When you are looking through kits what is it that you (the reader) look for in a kit that makes you go "ah, I love that kit"? I look at colors and embellishments and theme of course if I am looking for something specific. Everyone is different so I am interested in what others look for.
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The colors and the over all look of the kit usually make or break it for me but I also look at it realistically "Will I actually use this or do I want it to hoard it."
Usually the colour of the kit, and if I can use it with any of my photos.
The color combination will grab my attention and get me to take a closer look. Then I look at the papers. Will I use the papers? Do I like the patterns? I love artsy, grungy papers so if there are some of those I'm probably hooked and will buy it.
Then I look at the elements. Are there good basics like flowers, buttons, ribbons? Are there themed elements if this is a themed kit and if there are, will I use them? I try to be thoughtful and take a close look and make sure that I will really use it. I've bought a lot of kits in the past that I never actually used so now I try to be more careful.
I look for color and texture and style.
The color scheme will be the first thing to grab me. Then when I am looking at the kit I look for papers and elements that have lots of texture. Then I look at the overall style.
I am one of those weird scrappers who are more attracted to papers than I am to the embellishments. I have a fairly simple scrapping style, so I don't use many of the embellishments, probably because I just don't do a good job with it. But I sure can create lots of layers with paper.
If I am looking to scrap a particular theme I look for something with relevant elements etc in a coulour I like or goes with my photos. If it is for general photos it is usually the colour that attracts me first and then I look a little closer. I am trying to only purchase what I need as I tend to collect things I like especailly when it is cheap, on sale and a bargin and then I don't always get around to using it. I am defintely a member of scrapbooking hoarders anomonous.
Color! And texture, the amount of grunge and artsy papers that blend well (I love blending papers to create my own) and flowers. I need lots of flowers in a kit!
I don't tend to shop for anything in particular. I just shop around and grab things that catch my eye or inspire me to scrap. I look for several things.
1.) Variety and Coordination. I like a LOT of different elements and papers. Small kits don't really appeal to me. Those big bundles just make me take a second look!
2.) Textures. I digiscrap in order to save money. But I don't want my pages to LOOK digital. I want it to look like I cut and pasted and cut and embellished everything by hand! If it looks even a little bit fake or computerized, I don't want it. It needs to LOOK like you can feel it, even if it is flat!
3.) Drop Shadows. Too many drop shadows, or drop shadows that are too deep turn me off. I can add my own shadows wherever I want them, but it takes time to remove them if they are already there but "wrong" for my page!
4.) Finally color and theme.
I would have to say that will draw me in for a closer look at a kit is COLOR. I love bright bold colors. Purchasing a kit is a different story. I have to love AND know I will use the theme of the kit. I would hate to say how many kits I now have sitting on my hard drive that I've not used in years and don't really see myself using. I had to have a heart to heart with myself about my spending on kits just because I loved them or thought they where cute.
I prefer 'real' elements most times although it depends on what effect I am looking for .... lots and lots of laces ... I love laces, doilies, wispy ribbons and papers that are blendable ... like Melo I love to blend my papers and give them a look all their own
I tend to buy the cutesy stuff, very colorful. My kids are only 2 and 3, so I like bright, vivid colors for our family yearbooks.
I tend to look at the elements to see if there's something "unusual" that pops up. I love finding elements that are not common to most kits. After that, I fiddle with the rest of my stash to make it match with something!
The color palette and the patterned papers are usually the first thing I look at. I love pp.