This is the most common question I hear before a big crop.

What you bring is completely up to you. Having been to many big and small crops since 1999 when I started scrapping, I can only tell you what I do.

I have paid good money to be there. I don't want to waste that time organizing my photos and trying to decide which paper looks best with my daughter's eyes in that close up. I also don't want to carry my whole collection of supplies with me. That would take up a lot of room, and what a pain it would be to pack it all up and cart it around!

I pick all my pictures ahead of time. I know basically how many pictures I will use in a layout, because I know my cropping style. After choosing photos, I pick some paper that goes well with the pictures. I add a couple of extra sheets in case I make a mistake cutting or matting or in case I want to cut out something with a die-cutting machine. I put the pictures, the chosen paper and any mementos for that layout into a folder, and I move on to the next layout. I do the same thing with the next group of pictures and put those things into the next folder.

When I have planned out as many layouts as I think I'll have time to work on, I end up with a pile of folders, each with a planned layout inside. I put all the folders into an organizer and pack it into my bag. Then I pack up my adhesives, embellishments, stickers, cutting tools, distressing tools, drink tote (I highly recommend that you pick up a drink tote- how mortified would you be if you spilled coffee or soda on the pages of the person sitting next to you?) and anything else I might need to finish my pages. I put all that stuff into my bag, and I'm ready to go!

Some people pick their embellishments for each page ahead of time, but I can't do that until the page is done. Many people crop their pictures before putting them into their bag, saving themselves a step at the crop. I know one woman who jots down thoughts, sketches, journaling, etc... on each folder for later reference. Sometimes she tears out a page from a scrapbooking magazine with a technique or sample layout and throws that into the folder in case she'd like to try it with those pictures. Personally? I'm not that organized. The system I use works for me. You'll have your own system as you gain experience.

And before you panic, keep in mind that if you forget something, there will be vendors selling supplies. There are also lots of other croppers around who just might be willing to lend you something in a pinch.

Know your basic style. Know how fast you work. Most of all, know your limitations (how much time and space you have to work with). Like I said before, a little planning will go a long way.

You'll probably over-pack the first couple of times. It's not the end of the world. Chances are, you'll be in good company!

I'll see you soon!

- Patty