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Post by grammadee on Oct 16, 2017 14:18:03 GMT
Anyone been to a crop lately? Care to answer a few questions?
I am packing up for a weekend crop that starts this upcoming Friday. I am starting to pack for it. No use giving me advice: I tend to do what I tend to do. I tell myself I will limit what I take, but in scrapbooking as in the rest of my life, I NEED OPTIONS!
So I will take a lot of stuff, and use some of it while there. And buy some new stuff to go with it. I will put together 24-30 pages. And maybe "finish" some of them when I get them home.
If it were just about page production, I could probably just stay home. In the 3 days it takes me to pack & load my stuff, plus the 3 days at the crop and the day to haul my scrap crap back into my house, and maybe another day to get it put away, I could probably make as many pages. But there is something really special about the crop experience.
Anyway, the questions... Feel free to answer any or all the questions, and to add any others that occur to you.
What crop(s) have you attended recently?
What did you take?
What did you leave at home that you WISH you had taken?
What did you accomplish?
How did you store your finished projects for transport home?
What did you learn? (New techniques or designs? Or... about yourself? about the crop experience?)
What was the BEST part of the crop experience?
Who did you share the experience with?
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 17, 2024 10:13:03 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 16, 2017 14:38:54 GMT
I've been to 1 crop many years ago. I went because my dd was hosting it. I forgot my cutting pad.
I had a good time because we were all friends /relatives of dd . But I scrap better at home, alone with an audio book and with all my stuff. Too lazy to pack, too easily distraced and too introverted. I do love hearing about everyones experiences, though.
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Post by dasmith2 on Oct 16, 2017 14:42:49 GMT
Last one I went to was in 09 with a dear friend of mine when I lived in Ohio. We always had a blast. Then I moved to Illinois. I am thinking about going next month if the LSS has them next month(45 min away). I am not sure what all I will bring, my page kits are all in iris containers so I would have to transfer them over to baggies. I'm tired of scrapping alone though, so hopefully soon I will get to go to a crop.
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nicolep
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,080 
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Post by nicolep on Oct 16, 2017 14:45:34 GMT
I have only ever been to one crop and that was back in 2005. I went with my SIL but honestly I really didn't enjoy it. Other than being with my SIL I would much rather be home in my own little space, with my tv, music or podcast going. I like looking out my windows, burning a seasonal candle and having my iced coffee close by lol. At the crop I went to I wasn't productive because I felt like I had to socialize with everyone at the table and I felt like I was being rude if I didn't, lol. I also packed like I was never going to be able to scrapbook again, lol. The same when I travel. Its ridiculous. I feel like I need to bring every single thin! It's just not my cup of tea but I know others really enjoy it. Have fun grammadee ! You are a productive scrapper to begin with so I know you'll have a wonderful time!  |
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Post by pherena on Oct 16, 2017 14:58:20 GMT
I love the crop experience, too. There's something about the energy of a group of crafters that encourages me to get things done and inspires me to try new things. I am like you, too, in that I often haul practically my entire craft room with me. That is one thing that I regret because it takes a lot of the fun out of the adventure. I do better when I plan pages in advance and take only what I will use, rather than taking it all "just in case." I can always finish up when I get home if I've forgotten something needed to complete a layout. I have some old, sturdy folders once made by Cropper Hopper to organize the supplies for each individual layout and use that same folder to protect my work on the way home. I see something similar being sold now, but they are crazy expensive, like $8 for 2 (https://www.scrapbook.com/store/ch-ch92603.html?t2=storage+and+organization) - I'm glad I bought a bunch when they were reasonable, as I use one per layout. The best part of the crop is meeting new people. I've found that crafters are generous, friendly people who are always open to sharing their talent with others. That's becoming a rare trait, unfortunately. Enjoy your crop!
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Post by dig-it-al on Oct 16, 2017 15:06:03 GMT
I have attended a crop at a hotel in St. Louis a few times over the past year. And am going again in a couple of weeks. But I have been going to crops at least once a year for at least the past 5 years. I have a large group of friends that like to scrapbook but we are all different ages. Which means that we are in different stages of our lives in regards to kids. While mine are all now in college, I find I have more freedom in my schedule. While others not so much. That makes it very hard to find a time that we can all go as a group. And usually don't. So I go a couple of times a year with different people.
I have started bringing all of my cardstock with me to crops. I try to plan my pages but have learned I need options in regards to titles and photo mats. In the past, I have left my Silhouette at home. But I plan on taking it to my next crop in a few weeks. I always wish it were with me but hate packing it up and worry about it being damaged in transit. Plus it will take up space on my table. But I'm going to suck it up and see how much I can really use the thing while away from home.
All of my completed pages go into one paper storage envelope. (My friends use an accordion style zippered folio.) That way when I get home that envelope is the first thing unpacked and my pages are put into the album. My other supplies usually stay packed up until I'm ready to work on a project at home and need to find my stuff.
I try to plan my pages before going and sometimes that means only a few days before leaving. I no longer stress over how much I bring. My normal is completing roughly 26 pages in a weekend. I always have a few card & tag projects prepared as well. My last two crops, I completed everything that I had planned out. It's a nice feeling! So I always bring a book with me. Sometimes I just need a break from scrapping or in the few cases of finishing all my projects, I just sat and read until my friends were ready to head home.
Have fun at your crop!
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Post by dasmith2 on Oct 16, 2017 15:13:36 GMT
I have attended a crop at a hotel in St. Louis a few times over the past year. And am going again in a couple of weeks. But I have been going to crops at least once a year for at least the past 5 years. I have a large group of friends that like to scrapbook but we are all different ages. Which means that we are in different stages of our lives in regards to kids. While mine are all now in college, I find I have more freedom in my schedule. While others not so much. That makes it very hard to find a time that we can all go as a group. And usually don't. So I go a couple of times a year with different people. I have started bringing all of my cardstock with me to crops. I try to plan my pages but have learned I need options in regards to titles and photo mats. In the past, I have left my Silhouette at home. But I plan on taking it to my next crop in a few weeks. I always wish it were with me but hate packing it up and worry about it being damaged in transit. Plus it will take up space on my table. But I'm going to suck it up and see how much I can really use the thing while away from home. All of my completed pages go into one paper storage envelope. (My friends use an accordion style zippered folio.) That way when I get home that envelope is the first thing unpacked and my pages are put into the album. My other supplies usually stay packed up until I'm ready to work on a project at home and need to find my stuff. I try to plan my pages before going and sometimes that means only a few days before leaving. I no longer stress over how much I bring. My normal is completing roughly 26 pages in a weekend. I always have a few card & tag projects prepared as well. My last two crops, I completed everything that I had planned out. It's a nice feeling! So I always bring a book with me. Sometimes I just need a break from scrapping or in the few cases of finishing all my projects, I just sat and read until my friends were ready to head home. Have fun at your crop! If you don't mind me asking, who runs that crop? I am over on the East side of the river. The one I am thinking about going is to the Scrapbook Factory in Fairview Heights. They had a few crops this month, but my wedding/honeymoon is this month, so I am hoping they will have a crop in November. That is the only place that I know of. I'm not sure of any others |
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Post by cathyb on Oct 16, 2017 15:37:05 GMT
I went to the Scrapbook Expo in Anaheim last April. It was my first time scrappin' in a VERY long time. I loved it and had a blast. I am attending the Ontario CA Expo in a couple of weeks. I am attending 2 days with a good friend. Friday I am volunteering from 7 am to 3 pm so I will have some extra spending money.
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Post by cannmom on Oct 16, 2017 15:50:03 GMT
I have attended a 3-4 day crop every year for years now. I love my crop time. A close friend has gone with me for the past 5 years or so, but I have gone alone many times. I'm a serious introvert and I have still loved the times I went alone. It's my me-time. My last one was in January and I will be attending one at the end of this month.
I don't mind packing and I think I take a good deal of stuff. I also like options. I use Iris cases to pack paper and page kits if I have any. Then the completed pages come home in them. I always bring my table light, except for the one year I forgot it. I have also forgotten my adhesive refills once, but I just looked at that as an oppurtunity to try something new. My friend and I always do a bunch of shopping, so if something is forgotten we can usually replace it or one of us has enough to share. I think the easiest way to try to minimize what you take is to scrap by theme and stick to one or two themes. I have done that with Disney pages and it really does cut down on what you need to bring. I always bring things I don't use, but that's ok.
I usually don't take classes at crops. I just concentrate on my own thing. I have found that I'm more willing to do techniques that take longer since I have that un-interrupted time. I probably finish arond 20-some pages at a 3 day crop. I don't stress and try to finish as many as I possibly can. My DH and DS always look at what I've done as soon as I get home and they do count how many I do. LOL! Last crop I learned I don't sleep as well away from home as I used to. Hoping not to have that problem this year.
The best part of the crop experience for me is being around others who enjoy this hobby as much as I do. My friend and I have been absolutely giddy about this upcoming crop. We text one another about our plans and when we are together it's all we talk about. I know we will have a fantastic time. We will drink wine, relax, and enjoy having time to catch up with one another. I know some people don't like crops because they prefer being in their own space, but I always encourage anyone who has never tried one just to try it once.
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christinec68
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,129
Location: New York, NY
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Post by christinec68 on Oct 16, 2017 16:25:43 GMT
I go to a weekend crop once a year, usually it's in Raleigh, NC but I've also gone to Columbia, SC & Pigeon Forge, TN. I go with two friends I met on Lifetime Moments from way back when. For the crops in Raleigh, we catch up with 2 of our friends who are local to the area. The last one was in February 2017 and the next one is in February 2018.
I have to fly in so I am careful about what I bring. I plan pages and projects and pack them in one of those 12 x 12 iris boxes. I use another one for extra embellishments like inks, buttons, etc. and tools like border punches & stamps, plus the basics. I very rarely feel like I forgot something but crop has several vendors plus my friends are great about sharing. I plan about 12-15 pages per day which more than enough for me to keep working and have options but there's no expectations for the amount of work I get done. I bring extra ziplocks to keep finished pages and scraps in and put them in the iris box to come home.
The crop is mostly an excuse to see my friends so I don't take classes or anything like that.
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Post by dig-it-al on Oct 16, 2017 16:43:50 GMT
dasmith2 I have been going to the crops offered by First Class Scraps. They offer full weekend crops and just Day Crops on Saturdays. I've always had a good experience. I haven't been to a crop at the Scrapbook Factory but do enjoy their store when I make it to STL.
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Crop Talk
Oct 16, 2017 16:47:02 GMT
via mobile
Post by dasmith2 on Oct 16, 2017 16:47:02 GMT
dasmith2 I have been going to the crops offered by First Class Scraps. They offer full weekend crops and just Day Crops on Saturdays. I've always had a good experience. I haven't been to a crop at the Scrapbook Factory but do enjoy their store when I make it to STL. Thank you I will check them out! |
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Post by susancinpa on Oct 16, 2017 17:42:43 GMT
What crop(s) have you attended recently? I typically go to three local weekend "retreats" per year. This weekend just happens to be the next one.
What did you take? I definitely over pack. I don't really get to scrap at home, so I take a little bit of everything as I get bored working on just one project. Unfortunately I'm not really a themed scrapper so most of my supplies will work on many of my pages. This causes me to take more with me.
What did you leave at home that you WISH you had taken? I have forgotten my cutting mat, trimmer and my inks on occasion. Other than that, I can generally make due with what I have.
What did you accomplish? For a crop that runs 3 pm Friday to 3 pm Sunday, I usually get 18-25 pages done. I don't usually arrive until a little after it starts and I start cleaning up around 1:30-2:00 on Sunday. There's also a trip out for food or shopping on Saturday, otherwise, I'd get a little more completed.
How did you store your finished projects for transport home? I take empty page protectors and just slide them in. If I need to add anything else to the page when I get home, I slip a note inside or a piece of coordinating paper for journalling if that isn't finished.
What did you learn? (New techniques or designs? Or... about yourself? about the crop experience?) They usually have 2-3 make & takes. Doesn't necessarily teach me anything.
What was the BEST part of the crop experience? Spending time with my scrapping friends & getting some layouts completed.
Who did you share the experience with? I scrap with a few friends that I met back in 2004/2005 when there was a LSS.
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Post by infochick on Oct 16, 2017 17:45:31 GMT
I usually make it to two or three crops a year. They are usually three day crops, and I have all the best intentions of making page kits with my photos and embellishments and being SO organized. I think that this has happened only once when my mom and I were working together on an album for my nephew and it took us a full day at a scrapbook store to pick the paper. The crop wasn't held at a store so I felt more pressure to be prepared. With my current system, I have been making huge "kits" for an album-size project. Now I pack up that bundle of paper/stuff, with my photos, and my must have tools, and call it good. The crops that I attend now are at a store near me, so if I forget something I can grab when I go home at the end of the day (not to mention all of the stuff that I buy while at the crop).
Usually I go to crops with my mom. I don't have a lot of friends who crop, so I am glad she is interested. We are both pretty quiet so it is just a good time to unwind and be productive. I like cropping away from home because there is no guilt that I should be doing other things...it's just pure relaxation. I am a super slow scrapper, so I will maybe finish 6-12 layouts in a weekend, depending on how well things go for me.
The one thing that I don't bring when I go to crops is my Silhouette. I would love to bring it, but it just takes up too much real estate on the table. Next crop I go to, I am vowing to be super organized and do some cutting ahead of time so that I can work that into the layouts I make away from home.
I live alone, so my everyday life is pretty quiet. Sometimes I find the crop environment to be super noisy just because I am not used to it, especially if I end up sitting near a group of loud talkers. That said, usually the pros outweigh the cons, so I always look forward to going to crops.
Lately I have been taking my in-progress album with me to store layouts. For the current project I am working on I have been mixing divided page protectors with traditional layouts so I find that I need to be careful about how I plan my pages. It works better for me to have the album so I can see what goes where, and my pages don't get damaged, so it is a win win.
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Post by janamke on Oct 16, 2017 18:01:35 GMT
What crop(s) have you attended recently? Just attended my first overnight retreat. Prior to that it was the occasional day long crop at someone's house.
What did you take? Project life (all my supplies) and page kits I pre-made with tools to complete them
What did you leave at home that you WISH you had taken? Scor-tape. Really the only thing I missed.
What did you accomplish? 4 months of project life catch up and 15 layouts.
How did you store your finished projects for transport home? Layouts went into an ArtBin for transport home. Project Life travels well in the album.
What did you learn? (New techniques or designs? Or... about yourself? about the crop experience?) Pre-planning is key to keeping the amount of stuff I bring to a manageable level. Also learned Close to My Heart has some really cute papers.
What was the BEST part of the crop experience? Uninterrupted work time to focus on something I love.
Who did you share the experience with? One good friend and 5 new friends.
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Post by deekaye on Oct 16, 2017 18:09:11 GMT
What crop(s) have you attended recently? I belong to a Scrapbooking group that meets the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. We have so much fun, laugh a lot, talk a lot and eat. Do we get a lot done? No, not really, but I wouldn't miss it for the world. I usually get things started, then complete them at home. Truth be known, if I have a huge project that I need to get done (album for a gift, etc.) I am more productive at home in my own scrapbook room, scrapping by myself. The crop is more social than productive, at least for me! What did you take? I take the usual papers, adhesives, pictures, trimmer. I remember watching a You Tube video about packing for a crop and the lady said to leave things like embellishments home, that a crop is just for getting pictures on your page and you can do all the "fancy" things later, at home. I tried that once and it just wasn't fun. I like my embellies! What did you leave at home that you WISH you had taken? See my embellishment story above! What did you accomplish? I don't accomplish a lot but I don't expect to accomplish a lot. I love the chance to have a block of time to scrapbook, but I also love the social aspect. Our monthly crops last 4 hours, until 10:00PM, and I've been known to go home and keep scrappin' until the wee hours. THAT'S when I accomplish volume! How did you store your finished projects for transport home? I'm a big fan of two-gallon Ziplock bags. They are big enough to drop unfinished projects of 12x12 papers, pictures, embellishments in, and the added bonus is when I get back home, I can pull the bag out and have everything all together to finish my project. I also use these ziplocks to create page kits before the crop. What did you learn? (New techniques or designs? Or... about yourself? about the crop experience?) Every time I go, I learn something new from one of the members. At a recent crop, a member brought her brand new Cricut for us to ooh/aah over. I don't think a crop goes by that one or more of us don't order something online (thanks Amazon Prime!) because we learned about it from a fellow cropper and being diehard scrappers, we obviously love instant gratification and need to have it right now! One other thing I learned is that it is impossible for me to do any type of journaling in a crop setting. I usually do my journaling on the computer so that I can type, adjust, type, delete, type, think, type, add, type.... well, you get the idea. I also like to really think about my journaling and that's near impossible (for me)
in a crop setting. What was the BEST part of the crop experience? Our best part is probably the new friendships. We all met through Facebook and set up the crops that way before we ever met in person. We are from different walks of life and may or may not have ever met without the common scrapbook interest. Several of us have now made plans to go to a Scrapbook workshop in January. I have wonderful friends and especially a best friend but none of them scrapbook so it's been nice to meet like minded people! |
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Post by myboysnme on Oct 16, 2017 18:19:52 GMT
What crop(s) have you attended recently? I went to a local crop Fri night and all day Saturday, 9 am to 8 pm.What did you take? I take an XXL rolling tote with cardstock, adhesive, enamel dots, letter stickers, some inks, chalks and an extra trimmer and blades, and I also have a zipper pouch that has my essentials in it - my trimmer, adhesive, pens, scissors... then I also bring a fan, some ear buds and a charger for my phone. Then I have a plastic iris case with all my photos, papers, embellies that I plan to scrap. I haul it all in one trip.
What did you wish you had brought? I had everything I needed. What did you accomplish? I got 21 8.5x11 layouts done and when I got home, I put them all in their albums.How did you store your finished projects for transport home? I shoved them into my iris case when I cleaned up at night. What did you learn? I learned that what other people do bothers me more than it bothers other people. There are two ladies that come and they ALWAYS leave their tables and chairs for us to put up, and we are their same age! They just pack up their stuff and leave. They know they are supposed to but they just sneak out. We all bring something to eat to share, they never do but make sure to fill their plates, and they spend lots of time at the free stuff table stocking up by the armful, but never bring anything to share. This distracts me and bothers me. I don't think other people even notice.
What was the BEST part of the crop experience? The best part was having an 8 foot table to myself, in the corner, next to a window where I could scrap and spread out a bit and have my stuff next to me in the corner not bothering anyone, at a close by location and free!Who did you share the experience with? My scrap friend who crops and goes to conventions with me sits across from me but she shows up very late so thankfully I like being by myself. There are quite a few other people I see at most crops and other than a cordial hello or a few minutes of catching up initiated by them I am content in my corner. |
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Oct 16, 2017 18:31:12 GMT
What crop(s) have you attended recently? At the end of September, I attended a 2 1/2 day retreat at a hotel (Friday afternoon - Sunday afternoon) that's hosted by a local CM consultant. We get a 6-foot table to ourselves, and can work as late as we want- the crop space is locked after the last person leaves for the night / early morning. What did you take? it's probably easier to list what I DIDN'T take, LOL!!
I take everything but the kitchen sink with me: a lamp and a shelf for my workspace, a folding table to hold my laptop, my Cameo, Selphy printer, practically all my embellishments, all my recent printed photos, assorted patterned paper and cardstock, a whole bunch of made-by-me page kits, a CM shoulder bag full of punches, my 12x12 album with pocket page monthly spreads, my colored pencils and an adult coloring book (in case I wanted to switch gears for a while), and all the supplies for a mini-album project that I haven't started yet.
I take enough supplies that I need a wagon to hold all the Iris boxes of supplies, plus assorted other bags and containers. What did you leave at home that you WISH you had taken? see above answer-- nothing, that I can think of. Oh, wait- I forgot to take a pair of socks with me!What did you accomplish? Not nearly as much as I thought I would (which is always the case). I got about 10 individual pages completed (that were either partly or mostly done when the weekend started) and got about 20 more individual pages planned out and started. Since I always take way too much stuff with me, it takes me about 1 1/2 hours to get my workspace set up and usable. Then it takes a couple hours to get in the groove and get my first page or layout made. ETA: it takes me a lot longer to do the embellishing and journaling phases of a layout, so I typically leave the last embellishing and journaling not completed and finish that when I'm at home. Then I can futz around and spend 30 minutes looking for just the right button, if I want, and not feel like I'm *wasting* time.How did you store your finished projects for transport home? I put them either in a large zipper bag (one of the 14x16 (?) size ones, or in a 12x12 Iris case.What did you learn? (New techniques or designs? Or... about yourself? about the crop experience?) What I learned: I learned that pre-making page kits (a la Nicole Jones) only works for me to a point. I feel like I *need* to take all my stuff in case I don't have something, but the more stuff I have, the more stressed I feel about having it ALL there. I love cropping with other people both for the creative atmosphere, and for the ability to be able to focus ONLY on crafting for a weekend with no cats or dogs, no boyfriend, no dinner to make / plan, etc.
I didn't take part in any of the classes or make-and-takes though. I felt so *behind* after taking so long to get set up that I didn't want to distract from my scrapping to participate in the classes, contests, etc. I'm not sure that was a good thing, though. It probably would have been more fun if I had participated in some of those things.
ETA: I also learned that I can be pretty ruthless about cropping photos if I have a finite amount of real estate on my layouts, lol. I take a lot of photos, and I like to include as many as I can on a layout, but I still like to use lots of scrapbook papers and embellish the layouts, too.
What was the BEST part of the crop experience? Our hostess always makes it SUCH a fun experience-- this time it was travel-themed, and she made us all *Passports* with our photos in, and different scrapbooking-related activities to complete-- once you completed an item, you could 'stamp' your passport for that item and win a prize if you completed them all (I didn't, lol). But she always puts a LOT of work into the weekend to make sure we have a good time. I also took some time out and enjoyed the outdoor pool, which was nice!!
I always like the 'creative atmosphere' of a retreat or crop, and the extra crafting time (because it's a weekend) is really nice. It's nice to have a weekend away, too. (I hate having to pack it all back up and leave, though; the Sunday afternoon part of a retreat is always sort of sad.)
Who did you share the experience with? I always share a hotel room with a scrapping friend and we sit next to each other (I actually met her at a past hotel retreat). I know quite a few of the other attendees from previous retreats, or from cropping at the local scrapbook store in the past. There are quite a few people I don't know at the retreats, too, but it doesn't matter because scrapbooking is something we all have in common. |
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Post by caspad on Oct 16, 2017 19:15:39 GMT
What crop(s) have you attended recently?I co-host an Saturday crop twice a year. We raise money for the Relay for Life. We get about 20 attendees. It's a low key day. We give everyone a thank you gift, we have raffles and people have plenty of space to create. I also attend an annual weekend crop that is run by Creative Memories consultants. It's really well organized. About 200 people attend. We've been going for at least 12 years. What did you take? I typically bring: Epson PM-400; photo paper; 6x8 album and/or 9x12 album; one 12x12 Iris case with paper, journal cards, embellies and other supplies; one 6x6 Iris case with stamps, ink and stamp shammy; pencil case with writing supplies; plastic folder with sketches and memorabilia; paper trimmer; ATG; drink holder; pantry shelf thing to store stuff up on a second level of the table. It all fits in one 31 large utility tote. Plus my laptop in a shoulder bag. I'm a minimalist when it comes to packing. I can always add what I have at home when I get home. What did you leave at home that you WISH you had taken?
Last fall, I forgot the power cord to my laptop. My DH brought it to me. Years ago I forgot my paper trimmer. So I just ran to Ms when it opened and bought a new one. What did you accomplish?at the weekend crop I did my entire 2015 December Daily and started on my 2016 Project Life 9x12 album at the spring crop this April, I continued to work on my 2016 Project Life 9x12 album - and I haven't really worked on it since! I like crops for the continuous time to scrap. I'm more productive. I really really miss those monthly Friday night crops we used to go to from 2000-2005. How did you store your finished projects for transport home?everything goes into the album What did you learn? (New techniques or designs? Or... about yourself? about the crop experience?)well, I really do look forward to that weekend away in February every year! I especially enjoy that at a crop I can get a second opinion when I'm stuck. "Do you like this? or this?" or "red or blue which one pops more?" or "does this journaling make sense?" What was the BEST part of the crop experience?carving out creative time while hanging with my friends Who did you share the experience with?my BFFs and our moms
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Post by nicole2112 on Oct 16, 2017 21:13:15 GMT
What crop(s) have you attended recently? I usually attend 1 3-day crop per year. I would LOVE to go to more and am always seeking out new single-day or weekend crops.
What did you take? I take everything. Paper, cardstock, kits, embellishments, letters, ink, etc. I have everything in containers in my scrapbook room so I just pack it all.
What did you leave at home that you WISH you had taken? Luckily I've never forgotten anything for a crop. Did I just jinx myself?
What did you accomplish? I typically know that I want to finish an album or complete the album when I go to a retreat. So I go with that in mind and try to meet goals at the end of each day of page #'s. Then, if I finish it I work on card kits that I've purchased at random scrapbook shows throughout the year.
How did you store your finished projects for transport home? I put them in very large ziplock bags that fit the 12x12 pages and then I put them in their albums once I'm home.
What did you learn? (New techniques or designs? Or... about yourself? about the crop experience?) I don't typically learn anything at crops but I have started to realize that I enjoy cropping in the environment but with my movie/music through my headphones. I enjoy the group dynamic during mealtimes or in the evening when we take a break but for the most part I go to scrap!
What was the BEST part of the crop experience? Having meals prepped for me, no cleanup, TONS of coffee & lots of ME time.
Who did you share the experience with? Daughter, friends, etc.
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Post by 950nancy on Oct 16, 2017 22:37:23 GMT
What crop(s) have you attended recently? I have been to a three day two hours away and a another one almost three hours away. One is at a not so LSS.
What did you take? I usually take too much. This last week I took page kits that had everything in them and finished a dozen two pagers.
What did you leave at home that you WISH you had taken? I often bring 3-5 or more papers per kit. Sometimes I don't plan enough solids.
What did you accomplish? In the last two crops (four days total), I have finished 11 double page layouts (x2) so 44 pages. I have two more layouts to be caught up. And by caught up, I mean 2009-2017. I still have 2002-2009 to finish.
How did you store your finished projects for transport home? I have 12 x 12 plastic bags that I keep my page kits turned finished layouts in.
What did you learn? (New techniques or designs? Or... about yourself? about the crop experience?) I usually take a class for page kits while there. I can't say that I learn many new techniques, but one of the ladies I generally sit by is a mixed media classroom teacher. I like to watch what she does.
What was the BEST part of the crop experience? I get a lot of pages finished and I get to chat with nice people usually. Two weeks ago the host asked if I would want to sit next to a male attendee. He was a hoot. He was sassy and a bit like Jack from Will and Grace. Some of the older ladies at the crop don't really appreciate his salty language, but I did.
Who did you share the experience with? I usually go by myself or with a good friend. I know a lot of people through going to crops, so I usually have a buddy, if not a good friend. This last weekend I went to Estes Park with two friends. We cropped, shopped, and watched the elk. It was an impromptu crop weekend get away. No one got a lot done.
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comfy
Junior Member
Posts: 60
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Post by comfy on Oct 16, 2017 23:10:29 GMT
he last crop I went too,,was more of a retreat with lots of activity,,,not really meant for scrapping much,,I will go to one in late nov for 3 days,,,I will scale back alot to take...and may focus more on mini books and cards and some page kits....I hosted a few crops at my home and really so much better!! money wise saves alot....I do not plan on attending any more crops away from home,,I have a great craft room...and invite others to join me,,,,so saving scrapbucks in 2018!!
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Post by freeatlast on Oct 16, 2017 23:28:50 GMT
What crop(s) have you attended recently? I go to two 3 day crafty weekends a year. One in April and one in November (less than 5 weeks away!!!) We also have a monthly crafty day. After a bad experience at a sponsored crop, we decided to organize them ourselves and have been doing so for a couple of years. We usually have 10 to 12 attendees - 75% card makers, 25% scrappers.
What did you take? I make card kits to assemble while I'm there. I hope to complete 200+ cards in November. Besides my kits and regular tools, I'm sure I'll bring some extra stamps and dies. But I know I can borrow whatever I'm missing. With this group of ladies, a request for an item becomes a competitive event. Ask for a circle die and you are met with "Regular?", "Scalloped?", "Stitched?", "Pierced?" "Pinked Edge?" and then a mad scramble to be the first to find it. Things go flying!!!
What did you leave at home that you WISH you had taken? I can't think of anything. I'm usually well prepared plus see answer above.
What did you accomplish? I think I made over 180 cards last November and over 150 in April.
How did you store your finished projects for transport home? I bring a few empty Iris cases to store the finished cards.
What did you learn? (New techniques or designs? Or... about yourself? about the crop experience?) We have a very good/bad habit of enabling each other. I cannot tell you how many online orders are placed during the weekend because I plead the fifth.
What was the BEST part of the crop experience? Being with crafty friends who get this hobby. The food, drink, music, not getting enough sleep just add to the overall fun. Oh, and the planning that goes into what we are bringing creates so much excitement. And those texts and calls started about 3 weeks ago!
Who did you share the experience with? See above. I'm so happy to have these ladies in my life. They are the best!
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Oct 16, 2017 23:33:16 GMT
With this group of ladies, a request for an item becomes a competitive event. Ask for a circle die and you are met with "Regular?", "Scalloped?", "Stitched?", "Pierced?" "Pinked Edge?" and then a mad scramble to be the first to find it. Things go flying!!! LOL! this last crop, I was thinking we should do scrapbooking BINGO or a similar game. Or do the game they used to do on Let's Make a Deal, where we see who has some totally random scrapping / crafting supply in their bag. But that is one of the things I like about being around a group of crafters; if you don't have something, there is usually SOMEONE who DOES have it and is happy to lend it to you (if it's a tool) or give it to you (if it's supplies like paper, ribbon, etc.) . Crafters are generous people. |
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Post by grammadee on Oct 16, 2017 23:51:46 GMT
With this group of ladies, a request for an item becomes a competitive event. Ask for a circle die and you are met with "Regular?", "Scalloped?", "Stitched?", "Pierced?" "Pinked Edge?" and then a mad scramble to be the first to find it. Things go flying!!! But that is one of the things I like about being around a group of crafters; if you don't have something, there is usually SOMEONE who DOES have it and is happy to lend it to you (if it's a tool) or give it to you (if it's supplies like paper, ribbon, etc.) . Crafters are generous people. That's an awesome idea! |
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tiffanytwisted
Pearl Clutcher
you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave
Posts: 4,538
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Post by tiffanytwisted on Oct 17, 2017 0:48:58 GMT
I haven't been to an 'official' crop in years, so I will answer based on the 5 day scrappy weekends I get to go on a few times a year at my dear pal's brother's beach house. see above I plan about 20-24 layouts and bring everything I will need to complete them. I then will cram in misc. stuff in any empty spots in my bags. I ALWAYS over pack. And no. I have never completed 20-24 layouts in a weekend. Nothing in particular. I do manage to forget a few items from the layout kits, rendering about 3 of them useless, lol. I usually get between 8-10 layouts finished. I'm a sloooooow scrapper, even w/my pages all preplanned! I have one of those plastic envelopes that I bring them home in. I haven't learned a new technique at a crop since SDV about 8-9 years ago. And then it was glimmer mists. I could write paragraphs about what I've learned as far as crop experiences (and have done so on those threads, lol), so I'll just say that it's always an adventure & I'm always glad I went! The best part for me is always the commeraderie (spell check?). I spend so much time scrapping alone and with the stores closing & the magazines gone, I start to feel like NO ONE is participating in my beloved hobby anymore. And then I go to a crop (I'm now talking about actual crops) and see all these lovely ladies in one room and am reminded that it IS a great hobby and that there are so many of us who still love it and are active in it. The shopping usually ain't bad, either! My beachy weekends are w/my pal. Sometimes it's just us two, sometimes 2 of her neighbors join us and my sister has come on a few occasions. When I've gone to larger crops, it's been w/different friends, depending on the crop. Have the best time ever at yours!!! ETA: myboysnme, those ladies at your crop would irk the shit out of me too! And like you, I would be shaking my head, wondering how no one else was noticing these two freeloaders!! |
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Post by huskermom98 on Oct 17, 2017 1:53:09 GMT
I love going to crops because I can get so much more done than I can at home (because I'm usually too busy putzing around online and watching shows on Hulu when sitting at my scrappy desk at home...)
For the last couple of years I have been able to do 3 out of town crops. Two of them have been 4 day crops at a church camp and one is a 5 day crop at a hunting lodge. I love the lighting and the space at the church camp, but I have more fun at the hunting lodge one.
I take A LOT. I somehow manage to leave things at home, but I take so much that it's ridiculous, but I almost never wish I had something that I didn't bring. I also share a lot (especially my stockpile of pink CS from SC kits).
I get a lot done. One of the church camp crops is usually devoted to getting our summer vacation album(s) done. I love being able to spread out and get it done in one shot. When I'm not doing a trip album I get a lot done, usually a couple of months worth of photos.
If I'm working on a trip album I just put the LOs straight into the album. When I'm working on every day LOs I separate into which album the LO will eventually go into (family or boys' individual albums). Then I put those separated LOs in a large zippered bag (either SC kit bag or a large ziplock) and find a safe place when packing up to store the bags.
Best part of the crops are getting a break from my real life and family, not to mention getting a lot done! The past several years I've gone to these crops with a couple of girlfriends that I only see a couple of times a year--it's great getting caught up and they tell some hilarious stories.
Once in awhile I will co-host a one day crop at my church with another friend...it's nice getting together and getting some things done, but really it's not worth packing up for one day so I'd much rather go out of town for several days!
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Post by woodysbetty on Oct 17, 2017 11:50:59 GMT
Wow - love reading all of your stories and adventures...never done a crop other than one a few years back when a bunch of peas met at a local scrapbook store....had a great time but it was for a few hours...not sure how my introverted self would do if it last a couple of days....
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msliz
Drama Llama
The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Oct 17, 2017 15:22:15 GMT
Fun weekend plans, grammadee! I just signed up for a crop for this weekend too, but mine is a day crop, just on Saturday. This is my second event with a bunch of local scrappers, and my main priority is just to chit chat and have a good time. When I was preparing for my last crop, I searched the board and consolidated all the packing for crop threads I could I could find on This Thread, and I added my own packing list. I went light since it was just for the day, but I'd be tempted to bring it all for a whole weekend. What crop(s) have you attended recently? ... A day crop What did you take? ... Bare minimum What did you leave at home that you WISH you had taken? ... A chair cushion What did you accomplish? ... Lots! I put down background papers, mats, and photos for a good 20 or so pages. I left all the details for later (and still haven't done them) How did you store your finished projects for transport home? ... In page protectors in a 14x14 plastic accordion file carrier (picked it up years ago, no idea who makes it). While I was there, I bought a nice case with a shoulder strap (from the Pea who introduced me to the group) that will fit a whole album, so I'll use that for my next crop. What did you learn? (New techniques or designs? Or... about yourself? about the crop experience?) ... I saw someone use some cool effects on some cards she was making. But, really, it was just social for me. What was the BEST part of the crop experience? ...Meeting people who share the same enjoyment I have for my hobby! Who did you share the experience with? ... Just them. |
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oaksong
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,164
Location: LA Suburbia
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 6:24:29 GMT
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Post by oaksong on Oct 17, 2017 15:27:30 GMT
I can't decide if you all are enticing me to go to a crop or talking me out of it! The Scrapbook Expo in Ontario is coming up. I've done everything at past Expos except attend the general crop. It sounds like everyone always has fun, but the thought of planning and packing what to bring seems a little daunting. I'm not sure what I'm going to do. Keep the stories coming -- I'm weighing the pros and cons!
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