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JessicaH06
PeaAddict
PeaNut 242,123
January 2006
Posts: 1,811
Layouts: 85
Loc: Lake Havasu City, Az
 |  Posted: 2/19/2011 7:02:47 PM
But I really don't see the benefit... if peopl spend weeks getting ready for an all day crop then wouldn't you have been able to do all those layouts before instead of putting together all these page kits? Is it more for the socializing? I just think that all the time I would spend gettin ready for a crop + the time I would spend at the crop I could get more stuff just doing it at home.
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devildog
Be gentle; I'm a delicate little flower
PeaNut 172,765
October 2004
Posts: 11,478
Layouts: 2
Loc: Why do you wanna know?
 | Posted: 2/19/2011 7:09:38 PM
I just think that all the time I would spend gettin ready for a crop + the time I would spend at the crop I could get more stuff just doing it at home.
I agree, but when I used to go to them it was a great girls' night out. Unfortunately I spent more time talking and shopping than I did scrapping, and then I'd have to go home and unpack everything. It didn't go quite as planned for me.  |
*****Natalie*****
FYI--That avatar is NOT me; it's NOT my DH; it's NOT my father; and, I'm NOT related to him by blood or marriage. It's just a dude...wearing a Wal-Mart bag. 
"May the fleas of a thousand camels infest your crotch and may your arms be too short to scratch." TheSeaBee&Me, 5/20/2009
I love the smell of drama in the morning!
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askmetoscrap
BucketHead
PeaNut 370,900
April 2008
Posts: 784
Layouts: 0
Loc: Oregon
 | Posted: 2/19/2011 7:09:46 PM
It really is about the socializing for me in part. But I also get way more done at a crop than I do at home. I think it is because it is dedicated time to scrapbook, that I don't always get at home. I am sooo excited for my upcoming all weekend crop 2 weeks from now. You should try one out, they are alot of fun!! |
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eicam
BucketHead
PeaNut 269,269
July 2006
Posts: 796
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 2/19/2011 7:12:01 PM
I think crops are for folks who either (1) get a lot of value out of the socializing that goes on, or (2) don't have the place or chunks of time at home to crop. I agree with you, though. I learned after years of trying to attend crops, and sometimes being successful but mostly being annoyed at how little I got done for how long I prepared, that crops are not for me. I get much more done at home. | |
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AvonPooh
BucketHead
PeaNut 308,156
April 2007
Posts: 840
Layouts: 0
Loc: Midwest
| Posted: 2/19/2011 7:12:23 PM
I have found that if I don't go to a crop, it just doesn't get done. I go to two weekend retreats a year, and that is my main scrapbooking time for the year. I get more done during those two weekends than I do all the rest of the year. I have a young son who keeps me busy and when I am home I get tied up doing other things that need to be done. It is truly time for scrapbooking and nothing else. That being said I do socialize some with my friends there and I am not a planner (I just shove it all in a basket and go!) so as for the "planning" process, I can't speak for that time commitment. I think the crop is also a great way to share ideas and see inspiration too. Just my opinion, I know some people love to stay at home and others need to get out. | |
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shirt
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 34,233
March 2002
Posts: 5,067
Layouts: 99
Loc: MN
 | Posted: 2/19/2011 7:23:59 PM
The benefit is a big chunk of uninterrupted time to work on projects. No where to go, nothing to do, and no one calling for mom. |
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~crisann~
AncestralPea
PeaNut 302,923
March 2007
Posts: 4,147
Layouts: 47
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA.
| Posted: 2/19/2011 7:29:12 PM
i was just wondering this myself - we went to our relatively new local michael's this past monday evening and they put a flyer in my bag about a crop... i considered it, but... i just don't know. i've never been to a crop before and i know myself - i'd probably do nothing but socialize. |
organize your stuff challenge (master thread).
dysfunctionally-functional
and yes, he did use the ladder...
"some day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful." -sigmund freud
there are some things that you should just not have to hear for the first time on facebook.
"our lives at times seem a study in contrast... love & hate, birth & death, right & wrong... everything seen in absolutes of black & white. too often we are not aware that it is the shades of grey that add depth & meaning to the starkness of those extremes" -ansel adams
crisann
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queenofshoes
PEAce, Love & Shoes
PeaNut 93,437
June 2003
Posts: 5,217
Layouts: 38
Loc: Cedar Hill, Texas
 | Posted: 2/19/2011 7:47:18 PM
I don't go to day crops - for that reason that I wouldn't get a lot done. I go to weekend retreats with a group of friends. I get a ton of layouts done. It is about the socializing, the creativity, and sharing of tools & products.
Lesa |
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brab74
PeaFixture
PeaNut 455,916
February 2010
Posts: 3,634
Layouts: 15
Loc: Central Illinois
 | Posted: 2/19/2011 7:50:46 PM
I've gone to have a fun day with my friends. I can get a lot of pages done, as long as I have a plan and not chat and shop too much! |
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Tam2
SaVeD bY GrAcE!
PeaNut 358,347
January 2008
Posts: 6,840
Layouts: 126
| Posted: 2/19/2011 7:56:34 PM
... if peopl spend weeks getting ready for an all day crop then wouldn't you have been able to do all those layouts before instead of putting together all these page kits?
See that's why I don't like to put together page kits - it just takes too long.
But, I usually end up packing so much & so quickly that I spend a lot of time deciding what to do...(yes, I'm a mess).
I do love to go to crops. Mostly the ones at our LSS, then I can shop & see people I only see at the crops. I stopped going to CM crops a few years ago b/c I just don't buy their products anymore & don't see a need to pack stuff up just to crop for 3 or 4 hours.
I hope if you do get to go to one that it's a good one & doesn't sour you on the whole thing! But, to answer your question, yes it does kind of suck to pack stuff up. |
Tami
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Philippians 4:8
Happily scrapbooking since 1996! | |
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SDeven
Love Letters Pea
PeaNut 65,852
January 2003
Posts: 28,214
Layouts: 380
Loc: Nashville, TN!
 | Posted: 2/19/2011 8:02:33 PM
I pack kits for use at home too...so there's no difference on that level if I take them to a crop or not. Fwiw, I can be packed to crop for a day in about 30 minutes.
Cropping is not *all* about the work...it's also about the friendship, sharing your work with others who "get it" and sharing their work too.
It's also about the shopping and the sharing of tips and information.
Last night I had three friends over to my house to crop...we had a blast. We laughed until our sides hurt and each got a little something done, pagewise. We traded some products. We shared some snacks and enjoyed each other's company.
Some people like to rent a movie at home, some like to go to the theater. Some folks like to go to concerts, others prefer itunes downloads.
It's all about personal preference. |
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TravelAgent
Resident Smart Ass
PeaNut 294,429
January 2007
Posts: 12,673
Layouts: 7
Loc: Indiana
| Posted: 2/19/2011 8:51:46 PM
It takes me 30 minutes to pack for a crop, because I have a great storage system where I put everything in my rolling buckets, and I pretty much take the same things every time, except paper.
It takes me 2 hours minimum to do a 2-page spread.
And when I'm at home, I get maybe 2 spreads 94 pages) done in a whole weekend to myself because I wander off to do the dishes, get the mail, call a friend, get on Two Peas, watch a basketball game. At a crop, I am more focused and usually walk away with at least 8 to 10 pages done.
Julie |
| www.indianapolisonthecheap.com | |
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sonicflame
Garden Girl
PeaNut 319,334
May 2007
Posts: 1,330
Layouts: 308
Loc: Huntsville, AL
| Posted: 2/19/2011 9:04:56 PM
I'm another who makes page kits for scrapping at home, too, and I think that they actually help me scrap faster since I narrow down my choices ahead of time.
As for going to crops, I go every once in a while just to have tme to scrap where I'm not tempted to get up and do laundry, clean the house, etc. |
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Hoosier2
Pea of Many Trades
PeaNut 114,991
November 2003
Posts: 7,386
Layouts: 2
Loc: Iowa unfortunately
| Posted: 2/19/2011 9:29:07 PM
I would never scrapbook if I didn't go to a crop. I scrapbook nearly every Friday night with the same friends and do 2 3 day retreats a year.
I put together my sketch, papers, embellishments and pictures in a bag. It doesn't matter if I take it to a crop or if I did it at home....I have the stuff already thought out and I spend less time figuring it out when I don't feel particularly creative. | |
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scrappin_angelheart
BucketHead
PeaNut 389,275
August 2008
Posts: 910
Layouts: 50
Loc: I'm an Alberta girl!
 | Posted: 2/19/2011 9:31:09 PM
I love going to crops for the socializing but mostly for the dedicated time to scrap with out someone yelling "Momma" or "Honey". I don't make my own page kits but I have quite a few kits that I've bought from my LSS. I keep those in my crop bag to use at crops and then I just have to pack some essentials or anything with a specific project or layout in mind. |
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TXDancermom
PeaFixture
PeaNut 146,748
May 2004
Posts: 3,669
Layouts: 1
| Posted: 2/19/2011 9:41:23 PM
I have my stuff such that it doesn't take me long to pack for a crop, and when i go I actually get work done. I go to crops at my LSS and I like the inspiration I get from the others there and materials at the store. I also like the socializing that happens.
Yes, if I stayed home and spent the time that I used traveling to and from the crop (takes me 90 min each way) and packing and such, i would get more done - but I don't get it done at home.
pat | |
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Characterfan
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 489,208
November 2010
Posts: 2,660
Layouts: 158
Loc: San Jose, CA
 | Posted: 2/19/2011 9:50:47 PM
I used to go to a crop once a month. It was for socializing, but also if I was working on a project and realize I need more yellow ribbon..I'm 3 feet away from more. I would never spend more then a couple hours getting ready for one. At one point I didn't have space at home to scrap so I would go to 4 crops a month if not more. Then I was always packed all my scrapbook stuff fit into a big roller and a bag that fit on the top.
Now that I have a table and my own space if I went to a crop now I'd pack up a mini album project and go for the fun and socializing. |
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karynhaines
BucketHead
PeaNut 152,107
June 2004
Posts: 955
Layouts: 1
Loc: Kansas
| Posted: 2/19/2011 10:35:05 PM
I haven't been to a crop in a few years now but really enjoyed those when I did. One crop closed down due to health reasons of the lady that ran it. It was at a church near my home but was mainly Creative Memories scrappers and I need more inspiration than what they had to offer but that's not the reason I stopped going. I just got to a point that I had enough stuff to have a scrap room so it was just easier to scrap at home. The other crop I attended were at the lss which is cool because of having everything you need only a few feet away (either the ladies had the stuff or through the door to goodies heavan, lol). While on vacation a little over a year ago I went to ScrapMania and really enjoyed that as I loved scrapping vacation photos while still on vacation . The memories were fresh so journaling was easy that day. I do make my own page kits for my personal scrapping but that's right before I start a layout . Helps me get more pages done sometimes and now that I hav enough stuff I can scrap from my stast. | |
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travelscrapper2
BucketHead
PeaNut 408,966
January 2009
Posts: 521
Layouts: 0
Loc: Evansville, IN
| Posted: 2/20/2011 12:03:05 AM
I'm in the process of getting ready for back-to-back crops the first two weekends of March. To get ready I decide which photos, CS or paper to use, sketch a LO, pull things I might use for embellishments, cut titles, print my journaling, and do anything else that I can to get a LO ready to be put together. The only thing I don't do is adhere the pieces. When everything is ready to be adhered I put it in my crop satchel. Then a day or two before the crop I put in the tools that I will need for the crop. I can travel light and when I get to the crop I adhere all of the LO's that I have ready.
I know it sounds like a lot of preparation, but I would do it if I was just working at home.
I enjoy the space, the social aspect, and the ideas that I pick up at a crop. | |
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strawberryfairy
Mama to two PEAS
PeaNut 38,537
May 2002
Posts: 9,572
Layouts: 76
Loc: The Aloha State
| Posted: 2/20/2011 2:43:21 AM
I haven't been to a crop in years and really don't have a desire to for the simple fact that I hate packing up my stuff. That being said, when I WAS going to a weekly crop, it was only because the crop was led by an LSS owner who was experienced in graphic design. I went to the crops mainly to learn from her and from others. It's great to be able to spend time with others who enjoy sb'ing and who "get" it. It's also nice to brainstorm layout ideas with others. It's a very different experience from just surfing the net or reading magazines for inspiration. |
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naim
PeaNut
PeaNut 411,672
February 2009
Posts: 58
Layouts: 12
Loc: Ipswich, Suffolk, UK
| Posted: 2/20/2011 6:06:40 AM
i go to 2 different all day crops because I have no where at home - I certainly couldn't crop all day and be able to leave everything out on a table if I'm at home. Yes I prepare the pages but I spend one of two evenings a month and put together about 20 kits with photos so I have them ready to take to a crop. I made 10 layouts at yesterdays crop so the planning is worth it!! | |
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cardipaws
PeaAddict
PeaNut 412,430
February 2009
Posts: 1,753
Layouts: 284
Loc: Spfld MO
| Posted: 2/20/2011 9:27:41 AM
I love to go to crops....sometimes I get a lot done....sometimes I don't. I love to be around people that just get it. I don't have a dedicated room...so most of my stuff is already packed somewhat. And I do take A LOT! The hardest part for me is getting my pictures edited and printed out. I do all my pic printing at home, so I am usually up late trying to get those done!!!
Some people just don't like crops and I could see why, but I just consider it a fun time! |
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Dancingfish
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 51,456
October 2002
Posts: 14,094
Layouts: 83
Loc: VA
| Posted: 2/20/2011 9:28:08 AM
Cropping is not *all* about the work...it's also about the friendship, sharing your work with others who "get it" and sharing their work too.
I don't go to very many crops any more but have found that there are really 2 kinds of people who go:
1) those who can't scrap uninteruppted at home therefore going to a crop guarantees them time to scrap.
2)those who go for the social side of it--like sdeven said above --sharing time with others who get it! |
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AngelJunkie
AncestralPea
PeaNut 45,810
August 2002
Posts: 4,419
Layouts: 13
Loc: Over the Hill and Enjoying the View
| Posted: 2/20/2011 10:02:27 AM
For me, scrapbooking is an activity I share with friends. That's the benefit I get from crops.
At home I'm planning, sketching, and looking through photos and idea books/mags. Or curled up with a good book and a cup of tea.  |
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lemon dropp
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 381,316
June 2008
Posts: 2,313
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/20/2011 10:15:04 AM
As others have said, it is the uninterrupted scrappy time and I enjoy the social aspect.
Also, I find that there is a collective creativity that goes on; scrappers inspire other scrappers. It is an opportunity to see other people's work/stash/techniques and to discuss other aspects of scrapping. Sort of like twopeas "live"! I am always happiest with the layouts I have done at a retreat/all-day crop because they seem more inspired, a little more "out of the box".
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proud2stamp
PeaFixture
PeaNut 197,306
March 2005
Posts: 3,871
Layouts: 0
Loc: Where I am
| Posted: 2/20/2011 10:54:06 AM
It's my "me" time. At home I tend to feel guilty about all the other things I could be doing. Mainly because they are right there to stare me in the face. At a crop, I'm only focused on scrapping. I don't feel guilty because it's a once-in-a-while event. I socialize a little bit, it's fun to see what everyone is working on, but my main reason is the focus on scrapping.
It used to take me a long time to pack for a crop when I made page kits. Not anymore. Now everything is already organized because of my ScrapRack. I pick my photos, take the appropriate spinders, grab my tools and go. Much easier to pack and put away when I get home. When I get home I only have to put my tool bucket on my shelf and my spinders back on my rack. |
-Nicole
It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not. -Andre Gide (1869-1951)
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katybee8
AncestralPea
PeaNut 421,136
April 2009
Posts: 4,947
Layouts: 8
Loc: Chicago NW burbs
| Posted: 2/20/2011 11:09:48 AM
I just went to a crop last night and finished more pages than I have in about a year. I did fifteen pages in 6 hours. Yeah, I had a lot of them planned out and some are very simple - paper, pictures, title, short or no journaling - but it was really a big accomplishment for me. I never get stuff done at home because I always think I should be doing something else, or get distracted.
I think the secret is that I don't have friends who scrapbook, so when I go to a crop, I go by myself. I meet people and talk, but I am really focused.
It took me just a few minutes to get ready because I try to keep my stuff organized.
"Try" being the operative word here. | |
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myshelly
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 471,001
June 2010
Posts: 7,397
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/20/2011 11:25:55 AM
I don't like to go to crops, either. I've only been to 2 (were required for work) and I hated them. I just can't work outside of my own studio space.
I don't see the appeal of packing my stuff up and taking it somewhere else.
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meowgal
PeaFixture
PeaNut 182,333
December 2004
Posts: 3,292
Layouts: 96
Loc: Midlothian, VA (near Richmond!)
| Posted: 2/20/2011 12:40:51 PM
Crop Queen here. I do a day crop every month with our local group. I try to do page kits for that, as taking a tons of stuff isn't a good idea since I'm also the hostess (we meet at the library meeting room) and usually have supplies to take too.
I also do a long weekend crop retreat 5-6 times a year! LOVE THEM!!! I'm not the best planner/packer and tend to take too much stuff, but who cares? I have FUN FUN FUN regardless of the number of pages I get done! I have several friends that go and we have also met others who do the same and now meet up at events. I'm not in a contest to see how many pages I get done...as long as I have FUN, then it is a success! I wish I could explain, but it is just a blast for me. No guilt about what I should be doing instead (my Mum lives with me and demands time or taking to stores since she doesn't drive, etc)...it is totally selfish, fun time! I love them and dread when I'll be unable to leave my Mum alone. |
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Scrappy Bug
PeaAddict
PeaNut 20,968
September 2001
Posts: 1,076
Layouts: 2
Loc: Texas Transplant
| Posted: 2/20/2011 12:49:26 PM
I love crops and wished there were some locally again. It's all about taking a chunk of time and getting away to do something you love with a bunch of others who enjoy the same thing. For me it's all about the socializing and time away from daily life.
I don't spend a lot of time packing and don't do page kits. I just grab a few different photo themes b/c often I will change my mind about what I want to scrap, and then just start tossing things into my bag. I would pack the morning of or the night before the crop. It's supposed to be fun, so I don't over think it.
I don't go to get a lot of layouts done - I can do that at home for free. If I don't wind up with a lot done, that's totally ok since I'm there for the fun - although I have to say I usually still get quite a bit done compared to others, b/c I tend to be a faster scrapper. Again I try not to over think things. |
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brains32192
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 217,135
August 2005
Posts: 6,933
Layouts: 735
Loc: ohio
| Posted: 2/20/2011 12:49:43 PM
agree with a few of the other reponses...i look at it as a chance to do some projects & spend time with friends |
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karensay
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 34,565
April 2002
Posts: 2,623
Layouts: 32
Loc: Elgin, SC (NE of Columbia)
| Posted: 2/20/2011 1:29:10 PM
When I am home I am distracted by phones, tv, children, making meals and other housework. I do not scrap at all at home. When I am at a crop, I can concentrate on scrapping and socialize WHILE I am scrapping. |
Karen in SC
Two page, multiple 4x6 photo scrapper.
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slyn11
PeaFixture
PeaNut 190,252
February 2005
Posts: 3,808
Layouts: 126
Loc: New Jersey
| Posted: 2/20/2011 2:38:25 PM
I like being around others who get it.
I like being in a place where all I have to do (and all I am supposed to do) is craft.
I don't have any children, and I have my own scraproom, but I still get distracted by dh or the thrall of youtube...or just the siren song of my couch. Being at crop forces me to sit down and work. |
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StickleStep
PeaNut
PeaNut 499,494
February 2011
Posts: 314
Layouts: 7
Loc: Mesa, AZ
|  Posted: 2/20/2011 2:47:58 PM
omg they are so fun! its perfect to have a space you can get messy and leave messy for days (i go to the 3 day ones) and its so inspiring to see what other people are working on. the goody bags and prizes are so fun and you can usually take classes there too if you wish! i could go on and on and on about them.
check out Scissors and the City scrapbooking retreats on facebook, they just had a little giveaway thing where people posted why they love crops/retreats. its so fun to read all of the comments. | |
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aJerseyGirl
[insert clever title here]
PeaNut 246,022
January 2006
Posts: 6,404
Layouts: 97
Loc: New Jersey
| Posted: 2/20/2011 4:22:04 PM
I'm not good at pre-planning pages even if I had the time to do it. When I go to a crop, I just pack an assortment of cardstock and patterned paper. For embellishments, I pack what I feel like using that day whether it be stamps, chipboard, die cuts. I always have the basic tools and some things that I typically use: ink, some brads, an assortment of journaling spots, etc. I grab one or two border punches too. Plus, I can always borrow from someone else who has something different.
It's kind of nice sometimes to have a scaled-down stash instead of all my choices. | |
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wookiemouse
PeaFixture
PeaNut 268,110
July 2006
Posts: 3,660
Layouts: 36
Loc: New Braunfels, TX
| Posted: 2/20/2011 4:54:42 PM
I agree with most of the other responses. I wanted to add - the things I take with me to a crop may take weeks to pre-plan, but they'd take the same amount of time to prepare had I stayed at home as well. So nothing really lost there. There is time to pack up and unpack, however.
My reasoning is this: I never have uninterrupted time at home. Never. I have the kids 24-7. And on the rare days that DH is home, he's busy with HIS stuff that always requires me to watch the kids! I have a dedicated scrap space such that I can scrap while they're around, but trying to do journaling while hearing "mom, watch this!" every 10 seconds isn't happening. Plus breaks to wipe noses and rear ends, make meals for everyone, break up fights....I might get a 10-15 minutes straight block of scrapping done on a good day. If I didn't have little ones, things would be a lot different.
I went to my first 14 hour crop a few weekends ago and it was sheer heaven. To be able to sit and scrap and have NO ONE bother you, it was better than a spa retreat! I made it a girls getaway of sorts....2 of my friends were there, I brought a bag of candy, and I got to relax and create. Ahhh...
I may change my tune when the kids are grown and out of the house. Then I'd have no reason to escape!
Stacy | |
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Ms. Liz
Practically Perfect in Every Way
PeaNut 199,404
April 2005
Posts: 6,611
Layouts: 2
Loc: deep in the hundred acre woods
| Posted: 2/20/2011 5:33:59 PM
no one calling for mom
This is it for me. I can let my antennas down, relax, and be creative. I can't do that at home when I'm listening for the "mom!" call.
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I eat my peas with honey. I've done it all my life.
It makes the peas taste funny, But it keeps them on the knife.
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mlamarre
PeaFixture
PeaNut 150,625
June 2004
Posts: 3,454
Layouts: 453
Loc: Sunshine
| Posted: 2/20/2011 7:25:01 PM
I'm one of those chatty woman that is there for socializing. I rarely get to see my scrapping friends, so when the time comes to get together it's more on talking about techniques sharing etc... I do get some stuff done occasionally if I pack things and have a plan. |
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LisaEDesign
PeaAddict
PeaNut 439,654
September 2009
Posts: 1,105
Layouts: 210
Loc: NC
| Posted: 2/20/2011 7:37:14 PM
No matter how much time I spent preparing, I'd never have everything I needed with me. Plus, I can't work with a lot of noise so I've never gone either.
I am a member of a stamping club that makes cards once a month but it is more like a class. Also I teach card classes a few times a year. I just can't see doing scrapbooking in a group though. It is so personal.
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lkmcclain
PeaNut
PeaNut 196,413
March 2005
Posts: 158
Layouts: 91
Loc: Austin, TX
| Posted: 2/20/2011 7:55:24 PM
Oh I love crops - but it's all about how well the crop is organized. Honestly, I don't get much done, but I love hanging with other creative folks and seeing what they're making. The crops I go to have contests, vendors, door prizes, classes . . . so much fun. I definitely don't like the packing part, so I plan projects ahead. It's a great place to do repetitive projects like Christmas cards. I created the Catered Crop recipe challenge to be like a virtual scrapbooking crop - everyone gets to see what each other is making, we have prizes, and we include tips and tutorials. Fun!
If you haven't been to a crop before, I recommend it, but be selective. Choose one that's well organized and go with some buds. |
Linda McClain
See what's cookin' at the Catered Crop Recipe Challenge
http://cateredcrop.com
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meowgal
PeaFixture
PeaNut 182,333
December 2004
Posts: 3,292
Layouts: 96
Loc: Midlothian, VA (near Richmond!)
| Posted: 2/20/2011 7:56:18 PM
I think one of the reasons that crop retreats work for me is that I'm a "Fly by the seat of my pants" scrapbooker. At first, I would think, "Oh, I have the perfect paper (or embellishment) at home for this...darn it" and then not finish the page. NOW, I do it differently...I scrap with what I have..no do-overs! LOL It is challenging and rather fun to make yourself use only what you bring! I think I like having LESS options, actually. |
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alwaysa4hmember
baseball is love.
PeaNut 154,126
June 2004
Posts: 15,129
Layouts: 211
Loc: Arkansas
| Posted: 2/20/2011 8:26:57 PM
I think one of the reasons that crop retreats work for me is that I'm a "Fly by the seat of my pants" scrapbooker. At first, I would think, "Oh, I have the perfect paper (or embellishment) at home for this...darn it" and then not finish the page. NOW, I do it differently...I scrap with what I have..no do-overs! LOL It is challenging and rather fun to make yourself use only what you bring! I think I like having LESS options, actually
That is me. Plus, it gives me time to just relax and chat with friends I don't get to spend time with all that much. We're all so busy that we don't get to get together and scrap that much. It is fun when we do, though. |
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formerly alwaysa4hmember
No Fear. No Regret.
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CTMH Girl
BucketHead
PeaNut 344,328
October 2007
Posts: 901
Layouts: 59
| Posted: 2/20/2011 8:32:34 PM
I have a question for you.
Do you go on vacations? if you do how long does it take you to plan it/ or get ready?
For me its the same concept but its a vacation for MOMMY ONLY 12hrs of vacation. LOL I do not take weeks to prepare because I am organized and I prepare kits to scrap at home all the time so when I have to pack for a crop I grab a kit or two and then just pack my tools relative to those projects. at most I take two totes a carry and a rolling but at least a carry tote and a shoulder bag. THats IT!
My reasons
To socialized
to spend time away from home (I am a SAHM, so I need it)
They are always loads of fun.
We all need a life outside of our scrapbook rooms!
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LindaBabe54
PeaAddict
PeaNut 120,429
December 2003
Posts: 1,011
Layouts: 2
| Posted: 2/20/2011 8:53:18 PM
Old lady here. No kids at home. No focus, either. A retired husband who expects 3 meals a day when he's not off skiing and attention.
LOVE my crops and retreats. Face time with people who "get it". NO TV. NO MEALS to prepare. Nobody asking me if I want to run to Lowes with him, Do I want to join him for a nap, etc, etc.
PLUS with a limited amount of "stuff" in my page kits and tools, I have to make do with what I have, so I can't "dither" and pages actually get done! | |
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Lynette150
PeaFixture
PeaNut 26,633
January 2002
Posts: 3,179
Layouts: 35
Loc: Tennessee
| Posted: 2/20/2011 9:33:58 PM
Back when I used to go to them regularly, it was *pure ME time*. I stopped packing lots to do long ago and just took a few page kits or pics to organize. I always spent most of my time chatting and watching others try techniques I hadn't done and each other playing with scrappy tools and gadgets we had all been wanting to try.
Basically a big long daytime Girls Night Out.
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Lynette
Canon 5D MkII | 50mm 1.4 | 85mm 1.8 | 100mm 2.8 macro | 24-105mm 4.0L IS | 17-40mm 4.0L
"And then we sat,
on the edge of the earth,
feet dangling over the side-
and marveled that we
had found each other."
- Erik Dillard -
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pennyscraps
Today's Logo brought to you by the number 266,613
PeaNut 266,613
June 2006
Posts: 10,476
Layouts: 102
Loc: Lone Star State
| Posted: 2/20/2011 9:35:09 PM
It really is just for the sociality of it all...plus the fun of being able to shop while you crop. I typically work on cards or projects and don't worry about taking all my stuff.... | |
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CreativeEngineer
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 134,808
March 2004
Posts: 6,141
Layouts: 4
Loc: East Coast
| Posted: 2/20/2011 10:24:38 PM
After a bad experience or two at a crop, I didn't go to crops for years. And very little other than buying and hoarding actually got done. I started going to crops at a local stamp store to get my Christmas cards done a few years ago. Now I try to go at least once a month at the stamp or scrapbook store.
I have a beautiful studio with everything you can imagine in it, supplies and tools. But what I don't have with three small kids is alone time to get anything done.
And since my room is so well organized, I can pack for a crop in under 30 minutes. And unpacking takes even less time for me.
I won't lie, I mostly go to socialize with people who love to raft as much as I do. The male engineers at work just don't get it. My DH supports my desire to scrap/stamp but doesn't get it either. The fact that I get a lot done most times at a crop is just a sweet bonus for me. |
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shimelle
Garden Girl
PeaNut 2,356
January 2000
Posts: 3,600
Layouts: 352
Loc: london, england
 | Posted: 2/21/2011 2:46:31 AM
A few years back, I tended to go to big one day crops where I only knew a few people. I didn't really get much done but I usually had a good time, so it's not like it was a miserable experience!
Now I tend to go to a couple weekend crops with the same girls, and I get way more done. We've developed a bit of a system for how we scrap, who likes to get up early/stay up late/etc, and the smaller number of people means you can have one big conversation going on and rather than lots of little conversations, which for whatever reason seems to make it easier for me to actually be social and crafty at the same time. Plus it's super inspiring to crop with anyone who has a style you like - I love to see how everyone's creative process differs and try to learn a little something from everyone!
If I 'need' to get a bunch of pages done in a set amount of time? Then I'm still faster at home with the door closed, but I know that's not always something that can happen! |
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SadieGirl3
BucketHead
PeaNut 436,848
September 2009
Posts: 554
Layouts: 0
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
| Posted: 2/21/2011 6:49:46 AM
I don't go to day crops but I do go to 2 long weekend (Thursday thru Sunday) crops a year and absolutely love them! There are about 6 or 8 girls that go, and we get a ton done! It is uninterrupted "me" time...no laundry, no taking the dog out, no running with the kids, etc. I don't like the packing and the unpacking but I feel it is worth it when it is a long weekend. Over the years, I have really cut down on what I take though. I love the socializing...we usually laugh non-stop all weekend and it's fun to share my hobby with someone else that "gets it!" I don't get much done during the rest of the year, so these weekends are really the only time I get to scrap anymore.
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Sue
Sometimes you have to believe before you are able to see......
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Carolynhasacat
PeaNut
PeaNut 276,461
September 2006
Posts: 118
Layouts: 1
Loc: Northern VA
| Posted: 2/21/2011 7:03:40 AM
The crop allows me to just focus on getting pages done. At home, I have a million other distractions...
Of course, I'm not much of a planner. I spend no more than an hour gathering pictures and supplies in my bag to go. | |
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