Scrapbook Kits

New here and this has probably already been talked about in other threads but could not find something in the search.

Do you make your own scrapbook kits for quicker layouts? If so, do you have a structure for them or a standard way of putting them together?

How much stuff goes into a scrapbook kit? Can someone upload a photo of one of their home-made scrapbook kits?

Ok, I'm going to answer this.

I have made my own kits with things in my stash, but I tend to make "page kits". By that I mean I go through my items and find 1-2 papers I would like to use that complement each other, usually at least 1 sheet of cardstock...sometimes 2. I then go through any borders, embellishments, alphas, etc. that compliment the papers I've chosen. I have some kits that were mailed to me recently, I'll take a picture of one of them and upload it because it's been a while since I put together my own kit.

I'll get it uploaded later this evening.

Ok thanks! I was just wondering, some people seem to have a system...my friend uses different categories, Page Titles, Paper Pack, Embeleshments, Journaling, Technique and even sorts out the photos for each. For each category she has examples then mixes and matches to make all sorts of kits, which makes scrapbooking much easier. I am thinking if I make some "kits" ahead with stuff that match's it may make things easier.

I make page kits so that when I scrap away from home (at crops), I am guaranteed to take very little supplies with me except for the kits and the essential tools and I am also guaranteed to get a lot of pages completed.

My process:
1. Review what photos I have for the specific pages I am wanting to include in our books. I use Adobe Bridge and I mark the ones I want to use so I get a general idea of the number of photos I want to include. I try to do a 2 page spread of each "event" , so I pick enough photos for two 12x12 or two 8.5x11 pages (depending on which book I am working in).

2. Then before printing any pictures, I look through my binder of collected floor plans and sketches to find one that is appealing and can be modified for the number of pictures I want to include. I make a copy of the choosen floor plan/sketch so I can make notes on it. I keep the original in my binder of collected pals/sketches for use again later. Typically I will pick one floorplan/sketch and use it as is for the first page and then turn it a different way for the second page.

3. I then determine where each photo I have chosen will go and I print the photos according to what size I need them to be based upon the sketch.

4. Then I pick paper, embellishments, etc... and I make notes on the side of the floor plan/sketch for what paper will be used where. I also decide if I will use sticker letters for the titles (if so, I pull out the needed sheets of stickers and put them with the paper, embellishments, etc.. If I am die cutting titles or embellishments, I make a note about doing that and what paper to do it from.).

5. I keep a separate running list of what other tools I need to pack (punches, stamps, etc...). and I put this note on the outside of the plastic container that will be mentioned below.

Then I gather up the paper, photos, floor plans, embellishments, sticker letters etc... and put them into a plastic page protector with notes about the date of the event and if it is a 2 page or 1 page layout. I store the "page kits" in 12x12 plastic containers and on the outside of the container, I tape the note about other tools that are needed to complete the pages (mentioned in step 5 above). Then when I am going to a crop, I grab the plastic container, the tools listed on the outside note and toss it all into my bag.

At the crop, everything I need to create my pages is included in the page kits and I don't waste time digging through paper and embellishments because I took the time to pull all of that together before the crop.

When I come home from a crop, I first put all of the completed pages into the books that they go into. Then I sort out all of the scraps and file those into my scrap paper holders. And lastly, I put away all of the extra tools and put the empty page protectors back into their box to be reused for the next set of page kits.

I do pretty much the same thing.

I plan out my pages (I don't like to use page sketches, just don't have good luck with them and would rather work out my own pages). I go through the gallery for inspiration and arrange pictures on the page until I have a pretty good idea what I want.

Then I get a piece of scrap paper and sketch it out so I won't forget what I've done.

If I'm doing a Cricket title I weld it and put it in an envelope so I can just glue it down. If I'm using embossing or punches - I do all of that ahead of time so the pieces are in the kit.

Sometimes I put choices in the kit so I can pick between 2 or 3 papers if I haven't made up my mind.

If I'm using individual Cricut letters I cut them out. Then I press drywall tape over the letters while they are still on the mat because they are perfectly lined up and spaced while on the mat.

Using my spatula, I life up the letters onto the drywall tape. (No other tape seems to work except for the loose-woven drywall tape and I buy it in white). I bought a roll in 2009 and still have half the roll so it lasts forever!

The letters will be on the drywall tape backwards, but perfectly lined up and spaced.

I then press the drywall tape onto a piece of typing paper or other white scrap paper and the letters are frozen in perfect arrangement.

At the crop I peel the drywall tape off the paper its on and I have tape with my title - still perfect.

The tape is loosely woven so I just get my ruler out and figure out where the letters go, (easy since I can see through the tape). THen I put glue on the back of the letters and place them on the layout using the ruler for a guide. So easy when the letters are already straight.

Then I pull the drywall tape off the letters - I usually have to use my spatula to help the process so the letters don't come up with the dry wall tape if it is really sticky.

That really helps at crops - I don't have to take, set up or spend time using my Cricut and they packing it up and taking it back home.