Packing for a Scrapbook Retreat: 6 Key Must Haves

****UPDATED ON 08/14/2023

So you are headed to a scrapbook bed and breakfast  or retreat and you don’t know what to pack.  You’ve come to the right place for some tips on how to pack for this type of retreat because through trial and error, over-packing and leaving behind much needed items, I have learned the hard way how to organize to get the most out of the time away. This ensures that more projects get completed and less organizing and reorganizing goes on at the retreat.

However, before you pack even so much as an eyelet, check to see what tools and items are available for use at the retreat home. Most scrapbook retreats have a list of tools available right on their website and usually include die cut machines like Cricut and/or Silhouette and basic cartridges. Please note that most require you bring your own mat if they provide a die cutting machine.

This initial check will keep you from packing unnecessary and bulky items like certain punches,  die cutting machines, embossing machines, etc.

Okay, once you get that out of the way, you can get to the real list:

1. Tool Kit

This tool kit is usually your case that has all of the tools that you need to be on-hand because you use them a lot. Your basics like: regular scissors and precision scissors like Cutter Bee, favorite tape runner, corner rounder, etc….you get the picture.

2.  Comfortable PJs and Socks

Let’s face it, although you get up and shower and brush your teeth each day, you want to be as comfortable as possible while creating your masterpiece so you have to pack pajamas (that you don’t mind being seen in) and socks. This could be yoga pants and a big t-shirt, just as long as you are comfortable.

3.  Adhesive

I cannot stress enough how important this is even though it seems like a no-brainer. You need to bring more than what you think you will need because there is nothing more annoying than running out of adhesive at 2am when you are sitting there in your PJs and socks deep in the scrap zone. Trust me on this one. Pack more than you need and then add more.

Don’t forget Xyron, pop dots, wet adhesives and any other specialty adhesive you use.

 4.  Snacks

Portable, “non-messy” snacks are a must for those times when it is just not convenient to stop and eat a formal meal but your stomach is definitely talking to you. You do not want something oily getting on your layout. There is only so much embellishing to hide certain spills or splats. Also, if you are anything like me, your fingers are sometimes covered in ink, glue or paint, so simple snacks like yogurt or bananas work well.

5. Coordinated Paper Packs and Kits

 

This one tip alone has been the biggest time saver for me. When I implemented this practice, I doubled my completed projects from the previous year!

I choose patterned papers that coordinate and pair with matching cardstock and embellishments. If I am really on top of it I even pack the pictures along with the paper pack that I think I might use.

The real key here is to have several of these coordinated paper packs ready; whenever you pick one up, you have about 90% of what you need as you start a new layout or project. It doesn’t hurt to have more than you need because it will be ready for future projects when you get home.

Here are some examples of what I have done in the past. I had the paper and embellishments but didn’t choose my cardstock but it still saved me so much time because I had a good start:

Another example where I chose some cardstock to match the patterned papers, included scrap papers that matched, ribbon, and other embellishments:

 6. Special Items

These are items you just love and want to pack just in case you get the chance to use them. It could be anything at all. For me it is usually special flowers I love even if I don’t have a layout planned for them and I bring lots and lots of extra bling–just because… 🙂

[ctt template=”4″ link=”9ETd0″ via=”no” ]Must-haves for going on a Scrapbook Retreat or Crop[/ctt]

I am very interested in hearing about how you prepare for scrapbook bed and breakfast retreats or local crops. Drop me a line in the comments.