Oh Crop, I've Overpacked - Part 3 - Shellie Marie

Ok. Let’s give this a try.

So as I mentioned in my previous post I had to make a decision on what I wanted to work on while I was at the crop. This should help me know better what I’ll need on and therefore bring less. A, our crop hostess, actually used the words “I promise you will not need everything you own this weekend.” I thought she knew me better.

ANYway. I’m considering applying for the Simple Stories design team since there’s a call right now. I want to make an album for that using the Simple Vintage Great Escape collection and I’ve decided that’s what I’m going to work on at the crop. Since this is very specific, it should help tremendously in the way of me not packing the “hey what if I….” type products. There are just things I know I’m not going to do and I’m trying SUPER hard to be smarter and pack less.

I’ve made a very detailed packing list. There are obviously standard items I will take, like my tools, but then I sat and mentally started to build the project in my mind. Each time I used something new, I added it to the list. Chipboard, Cardstock, Distress Ink etc.

I’m also going to try a new set up and bring a three tiered rolling cart instead of my wagon. I’m going to set it up tonight while I pack and hopefully I can maintain it on the trip as is. I’m riding with Sharon who has much more space in her vehicle than I do so this should help. (Then again, we will also be traveling with TWENTY FOUR DOZEN COOKIES! The car is going to smell so good.

Here are some decisions I’ve made to pack smarter.

First of all, my COVID supplies. This is a socially distanced and mask required crop so I have a little kit that has my masks, hand sanitizer, hand wipes and Lysol wipes that I’ll carry with me to keep at my table. This is a new thing we have to consider while cropping during this time and as with any other supplies, they take up space. But they’re non-negotiable and can’t be downsized or left out.

Thought: What if I try to watercolor in my album? You don’t know how to watercolor. Then you’ll need two cups of water, paper towels, brushes… No. Compromise with colored pencils. Which you actually know how to use.

Thought: What if I finish this album? You can bring ONE back up project that requires the same tools as this one. So I’m bring one or two extra collection kits for my “just in case”. I always ALWAYS over estimate the amount that I will be able to accomplish at crafting events. I cannot scrapbook (or knit) as fast as I think I can. Especially with so many people around to talk to.

Thought: To Nuvo Drop or Not to Nuvo Drop? Since I’m going to be working in an album, I’ve decided not to Nuvo drop. They have to sit and dry for so long which will not allow me to keep going. I’ll take my enamel dots that match and if I need to Nuvo drop, I’ll make a note and do it once I get back home. I always take my entire collection of Nuvo drops to every crop I go to. How many times can you say Nuvo drops in one paragraph?

Thought: Paper trimmers. Ah. The paper trimmer dilemma. This is always hard for me because I use different trimmers for different reasons. Precision cuts and decorative cuts. The one I like best for cutting lots of paper (which I will be doing) is gigantic and not really conducive to a crop space. So I’ve decided to try to be smart. I also need my scoring board. I use the one by We R Memory Keepers that also has a built in cutter. So I will use this paper cutter even though it’s not my first choice. It’s there and it works perfectly fine so it would be silly not to use it. I will also be taking my Creative Memories paper trimmer because of the decorative edges it has. I love, love, love this trimmer for those edging options alone. These are the two paper trimmers I will bring. That’s it. I will also bring my We R Memory Keepers envelope punch board and frame punch board because they specifically apply to the project I’m making. I will not bring my tag punch board because while handy, I can make a tag without it. LOL

Tip: For those who die cut… These smaller die cutting machines are a HUGE help. It doesn’t matter the brand. Especially for card makers. I’d estimate that 80% of your dies will fit through these and they are much more crop friendly than your full sized die cutter. I will be bringing mine with me. I always take it to crops. Always.

So, I started packing thought I’d done a good job and then realized I’d packed no cardstock. None a single piece. Sigh.

I still ended up with more than I wanted to take. I even left a bag in my trunk and didn’t take it with me. When all was said and done this is what I ended up taking. Still too much. The struggle continues.