Preparing for a Successful Crop

Preparing for a Successful Crop
By Autumn Ayla Craig


Whether you crop at home, at a store or other location it helps to be prepared. A first step should be to set your goals for the crop and be realistic about it. If part of your cropping time is for socialization, and who’s isn’t, build that time into your goal. A layout or page completion goal is an easy way to track your progress. As you crop you can also note where you spend excess time – can’t find something, forgot something etc. That will help you plan better the next time.

There are many strategies to prepare for a crop, but getting yourself organized is a great one.

• First go through your crop supplies. If you don’t already have one a tool caddy is a great addition. It keeps your most used items handy at all times.
• Check your consumable products like glue, tape runner and xyron refills. Be sure you have a backup if you are running low.
• If you don’t have pictures printed, print them ahead of time. I recommend Shutterfly.com you can save money on your printing costs.
• Make an in process box. If you aren’t sure how to make one go to my website to get a free download – Scrapbooking in 15 Minute Increments which includes detailed instruction on making one.
• Try not to over pack.
• Always bring 1-2 more projects than you normally complete in case you get stuck on a current project, or if you complete your pages faster than you expected.
• Make a list of tools you frequently use and pack them.
• Look at the projects you will be working on – if you know you want to use a specific embellishment type and have some handy pack them as well.
• We all have a stash of unused products – if you know you’ll never use it then participate in a local scrapbooking tag sale, use eBay or donate them to charity.
  
  I hope these suggestions get you more organized for your next crop.
  Happy Scrapbooking - Autumn