What to Bring
In the past, before I would go to a crop, I would spend hours just figuring out what to bring.  After setting up at the crop site, I'd realize that I had forgotten some important tools and not be able to do my best work.  Very frustrating!  Fortunately for you, I have a check list  so you don't get caught without during your precious scrapbooking time.

Tools - obviously you would need your tools. 

Make sure you have plenty of adhesive.  Nothing is worse than getting halfway through a project and just as you're really getting into it, you run out of glue.  Don't let this happen.  Have backups for your backup supply. 

Bring paper cutters.  I bring a large 12 x 12" one and a smaller 11 x 4".  The large one is obviously for the 12 x 12" sheets that can't be cut any other way.  The smaller one is a more convenient size to be used more frequently.  Scissors are also a must.  If you like the decorative type then bring those, but remember to always have a straight edged pair of scissors.  I keep a small but very sharp pair just for scrapbooking

Paper - of course bring paper!

Embellishments - If you are into embellishments you'll need those, too.  Bring ribbons, stickers, brads, whatever you're in to.  Bring your hole punch and eyelet setter.  Don't forget your eyelets!

Photos - You can make layouts and add the photos later, but it's much easier to have the picture there on hand.

Snacks - It's easy to work up a snack attack while working on layouts for hours on end.  Have some granola bars, crackers, sodas, or whatever on hand to tide you over so you can concentrate on your work.

Inspiration - Nothing is worse than getting "Scrapper's Block" while at a crop.  You have invested time in showing up and to just sit there with no creative juices flowing can be frustrating.  I suggest you bring magazines, other scrapbooks or a scrapbook journal to have something to get your mind working

Extra Cash - If you are at a scrapbook store, they might offer a deal (a percentage off all merchandise) for those involved in the crop.  This is a great time to stock up on stuff you need at a discount.  You also might see something you need that you forgot to bring.

How Much to Bring
Now you know what to bring, it can be tricky figuring out how much.  This takes some prep work in advance but it will make your crop experience go much more smoothly.

Double Up on Supplies - So you're not running around at the last minute looking for your scissors or glue runner, have two sets of most of your tools.  One for home, the other for crops.  Keep your "crop tools" in your packs or totes and only use them on crop nights.  You'll never be without and you'll be confident as you head out the door.

Have a "Crop Project" - This is a great time saver.  Have everything you need for one project.  Figure out what colors, patterned paper, embellishments, have your journaling printed up, and photos ready.  Then resist the urge to finish the layout right then and save it for crop nights only.  Have several "crop projects" ready to take.  I keep them separated by having all the project parts in a clear plastic page protectors.  You can also use a handy device called the Croppin' Companion which has pockets and folders to keep all of your supplies at hand.

Be Organized - If you are planning on attending crops regularly (once a week, month, etc.) you will need to purchase a travel organizer.  There are many totes that are made specifically for scrapbookers, but you can improvise with what you have.  The easiest carriers to use are the ones with wheels.  They have these at scrapbook and craft stores.  Just to name a few there is the Crop In Syle tote from JoAnn.com and the Vituri Urban Roller Bag from All My Memories.
                                        

I have a specialty scrapbook tote like the ones you see above, but they are pretty expensive.  An alternative to this would be to use a backpack, a plastic storage tote with handles and a lid, or a roller carry-on suitcase.  The easier it is to transport your supplies, the more time you'll have for scrapping, and it's less stressful.

What to Expect
Okay, the vast majority of scrapbookers are women.  That means the crop nights are most likely full of women taking time away from their stressful lives to relax and be creative.  Now this is undocumented research but in my experience, as predictable as gravity, the conversation WILL include the following (in no particular order):  kids, husbands, and childbirth.  If these topics are too sensitive, personal or not relevant to you, you don't have to participate in the conversation.  I was scrapbooking while I was single so crop nights kept me silent.  I have since gotten married and have a child so I can now participate in the conversations.  Crops are fun either way.  Don't feel unwelcome or out of place due to the "lady talk."

Going with a friend can be a great bonding experience.  Many come with people they know.  If you go solo, don't worry, you're still in the club and are very welcome.  However, I recommend going with friends because then you can share tools, stories, and have someone to praise your creativity.

Now you're ready to go out there and crop it up!  Don't be nervous if it's your first time going.  Just relax and think of it as a safe haven for creativity, free of distractions.  Have fun and get scrappin'!  Good luck!

Do you have a great idea to add to Tips and Tricks? Email me at heidi@mycroproom.com and we'll see about publishing your idea right here on My Crop Room. 

First list your large items that need to fit in your room.  I had the following:

• writing desk
• small TV console
• 2 large paper racks
• plastic drawers
• plastic paper trays
• computer
• office chair
• printer
• large bench with baskets and coat hooks

Okay, I know this sounds like a huge waste of time, but trust me, it will save you a lot of stress from moving stuff around.  Take measurements of all of your large furniture items.  Then convert that to graph paper.  Make every foot count as one square on the paper.  Cut out the shapes of your furniture.  Then take another sheet of graph paper and measure out your room and draw it out on the paper.  Now use your little model shapes and figure out where your furniture is going to fit.  Now you'll be all ready to but in the furniture without the hassle of not getting it right the first time.

Now you're ready to add your gear.  Here's some tips I found helpful:

• Organize your photos with clear plastic page protectors.  Get some binder rings and hang them up with hooks on the wall.  You can see your photos right in front of you, instead of hunting around in a box.
• Use a tackle box for eyelets, brads, snaps, etc.  Any little pieces will fit and you can keep them organized and within an arm's length of your workspace.
• Organize your patterned paper according to color scheme.  Then you can mix and match paper without searching all through your collection.
• Have a comfortable chair.  It's simple and obvious but sometimes can be overlooked.  You need a chair that you can sit comfortably for hours.  I have a wheeled office chair so I can roll back and forth between my computer and work desk.
• If possible, find furniture that can be dual purposed.  My bench works as a photo organizer, the baskets are full of scissors, adhesives, and pens, the top is used for organized paper scraps and the bench opens up for extra storage.  I put my extra scrapbooks in there.
• Stack stuff up!  If you need floorspace, the walls are your solution.

Well, that's my room.  I hope it inspires you to also claim a room as your own.  It doesn't have to be a large room, just enough for you and your gear.  Make it cluttery, make it useful, make it yours!

Do you have a great idea to add to Tips and Tricks? Email me at heidi@mycroproom.com and we'll see about publishing your idea right here on My Crop Room. 

What's journaling?  It's the words that go with the pictures on a layout.  It can be simple like just names and dates, or long, descriptive volumes of a particular date, subject, or (heaven help me!) a feeling.  If you love to journal and go on and on about how you felt on a specific day or while looking at a specific picture, then this post is probably not for you.  If you are someone who is insecure in your journaling for whatever reason, then listen up!

If you're like me, you hate to journal.  I mean, the fun is in the colors, patterns, pictures, and embellishments, right?  Journaling can sometimes be a downer and seem more like homework than a hobby.  I'll let you in on a few tips that make it bearable and sometimes even enjoyable.  Don't believe me?  Keep reading!

Prep Work

A little prep work can make all the difference.  Once you get your pictures printed, write on the back of them clearly and with an acid free pen the date and names of all in the photo.  If you want you can include more details like "Sean and Heidi, Oct. 2004, Pumpkin Farm."  This seems like a waste of effort but you never know when you'll be delayed in your scrapbooking and it could be years before you see these prints again.  You be glad you'll have some info on them instead of trying to fake it.

Do you have a great idea to add to Tips and Tricks? Email me at heidi@mycroproom.com and we'll see about publishing your idea right here on My Crop Room. 

Heidi,
Hello my name is Teri. I have a son who just enlisted in the Navy on May 29th and my heart is broken. So these past couple of weeks I have been going on line to find ideas to scrap about my son. I have never done this and I thought it would be a great way to keep my mind positive and to show him I am proud of him. But I don't know anyone who scrapbooks and it is very hard to find ideas, even at the craft stores about the military. You have done an awesome job and it was though your pages that I have begun to smile. Do you have links to places that carry military papers, stickers,stamps etc. but most of all ideas? I also love your website and you help explain it very well. It's like you're here to help. Thank you for taking the time to help us beginners and also to show a Navy family that there is a way to get through this very scary time. I will keep you and your husband in my prayers and thank God for your positive view of military life.  Thank you and I hope to hear from you.  Teri

Dear Teri,
I am so glad that you stumbled upon my website and it actually did some good. Finding patriotic/military themed supplies can be a little difficult in the craft stores (Michael's, JoAnn, Target, WalMart.) However, I have listed a few companies that have a great selection of military scrapbook supplies.

Scrapbook.com
CreatingMilitaryMemories.com
ScrapYourTrip.com
AmericanCroppers.com

Keep your chin up and be a support for your son. The Navy can be a great but challenging learning experience and adventure (for the family as well!) Scrapbooking military memories is a great way to focus on positive memories, mend your broken heart, and put worry on hold. When your son comes home, not only can you tell him how proud you are, but you'll have a heartfelt keepsake that shows him your pride. God bless you and your family and thank your son for his service and sacrifice.
Good luck!
Heidi

Do you have questions about scrapbooking? Email me at heidi@mycroproom.com and I'll publish the answer right here on My Crop Room. 

Their mission is  to invite people to share their photos and greetings using hundreds of animated Smilebox designs – including e-cards, slideshows, scrapbooks, photobooks, and postcards.

Signing Up
To sign up you create an account with password, no big deal.  Then you download the application to your computer.  This doesn't take long and when you agree with their terms you're ready to go.

I was most impressed with how easy and user-friendly this program is.  It automatically finds your pictures and keeps them in view for you.  Adding photos to you your photo bank is just as simple as clicking "Get Photos".  Your digital pictures will all be put in front of you and you choose which ones you wish to work with.

Choosing a Design
Now comes the fun part.  You choose whether you want create a decorated slideshow, an e-greeting card, or a digital scrapbook layout.  Now these are not just clip-artsy, boring 2-D designs.  Oh, no!  These designs are just like professional layouts you'd see in current scrapbook magazines, featuring Making Memories, Scrap Girls, Erica Becker, Dani, Lisa Henderling, Sara Lugg, Greg Stadler, and more.  As you scroll through the different themes, each layout will tell you what type of design it is (scrapbook, card, etc.) and how many photos you can put in it. This may be the most difficult part of using Smilebox due to the hundreds of great designs to choose from.

Click here to try for FREE. Trust me, you're going to love it!

Here are some of my examples

Make your own | Click to play

Make your own | Click to play

Make your own | Click to play

Make your own | Click to play

The Smilebox service is free and easy to use. With a few clicks, anyone can turn their photos and video into animated, musical wonders. Which makes it no wonder that they're receiving rave reviews from consumers and media alike.
See more rave reviews about Smilebox.

Do you know of a great product worth adding to Tips and Tricks? Email me at heidi@mycroproom.com and we'll see about publishing your idea right here on My Crop Room.  

First you get a binder and a bunch of binder paper.  You can get these pretty cheap at Office Depot or, better yet, use what you have lying around your house.  I use an 8.5 x 11" binder with paper and plastic page protectors.

Then you go through old scrapbook, paper craft, or hobby magazines.  Cut out ideas you want to try, layouts you like, paper patterns that grab you, supplies you dream of, whatever grabs you.  Glue these clippings to cheap ol' binder paper and write a little note to yourself saying why you want to include them in your journal.  If you can, include the manufacturer or store that makes or carries the stuff you've included.

Organize your findings into categories and insert them into your journal.  I included Layouts, Paper Patterns, Wish List, Tips, and Techniques.

Pretty soon, you'll have a whole book of scrapbook inspiration, guaranteed to cure the scrapper's block. As you look through your journal, maybe you can scraplift a layout idea, experiment with a new medium or technique, or go to the store in search of your favorite paper.  If you're feeling really adventurous, get that new scrapbook system (Cricut, Ellison, Sizzix, etc.) you've been dreaming of and play around with it.  Before you know it, you'll be excited about scrapping with dozens of new ideas to try.  Good luck!

Do you have a great idea to add to Tips and Tricks? Email me at heidi@mycroproom.com and we'll see about publishing your idea right here on My Crop Room. 

Get a Digital Camera  
This is a must. Nothing is worse than waiting to buy your pictures only to find that a quarter of them are unusable. No more! Go digital and you not only get instant gratification as to what you're photographing but you can delete the ones you don't want and print the ones you want. You can buy a photo printer or use an online photo galleries that will store and print your photos for you. With the digital camera really starting to replace the film loading types, more and more people are getting creative with their photography and taking better pictures with them. They vary in price from $60 - $3000+. Just decide what you want to do with your camera. If you want all of the bells and whistles, you'll have to pay for it but you'll get to do some cool things with it. I have a pretty inexpensive ($75) Kodak point and shoot camera and it does the job. The very basic feature you will want in a digital camera is a high Megapixel count (at least 5 Mpix). This will determine how sharp your pictures turn out. Anything less gets grainy and pixelated (full of little squares) when you try to enlarge them. As far as zoom, portrait mode, timer, etc. it's up to you. 

Focus on Your Subject  
Don't be afraid to get up close and personal. Use the zoom feature if you have it. If you have a father and son photo op, don't stand twenty feet away because you're afraid of chopping off heads or not getting the entire body in the picture. Instead, move in, maybe focus on their faces. Have the son look up at the dad and he look down at him then focus on just their faces. Don't be afraid to chop the tops of heads. If it doesn't work, take another shot in another angle. Tell the story with your picture, don't line your subject(s) up against a busy wall so you can get the floral print wallpaper in the background. Also, be bold to try new things. Zoom in on those big baby blue eyes, little fingers trying to tie shoelaces for the first time, hand entwined with another, etc. 

Rule of Thirds  
They teach this in any basic photography class. The rule of thirds is to imagine the image divided into thirds, then have the subject either in the first or last section. In other words, don't always have your subject in the center. This way, you can make the picture more interesting just by changing your angle. 

Change Your Perspective  
Get a chair and aim down. Lie on your back and aim up. Get on your knees. Get on your belly. Sit on the floor. Whatever! Who says our own eye level has the best view?  

Black and White  
Black and white photos are always classy. I don't know why. Maybe it's the way it softens the rough edges, or mutes loud colors. With a digital camera you don't have to get special black and white film or pay more to have it developed in black and white. There are several digital image editing sites available. Most will even give you free prints just for signing up. Here are several I have used:  

Kodak Gallery 
Snapfish 
Winkflash 
Shutterfly 
Clark Color 
York Photo 
Scrapbook Pictures
Photo Bucket
Photo Works

Retail stores online like Fedex Kinkos, Costco, or CVS Pharmacies.  
If you have taken a particularly nice photo, try it in black and white and see the difference.  

Have a Clean Picture You don't want the picture of your baby's first steps to have burp rags and empty bottles in the background. Make sure the surrounding area is clean and clutter free. This tip not only applies to actual cleaning up of the area in the picture, but also remove busy or distracting objects that can make your picture less than perfect. Don't stand next to a large plant if it will look like a leaf is growing out of your ear. Watch the how the lighting affects your picture also. You don't want a shadow on the wall that makes your hair look like a bouffont hairdo.  

Take a Lot of Pictures  
Sometimes it takes fifty snaps to get that one perfect pose. Keep taking pictures and you'll see you'll get better and the next perfect picture will come after only thirty. 

Like I said, I'm no professional but with these tips, maybe I can fool a few people into thinking I am. Now go take some pictures!

Heidi,
My name is Nicole and I am new at scrap booking. I have a lot of supplies but I hesitate to start because I keep seeing things that say your books should have a collective theme. Do they have to have the same colors throughout or is it O.K to flip from page to page and have them not match each other? What is your advice?
Thank You, Nicole 

Nicole, A great question. There is no rule set in stone that says all scrapbooks must be themed and match from page to page. I see it in magazines and I think if I did this, I'd get tired of the same paper, color, embellishments, etc. by the time I finished. If you like that look, go for it. I, on the other hand, go freestyle. As you scrapbook, your style will change (frequently or over time) and why not have your book reflect that. I also find it maddening to start a theme and run out of paper and find it out of stock. Have fun with scrapbooking and don't worry about what other people do with theirs. It's YOUR book. Make it YOUR way.
Good Luck, Heidi  

Do you have questions about scrapbooking? Email me at heidi@mycroproom.com and I'll publish the answer right here on My Crop Room.  

1. Get a work table. You need a good hard surface to work on. Do not use the kitchen table anymore! Just imagine a place where you don't have to pack up or slide everything to the side when it's time to eat dinner! I got a second hand desk. You can go to thrift stores, garage sales, or even buy a new card table to use. If you're especially sneaky, you can convince a relative that they need a new desk/table and offer to take the old one off their hands.
2. Stacking Paper. If you have a big pile of random scrapbook paper, like me, you need to sort and organize. I used to have everything shoved into manila file folders that went inside my huge Rubbermaid tote. Don't do this because the edges will get bent and some sides will ripped as you try to pull them out. It is also messy because sometimes the small strips would fall out. I would suggest getting those stackable organizing drawers (Rubbermaid, Sterilite, etc.) available at Office Depot, Target or Wal Mart. They usually only fit up to 8 1/2 x 11 sized paper so your 12 x 12's will have to go somewhere else. I was very fortunate to find a 12 x 12 paper rack at a scrapbook store going out of business sale. You can buy these online but the shipping costs will be crazy. You can get stackable paper trays like the ones offices use as input and output filing. If you can only find 8 1/2 x 11 sizes you can stick 12 x 12 pieces of cardboard in each slot or anything else rigid enough to provide support. Then, put in your paper and voila! 12 x 12 stackers.
3. Little Pieces. If you have a bunch of small items like brads, eyelets, beads, etc. there are several ways to sort these. You can get a fishing tackle box with lots of little compartments for your little things. Quick and easy! Another way to sort these is to collect small jars used for baby food or pimento spread, or small acrylic containers that some eyelets or punches are sold in. All of these little containers can go into one big container to keep them together and out of the way until you need them. Finally, you can get a metal and magnet spice rack without the spices. These are found at specialty kitchen or import stores. Just mount the metal sheet on your wall, fill the little canisters with your stuff and the magnetic back will attach to the metal sheet. It's a little pricey but adds a "designer look" to your scrapbook nook.
4. Scrap Paper Holder. Do you have a tough time throwing away a medium sized piece of scrap of paper because you just know that you'll find a good use for it later on? Me too! A great way to keep these scraps out of the way but close at hand is a magazine file. I got a set of six sturdy cardboard files for $11.99 at Office Depot. You can get several files and organize your scraps into colors. I have one for dark solid colors, light solid colors, dark patterns, light patterns, specialty paper and recent magazines. It's a good idea to go through your files once in a while to weed out any pieces you don't think you'll use or just to see what you have to choose from.
5. Background Noise. I can't stand to do anything when it's silent (except maybe read and sleep). I need background noise. I had a little table set up near my scrapbook nook that had a T.V. set up and I would listen to episode after episode of Law&Order and occasionally put on a movie. I wouldn't be there to watch T.V., just to listen in the background. A radio with your favorite music station or CD playing can be invigorating. Sometimes having someone else in the room helps. My husband would be at the computer that sits near my scrapbook nook and work on projects as I would work on mine. Even though we were doing two completely different things, we had great conversations and got to see first hand what the other was working on.

Now you can get started on creating your scrapbook nook. A corner of a room is all it takes. It doesn't have to be fancy. It can even be cluttery (mine is!). Just make it yours and you'll always come back to discover more of your creative self. Have fun!  
 
Do you have a great idea to add to Tips and Tricks? Email me at heidi@mycroproom.com and we'll see about publishing your idea right here on My Crop Room.  

1. Dollar Store Deals. I am always on the hunt for a good bargain and you can't go cheaper than the good ol' dollar store. I was estatic when they started adding a scrapbook section. It is usually located near the stationary or school supplies. The line is called Miss Elizabeth's and it's found in every Dollar Tree store.  You can get letter stickers, metal embellishments, punches, shiny, glazed epoxy stickers, and my favorite, packs of 12 x 12 paper. All for $1.00 each! Check it out and see if they have anything up your alley.
2. Discount Department Stores. There are discount department stores all over now. There's Ross, Marshall's, T.J. Maxx, and Tuesday Morning just to name a few. Haunt these places frequently, especially in their photo album sections. At T.J. Maxx, I found a K & Company 12 x 12 scrapbook kit (worth over $50.00 in a scrapbook store) for only $7.00! It's a great place to get a scrapbook at a discounted price. If you have Tuesday Morning in your area, they have a whole discounted scrapbook section!
3. Wal-Mart. If you're like me, going to Wal Mart is an ordeal best avoided.   But I can't ignore the fact that it's the cheapest place to find a lot of tools I need like roller adhesives, paper cutters, and even some stickers. Look for these in the craft section. The selection varies from store to store, but the price is right on for what they do have.
4. Coupons! Coupons! Coupons!. Go to your local chain craft store (I go to JoAnn and Michael's) and see if they have monthly or even weekly coupons. Some will offer up to 50% off one item with a coupon. I love to save these and buy that large scrapbook tool I've been needing (large paper cutter, heat gun, xyron machine, etc.). Get friendly with the cashiers and they can give you a heads up when the next big sale on scrapbook items will be. I go nuts at the paper sales!
5. Mailing Lists. In a small, local scrapbook store, the way they advertise is usually through their mailing list. Be on it! They'll send coupons and will usually tell you about sales before their ad hits the newspaper. I happened to be on a mailing list of a store that pre-announced their going-out-of-business sale. I had a full week to get the best deals at this store before the real mobs hit once the word got out through the newspaper.

 
Now you no longer have the excuse, "scrapbooking is just too expensive!" Go out there and find some bargains and get scrapping. Good luck!  
 
Do you have a great idea to add to Tips and Tricks? Email me at heidi@mycroproom.com and we'll see about publishing your idea right here on My Crop Room.