Many people seem to enjoy clubs – otherwise it would no longer be offered. One of the main advantages is getting coordinated supplies without the headache of searching everywhere.
One of the downsides, and some may say challenges, of regular monthly kits is that you cannot choose what is in it. So what do you do with those things you hate that frequently turn up in kits?
As with fashion, colors are cyclical. Things shown in previously advertised kits that you may have fallen in love with, will probably not be in the kits during your membership.
Some kits clubs will let you see what you will get in advance. Your membership may allow you to skip say one in three or one in six if you don’t like it, but not all clubs offer this. Be aware you will usually be expected to take the majority of kits offered during your membership.
Look at the conditions of membership before you sign up as they will tell you what your commitment is. You may be required to sign up for a minimum of three months, six months or one year. The fee may vary depending on the length of time you are a member.
What do Scrapbooking Kits contain?
Some kits include the album, others only the paper and embellishments.
In many cases there will be/you would hope to find:
- at least a few sheets of scrapbooking paper sufficient to make 2-4 layouts
- cardstock
- new product
- old favorites
- embellishments
If you are new to scrapbooking then you may find using the small themed kits which come with layout suggestions work well until you get your own style.
For experienced scrappers the challenge of using things you are unfamiliar with can be good.
Where can you get Scrapbooking Kits?
1. Your local scrapbook store may offer kits
2. Online digital: ScrapGirls, Scrapbook.com; 2 Peas or try your LSS as some have digital products now
3. Online paper: You’ll be able to get , or Scrapbook.com; Paper Wishes to name a few.
4. Various clubs online or by mail order
Alternate Tip: if several of your friends are keen scrappers you could form your own club. This would work well if you live near each other. You could share costs and take turns to compile a selection of products and get together to make your pages. Or you could each buy products to a certain value and swap them, then compare what you’ve made.
Storing digital files:
Digital scrapbook kit downloads take up a lot of computer space (and backups double it but it is always wise to do so.) You can back up your files to disk or there are services where you can buy space for off-site backups.
Consider adding an external hard drive to your computer configuration as they can store a lot – 400 GB and more.
I won’t try to advise you on filing as I never do a good job of that. Take advice from the experienced folks at your digital scrapbooking sites.
What can you do if you find yourself stuck for another ten months in a scrapbooking club with products you don’t like?
Check the cancellation conditions and if they are not favorable consider the following:
- learn to work with it: accept the challenge to make the most of the selection of items you are given
- if you would never use the items on your layouts, then consider using them to make cards: you give these away and can tailor the card to the personality of the person who receives it
- share the products you really don’t like with friends who may be in other clubs and suffering the same problem – just because you don’t like something does not mean everyone will
- sell the kit you don’t like, locally or on eBay
- some online communities allow you to share, swap or even sell your scrapbook supplies to other members
- use as a gift to someone you think may like it
- if all else fails store them and take a peak from time to time – you never know you may eventually fall in love with them (familiarity does not always breed contempt!) Or they may become all the rage or extremely scarce and you can make your fortune selling the kits you’ve saved! And, of course, being acid and lignin free your products should still be ok when your great, great granddaughter finds them in your attic and takes them to an Antiques Roadshow of the future, hoping to make her fortune! lol!
These are some things to look out for when joining scrapbooking kits clubs. Hope you find them useful.
