How to Organize a Scrapbook Retreat

When it comes to scrapbooking, there's nothing better than a room with tons of space, hours of uninterrupted time and a dozen or so of your best girlfriends. Dish about kids and husbands, nosh on some great snacks and finally get all those photos out of a box, off your digital camera and into an album worthy of displaying on your coffee table. With just a little bit of research and planning, you can easily parlay the process of preserving memories into a favorite memory of your own.

Instructions

How to plan your retreat

1. 

   Find the perfect location

   Look for locations that will accommodate the number of people in your group. You can search online for companies that offer specialized scrapbooking weekends or retreat weekends for women. These fixed destinations have tables and scrapbooking supplies, as well as lodging and food. Your group even might schedule on-site pampering, like a massage or manicure.

2. 

   Rent your own space for the weekend, if you can't find a package. Scrapbookers have held many successful and productive retreats in locations ranging from church basements to Victorian mansions. Check local churches, halls, state park cabins and hotels.

3. 

   Assign meals and snacks.

   Plan your meals according to your group's collective tastes. Many assign each participant a meal to plan, some try a potluck approach, others search out a nearby caterer for the main meals and have individuals bring snacks to share. If you've booked a hotel for your retreat, many will provide food service for you.

4. 

   Check sleeping arrangements

   Ensure that your group is comfortable with the available sleeping arrangements. Your group might be happy bedding down in sleeping bags in a hall or sharing a couch in a rented cabin, but it is good to make sure before you arrive.

5. Organize your supplies before you leave home. Work together to share tools, so that you can save room. Consider bringing additional craft or card tables with you to provide extra work space.

Tips & Warnings

• Require attendees to pay in advance, even if you are among friends. That helps you avoid any surprises or hard feelings, and it discourages people from dropping out at the last minute.

• Confirm your lodging reservations at least 48 hours in advance.

References

• Scrapbooker's Dream