Thinking outside the ‘book’

On its own, the word “scrap” hardly brings to mind anything of value or worth. We think “scrap paper,” “scrap metal,” “scrap wood,” or something you might give to a dog or write directions on. But when Sun City residents Holly Veach and Sharon McLaughlin think of the word scrap, they see a treasure; they see family, friends, and memories, and preservation of same. They see Scrapping on the Spot.

Almost three years ago, Veach and McLaughlin did with their passion for scrapbooking what most people do when a passion grows beyond the constraints of personal hobby: they started a business. In doing so, Veach and McLaughlin not only opened their personal creative ideas to the public but also their hearts as well.

About three years ago, Sun City residents Holly Veach and Sharon McLaughlin took their passion for scrapbooking and turned it into a business that prepares personal scrapbooks on location of events for the guest of honor. (Photo by Dana Brandt/Happily Ever After Photography)

“Our mission is really to help everyone keep their memories alive through our photography and the way we embellish their story,” said Veach.

With Scrapping on the Spot, Veach and McLaughlin prepare personalized scrapbooks for the guest of honor at any party, from baby or bridal showers to birthdays to anniversaries to any range of special occasions or events. Only they do it “on the spot.”

When Veach and McLaughlin attend the occasion, they come fully equipped with their computers and cameras and are especially fully prepared, as the guest of honor will leave with their scrapbook in hand, completed, decorated, and storing the memories of the special occasion.

Veach said that preparation and communication with the host is required to produce the scrapbook on location. She added that they start preparing and organizing the book ahead of time to meet the host’s special requirements.

“We put the time in weeks before the event. We tailor everything to that person who is receiving the scrapbook. It’s a very consultative process, leading up to the day,” McLaughlin said. “That way, the person who is celebrating their event can go home with something they can appreciate [right away].”

Veach furthered, “We really know what to [focus on] when we get to the event.”

Veach and McLaughlin are also interactive with the guests. Depending on the host’s specifications, Veach and McLaughlin will have guests write personal notes for the scrapbook, which, Veach and McLaughlin found, is especially enjoyable to the guest of honor.

“It really is very touching to watch,” Veach said.

You could also say that Veach and McLaughlin think outside the “book” with their additional services. In addition to or in place of a scrapbook, Scrapping on the Spot also features personalized framed and decorated pictures with the subject’s story, or a souvenir, picture, or card with the title of the event.

“It’s really the artistic flair we put into it,” Veach said about what enables the many facets of Scrapping on the Spot. “There’s a lot of creativity in it. For us, it tells their [the guest’s] story. And that’s what really has people so fascinated.”

McLaughlin added, “It’s an instant keepsake.”

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