What Is a Virtual Crop? What You Need to Know Series! Part 1 of 2

If you've been hanging around the paper crafting world for a while, you've probably heard the term "crop" thrown around. Maybe someone invited you to one, or you've seen it mentioned in a Facebook group and thought — wait, what exactly IS a crop? And now people are talking about virtual crops? What does that even mean?

 

Don't worry — I've got you covered! As someone who has hosted both in-person and virtual crops for the Crafts on the Move community, I'm going to break it all down for you in plain English. By the end of the two post series, you'll know exactly what a virtual crop is, what to expect, what to bring, and why you absolutely need to attend one. 🌸

 

First Things First — What Is a Crop?

Let's start with the basics. A "crop" in the paper crafting world is a dedicated crafting event where makers (makers - not always paper crafters) get together to work on their projects. The name actually comes from the scrapbooking world — early scrapbookers would "crop" their photos to fit their layouts, and the events where they did this together became known as crops.

 

Think of it like a crafting party. You bring your supplies, you sit down with a group of like-minded people, and you spend a few hours (or a whole day, maybe longer!) creating, chatting, sharing ideas, and having the best time. Similar to a sporting event or the like, but duh, much more fun, because PAPER!!!  There's usually music, laughter, snacks, and a whole lot of creative inspiration flying around the room.

 

Traditional in-person crops are held at local craft stores, community centers, churches, hotels or even someone's home, think a place big enough to hold a fraction of your crafting stuff x20 or more people.  Usually your crop space is defined by a length of table space, which can be cumbersome.  Not to mention if you are seated next to someone who doesn't like to craft in "their lane".  But what happens when you can't get to a crop in person or you want to be social but don't want to "drag" your craft supplies elsewhere? That's where virtual crops come in! 💛 Check out the Pajama Party Card Crop for event specifics.

So, What Exactly Is a Virtual Crop?

A virtual crop is simply an online version of a traditional crafting crop. Instead of gathering in one physical location, crafters from all over join a live video session — usually via Zoom, Facebook Live, or YouTube — and craft together in real time from the comfort of their own homes.  Crafts on the Move hosts crops via Zoom, so people can verbally interact with one another and share inspiration with their webcam.

 

Everything you love about an in-person crop happens virtually — the community, the creativity, the conversation, and the fun — but you get to do it in your pajamas from your own craft room. And honestly? That is a pretty amazing upgrade. 😄

 

There is also a hybrid experience you can create by hosting some friends during the virtual event, this way you get some in person crafty time with a friend and the virtual experience.  

 

✨ The magic of a virtual crop You get all the community and inspiration of an in-person crafting event without the commute, the parking, or having to pack up ALL your supplies and haul them somewhere. Your whole craft room is your workstation!

What Happens at a Virtual Crop?

Virtual crops can vary depending on the host, but here's what you can typically expect at a Crafts on the Move virtual crop:

Before the Crop

·       You register or sign up in advance, so the host knows you're coming

·       You receive the Zoom link or Facebook Live details

·       You gather your supplies — whatever project you want to work on, or a suggested project from the host

·       You make yourself a snack and a cup of coffee or tea ☕

·       If participating in the Secret Crafty Swap, purchase and mail out your treats

·       Occasionally crops will come with a seat favor, see event description for all the details

·       The crop usually has a theme, get ready to dress up and have some themed fun

During the Crop

•       The host welcomes everyone as they join and introduces themselves

•       Crafters work on their own projects while chatting and sharing screens

•       The host may share tips, techniques, or demos throughout the session in a breakout room for on the main feed

•       There are often fun giveaways, challenges, or games built into the crop

•       People share their finished projects and work in progress for feedback and encouragement

•       The conversation flows naturally — it's casual, warm, and incredibly fun

•       We love to see your face, but we know the camera isn’t for everyone.  Come and go as you please.

After the Crop

•       Occasionally we will record to share on replay, but we keep it limited to the demos and sections highlighting any techniques and tips

•       The community often continues to get to know one another during Facebook Live Streams and other virtual events

•       You walk away inspired, with new friends and new ideas for your next project.

•       We usually offer an exclusive perk at the end too!

Don't want to bring all these tools and supplies somewhere else to craft?  Join a virtual crop or crafting workshop, and you can have all your favorite products within an arm's length.

Crafts on the Move primarily hosts virtual workshops, sometimes with a crop included at the end of the workshop, but if you are interested in attending a fun dedicated Virtual Crop, check out Demali Handcrafts here.

Intrigued?  Next week, we will share: How to prepare and what to bring to a virtual crop so you can get the most out of your crafting session.