Category: Organization

How to Pack for a Crop

5/31/2017

We’ve shared some of our favorite craft room organization tips in a prior post, but getting organized for crafting away from home can be difficult too. Today we are sharing some of our favorite tips to get organized and packed for a “Crop”. This can include attending the monthly “Creative Weekend” here at Palette & Paper or other “Crop” events.

No doubt about it, packing up for a Crop can seem a little overwhelming at first. The last thing you want to do is forget something important, but you also don’t want to pack so much that you don’t have room for it all at your crop table nor lug stuff around that never gets used.

Here are a few things I try to do in preparation for the Creative Weekend/Crop:

1. Refer to my “Project List” and hone in on a couple that I want to tackle at the Crop. (Note: I keep a running Google Document filled with ideas of things I want to make, inspiration pictures, etc. Since I dabble in a lot of different types of crafts this helps me determine what I want to focus on. You could keep a similar list written in your planner or in the notes section on your phone.)

2. Once I have determined which projects I want to focus on, I re-edit my list based on time limitations. I have a good idea of how long something will take me to complete, so if I pick two 4-hour projects and a 2-hour project for a day-long crop that is probably a good amount to pack up. If I realize my list includes about 20 hours of craft time for a day-long crop then I know I need to edit my focus!

3. With my projects in mind I start another Google Document (again, you can use pen and paper, notes on your phone, etc.) that includes my packing list of all of the items I will need to create my projects. I try to leave nothing to assumptions and even write the most basic essential items* (including scissors, paper trimmer, etc.).

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4. In the days leading up to the Crop I review my list and make adjustments as needed – adding items or taking them away as I may adjust my project list.

5. A few days before the Crop I try to make sure I have everything I need.

If I am going to work on memory keeping I make sure I have the pictures I want to work with printed out.
If I am going to want titles or other die cuts made with my Silhouette machine I precut those and stick them in a ziplock baggie (or multiple baggies to keep this organized by project). This saves me from having to lug my laptop, Silhouette machine and all its accoutrement to the Crop for just a few small things.
If I need to buy a couple of products to use in my projects I make a list of those (e.g. mini staples for my Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher, Foam Tape, Dina Wakley paint in “Elephant”). I make sure to stop by Palette & Paper to get these items before the crop or if I am attending an event at P&P this makes this step even easier!

6. Prior to the Crop, I print off my project and item lists and start packing (I’ll be honest, this usually happens the night before or the morning of, but with my printed list it makes things so much easier!).

While packing, I use a lot of 2 gallon ziplock bags to “group” my items together by project. This also makes it easy to clear my Crop Table midday and repack things once I have finished a specific project.

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7. Just like when I pack for a vacation, when I pack for the Crop I mark off each item as it goes into my bag.

8. Once I arrive at the Crop, my project list comes in handy also. It helps keep me on track to actually accomplish things vs. just staring at others’ crafty goodness and talking (granted, both of these are fun too!).

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Here’s a quick look at items I consider essential and always bring with me to Crops:

Paper Trimmer
Spare blade for the trimmer
Adhesive: tape runner, glue dots, foam tape, liquid adhesive, Xyron
Scissors
Journaling pen(s)
Pencil and eraser
Scrap paper for sketching ideas/journaling
Sanding/distressing tool
Paper piercer
Craft blade and mat
Ruler
Bone Folder
Baby Wipes
Stamping supplies: inks, cleaner, plus the Stamps I PLAN to use
Water Bottle/Cup
Snacks
Phone Charger
Oil Cloth to Cover Table

If starting a list from scratch is a bit overwhelming, click here for a list to get your started.

Hopefully, this blog post will help you pack for futures Crops. Be sure to mark your calendar for the Creative Weekend at Palette & Paper being held July 7-9. The one this weekend is sold out! Can’t wait to see what everyone packs and creates!

Do you have any tips for packing for a Crop? Please share below!

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Stay Organized So You Can Stay Creative

3/21/2017

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An important part of being and staying creative is being organized so you can find the products and tools that you need to create. This is often easier said than done.

Today we are sharing some ways to keep your supplies and tools organized in your craft room/area.

Markers and Pens

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This storage solution can grow as your marker and pen collection grows. It is made from PVC drain spout that has been cut down, spray painted and glue together. You can add rows as needed.

Fill up a wine rack with glasses to create storage for your pens and markers.

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Make a caddy for your markers, colored pencils and more (you could even keep scissors, rulers and more in one of these) in less than 10 minutes!

Take an empty shoe box and toilet paper tubes cut to the same height as the box, and arrange them into the box together standing up. No glue needed!

Paintbrushes

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Keep your paintbrushes within reach by sticking them into a planter filled with beans or glass bead filler. Not only is this handy, but it looks awesome!

Paper Storage

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Make your own awesome paper storage unit using Wire Storage Grid/Cubes (available at most discount stores and online). You can use this system to create a storage unit that works for you and your space. Check out this tutorial or this one for more details.

Use IRIS cases to store your paper by type, color, collection, size, manufacturer or whatever works for you. Just be sure to label them!

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Stickers

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Create a "Sticker Spinner" using a paper towel holder, binder rings and page protectors. Spin your way to organization and find what you are looking for quickly!

Create your own "Clip-it-up" to store your stickers (and also packs of embellishments and more). This blog has a great tutorial to make one for $10!

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Stickles/Nuvo Crystals

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Add magnets to the bottom of the tubes and stick them to an inverted baking sheet. You can easily see what colors you have, and the product will be at the tip and ready to use when you are!

Embossing Folders

Similar to the Clip-it-up idea above for stickers, use a similar system for your embossing folders.

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Washi Tape

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After seeing this idea you will want to hit up your neighborhood garage sales and the Habitat for Humanity ReStore to find a shutter or two. This idea will keep your washi tape visible and easy to grab the perfect tape for your project!

Tools

Head to your local hardware store to pick up a bucket and bucket organizer. This handy organizer makes it easy to tote your craft tools also for when you head to Palette & Paper for Open Studio night or a Creative Weekend.

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I think you will find with a little organizing you have so much more room for awesome new paper, stamps and more. Come see us at Palette & Paper and check out all the fun new products we have in the Shoppe.

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How to Pack for a Crop

Stay Organized So You Can Stay Creative

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