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Post by KikiPea on Feb 16, 2015 15:29:23 GMT
*UPDATE* Me and my bestie, janesays , had a BLAST! I took 9 kits and finished 6-7. There was another one I could have worked on, but I was missing a piece of accent paper.  Not too shabby for 8 hrs of crop time! (Spent an hour eating dinner) Then, today, I spent all of my budgeted money! LOL I will post my LO's as soon as I can this weekend in the gallery. Thanks for all of your tips!  *END* For those of you who premake kits for crops, or just for yourself to scrap at a later date, how the heck do you do it??? I scrap most of my LO's on the fly with NO previous planning. It just...happens. I will be attending a 9 hr crop at the Scrapbook Expo this coming Thursday. I have pics printed and have started putting stuff together for them. BUT, I could have scrapped all of the LO's in the time it has taken me to pull the items together. I get stuck. I have NO idea how to go about picking out embellishments to go with the kits. I mean. I have done it, bit I only get so far before I get stuck. It's really stressful! LOL The ONLY thing that helps me is if I have a sketch/scraplift that inspires me. The LO's may not look anything like them in the end, but I have to have SOMETHING to spark my interest. I have a few for certain photos, but the ones I DON'T have them for??? Torture.   So, what is your kitting system??? I need HELP! LOL |
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,735 
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Feb 16, 2015 15:38:05 GMT
I start with my photos, find a sketch or LO, then pull papers and embellished based on those two things. I typically follow the sketch/LO very closely so that I don't have to think about the design. I print my photos after finding a sketch and any photo croping is done prior to printing.
I have several sketchbooks from Scrapbook Generation or I will look on pinterest. I make several kits (10+) at one time doing it in a batch. I print photo contact sheets for each page. Then find sketches for each one. Then papers and embellies.
Google counterfeit kit challenge for more ideas.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Feb 16, 2015 16:10:40 GMT
 Once you know what photos you want to use, find a sketch that has that number of photos and that will work with the orientation for those photos (sometimes you can change the orientation with cropping it differently, so keep that in mind too). Then look at the sketch closer and see what else you need, i.e. how many different patterned papers, how many embellishments, journaling spots, title, ribbon, twine, washi etc. and find or make those things for your kit. Edit, resize (if needed) and print your photos and put them into your kit with a copy of your sketch. Now when you get to your crop, all you have to do is follow the "recipe" and the layout should come together pretty quickly. The best sketches have the paper sizes printed out or at least listed, that makes it so much easier for me to quickly cut and assemble the base pages and print the photos the right size the first time.
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christinec68
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,437
Location: New York, NY
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Post by christinec68 on Feb 16, 2015 16:11:33 GMT
I am making kits for a weekend crop and struggle with spending the time kitting vs making the layout but I can't bring it all to the crop so I have to do some planning. I started out trying to pull together all the elements I'll need for each page and it was taking too long.
So I switched gears and I am now pulling the papers I want to use for each set of pictures/layout and putting them in a large ziploc. When I finish this, I'll come back around and find sketches and decide on the titles. Then I'll make a third pass for some embellishments although I am comfortable bringing an assortment of embellishments...most of mine are stored in crop friendly containers and others are a nuisance to break down into each kit (like pieces from a sticker sheet).
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Post by KikiPea on Feb 16, 2015 20:46:46 GMT
I'm doing all of those things, and it's still taking forever. LOL Scrapping on the fly is SO much easier for me, and still takes forever.  |
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Post by lauralaforest on Feb 16, 2015 20:56:34 GMT
I feel your pain KiKiPea……..i find by the time I pull everything out to do a layout, I might as well just get it done! lol I can never pre-kit, it drives me crazy.
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Post by mikklynn on Feb 16, 2015 21:14:25 GMT
I try to bring just two "themes", for example beach and Christmas. Then I pick my papers and select coordinating cardstock, ribbon, washi, enamel dots, Thickers. Finally, I pack my Iris cases of vacation and Christmas embellishments.
I also keep Post-It notes in my scrap case. I place a note on the page protector if I want to add that perfect embellishment I know is sitting at home.
Have fun!
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Post by myboysnme on Feb 16, 2015 22:21:21 GMT
Well I don't make kits, but what I do is pull the paper and embellies I might use for certain photos, and put them together in a bin. So for example, this weekend I am going to a retreat crop. I put everything that I might use in a bin. Certain themes, like Christmas/winter I have all of the paper and embellies I might use together in a plastic sleeve.
At the crop I do have to root through my box, but I know that whatever pics I have that my supplies are right there in that box. I expect to be very productive. Last retreat I finished a 40 page album with this method.
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Post by Tamhugh on Feb 17, 2015 2:57:23 GMT
I do it in batches. I start with the pictures and then sketches. After that, I pick a few patterned papers and coordinating cardstock that will work with the kit. If I am really feeling motivated, I will cut titles on my Cricut while I am watching tv or a movie and run it through the Xyron. Then when I pack for the crop, I toss in all of the kits, and a baggie full of embellishments that I think will work. When I get to the crop, I can just put it all together and into an album. I know that I could probably complete a layout just as quickly, but it works well for taking advantage of chunks of time rather than one big block.
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Post by pattyg on Feb 17, 2015 16:24:32 GMT
I cheat since I have quite a stash of kit club kits! I find kits that go with my pictures. I am trying to make page kits tho out of my stash. I think the more you do it, the faster it will go. I, too, tend to get bogged down thinking too much about the layout. Like the idea of finding the sketch first.
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Post by cmpeter on Feb 17, 2015 19:01:19 GMT
I pull papers (card stock and patterned) to go with my pictures. Then I take a couple Iris cases with my favorite and/or current embellishments. I also have a tote of letter stickers and kits from clubs that I bring. I can't pre-plan 100% of a layout. But this lets me avoid trying to bring all my paper and still have some room on the fly planning.
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kate
Drama Llama
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Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Feb 17, 2015 19:43:21 GMT
I use purchased page kits for crops. They have papers and chipboard and stickers and sometimes blingy things... Those are easiest.
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Deleted
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Nov 27, 2024 4:48:24 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2015 19:45:35 GMT
Iit helps me to look at it this way; you can either lug everything you Own to the crop or you can spend a little bit of time preparing for what you're going to accomplish at the crop.
It's your choice.
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Post by KikiPea on Feb 17, 2015 20:16:12 GMT
Iit helps me to look at it this way; you can either lug everything you Own to the crop or you can spend a little bit of time preparing for what you're going to accomplish at the crop. It's your choice. Yeah, I get that. I just think it's almost pointless to take as much time kitting as actually doing the LO. It seems like a waist of time. BUT, I will have a blast getting at least 7 LO's done that night. I'm stuck o. The design of the 8th, so I probably won't get to it. |
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Post by 505scrapper on Feb 17, 2015 20:24:47 GMT
I do the same as other posters above. I pull photos and a sketch or photo of a layout I like then pull papers and embellies that will go with it. I also have a hard time putting kits together so I don't do them often. The type of event I'm doing is what will be my deciding factor. If I'm going for a weekend crop, I usually just take a lot of stuff and work with what I have. If it's a short afternoon or even a day crop, I'll try to bring kits with me. Below is a link to a video I found years ago when I first thought about doing kits. I found it a little helpful. Otherwise, just do a search on Youtube and you will probably find a ton of videos. Making Page Kits |
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Post by crazy4scraps on Feb 17, 2015 23:05:41 GMT
Iit helps me to look at it this way; you can either lug everything you Own to the crop or you can spend a little bit of time preparing for what you're going to accomplish at the crop. It's your choice. Yeah, I get that. I just think it's almost pointless to take as much time kitting as actually doing the LO. It seems like a waist of time. BUT, I will have a blast getting at least 7 LO's done that night. I'm stuck o. The design of the 8th, so I probably won't get to it. I'm such a dreadfully slow scrapper that if I *don't* pull some things together before I go, I never get anything done at all. Honestly for me, I'm most productive if I stay at home with ALL my stuff but it's not nearly as fun as going to a crop. I go as much for the social aspect of it as for the scrapping, so if all I get done is one layout I'm happy. (But I'm even happier if I get more than that done, LOL!) |
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Post by 950nancy on Feb 18, 2015 2:27:47 GMT
I can make a kit in about 7 minutes. I always have my paper together so that part is finished. I throw in 3-7 things I could use and am done.
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Feb 18, 2015 3:28:03 GMT
I'm no help for you; the reasons you listed are the reasons I take practically my whole stash of embellishments with me in 12x12 iris boxes-- lol!! The minute I try and limit my options, I decide I *really* want something I didn't bring.
ETA: my SB style is pretty much like yours; I start with a sketch or an idea, and it 'organically' sort of comes together as I dig through my stash. If I do any sort of a 'kit' at all, it has TONS of papers and embellishments in it, so there is a LOT more in it than I would ever need for just one layout. (i.e., I'd make a 'desert colors' kit or a 'travel kit' to use for three to five groups of photos.)
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Post by impearia on Feb 18, 2015 3:46:04 GMT
I started doing my own kits a few years ago to have sort of "grab and go" boxes. I have 3 children, 2 under the age of 4, and if I didn't premake kits I couldn't get any scrapping done at all! Part of it comes down to this simple question: do you like kits? If you don't and they make you feel panicky, then there really is no point in making them. If you answered : "yes!" then what are your sticking points? I would suggest bigger kits for you perhaps rather than page kits. I personally do not like page kits, I prefer to make (and occasionally buy) big kits with lots of pretty paper and embellishments so I can pick and choose what I want and not feel too restricted. One thing that can help is to start with a collection you like and have a lot of: pick a piece of paper that has most of the collections colours in it and then see if you have other collections with the same or similar colours and themes. I also always add in my signature style elements in matching colours: so for me that is: sequins, enamel dots, puffy stickers, small embellishments and mists. For you it might be other special items like thickers, cardstock, stamps and stamping inks. Go back and look at your last 10 layouts and see what you use on all or most of them. make sure to include whatever those things are.
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Post by redshoes on Feb 18, 2015 4:26:57 GMT
I use the term "kit" very loosely for myself. It's more like I just grab my folder of themed paper with a few coordinating embellishment options and know that it's what I'll use for my kid's birthday pages, etc. If I know I have 8-10 pages to do for Christmas events and activities, then I just pull my entire box of Christmas paper and embellishments and take that to the crop. I have begun organizing as much of my things by theme vs other systems like color, because that has been easiest for me to pull together to attend weekend crops, which is where I get 95% of my annual scrapping done.
Like another said, if you dislike how much time it takes to pull together kit items, then don't feel pressured to use that system-do what works best for you! In my case, I do try to scrap several pages of the same theme in the same weekend, ie Halloween, Christmas, summer pages, etc. and that helps me be more productive. For certain events, I will pull very specific paper and stickers.
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Post by alissa103 on Feb 18, 2015 6:11:18 GMT
Oh I feel your pain. Totally. I'm going to a weekend crop at the end of March and I'm trying to kit so I don't have to take a ton of stuff AND so I don't feel scattered while I'm there. It's agonizing.
It does help to find a layout to copy and go from there. Check Pinterest and go through your boards. Anything there you're dying to try or copy? Recreate it. The kits I've put together this way have gone the fastest.
Another option - pull out a paper line you've been wanting to use. Google it and look at the resulting images or go on scrapbook.com and look at the layouts uploaded with that product. I've gotten some great ideas that way for a few. It actually helps if the paper isn't brand new bc you'll get more examples.
Go to a kit club gallery that you like and recreate a layout you adore. Even better if you own the kit! Much faster.
I also have a little basket of stuff I haven't put away for about 6 months (it's stuff I pulled to use and was too lazy to put back, excess or leftovers from kits, etc.) that I'm going to take to fill in the holes, so to speak. If my layout is missing something, I can dig and find something that'll work in that basket. It helps me to remember this so I don't stress about adding every possible goodie to the kit bag.
Good luck!
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tiffanytwisted
Pearl Clutcher
you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave
Posts: 4,538
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Post by tiffanytwisted on Feb 18, 2015 13:39:06 GMT
I agree - sometimes it takes me so long to pull something together (especially if I'm doing a technique like embossing or stamping and have to gather materials for that) that I feel like I should just do the dang page right then.
However . . . I would get much less done if I were to sit at the crop and try to come up w/the ideas there. I'm pretty social and can't do 2 things at once, so there's no way I'd be able to chat and be creative.
Plus, I always find that I'll come up w/some great idea for the page (like embossing or stamping) and I won't have the stuff w/me to do it and then I'm frustrated.
It seems like a waste of time, but in the long run it will be worth it.
Have a great time!
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Post by meganliane on Feb 18, 2015 14:23:24 GMT
I first put together paper that works together. Then I find embellishments - enamel dots, thickers, little letter stickers, die cuts, brads etc. I make these where you can easily do 4 - 5 layouts And then I find pics in my stash that work. I don't normally use sketches but would find those at this point. I think starting with the kit first is easier than starting with the pics - but that is just my opinion. Good luck on getting ready for the crop!
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jediannie
Pearl Clutcher
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Jun 30, 2014 3:19:06 GMT
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Post by jediannie on Feb 18, 2015 20:34:22 GMT
I first put together paper that works together. Then I find embellishments - enamel dots, thickers, little letter stickers, die cuts, brads etc. I make these where you can easily do 4 - 5 layouts And then I find pics in my stash that work. I don't normally use sketches but would find those at this point. I think starting with the kit first is easier than starting with the pics - but that is just my opinion. Good luck on getting ready for the crop! I do this as well, minus the not using sketches. I pull my paper & embellishments together, then I go through my pictures and find sketches that work with the pictures. Most of my layouts are related to travel, so I try and use one line of patterned paper for each trip. Or, for example, I'm working on a Hawaii trip right now, so I have all my tropical paper & embellishments together and bring all those, along with my pictures I've found sketches for. It helps me a lot to do it this way, I'm not good at scrapping on the fly! I've tried just winging it in the past, but I end up doing nothing, if I have these kits, I get layouts done. |
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Post by wonderwoman on Feb 18, 2015 21:21:57 GMT
;)I am going to attempt making kits for an upcoming crop... so tired of taking everything but the kitchen sink only to end up only getting 2-3 layouts done... My problem is choosing embellishments.. its like picking your favorite child~ lol
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Post by KikiPea on Feb 19, 2015 0:23:11 GMT
All packed up and ready to go! Com' on Thursday! |
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tiffanytwisted
Pearl Clutcher
you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave
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Post by tiffanytwisted on Feb 19, 2015 0:57:31 GMT
Now you have to let us know how many layouts you got done. We need to know if the kits worked out for ya!
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Post by KikiPea on Feb 19, 2015 1:43:05 GMT
Now you have to let us know how many layouts you got done. We need to know if the kits worked out for ya! I only kitted 8-9, since it's only a 9 hr crop, and I will be alone for the first 2 hrs., so I should get a lot done! LOL |
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Post by Scrapper100 on Feb 19, 2015 3:39:20 GMT
I am such a slow scrapper and when I go to crops it is mostly for the social interaction these days. I need to get some stuff done though so I think I am going to try and prepare more for my next crop. I normally use CTMH's WOTG kits so it includes paper, cardstock, embelishments, stamps and sketches with instructions and it still takes me hours to complete a single layout LOL. I need to get faster. I hope I can pull together some older paper and embelishments to use for my next crop. I also have a coupon for 50 prints so that should help. I so need to start using up my stash and putting a dent in it. When I have gone on weekend long crops (years ago  ) I used to try and work on a single theme vs multiple individual layouts. Projects are easier for me to pack up. Can't wait to hear how your crop went with the kits. |
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Post by 950nancy on Feb 19, 2015 3:54:02 GMT
I find when I have kits I make do with what I have and it doesn't take me as long as when I bring everything. Do still bring a lot that could work on any layout, but the kits are limiting so I scrap faster. I also make all of the titles before I go so that saves tons of time.
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Not too shabby for 8 hrs of crop time! (Spent an hour eating dinner) Then, today, I spent all of my budgeted money! LOL 
Once you know what photos you want to use, find a sketch that has that number of photos and that will work with the orientation for those photos (sometimes you can change the orientation with cropping it differently, so keep that in mind too). Then look at the sketch closer and see what else you need, i.e. how many different patterned papers, how many embellishments, journaling spots, title, ribbon, twine, washi etc. and find or make those things for your kit. Edit, resize (if needed) and print your photos and put them into your kit with a copy of your sketch. Now when you get to your crop, all you have to do is follow the "recipe" and the layout should come together pretty quickly.
) I used to try and work on a single theme vs multiple individual layouts. Projects are easier for me to pack up.