Packing for a crop

I'm going to my first crop in like 5 years, and my supplies and tools have grown exponentially since then. I used to be able to fit everything into two rolling totes...no way jose now.

So, how in the world do I figure out what to pack? It's just in our church basement with a few other ladies, so no equipment will be there. I'm just going to bring the patterned paper I will need, but what to do about tools and cardstock? Anyone have packing tips?

well do you have a general idea what themes or how each layout may look? I'm really horrible about packing for crops LOL! I'll take the photos I know i plan on scrapping - then take tons of things I may thing will work for the theme/layout in my head.


I'm probably no help on this subject... i take like my container of stamps and ink pads even b/c i just never know what i MIGHT need. So unorganized for crops!

For crops, I always get sketches and figure out the theme of my layout and then pack anything that might work.

For instance, if I decide to scrap Christmas pics then I grab Christmas pps, embellies, ribbon that might match, lettering that might work, etc. That way I don't drag everything there.

But my bag is also really big

I gather this is just an evening/late night crop, not a retreat-type weekend. If you have planned projects (ie. patterned paper with coordinating cardstock and other embellishments to go with specific pictures) then you should just need the basics.

I pretty much bring one rolling crate and my AMM Tote-ally Tote. My basic tools are adhesive (obviously), brads/eyelets (and my Crop-a-dile), distresser, stapler/coloured staples. These fit in my tote. I use rubbermaid containers for stamps and ink, embossing powder/heatgun, and Glimmer Mist/stencils, and these along with my trimmer fit nicely in my rolling crate. I also usually have room for any craft keepers, where I will keep a project. I sometimes bring my tag maker, but find I rarely use it. I find with those basics, I have pretty much everything I need... any cutting I want to do for a title, etc. I'll do at home with my Cricut, either before the crop, or afterwards.

Personally, I think the key to a successful crop is good planning... if and when you figure out how to properly plan for a crop, please let me know. I do inevitably forget something... but still manage to have a good time at the crop!

Im probably not much help as I tend to drag a ton of stuff. I have the crop in style xxl tote, My amm totally cool tote, An accordian tote that hold 12 X 12 on one side and the other side is divided into 3 sections, one fits thickers perfectly, and they other fits smaller stuff. I also have a matching shoulder bag that I can fit a bunch of stuff in. I also have a clear tarincase style cosmetic bag that I have all my buttons in and a snapware container with 5 layers that all my ribbon is in. I pretty much always drag those 2 as someone usually needs a couple buttons or some ribbon and as my 15 yo says my collections need their own zipcode.

I usually try to gather my pictures and the paper I want to use and a sketch so I have some clue what to pack as far as flowers because they need two zipcodes

i am not much help either. I purchased a mini-van to haul all my stuff (I have no kids either!) which we take to crops. I am the one who does all the driving and sometimes we have 3-4 more people that come along with me (and all their stuff too!!)

good luck!
-nc

I take almost all of my paper. I've tried choosing paper ahead of time, but I tend to change my mind. I only take the embellishments I think I'll need for the crop, and that cuts down on the packing. Same for tools, I only pack the tools that I think I'll need.

I would try to pack light since it is downstairs. I have been to a "basement crop" and all my friends had to help me with my totes. Planning ahead and making a few page kits is the better way to go. If I don't have time for this I just grab a few things for maybe one layout then take a box of pictures to sort.

Good luck figuring this all out!!!

I make page kits for specific pictures and page kits for papers and embellishments that I just love. I then take some flowers and lots of border punches. I then decide that I will forget something and load up 4 more bags of stuff that I never touch, but leave in the truck just in case!

I agree wholeheartedly with the page kits. I scrap like that all the time with page kits. Then I take my adhesive, scissors, a few embellishment papers and a pen to journal with, and of course photos. It is not surprizing that alot of times if someone needs something they had forgot to bring, someone else will have it and be perfectly willing to trade, share or sell what is needed. I see that happen alot! I think we are just cooperative people in the scrapping world and happy to help each other if we can.
Try not to let it stress you out. If you forget something important and nobody can help you out, just work on a different part of what you have with you! Don't let it upset you, could be 'someone' telling you what you do need to work on! Have FUN!

Lots of good tips here, thanks!

This is really helpful, everyone. Thanks! I think I can get it down to three suitcases now. LOL.

Another thought-- do you ever bring things you won't use, but know someone else might? Because I've been doing this a while, I probably have way more stuff than the other ladies, and am excited to share, but don't want to seem pushy or show-offy, ykwim?

I take too much to crops too--getting better though...kind of. Depending on how long the crop is, I sometimes will pack things I "maybe, might possibly, you never know", need in a separate bag and keep it in my car. Otherwise I prioritize and pack just what I tend to use more, or have been using a lot lately.

I go to a crop about once a month. I keep everything stored separately according to what it is (flowers, ribbons, paper etc) so it makes it easy to pack. With the exception of my Cricut I can fit everthing into a shoulder scrap tote bag and one large canvas bag. I don't bring my purse only my phone and wallet.

Cricut, mat, and my cartridges (I have put them in individual large zip lock bags)

Paper of the project I am currently working on. I keep my paper separated so it makes it easier.

Tools (includes glue, zots, photo corners, writting pens, scissors, tweezers, etc)

Buttons and flowers

Ribbon (I wrap the ribbon around a card this lets me take several different types without the bulk of the normal round holders)

Brads, and other little sparkely stuff

Paper cutter

Pictures

Clear stamps and cat eye inks

Page protectors to put my completed pages in.

sometimes it is just easier to bring the stuff in whatever container it is in and then just leave it in the car. If you need it you walk to the car and either bring in the whole container or pick out what you need.
I find "having to walk to your car" is great way (excuse) to stretch your legs, grab a snack, make a private phone call, and get some fresh air.
I used to leave things in the car like stamps & ink pads, ribbon, plain card stock. And then after a while I wouldn't even bring these things.

AND BRING EXTRA ADHESIVE!!!

I'm not much help as I take everything-all 17 totes/bags/boxes!!!

But, as others have said pre-planning your pages is probably the best idea-then you get a lot done too and feel good about it!