Oscraps

Are in ISO something?  If you aren’t familiar with that abbreviation, it means “in search of”.  There are times that we know what we want and need, but we can’t find exactly what we want.  Today, I’ve got a few tips to help you find things that you are looking for.

First, did you know that most designers include a list of items with their kits?  For example, Anna’s new “Woodland Animals No. 1” says in the description that it includes “a hedgehog, badger, chipmunk, rabbit/hare, caribou/elk, deer, otter, fox, skunk and squirrel”.  Anna’s done a really good job of including keywords that people might search for in the shop – both rabbit and hare, elk and caribou.  So when you start searching in the shop think of the keywords that you are looking for and plug those in.

Sometimes, that doesn’t get us exactly what we need.  Either we don’t end up with any results or we end up with so many we don’t know what to do.  Yesterday, Ellen was looking for a pointing hand.  When I typed “hand” into the shop search, I got an overwhelming amount of results.  It occurred to me that many designers have “hand drawn” elements and that is probably what was coming up.  So I needed to refine my search.  I tried “pointing” and “fingers” to get me where I wanted to go.  Break out that thesaurus and try different words for your item or concept.  Some times, playing with words is the way I find the best stuff!

You can also search the “What’s New” forum.  Many designers will announce their new kits there and let you know what’s in them.  Plus, members will make comments that will help your search.  “I just LOVE that clock!” or “I’ve been looking for a good pencil!”  Those keywords will pop up when you search too.

I also use the gallery for my searches too.  Maybe the item list in the shop isn’t as detailed as what someone lists in the credits of their layout.  Or they are using the same word you do for a particular element.  Or even the theme of their page relates to what you want.  Then you get to take a look at their credits and find those kits in the shop!

If all else fails, there is our amazing community!  Posting a plea for help in our Chatter section will get a quick response.  Our community members are always willing to help with ideas and our Cheery-O’s are certainly ready to fill your shopping basket with beautiful kits!  Hit us with your ISO.  We are always HTH!  (That’s “happy to help”!)

Good luck and good searching!