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From Stickers to Storytelling: Inside Sacramento’s Biggest Paper Crafting Celebration

A Two-Day Celebration of Crafting, Creativity, and CommunityWalk into the Cal Expo Center on a crisp October morning and you’ll hear it before you see it—the steady hum of paper trimmers, the soft clatter of crafting carts rolling across polished floors, and the unmistakable buzz of hundreds of creative souls converging in one place.This is the Stamp & Scrapbook Expo, and it’s not just a shopping event—it’s a full-on creative revival for crafters, journalers, memory-keepers, and DIY dreamers.Each fall, Sacramento becomes a temporary home to thousands of paper lovers and crafting enthusiasts from across Northern California and beyond.They come not just to browse patterned paper or test the latest die-cut machines, but to connect, recharge, and rediscover why creativity matters in a world that often moves too fast.As longtime attendee Elisa from ScrappyWife.com puts it:“This isn’t just about supplies. It’s about coming home with new ideas, new joy, and a reminder that your creativity deserves space.”Whether it’s your first time stepping into this vibrant playground or you’ve been counting down to it all year, the Stamp & Scrapbook Expo promises more than paper and glue.It offers inspiration, community, and a chance to remember what it feels like to create just for the joy of it. What Is the Stamp & Scrapbook Expo?Held annually at the Cal Expo Center, the Stamp & Scrapbook Expo returns to Sacramento on October 24–25, 2025.It’s a two-day celebration of all things paper craft, spanning Buildings A & B and drawing creative hobbyists from across California.The event is designed for scrapbookers, card makers, art journalers, mixed media fans, and even bullet journal planners.Whether you're a seasoned maker or just starting out, you’ll find something that sparks your imagination.General admission is just $12 per day, and you can register for themed workshops or crop parties to go even deeper.Beyond crafting, the Expo also becomes a destination for reconnecting with creativity as self-care. Many attendees take time off from work or make it a girls’ weekend. Hotels in the area often book quickly, as groups of friends plan their yearly pilgrimage to this haven of inspiration.How It Grew Into a Creative DestinationThough part of a national touring series, the Sacramento stop has become a West Coast favorite.For many, it’s more than an event—it’s a tradition.Elisa, also known as The Scrappy Wife, reflects:“I kind of plan my year around it. There’s something magical about being surrounded by people who get it—who understand why a piece of patterned paper can make your whole week.”That shared passion is why the Expo feels less like a convention and more like a gathering of creative friends.It’s where memories are made between glue dots and laughter.Longtime vendors also speak of the Sacramento Expo with fondness. One vendor from Oregon said, “There’s a certain warmth and kindness at this stop—it’s not just the shoppers, it’s the vibe. People genuinely care about the experience here.”Over the years, organizers have added more local vendors, invited regional designers, and listened to feedback from attendees to make each year better than the last. It’s this responsiveness and community feel that turn first-timers into regulars. From Make & Takes to Crop Nights: The Expo ExperienceMake & TakesBooths throughout the vendor hall offer hands-on mini-projects you can complete in minutes.Create a greeting card, try a new stamping tool, or layer on embellishments—all with guidance from pros.These projects are fast, fun, and perfect for sparking fresh ideas.You also get a rare chance to try before you buy. Unsure if alcohol inks or a foil transfer machine is your thing? Do a Make & Take, get your hands on it, and decide with confidence.WorkshopsDozens of workshops let you dive deep into topics like:Mixed media backgroundsTraveler’s notebook layoutsDie-cutting and embossingScrapbook page designLayering with stencils and rub-onsYou walk away with real projects, new techniques, and the confidence to keep creating.Some workshops are taught by nationally recognized instructors and designers, who bring fresh perspective and often share their own creative processes.Attendees often bring home not only finished projects, but technique sheets, new tools, and a burst of creative energy that carries them into the holiday season.Crop Parties (Play Dates)Themed crop nights are a huge hit.Bring your projects, tools, and snacks—and spend the evening crafting alongside new friends.Friday’s Fright Night Crop adds Halloween flair with prizes and costumes.Saturday’s Pajama Party Crop is cozy and laid-back, perfect for unwinding and having fun.Each crop has raffles, giveaways, group games, and photo booth setups. People decorate their tables, bring lights, and some even coordinate outfits. It’s not unusual to see themed pajamas or hand-made name signs adorning each group’s workspace. New Discoveries and Industry TrendsOne big draw is early access to new product launches.Popular brands like Simple Stories, Photoplay, Trinity Stamps, and 49 & Market often showcase their newest collections at the Expo.You’ll also see trends in real time.This year, hybrid memory keeping—blending digital, travel notebooks, and print-at-home elements—is on the rise.So is the use of rub-on transfers in planners and journals.“The new rub-ons from 49 & Market totally changed how I decorate my planner,” one attendee said. “They’re mess-free and absolutely gorgeous.”Other trends include:Eco-conscious crafting using recycled materials and sustainable adhesives.Minimalist journaling with curated color palettes.Foil and holographic finishes for cards and gift tags.Tech-savvy vendors also introduce apps that help catalog your stamp collections, track layouts, or even connect with other crafters post-event.Why It’s More Than a Shopping TripYes, there’s plenty to buy—but the real value is how the Expo makes you feel.This is a space where creativity is honored, community is nurtured, and play is encouraged.Many say it feels like a retreat—a chance to step away from stress and reconnect with something joyful.“This isn’t just a hobby,” said one woman. “This is how I decompress. How I remember who I am.”Beyond the products, the Expo validates the importance of creative identity. It’s not about crafting for Instagram or trying to keep up—it’s about finding your personal voice and letting it come alive through art.In a time when digital overwhelm and burnout are common, this analog, hands-on event offers something rare: focus, joy, and tactile engagement. First-Time Tips for a Great ExperienceIf 2025 will be your first Expo, here are some helpful tips:Register early for workshops and crops—they sell out fast.Plan your parking (Cal Expo charges around $10/day).Bring a rolling tote or craft bag to carry your finds.Wear comfy shoes—you’ll be on your feet a lot.Pack snacks and drinks to keep your energy up.Carry a mini kit with scissors, adhesive, and pens for Make & Takes.Also, bring address labels with your name and email—many booths have prize drawings or forms. Having pre-printed labels saves time and increases your chances of winning goodies.Don’t forget to check out the Show Specials flyer that comes with your wristband. Vendors often give discounts or freebies for attendees who mention the code or flyer deal.A Creative Gathering That Sticks With YouAt its heart, the Stamp & Scrapbook Expo is a celebration of creativity in its purest form.It reminds us that crafting isn’t just about paper—it’s about storytelling, memory-making, and connection.Whether you leave with five new tools or simply a heart full of ideas, this event will stay with you.Like a perfect embellishment on a page, it’s the detail that brings everything to life.“Every year, I leave reminded that I’m an artist,” Elisa said. “No matter what life looks like, I get to come here and make something beautiful.”Many attendees keep in touch long after the event. Facebook groups, local meetups, and craft exchanges spring out of connections made during those two magical days in Sacramento. It becomes a creative family. Final Takeaways: Why the Stamp & Scrapbook Expo MattersThe Stamp & Scrapbook Expo isn’t just an event—it’s a creative lifeline.It offers inspiration, connection, and hands-on fun for people of all ages and backgrounds.If you’ve ever wanted to rekindle your artistic side or simply enjoy a day surrounded by beautiful things and kind people, this is your chance.Mark your calendar for October 24–25.There’s a seat at the table waiting for you—and a new story ready to be told.“The joy of crafting isn’t in the finished project. It’s in the process—the laughs, the paper cuts, the ‘aha!’ moments. The Expo brings all of that to life,” said one first-time attendee.Come for the supplies. Stay for the community. Leave with something priceless.📅 Event OverviewEvent: Stamp & Scrapbook ExpoDates: October 24–25, 2025Time: 9 AM – 6 PM (Fri), 9 AM – 5 PM (Sat)Location: Cal Expo Center, Buildings A & B1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815Website: scrapbookexpo.com🎟️ Ticket InfoGeneral Admission: $12/day (Kids 12 & under FREE)Workshops: $20–$45 eachCrop Nights:Fright Night (Fri): $44Pajama Party (Sat): $39VIP Package: $79+Tickets available online starting Sept. 23, 2025🗺️ How to Use the Map:You can zoom in or out, get driving directions, or view nearby parking and accommodations directly in the interactive map below.