How to Pack for a Crop Weekend

When you have the luxury of getting away for some quality, hard-core scrapbooking, you do not want to waste your time looking for supplies and photos. If you pack only the necessities, you will have less to haul into the venue and you will have plenty of time to create beautiful and unique scrapbook pages. And isn't that the point? Read on to learn how to plant for a crop weekend.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Page Kits
• 2.5 Gallon Ziploc Bags
• Accordion File
• Scrapbook Supplies
• Tote
• Clothing
• Pajamas
• Toiletries
• Bedding
• Care Kit
• Treats
• Seat Cushion
• Drink Cup With Lid
• Carrying Case

1. Read over the assignment sheet to see what is provided and what you need to bring for the weekend. Ask the event coordinators what supplies will be provided. Frequently cutting systems such as a die-cut machine, circle cutters and portable die cut machines such as Cricut or Sizzix are provided on site.

2. Determine how many pages you want to scrapbook over the weekend. Create an hourly average and make a page count goal. Don't forget to include time to stretch, sleep and eat, as well as socialize.

3. Create page kits by laying out the photos you want to scrapbook. Purchase page kits or make your own by laying out coordinating paper, stickers, embellishments and memorabilia. Seal your page kits in 2.5 gallon Ziploc bags.

4. Bring an album or an accordion file to store all your complete scrapbook pages.

5. Assemble your basic tools in a rotating office supply holder or a Tote-ally Cool tote which has multiple dividers. This should include your adhesive, black pen, pencil, water pen, Sharpie marker, scissors, ruler, Un-Du adhesive remover, photo cloth, craft knife, needle, corner rounder and Post-It notes.

6. Coordinate supplies with your scrap buddies. Assign each person to bring one category of supplies such as paints, inks, colored markers and chalk.

7. Pack comfortable clothes, pajamas, basic toiletries and the bedding supplies you have been asked to bring. Keep this suitcase separate from your scrapbook supplies in case something spills.

8. Pull together a care kit. This could include Band Aids (for those paper cuts), headache and antacid medications, tissues, lotion, instant coffee or tea and wipes. Don't forget the candy.

9. Include a comfortable seat cushion, a sweat shirt and a drink cup with lid.

10. Load everything into a scrapbook specific carrying case such as the Cropper Hopper.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are rooming with other women, consider bring a fan for "white noise." This will help eliminate strange noises, snoring and people coming to bed late.
• Beware of music preferences. If you would like to listen to music during a Crop Weekend, it is probably best to bring an iPod or headphones and CD player. If you do play music audibly, make sure it is quiet enough that it does not distract or irritate anyone.