Ready Set Crop

Crops are held all over the country on a regular basis. They can be casual, where a few neighbors get together to scrapbook while the kids are at school. Or, they can be more formal as in the Friday night event at your local scrapbook store. Crops are a wonderful way for scrapbookers to share stories, tips and techniques while getting some pages done.

For a crop to be "successful" where you actually complete several layouts, there is some preparation involved. The following tips will help you get the most out of your time at a crop:

• Decide the number of pages you want to complete.
  • Don't underestimate
  • Aim for 8-10 pages for a 4 hour crop.
  
  
• Select your photographs.


• Look through magazines and books for layout ideas.


• Select cardstock and patterned paper that coordinate with the photos you've selected.


• Select the embellishments.
  • punch shapes & cut out die cuts ahead of time
  • letter stickers for titles
  • metals
  • fibers
  • eyelets
  
  
• Be sure to take all of your basic supplies.
  • Cutting tools
  • Writing instruments
  • Eyelet setter
  
  
• Gather the supplies & photos for each layout & put them in individual page protectors or plastic bags.
  
  

If you follow these tips, you are sure to have a successful cropping experience. And don't worry if you forget something. Someone will most likely have it and share it with you. Or, if the crop is at a store, you'll be able to purchase it right then and there. The sharing of supplies, thoughts and ideas are some of the greatest benefits of going to a crop. So start packing and get cropping.