Scrapbook Store Soon a Memory

allowed newlyweds to commemorate their
marriage with stickers and glitter and offered a haven for grieving parents to memorialize a lost child.

It provided a cozy spot for girlfriends to scrap and chat and for mothers to take a break from the kids for a few hours.

But after 11 years in business, the scrapbooking shop will soon be a memory itself. A Time for Memories is closing July 31.

"It’s not our choice to leave,” said Lucy Lambert, one of the store owners. “We don’t want to.”

Lambert, of Upton, said A Time for Memories will be closing for
many reasons, including the economy, online shoppers, and big box craft stores such as Michael’s and A.C. Moore.

She also said that many other independent scrapbooking stores have been closing as well for similar reasons.

“It’s too late for us for support,” she said. “But people should support their local stores. Their prices aren’t that much different [from big box stores], they carry products that no one else carries, and the people that work there are more knowledgeable about the products.”

But business and money aside, Lambert said the real reason for the store was to launch a supportive mission.

“People have come in here after losing a baby, or people
come in here after just getting married,” she said. “It’s the milestone events that people come here for. We know people well here.”

Many of the people that congregate in A Time for Memories know
each other well too, and will miss the store after it closes.

“There’s a real camaraderie here,” said Deb Snyder, who scrapbooks at the store. “You really make fast friends.''

Pattie Reichle also likes to bring her scrapbook materials to the store for some work and play.

"You can get a lot done, or not get a lot done,” she said. “It’s very social here, and you have fun.”

And having fun is what Lambert plans to do until closing day.

“I promised there would be no tears until July 31st,” she said.

A Time for Memories will maintain its current business hours, classes and “croppin’ drop-in” hours until July 31^st.  

For more information, check out the A Time for Memories website.