How to pack for a craft retreat

[Sleepymom33]

I'm going on my first craft retreat next month. I'm trying to plan out what I'll work on, as well as be sensible about what to bring. Of course I want to bring everything, but that's nightmarish. What are some tips you have for how to decide what/ how to pack it all? I will be doing cards and maybe treat boxes/bags. I'm sure if you've been on them before, you have learned what does and does not work-so please share.

[datgh]

I have only been to the same one over and over so that is where I am coming from. We are given a half of an eight foot table to work with. That is not much room so the only way you can go is up. Several of us have found the wooden crates sold at craft stores to come in handy. You can pack in them and then use them as shelves once you are there. I often have a couple on the floor next to me and then one on the table. Some girls do come with the five draw rubbermaid rolling storage units.They hold a lot of stuff. You will probably be amazed how much stuff some girls bring.

I try and think through what I am "hoping" to accomplish on the retreat and pack the supplies for it. Bring lots of adhesive refills and extra blades for your paper cutter. A good desk lamp is also a plus along with an extension cord. A cushion for the chair will make sitting long periods of time more pleasant. I have found if there is something someone needs they just ask around and someone is always willing to share. Have fun!

[SkyNacho]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleepymom33

I'm going on my first craft retreat next month. I'm trying to plan out what I'll work on, as well as be sensible about what to bring. Of course I want to bring everything, but that's nightmarish. What are some tips you have for how to decide what/ how to pack it all? I will be doing cards and maybe treat boxes/bags. I'm sure if you've been on them before, you have learned what does and does not work-so please share.

I have (slowly) come to the realization that for me, the smartest way to pack is to have planned some projects ahead of time. Like the last time I went to a 12 hour crop, I was working on a few different card swaps. I had general ideas for what I was going to do, and only took those supplies I was going to need for the projects I had planned.

Because otherwise, I pack waaaaaaaaay too much and I never pull it all out. (I always underestimate how much time I need to complete stuff, so I have way more to work on than I can actually accomplish.) Like, I don't really need 20 stamp sets.

That said, I also have a bunch of totes that are packed up with things I'd take to any crop, like the box with my acrylic blocks, so I do always take those, too (and they are almost always pre-packed because that's where those things live).

I still overpack for multi-day crops, though. But it's too far to drive home if I run out of stuff to do.

[gingerd]

I pack up kits of what I want to work on. Then I can just choose one of those to start with. Sometimes I finish, sometimes I don't.

I too always take too much, but I think that's better. It gives me choices.

[smhtwin]

I think it depends on what kind of setting the retreat is in for you to know what to pack....

Here's where I go every year with a group of friends

www.sdscrapinn.com

It's nice because the tables and lamps are already there plus there's a "tool center" where there's lots of stamps, ink pads and markers.

When I go, I don't take hardly any stamps - just a few that I like to use a lot. I figure I can use "my stamps" anytime at home so I use the "house stamps" for something different :p And I only take the black ink pads I like to use, no other colors - I use the "house ink pads".


Like the others have recommended, packing up "kits" to take is a good idea. And like the others have said, I too end up taking way too much stuff!

[craftdoc]

I just got back from a weekend craft retreat that we held at a campground. Definitely plan ahead so you don't bring too much stuff. I often take a suite of SU products to play with because everything matches - stamps, ink, paper. That will keep me busy for ages, especially if I have wifi to look at ideas. Kits are easy to pack too. Have a carryall with all the essentials to put in front of you - easy to grab things. I have one tote with scrapbook supplies so I can work on some photos and pages too. I just bought a plastic paper file bin with handle at Staples to keep on the floor next to me. The lid folds back on 2 sides so I can just grab out paper. Wish they had them in 12x12 size.

[duranfan]

I go to a retreat 2-3 times a year. I often take "page kits" I've put together, but I have found that I do better to concentrate on one thing. Last time I only worked on Christmas pictures. One time I brought everything I needed to work on my "heritage" album. Sticking to a theme helps cut down on all the stuff I bring. I still bring too much, but a theme still helps me out.

[jeanstamping2]

I pack what I know I'm going to use for the weekend. I try to plan ahead.
Most of the retreats I go to are close to my house. So I can come back home and get stuff.

I have a rolling enclosed cart I fill with bigger items like Cuttlebug. copic Markers container. Paper Trimmer. Dies and embossing folders.

Cardstock 2 sheets of 10 colors. Designer Paper to work with the cardstock.
Ribbon box. Embellishment box my crop a dile tool.

I'm pretty basic when it comes to taking things.