Creating a kit: what should be in it?

[kathyscraps]

Not sure if someone has asked this before, but I couldn't find anything with the search tool.

I'm wanting to put together a list of must-haves for making an average-size scrapbooking kit.
The sort of things that a kit must have to be useful to most scrappers.

Of course, lots of papers is a given, but how many pieces?

And what sort of elements appeal to almost everyone?

Thanks,
Kathy

[msbrad]

I think it depends on the 'theme' of the kit.
Here's a couple thoughts from me.
papers - a mix of pattern and fairly plan that will co-ordinate,and look ok used together.

elements - include some that go with the theme (beach- sand, birds, grasses, water elements. travel/vacation - suitcase, camera, road signs, passport.) etc.
~some to fasten with: stitching, prong, staples, frame
~word art is always nice
~notions such as accents of ribbon, rope, string
~something to journal on
...and last but not least...realistic sizing between the elements. By this I mean, a bird in the kit should not be bigger than the tree.

HTH.
m

[missys_bits]

You might look into the Digi Design Academy. Sherah is wonderful and covers this in detail.

[Carinspixels]

Originally Posted by msbrad

~word art is always nice

I love all the things you added except for the word art, it gets trashed here right away, since I journal in my own language *dutch* and I do not want to use english/ american wordart on any of my pages.

[Aerobigirl]

My list would be:

Frames - at least one good photo frame, preferably more than one and in different shapes like a rectangle and a square or a circle.

Fasteners - one or two staples, clips, brads, etc.

Theme-related items - several thematic items with variety (i.e. if it's a beach kit I'd rather four different items like a wave, a ball, a beach umbrella and a sun than four variations on a sun).

Clusterable non-theme items - buttons, flowers, swirls, leaves, glitter, scatters of beads, etc. A few small items in colors that really pop.

Journaling or other tags

Ribbons / string / twine / stitches

Papers should have a couple of theme-related papers, some patterns that could be used for anything, and a few good solids. At least one neutral solid, please.

A theme-neutral alpha would be great but not required.

[OrianaVianey]

I agree with the frames, I need to frame my pics.

But in general I think is important that all or at least most of the elements from the kit are truly unique and originals. Even if you are using CU elements, please don't just plop them into the kit as that is just re-packing, not designing.

There is nothing more horrible that browse a gallery, see a layout and think "Oh I have that kit and is from XXXX designer" and when you read the credits you realize that there are several other kits from different designers with the exact same elements and papers... that leave me, as costumer, a bad taste and the feeling that the money I put into that kit was not well spent.

ETA: If you have to put flowers on the kit, try to also use original ones. The Prima Flowers style is everywhere.

[LauraBanasiak]

frames
buttons
stars or flowers
ricrac or ribbons
string (i HATE when a kit doesn't have a string)
alphabet

[OrianaVianey]

Oh I just want to add that depends on the style of the kit
IE: a "traditional paper-like" kit need more papers, patterns, ribbons and flowers (I rèrsonally hate ric rac but lots of people like), doodles, cutsey stuff.
A minimalistic layout need more delicate elements and papers
And a fantasy layout need more scenery and realistic elements.

[jacinda]

I just want to say if you put flowers in a kit, pleeeease make sure there's some greenery to go with it. Some leaves, a branch, some ivy, whatever.

[scrappy_dog]

On the theme of word art... I will not touch a set that uses 'MOM' and does not have 'MUM' in it. I think it is easy enough to add both versions into a set, and as a Mum, I hate to miss out, lol!
My kit essentials are:
Papers- It hardly ever happens, But I love it when I can mix a sold and patterned to make a well balance 24x12. I mostly scrap double pagers.
Fasteners
Frames
something for wrapping (string, ribbon, etc)
something to wrap (twigs, flowers, etc)
something unique... what can you offer me that no one else can?