All My Memories has become a legend in the scrapbooking world, but after seven years of brisk business, Brown is retiring and closing the store. Its last day will be April 26.

Brown does not want to retire, but she was unable to work out a lease agreement with her landlord. She wanted a year-to-year lease, but the owner wanted a five-year commitment.

Retail has been an increasing challenge for mom-and-pop stores, and Brown said scrapbooking, once the brightest star in the multibillion dollar crafting industry, has plateaued.

After holding her own against bigger chains who can offer lower prices, Brown now feels that business is too sketchy to make a long-term commitment.

"It's heartbreaking," Brown said. "Not only for me but for all the wonderful people I've worked with over the years."

Tamara Jensen, who teaches classes at the retail store, said students began crying when she told them the news. Jensen said All My Memories is known for its great selection and innovative design classes featuring the latest products.

The store has also been a generous donor. Jensen said Brown has donated hundreds of dollars worth of products to the LDS Young Women organization and many other groups in the community.

The store has also gained a large following among out-of-state scrapbookers. It has been featured in Creating Keepsakes, the juggernaut of the scrapbooking industry. The magazine frequently features products and design ideas from All My Memories, and the store is a featured retailer.

Each year the magazine hosts Creating Keepsakes University in Provo, and hundreds of scrapbookers from around the country drive up to Brown's store to spend hundreds of dollars on supplies, many of which are unavailable at home.

Too bad for them CKU won't happen until August. Brown has put the entire store on sale, with merchandise marked down by as much as 70 percent.

"We're selling down to the walls," Brown said.

As far as scrapbooking the store's closing, Brown should have plenty of supplies. In addition to this store, she previously owned three scrapbooking stores in Colorado, as well as her own manufacturing business.

The Draper store was the crown jewel of Brown's collection, and the last to go. Though she already has countless pictures of her beloved shop, it is important to Brown to scrapbook them.

"Pictures are good, but they don't tell a story," she said. "Scrapbooking does."

kdrake@sltrib.com

Where is it?

* All My Memories is located at 12218 S. Lone Peak Parkway in Draper. It will remain open through April 26.