Beyond the Theme
When it comes to scrapbooking, themed kits are a great way to streamline your process. These kits typically include coordinated papers, embellishments, and other supplies tied to a specific event or occasion, such as holidays, birthdays, or travel.
But…. real magic can happen when you use themed kits in unexpected ways—transforming them to suit photos and memories that don’t relate to the kit’s original theme.
On this layout, guest scrapbooker Sarah has taken the Naturalist Scrapbox kit and used it for a vintage layout, and it works perfectly!
Let's have a look at how you can unlock the potential of your kits (and save you money!)….
Focus on Colours and Patterns, Not the Theme
One of the easiest ways to use a themed kit for unrelated photos is to focus on the colour palette and patterns rather than the specific imagery.
For example, a Christmas kit might feature reds, greens, and golds with polka dots or plaid patterns. These colours and designs could easily lend themselves to pages about a picnic, a family day out, or even a celebration unrelated to the holidays.
Let the colours complement your photos and ignore the thematic icons like Santa or snowflakes.
Linda’s Tip: Cut out the more neutral parts of patterned paper if you want to avoid overly themed elements. Stripes, polka dots, and plain backgrounds are especially versatile.
Repurpose Themed Embellishments
Themed embellishments such as stickers or die-cuts can often be repurposed with a bit of imagination.
For example, stars in a "night sky" or "graduation" kit can be used for a layout celebrating success or achievement in any context.
Florals in a wedding-themed kit can embellish pages about nature walks or gardening, and travel-themed kits can be reinterpreted to document life changes or new experiences.
Linda’s Tip: Modify or layer themed elements. Cover a “Christmas Wishes” banner with a strip of paper or a label that says “Special Day,” and you’ve made it relevant to almost any occasion.
Combine Themed Kits for Unique Results
If you have multiple themed kits, mixing and matching elements can create unexpected combinations that work perfectly for your specific project.
For instance, a summer holiday kit with beach elements can blend with a travel kit featuring maps and suitcases. By combining elements, you create a more eclectic layout that tells your story in a fresh way.
Linda’s Tip: Try to balance kits that share common colours or design styles. This will create cohesion while still offering a variety of embellishments that aren’t tied to the original kit theme.
Use Themed Alphabets and Titles in New Contexts
Most themed kits come with pre-made titles, words, or alphabets that are designed to fit the specific theme. Don’t shy away from using these titles for different types of photos.
A Halloween kit title like “Spooky Fun” might be reworked into a playful title for a layout about an amusement park visit or an unexpected adventure. Or, use an alphabet set from a birthday kit to create custom titles for an everyday story.
Linda’s Tip: Pair themed words with creative journaling to change the context. For example, “Magical Moments” from a Christmas kit could be used for a layout about a milestone or special family memory.
Alter or Mask Theme-Specific Items
Another creative trick is to alter or mask overly themed elements. Have a birthday-themed die cut that doesn’t fit? Paint over or ink the edges, or cover part of it with another embellishment.
Using decorative punches, stamps, or washi tape can help obscure unwanted themed details while still making use of the general shape or size of the piece.
Linda’s Tip: Experiment with layering. Place a non-themed embellishment over a themed one to create visual depth, drawing attention away from any out-of-place details while adding dimension to your layout.
Turn Themed Paper into Unique Backgrounds
Even when paper features prominently themed icons, there’s still a lot of creative potential. For example, cut larger pieces into smaller strips, blocks, or shapes to form a neutral background or border. You could also use a busy, themed pattern in moderation, allowing it to act as a contrast to more neutral colours or simple patterns in your layout.
Linda’s Tip: Consider flipping paper over! Many kits come with double-sided papers, and the “B” side often has simpler, more versatile patterns.
Get Inspired by Texture and Shape
Themed kits aren’t just about visuals; they often include textured embellishments, specialty papers, or uniquely shaped elements.
Glittery snowflakes from a winter kit could add sparkle to any celebratory page. Likewise, rounded embellishments in a baby-themed kit could mimic the curves of a landscape or horizon in outdoor-themed layouts.
Linda’s Tip: Use shaped embellishments to create unexpected borders or frames. For example, line up Christmas ornaments from a holiday kit along the edge of a photo to create a whimsical frame that draws attention to the image without shouting the holiday theme.