Thursday, November 17, 2011

Getting the most out of kits

I'm starting to find kits a really great way to scrap - but only if you work hard to really get the most out of them! Here's a few ways to do that:
  • Keep the kit in a resealable bag or box and don't throw out ANY scraps. Put all your scraps straight back into your bag when you finish a layout so they are there for next time.
  • Have a flick through your photos when you get the kit and put matching photos with your kit. That way you will have photos and papers all matching when you go to scrap!!
  • Add a couple of extra alphas to the kit, including some journalling alphas so you have a bit of choice when it comes to your title - different colours and sizes are helpful.
  • Add any other embellishments that come to mind when you get the kit.
  • When you are getting down to the 'bare bones' of the kit, start doing pages based on card stock and using the scraps as strips etc. Glimmer mist is your friend for making interesting backgrounds!!!
All of these ideas are about basically about making your kit go further - about using what you already have, mixed in with new product so you don't get bored of what you've already got, but you're not spending a fortune on new, unnecessary product.

Of course, you can make up your own kits from what you've already got in your cupboard! Here's some ideas of what to add into a home-made kit:

  • Matching PP's - don't have to be from the same range, but matching colours and/or themes go great together in a home-made kit
  • A few different types of alphas to match the PP's - different sizes are a great idea!
  • Cardstock - White, black and kraft are a great start - and anything else you think you have to match
  • Embellishments - ribbon, bling, buttons, flowers etc - all to match the theme/colours
  • Chipboard - shapes and words/phrases to match the theme of your kit
Home-made kits are a great way to save money when you are going to a shop to scrap. You've got everything you need already put together in your bag - some stuff that you've probably even forgotten you have!! This will stop the temptation of buying just a little bit more for each layout you are doing!! I find i'm really terrible at buying a new set of alphas when i'm out - but when i have made a kit up i never need to do this!!

Here's an example of just how far you can make one kit go. I have used the '5 & Dime' OA kit from Scrapbooking From Scratch, and i got all of these layouts from it, plus 2 more which i haven't photographed yet :D

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Not bad for a ~$30 kit, huh? And i LITERALLY used it ALL!!!! There were only a few very small scraps and stickers left when i was done - which my son then used in his scrapbook :D

I've also purchased a $20 kit from Wicked Princesses recently, and i've already done 3 LO's, and have HEAPS left - i'd like to get at least another 3 out of it :D Here's the 3 i have done so far:

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Pretty cute huh? Notice the first LO was a boy layout? But the kit is a girl kit!! I've used the white base card stock plus some fairly neutral PP from the kit - plus some word stickers from the kit. Word stickers are an AWESOME way to add interest to your journalling!!

I hope i have inspired you to get those kits out and put them to work!!! Or maybe, to make some kits of your own from what you've already got!!! Don't forget to share this post if you think you have friends who may be interested in saving money on their scrapbooking - which i'm sure we all can!!

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