Tell me about SOS...

I am curious about the history of this forum. When did it start, who started it and why? Is it linked to a store? Where do all the awesome prizes come from?

Carla will be able to answer this one, as she had it with her sisters before I started.
As for the prizes... we (Carla, I and DT or whom ever has one) uses their own stash.

It was started as a challenge blog, back in April 2007, by me and two of my real-life sisters We'd post Monday scrappy challenges and offer sponsored prizes for those. During the we'd post various scrappy tips and websites, kinda like we still do here on the forum.

In 2009, we had the chance to take over a forum. This forum was originally set up as "Scrap My Memories". WE had talked for some time about changing from a blog to a forum, but didn't know much about how to set things up, so this came at a good time

Our theme has always been to be kind, uplifting, encouraging, help you 'soar to new heights' in this craft and support you in the ups and downs of life; to inspire our members, and in turn be inspired BY them!

Currently, I am the only original "sister" left on the forum. BUT, I have adopted Helen as my sister! She has been a huge help and inspiration to me!

We are not linked to a store. Prizes are donated by myself and Helen -- and often our DT will also provide RAKs, etc.

Ahh.. thanks Carla...

Wow! I'm so glad you are here!
The main reason why I love it here so much is because of this statement: Our theme has always been to be kind, uplifting, encouraging, help you 'soar to new heights' in this craft and support you in the ups and downs of life; to inspire our members, and in turn be inspired BY them!
I don't think I've heard a truer statement!

What a great statement, Carla!

Thanks for sharing! Wow, you ladies are generous!

I've known Carla forever and was one of the original members of the challenge blog (not that I posted much) but Carla has been one of my main inspirations for taking my scrapbooking to new heights. She is my "sister" in other senses and this place reflects her kind heart, realistic outlook, and gentle spirit....

Perfect!

Great question Jessica. Its so nice to here the SOS story, I enjoy it here very much and the inspiration is amazing, and I must say you ladies are very generous. Thank you!

Kelly wrote:

I've known Carla forever and was one of the original members of the challenge blog (not that I posted much) but Carla has been one of my main inspirations for taking my scrapbooking to new heights. She is my "sister" in other senses and this place reflects her kind heart, realistic outlook, and gentle spirit....

I was a part of the original blog too! I loved the blog and was so worried when they started the forum because I don't like change so I didn't know what to expect but I'm so glad I jumped in & hung on

I've been here forever...and love it, I seldom play anywhere else...and some of the comments are reminding me that I haven't done a Rak challenge for way too long...so, I will dream up something soon!!!

Kelly wrote:

I've known Carla forever and was one of the original members of the challenge blog (not that I posted much) but Carla has been one of my main inspirations for taking my scrapbooking to new heights. She is my "sister" in other senses and this place reflects her kind heart, realistic outlook, and gentle spirit....

Awww, thanks Kelly!

You have been like a sister to me, also, especially in my homeschooling journey and with marriage/family issues. {{hugs}}

Carla wrote:

Kelly wrote:

I've known Carla forever and was one of the original members of the challenge blog (not that I posted much) but Carla has been one of my main inspirations for taking my scrapbooking to new heights. She is my "sister" in other senses and this place reflects her kind heart, realistic outlook, and gentle spirit....

Awww, thanks Kelly!

You have been like a sister to me, also, especially in my homeschooling journey and with marriage/family issues. {{hugs}}

It's all true, Carla. I feel like we've grown "up" together and gone through so much together. I can't imagine life without you!