How to assemble page kits

1. Working with one set of photos at a time, pull out a set of photos for a layout. Don't worry about the exact number or final placement on the page; you can always re-file the unused ones when the layout is complete. Put them all in a page protector, envelope or 12*12 plastic bag

2. Go through your existing embellishments and look for stickers, accents, swap items that fit the theme you're going for. Add to the page protector.

3. Pick your color scheme and pull out the cardstock choices you will probably use and add to the kit. In general, pick a base color and 1 or 2 accent colors. If you're not 100% sure about the color scheme, then narrow it down to 2 color schemes and put them both in the bag (with the intent to file the unused paper when you're done)

4. Pick matching patterned paper, if using. Add to the kit. (you might pick your patterned paper first, then cardstock to match)

5. If you have a layout in mind to scraplift, print it off your computer, write down the page number from the idea book, sketch it, or cut it out and add to the kit.

6. Plan your journaling. Type it and print it out on coordinating paper (or vellum!) or just write your thoughts down and add your notes to the kit for hand journaling later. Be sure to leave space on the layout if you plan to add your journaling later. You can journal by hand or by computer, just be sure to leave room!

7. Doing any techniques or embellishments? Add your eyelets, beads, wire, fibers, stamps, etc. (sandwich size Ziploc bags are great for keeping little things together inside the bigger bag) As you add the finishing touches, on a scrap of paper or a sticky note, make a list of the tools you'll need to complete the layout, such as eyelet setters or a special adhesive.

8. Missing any ingredients? Make a list of what you need to complete each kit and take it shopping. Better yet, take your page kits shopping for even more inspiration! Do your shopping in advance of attending a crop so you can spend your crop time cropping.

**An alternative to the Ziploc bag or page protector is a pizza box or other sturdy box, like the storage boxes some albums come in. Once you've assembled the components of each layout, layer the layouts in the box. Begin with a bottom layer of paper for the first layout, then the matching stickers and other ingredients and finally photos on top. Add the next layer of paper, followed by all the smaller stuff. Continue adding as you compile each layout. If you're assembling an entire album, layer your layouts in the order they'll appear in the album, with the first page on top, last page on the bottom. When you're ready to scrap, start with the top layer!

One last note on archival safety...The cardboard of pizza boxes is not acid free, nor is the plastic of Ziploc bags (though they're probably the better choice), and are suggested only as temporary storage. The purpose of preparing these kits is to speed up your scrapping and improve efficiently. We hope you will be scrapping these photos within days or weeks, not months or years. If archival safety is of top priority to you, please consider investing in acid-free, pvc-free storage containers.