Thoughts on Kits

Hi All - I thought I would share a little bit of my thoughts on kits today. I listened to the Paperclipping Roundtable episode on Kits and it really got me thinking as to why I like kits and what makes them a good option. (Also, I am referring to kit clubs in this post not really kits you put together yourself or a collection kit.)

I just got back into scrapbooking "regular" layouts (i.e. not Project Life) about a year and a half ago. I subscribed to Studio Calico's scrapbook kit when I started scrapbooking again. I have also tried other kits as well. All I have tried have been great clubs but I ended up with Studio Calico Card kit as my ongoing sub (which I explain why later in the post).

Here are some of the main reasons I like kits:

- A good jumping off point - Whenever I want to create a layout, about 1/2 the time I start with a kit. For me it is a "good jumping off point" - meaning I rarely just stick to the kit contents but it definitely gets me started which can be one of the hardest things.

- Have someone select the supplies you can't "see" - This one has really hit home recently since Archiver's in my area closed. I really don't have a place where I can physically see products. Hobby Lobby has a few of the newer items, but that is it. I know I have bought things online that looked better online than in person and vice versa. Buying a kit they find those supplies for you as they do get to see the physical product. For example, I wasn't really sure about Studio Calico's new Printshop line but I got a few of the products in a kit and was sold - It has been one of my favorite new lines!

- Supplies I wouldn't have bought on my own - A lot of times you get things you would not have bought on your own in the kit, whether it be because you don't think it is your style, not very readily available or maybe the price point as they sometimes do partial packs. This has pushed me to find things I wanted have tried on my own and find things I really like.

- Creative Team Galleries - Kit clubs all have creative teams that make layouts with the kits. You can view what they did with the supplies and get ideas - or even exactly copy a layout. This can help when you are first scrapbooking (or scrapbooking again!).

- Exclusives - This is probably why I decided to on the SC card kit as the sub I wanted to keep. I do make cards but not as much as layouts but I love their exclusive 6x6 pad and the stamp set. I use the paper and stamp sets for cards and for Project Life, as well as layouts. Also, SC has a lot of different exclusives that come in their other kits. I have the option of purchasing those as well during presale (or after) and they will ship with my Card kit as long as I buy between a certain time period of the month.

I do think the key is to find the kit that works for you. They talk a lot in the Roundtable episode about this. The reason I ended up sticking with Studio Calico was I find their kits the easiest to use for me and they have items I can't purchase otherwise. In addition, they have a decent size shop where you can buy extra supplies, combined shipping from the 27th-end of the month, and quick shipping to me (I only live about an hour from them so I always get my package the next day).

If you want to check out a good listing and review of kits, check out Ruth Bosner's blog where she did a great job of breaking down kit clubs. It is a little older but most facts are still the same. (She also did one on pocket page kit clubs that you can find HERE.)

I will leave you with a layout I made with (or at least started with) the Studio Calico Marks & Co Scrapbook and card kit. I ended up getting the main scrapbook kit that month as well as the card kit. (I usually purchase at least one add on or the main scrapbook kit with my card sub.)

The Amy Tangerine pocket is a good example of something I would not have purchased on my own but actually really liked using on this layout. We also got a partial pack - just two pockets in this kit.

The Studio Calico bow from their Atlantic line was actually another item I received in a different kit that I most likely would not have purchased. I really like what it added to this layout.

The yellow letter stickers are by Bella Blvd. The glitter dots are from Freckled Fawn

The die cuts and sticker are from the Dear Lizzy Polka Dot party line from my stash.

I used the pocket to hold my journaling. This card came from the Amy Tangerine Cut & Paste die cut pack also from my stash.

I hope this gave you some insight into why I like kits. If you haven't ever tried one, I say give it a try! Most you can buy just the single kit so you can try it out.

Thanks for stopping by - Hope you have a happy Tuesday!

Megan