.

Are overnight accommodations available?

Yes. Retreats are hosted at the Drury Inn & Suites, making it easy to stay on-site and enjoy the full weekend experience.

How do I register?

Visit the Upcoming Events page, choose the retreat you'd like to attend, and reserve your seat before the event sells out.

What areas do attendees come from?

Guests regularly travel from throughout the St. Louis metro area, Metro East, Southern Illinois, and surrounding communities to attend our scrapbook retreats.

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