How to Organize for a Scrapbooking Crop

Do you have trouble packing for a scrapbooking crop? If it seems like you always forget something, or are overwhelmed by packing too much, follow these tips to help you get organized ahead of time.

Keep the essential supplies packed. Adhesive, scissors, a paper trimmer and any other basic items you constantly use should be kept in the scrapbooking tote you take to crops. This way you can put in paper and embellishments specific to the projects you will be working on and be ready to go.

For quicker packing for a scrapbooking crop, use pre-assembled kits of coordinating products. You can either get a kit of a coordinating line of products from a certain manufacturer, or you can order from a monthly kit club such as Coordinates Collections, which coordinates paper, cardstock and embellishments from several different manufacturers in each kit. A big advantage to taking a pre-assembled scrapbooking kit to a crop is saving time packing. Also, with your tote packed with essential supplies, you will have everything you need to complete several layouts.

If you have the time, or want to have more personal input in your pages, put together your own scrapbooking page kits. Plan out which pictures you will use and the general idea of your layout. Then select patterned paper, cardstock, embellishments, ribbon and tools required for your layout. Put it all in a large cellophane bag and you have a page kit ready to go.

Rather than taking the time and effort to prepare layouts to make at a scrapbooking crop, why not plan to make cards? Planning one design idea for a card you can replicate many times is a good idea. It's easier to plan for a few card ideas than an intense layout.

If you really have a hard time deciding what to bring to a crop, pick out your favorite patterned papers, cardstock, and embellishments. Gather items in your current favorite color, or from your favorite manufacturer. Having your favorite items will inspire your creativity.

When working on a layout or project at a scrapbooking crop, keep a pen and a sticky notes handy. If you feel like your item is missing something that you know you have at home, write it on a sticky note and put it in place of the missing item. Then you can continue to work without having to worry about forgetting the perfect finishing touch. If all else fails, considering having a scrapbooking crop at your house. No packing necessary!