Are you tired of social distancing? Do you miss getting together with friends to work on your scrapbook, make some cards, or do other crafty projects? Or perhaps you have always worked alone on your craft projects…it’s too much hassle to pack everything up to go to an evening, day or even weekend event. For all the above, I highly recommend trying a “virtual crop” or “virtual crafting session.”

What is a Virtual Crop?

Due to the pandemic and the need for social distancing, you have probably become familiar with virtual (online) meetings for business meetings, doctors’ appointments, religious services, visiting family and friends, and even attending major events such as weddings. It’s a simple principle: You receive an email that includes a link (hyperlink) that you click to join the meeting. Your computer might have to install a little program as the meeting opens but soon you are connected and face-to-face with your colleagues, family, doctor, etc. Virtual crops use the same technology but instead of your doctor, you will see live video of other scrapbookers ready to welcome you to the crop!

Hints

• If your computer pops up a box that asks whether you want to test your microphone and audio, do it. This assures that you will be able to hear and speak during the virtual crop.
• You may receive a message that you are “waiting for the host” to let you into the “room.” This is normal…it allows the host to make sure that non-crafters don’t join the virtual meeting.
• If the host doesn’t admit you to the room in a few minutes, feel free to email or text her/him to say that you are in the waiting room.
• If you enter the virtual crop and can’t hear or see people, “leave” the meeting and try entering again. Remember that this software is handling many thousands of people at the same time!

What happens next?

Once you have joined the virtual meeting, be sure to turn on your microphone and, if possible, your camera. Everyone likes to see everyone else…don’t worry about how you look. Half the group is probably in sweat pants or leggings and you may see some PJ’s in the morning! Next, you introduce yourself (or the host of the crop introduces you)…very informal!

“Hi! I’m Marsha from Maryland. I’ve been scrapbooking for about a year. This is the first time I’ve done one of these virtual crops so let me know what I need to do.”

Feel free to greet friends you know.

Is there an agenda?

The host often sets an agenda. Listed below are common agenda items you might find at a virtual crop. Note that all of these are OPTIONAL; if you want to simply work on your crafts or just watch, that is perfectly fine!

• “How-to”: The host demonstrates how to create a page layout, make a border or embellishment, use a new tool, etc.
• Showcase new materials or tools: If the host is, for example, a Creative Memories consultant, she/he may show pictures, videos, or demonstrate new papers, embellishments, punches, etc.
• Stretch break: You may be encouraged to get up, stretch, and take a walk.
• Discussion topic: The host may lead a discussion on setting goals for the year, what you put on the front and back pages of your albums, how you plan your albums (e.g., annual, vacations, major events, birthdays, etc.). You may be encouraged to “show and tell” examples from your scrapbooks.
• Drawings and games: There often is a tally sheet or bingo sheet where you mark off things you accomplished at the crop. Accomplishments can earn you prizes (paper, embellishments, etc.).

Do you have to be there the whole time?

For a short crop (1-3 hours), you might be expected to attend the whole thing. But for longer crops (all day, 12 hour, etc.), hosts will expect you to come and go as you wish. Some crafters watch the schedule and show up for the demonstrations they are interested in and then leave. ALL of that is acceptable unless the description of the event says attendees are expected to attend for the whole event. That is very rare.

What happens if I get disconnected?

It happens. Or, more often, everything slows down or locks up on your virtual call. Simply “leave” the meeting or reboot your computer and re-enter the meeting the same way you did the first time. If the host’s computer locks up, give him/her a few minutes to reboot and then try to come into the call again. If there is continued trouble, be sure to check your email or text for communication from the host.

Can I get anything done?

YES! You can work throughout the crop on your own work. You also can say, “Hey, what do you think…is this better with the blue paper or the red paper” while you hold up your work in front of your camera. You can ask, “Has anyone ever done X or tried to use Y or know how to get glue off an old photo?” And you will get lots of ideas and answers. And you will make new friends. Here are comments from an old friend who attended my virtual crops last year and from a new friend I made through the virtual crops last year.

I have been scrapbooking for over 20 years. I love going to small crops with close friends and large crops with people who become my friends!  When Covid-19 hit, all the crops that I had planned to participate in were canceled. When Marsha said she was going to do crops on Zoom I thought, “How will that happen?”  I wasn’t sure how they would take place; would we be able to communicate with each other, would we be able to see each other’s work, isn’t it weird to have all these people looking at you, etc.  My first Zoom crop was sooooo exciting!  I was able to get several pages done and it was so neat meeting people from all across the USA!  I even got to see friends that I would usually crop with! We talked with one another, asked questions, got suggestions for layouts, and there were times when it was quiet – it wasn’t weird at all!  I enjoy learning new layouts and Marsha is very patient when it comes to teaching them!  I have completed several albums during the Zoom crops, and I have been able to organize my photos which makes my scrapbooking so much easier.  If you love to scrapbook, you need to try a Zoom crop!!

Deb N., Maryland

Marsha’s Virtual Crops literally saved me during the pandemic. I know that statement sounds extreme, however, I believe it is true. As someone who at times struggles with anxiety, having our Virtual Crops gave me a focus, a valuable connection with others and a feeling of accomplishment. Most importantly it simply gave me something that brightened my week – I look forward to our Saturdays. Now I’m off to prep for our next crop and there is a smile on my face!”

Terri P., Maryland

What is the cost?

Except for some training or special crops where you receive a lot of training or materials, virtual crops are free. My crops are free.

How do I find a virtual crop?

Of course, you are always invited to attend my crops! These are always posted on my Facebook page and in the Facebook feed at the right side of this page. Also, sign up for my biweekly email update for both crop announcements and info on new Creative Memories resources, and other vendor events. Email me and ask for the Scrappin’ Circle Newsletter.  

You also can search for events at the Creative Memories site. You can search by date, zip code, or state. Be sure to click “virtual events” under the search box. Remember that, for virtual events, the LOCATION does not matter…so use the “search by date” box.

What are you doing at the Jan 16 crop?

• A quick fold over layout that would be great as an album title page
• A big circle page with “how-to” on creating a woven pattern circle
• A Noreen Smith layout that can be done both simply and with greater embellishment
• A discussion of goal-setting for 2021
• And a stretch break and prize drawing, of course.

Email me for the Zoom link at marshamatyas@gmail.com !!

As always, I would welcome your order through my CM page. Contact me at marshamatyas@gmail.com for more info.

Be safe, be happy, and…be scrappy!

Marsha