Scrappin' Retreats

Preparing for your retreat

If you've never treated yourself to a scrapbooking weekend retreat, then this is a must-read.

And if you're a veteran weekend-retreater, this article by Debbie Parks, Creative Memories consultant, is bound to give you some new ideas on getting organized!

How to Organize Yourself for a Weekend Retreat

by Debbie Parks

It was about 10:30 Sunday morning and I had a big grin on my face. I was reviewing the pages I’d completed on Karen’s Scrappin’ Retreat, and was thrilled at the number. As I shared my excitement with friends, they said they had completed more pages during the weekend than in the past too.

“Why?” I wondered. As we talked a little more, it was obvious we all spent time getting organized for the retreat. And that organization paid off in completed pages.

Here are 8 tips to help you get organized for your next Scrappin’ Retreat: 

1. Decide what you want to work on. Will it be a special trip or a book you’re making as a gift? Will you try to finish last year’s album or get caught up with this year’s? My goal was to complete 2003. I didn’t get it all done, but I completed January through October.
   
2. Organize the pictures. At a minimum, have them sorted by trip, project, or time. Identify the pictures and separate them in envelopes, zip-lock bags or a sorting system. I took my 2003 photos that I had organized in my Creative Memories Power Sort Box (mini).
3. Plan your layouts. Keep the photos, paper, and embellishments for each layout together using a zip-lock bag, photo box with dividers, or organizational tool. I added the stickers I planned to use in the sections with my photos.
4. Make notes regarding the 5 Ws (who, what, where, when, and why), and store them with the photos. This will help with your journaling.
5. Bring almost all of your paper with you (leave home anything you have more than 3 of).
6. Think about your tools. Only bring the tools you plan to use to finish the layouts. If you forget something, most likely someone else will have it. Scrappers are normally great about sharing tools.
7. Look for layouts that inspire you, and make copies of them. Bring them with you instead of bringing all of your magazines, layout books, etc.
8. Encourage your friends who will attend the retreat to be organized with you. Inform each other of scrapbook sales at your local store (we all like to save money). Make sure to order Creative Memories supplies if they are needed. Decide who will bring the computer and printer. Who will bring the Sizzix? Minimize the amount of things you bring by coordinating with your friends.

I hope these organizing tips will allow you to have a big smile on YOUR face after your next Scrappin’ Retreat!

Debbie Parks
Creative Memories Consultant
parkssoccer@mindspring.com