scrapbook kits: when to make or use them

A few weeks ago I took off to the scrapbook store for a crop I was hosting with very little supplies for myself. A few alphabet stickers, a packet of die cuts, and a book of 6×8 paper was pretty much it. My goal? To make a scrapbook in a single day.

Spoiler alert- I did not make it. But I did create about 80% of the album right there in the store in a 6-7hr period while also chatting and enjoying the company of the other ladies there! So my progress was extremely pleasing to me and I should be done with this album soon as I find a “free” afternoon to wrap it up. This experiment was successful, but it also reminded me of why sometimes scrapbooking with a kit is so effective. The benefits are:

  • limited choices = easier to make decisions quickly when there aren’t endless choices
  • streamlined packing for on the go
  • coordinated look to album/project
  • you know everything goes with everything else – no matching worries

Now when I say kit, it could simply be products from a single manufacturer line, or it could be a pre-made kit, or it could be your own homemade grouping of coordinated supplies.

This experiment got me thinking about when it’s good to make with a kit – because normally I really don’t. Normally I get an idea or have a story I want to tell and I hunt around for things that might work, then pick from that, then put it all away. So why did I pick a kit this time, and when do I look for a kit?

Themed album. This is a Hawaii album, so it was easy to pick (affiliate link used) Crate Paper’s new line 6×8 paper pad + die cuts because I know the colors would work and it’d be a lot of fun. Now this doesn’t always work – but if all photos have similar colors (mine did!) or location such as a sports field or wedding location – this can also work well.

Simple album. In addition to a strong theme, this is a simple pocket page album. Some pages are simply photos, no paper or fuss. So not a ton of product is needed which means I can probably use one good line/kit and call it a day.

Just ready to get this done. If this is the case and this is a project you simply want off your plate, then make a “basic” kit with colors, patterns, and products you use all the time and keep it easy!

Really want a coordinated look. I am not one who cares if an album looks the same throughout, but if you are? Well then, you should use a kit so that you have built in cohesive goodness.

Want to make a lot of scrapbook pages (unrelated theme). If your memory keeping backlog is extensive – then you may want to consider a kit + any photos you THINK would work well with it for your scrapbook session. This works well when you really just want any/all stories told!

Bottom line? This is going to work well if too many choices slows you down, or if you’re going for a specific look. I don’t limit myself like this often because I am usually pretty good at running with my first good idea vs debating all the options. But if I’m “on the road” or also if I’m just trying to get going on something – kits can be just the answer.

tip: there are endless options and no one right way to do it!

Kits – and I’m very loose with that term – are just one way to approach your memory keeping so that you get more done and debate where to start a little less.

Looking for more scrapbooking ideas and inspiration? Join me this summer and let’s scrapbook a whole album together! Sign up/info on Scrapbooking the Journey can be found here. 

2 thoughts on “scrapbook kits: when to make or use them”

  1. This post intrigued me. My biggest obstacle to completing projects is “what if”. If this flower looks good maybe that one will look better-ad infinitum. I even do this with cards. So I’m going to assemble a small “kit” and make a card for a friend.This is going to be a difficult exercise for me.But it will be good for my self discipline-and maybe my future crafting endeavors.

  2. I so agree with you May … there really is such a thing is too much choice. Great post!

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