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Saturday, November 1, 2014

Counterfeit Kit Challenge November Reveal and Blog Hop

Welcome to our November Reveal!  The full report on this month's offering begins at the Counterfeit Kit Blog, so go here if you'd like to hop in order.  This month we are featuring a kit from "Scrapbooks & Cards Today" entitled, "Fabulous Fall". 

 You've probably seen the full layout of the kit in the previous stops on the hop, so I grabbed this photo from the website that gives you sort of a mood board feel for the kit.

I soaked up these photos and then proceeded to counterfeit purely going on intuition and feel.  No matching of exact papers...no trying to copy embellishments.  Just grabbed what spoke to me from the "autumn department" of my scrapbook store...I mean STASH!  Sometimes it's best not to overthink it.

Here's what I came up with...



Since I just LOVE my printer's tray, "Tray o' Plenty" seemed like an appropriate name for the overflowing and over-abundance of scrap supplies I have at my fingertips.  I do feel very fortunate and blessed to have so many fun supplies.


So thankful for my scrap-bestie who always showers me with goodies.  Fellow Master Forger, Leslie (you will visit her next in the hop) sent me those FAB wood veneer owls and leaves, kraft doilies, metal clip birdies, tickets and pointer stickers!  That's MOST of my kit!


Sorry for the glare...this was the only time for my photo shoot and the sun was quite bright.  The little American Crafts 6x6 pad called "Autumn Crisp" plus a DCWV "Spiced Cider" paper pad are going to serve as my papers this month.  Throwing in paper pads (and we ALL seem to have many of them) is great for quick kit building and actually using them up (or at least making a dent).  All coordinated and ready to go!  Definitely remember that when time is short, but you still want to build a kit.

Well, Ms. Scarecrow and I are going to start digging in to the supplies!  Be sure to link up your kit to November Mr. Linky.

Here's the order of the hop!

A warm welcome to Guest Designer and fellow Jersey Girl, Binty!  
So glad to have you with us this month!



Thanks for stopping by!

Thursday, October 16, 2014

CKC Challenge #3 - From Pins to Completed Projects

Our Counterfeit Queen for the Month, Laura challenged us to dig up those pinned projects, dog-eared magazine articles, or bookmarked tutorials and actually follow through with them.

WHAT?

You mean you just don't pin...to pin?  LOL!

I have to admit that I don't go crazy pinning on pinterest.  I usually look for what I'm looking for and then get out.  I am actually quite surprised at my discipline!  I know it can be a rabbit hole that could go on for a long time.

Now, I do have a few boards and I spotted this layout that I pinned that uses quite a few wood veneers.  Check out the border of veneers here.

Here's how I was inspired...



I used my October Counterfeit Kit, "Princess Dress Up" and a few extra veneers to create a bit of a photo corner.  The cluster of similar themed elements helps to pull this off and enhance the photo.  I added a bit of distress ink to some to add color.

So, go check out your collection of saved ideas, grab one and your October kit, and make it happen!
Be sure to share with us over on October Mr. Linky.
Thanks for stopping by!





Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Counterfeit Kit Challenge October Reveal and Blog Hop

Welcome to October and another month of clever and creative craftiness!  Start at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge blog here to get the full introduction.

Let's give a warm welcome to Laura from Beads, Buttons and Birds.  She is our winner from our 1,000th Post Page Kit Contest. 
 And her reward for assembling a fantastic kit and project?  

Counterfeit Queen for the Month!

Laura had the opportunity to choose this month's inspiration, as well as craft our 3 challenges. 
And she did an awesome job, I might add!

Here is the kit to counterfeit selection courtesy of Hey Little Magpie

So since we are creating kits under the reign of Laura, our Queen, it seems only proper to have a kit fit for a royalty.  
Presenting...



I spy some Maggie Holmes and Heidi Swapp!  Scrapbook Royals in my book, don't you think?


I included some Heidi Swapp papers that include her signature font.  I thought that worked as a great substitute for those cut out scripty words.  Also nestled in the bunch is a new sheet from the My Mind's Eye Market Street Collection.  Those polka dots work with the playfulness of this kit, while the gold accents make it regal enough for a princess.


I had several exact pieces of this month's kit, so in they went:   the Maggie Holmes stickers and bows and the blue floral wood grain paper by MME.  Most times I have nothing that is an exact match, so don't worry if you don't.  However, when I saw those familiar "faces" I exclaimed, "Hey!  I know you!"  It was like reuniting with an old friend!  So, into the kit they came to play this month.

Also, no fancy princess kit would be complete without doilies.  I found some fun colored polka dotted ones by Doodlebug while shopping at Scrapbook Expo that will add just the right amount of girl power to my layouts.  The resin cameos "Live Laugh Love" were also a recent purchase from a scrapbook store near the beach town I visited over the summer.  Now THAT'S my kind of souvenir!


You may have noticed that my printer's tray is a bit different this month.  I actually scored a second one on clearance at Marshall's!  It even has a neat little drawer pull detail on the front.  The compartments are a bit smaller, but it does the job.  Sometimes I'm not quite ready to dis-assemble the previous month's kit before I have to start thinking about the next month so now I can have 2 going at once!  Anyway, enough ABOUT the tray!  Let's talk about what's IN it!  I included plenty of pink pretties like crocheted trim, ribbon and washi, more Maggie Holmes in the form of die cuts,  some Heidi Swapp die cut flowers and some special baker's twine from my dear Lisa.


So, there you have it!  Time to get your tiara and magic wand and discover your inner Scrapbook Princess!  I just know you'll create something magical!

Here's the order of the hop!


Thursday, September 4, 2014

CKC Challenge #1 - Create Your Own Challenge


POP THE CORK!


Ok, well it's not New Year's, but I know you must have some cork in your stash of scrap goodies.  I challenge you to get it out, add it to this month's kit AND USE IT!  Island Paradise by Scrapbook Circle featured some dark cork, but anything you have on hand will do.  

Cork provides a warm, natural texture to your layouts or cards.

It can literally be a backdrop like on an actual corkboard as seen here:



Don't have any actual cork?  Many manufacturers are making faux cork paper as seen here:


Here are 3 cards I made with my September Counterfeit Kit, "Treasure Chest" using cork elements.


The cork butterfly serves as a basic embellishment, while the flower mimics the one printed below and pops the image up providing depth and texture.  Cork is versatile as it can be inked as seen on the LOVE letter stickers on the right.

Now it's your turn to "Pop the Cork"!

Be sure to share your creations on our September Mr. Linky.

Monday, September 1, 2014

Counterfeit Kit Challenge September Reveal and Blog Hop

This month at Counterfeit Kit Club our inspiration begins over at Scrapbook Circle 
with their kit...
August Kit: Island Paradise
Island Paradise 

Rich jewel tones and exotic prints evoke a sense of a faraway land.  
Take a look in my "Treasure Chest" to see what I have discovered...




Here's a closer look at my paper selections...


While I didn't have any of the papers shown, I remembered a Maggie Holmes paper pad that has a similar bokeh paper.  While flipping through to find it, I noticed another paper pad with a color palette pretty darn close to the inspiration.  Could I just use papers from the same paper pad?  (GASP!) 
 That feels somewhat like cheating!

Wait a minute...CKC is all about using up stash, making it work and creating pretty things.  So away I went, tearing out papers from the same pad to match the inspiration.  In the end I actually used (3) 6x6 paper pads, so it does feel a little more eclectic than I first thought. 


Nestled within the jewels, you'll find dark edged cork and glittery turquoise flourishes and letter stickers as also featured by Scrapbook Circle.


Not all of the treasures would fit in the chest, so my handy printer's tray catches the overflow.  Sparkly sequins and dark stained wood veneer add to the richness of this kit.

While not exclusively a card kit, I am thinking the 6x6 papers will lend themselves nicely to some greetings.  I am a bit short on note cards right now anyway.

So now it's time for you to discover your own treasures buried deep within your scrap stash.  Be sure to share your kit and creations over on Mr. Linky.

The order of the hop is listed below starting with our faithful CKC participant 
and guest designer for the month, Tina!  Welcome!

Order of the Hop:
Guest Designer:  Tina:  http://tinasscrapcorner.blogspot.com
Lynnette http://sassyscrapper2010.blogspot.com/  YOU ARE HERE!
Angela Toucan Scraps and News  VISIT ANGELA NEXT!

Saturday, August 16, 2014

CKC Challenge #3 - Using Vellum

A few months ago, I received a wonderful package chock full of scrappy goodness from my fellow Master Forger and good friend, Lisa.  This was not just any package as it traveled all the way from Germany and included lovely doilies, sequins, rare papers I couldn't find here in the US and luscious gold foil vellum!  I am such a lucky girl to have so many scrappy angels in my world.  Thank you, Lisa!

So, when it came time to complete Challenge #3, I knew I had to use my gold foil polka dot paper that I had added to my August Kit, "Red Geranium".  It mimicked a paper from the Studio Calico kit and would more than satisfy the vellum challenge, but what would I do with it?

I thought and thought.

I searched Pinterest.

I perused galleries.

I punched circles from it.

I thought about making a pocket.

And then I realized, after all that thinking, that the vellum was gorgeous enough on its own.  Truly.  So, here you have it.  My vellum challenge.  Just a simple photo mat, but it adds so much to the layout.





My scrap bestie, Leslie always says, "Let the patterned paper do the work".  So I'm tweaking that mantra to "Let the luscious vellum do the work"!

No sense in re-inventing the wheel.

Have fun scrapping and remember not to over think it :)

Thursday, August 14, 2014

CKC Challenge #2 - Using a Sketch

While I didn't make the deadline for Challenge #2 to add to the CKC post, I am determined to complete all of the challenges one way or the other this month.  The sketch from October Afternoon appealed to my scrappy design sense and made the process pretty easy.  Here's the sketch:


And here's my layout using it and my "Red Geranium" August Kit.


Our weather this summer has been stellar, so having this outdoor space has been a real treat. 




Thanks for taking a peek!

Friday, August 8, 2014

King of the "Tuts"

Over at CKC, the Master Forgers often refer to the Tutorials post as the "tuts".  Always makes me chuckle as it makes me think of King Tut and that silly Steve Martin song from the 1970's!  Anyhow, I do have a small forgery to share with you, but I also have just a bit of general counterfeiting advice for you as well.

First for the forgery.  I had a "thing" for the cloud paper with the smiley faces.  Remember this piece from the Studio Calico "Penny Arcade" kit?
                                                                                              HERE
Picture 1 of PENNY ARCADE Scrapbook Kit

Seeing that piece of paper made me say, "Awwwwww!"  So easy to forge!  White paint, pink chalk, a marker and some rub-ons was all that was needed to create this version.


Not exactly the same, but a close runner-up!

If you didn't see, I already used it for Challenge #1.


Now, for my King of the "Tuts" advice.  Use the tutorials as a way to open your mind to endless forging possibilities.  You may not have black rub-ons like I used above, but maybe you have a 12x12 printer that could just print out the text.  You may not have a certain punch a Master Forger uses to create a copy-cat embellishment.  To go out and purchase something for the sole purpose to forge may be silly.  You might as well just go buy the ORIGINAL embellishment!  However, substituting something you do own to make it work creates something unique that is inspired by the original.  Just keep an open mind and make it work.  It is then that the creative juices really start flowing.

We hope these monthly posts help you create amazing embellishments and papers from your stash -whether copied directly (imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, after all!) or simply inspired by.  Be sure to share your creations over on Mr. Linky!

Happy Scrapping!



Friday, August 1, 2014

Counterfeit Kit Challenge August Reveal and Blog Hop

Hello there.  I'm guessing you stopped by for a bit of kit inspiration?  You've come to the right place!  This month over at Counterfeit Kit Club we are using the "Queen Mother" of all kit clubs as our inspiration.  Yes, that's right!  STUDIO CALICO.  I have a confession to make.  I want to like their kits.  I've tried to like their kits.  However, I don't always get all the fuss that is made over their kits.  I certainly don't like them enough to have one come to my doorstep every month.  Now, don't get me wrong...I have ordered from SC and enjoy many of their products.  When I'm in a big box store or a local scrapbook store and see Studio Calico products, I take notice and even buy, but I guess I like to pick and choose my own supplies.  I guess that's why I've never taken the plunge into the world of ANY kit club.  So, that brings us to our inspiration this month, "Penny Arcade".  This is just one of many options, so be sure to check out the link below.

Picture 1 of PENNY ARCADE Scrapbook Kit

An unusual mix of color and pattern, but I'm up for trying something new.  I can "shop" my stash and create a kit that will suit me.  I used the red color as my main source of inspiration to create...


Let's see my take on the paper...


Strong pops of red are evident in my paper choices.  Feathers and bold black fonts are an important part of the inspiration, so in go the bold black word stickers and the soft blue paper with the white feathers and red berries.  A yellow crepe paper border was shown, so I included a yellow ombre crepe paper piece that I had been hoarding from a Dear Lizzy paper pad.


Accents in gold and vellum mimic the gold and white polka dot paper.  Map paper has become a staple in my stash these days and SC seems to agree. The bold Amy Tan Thicker words were a purchase I did make with this kit in mind.  I don't usually do that, but thought they seemed so different.  It will take careful placement to pull those off...wish me luck!

Now on to the embellishments...


See those Distress Inks?  I used those as my color palette (which, of course, were derived from the papers) when choosing my embellies.  Red cherry flair, STUDIO CALICO polaroid frames, and a little red Radio Flyer wagon (awwwww!) are just some of the goodies included in my tray.  I'll let you study the rest to discover my other additions.

Ok then...DARLING!  It's time for you to finish the hop (Jemma is up next!) and then get working on your kit.  Remember, we don't NEED fancy schmancy Studio Calico to build a kit for us - we can build one from our own fabulous stash that is completely unique!


A Warm Welcome to our Guest Designer, Sherri!
Order of the Hop:
Guest Designer:  Sherri:  http://sherrithompson.blogspot.com   

Remember to share your creations with us over on the August Mr. Linky.

Happy Scrapping!

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Counterfeit Kit Challenge July Kit Reveal Blog Hop

Welcome back to another month of kit-building at Counterfeit Kit Challenge.   I have a lot of scrappy stuff.  You probably have a lot of scrappy stuff, too.  Let's use the inspiration to gather our stuff together in a unique way that will put it to USE on some cards, projects and layouts.  I've offered a few kit building tips along the way to help you with the process  Take a look at this month's offering by Noell Mignon.  
Balboa Kit
Go ahead...you can oooooo and ahhhhh now! 

As usual, I zeroed in on the chalkboard elements and the pops of color to create...


SIDEWALK CHALK

KIT BUILDING TIP #1:  GO WITH YOUR GUT!  WHEN USING THE INSPIRATION, GO WITH WHAT SPEAKS TO YOU FIRST.

I mostly chose scraps of paper, except for the one bordered chalkboard paper.


KIT BUILDING TIP #2:  DON'T WORRY IF YOU DON'T HAVE FULL SHEETS OF PAPER.  THOSE SCRAPS ARE PRECIOUS AND CAN BE USED ON SOLID CARDSTOCK OR TO MAKE CARDS OR TAGS.


I included variety of mini alphas and the same glitter Thickers from last month's kit!  Still plenty of mileage left in them. 

 KIT BUILDING KIT #3:  DON'T BE AFRAID TO USE THE SAME PRODUCT AGAIN IN A KIT...EVEN IF IT'S THE NEXT MONTH.  IT TAKES ON A WHOLE NEW LIFE WHEN COUPLED WITH DIFFERENT GOODIES.


The polka dot paper scraps really appealed to me for this kit.  And to think I bought the paper based on the OTHER side's pattern. 

KIT BUILDING TIP #4:   BE SURE TO ALWAYS EXAMINE BOTH SIDES OF THE PAPER.  SOMETIMES WE GET STUCK ON THE SIDE FOR WHICH THE PAPER WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED.

Let's not forget all of the yummy bits and bobs in my printer's tray.


I can't recommend something like this enough.  It doesn't have to be a wooden printer's tray, but even a divided tray for veggies and dip, a plastic container with different compartments, a tackle box insert or even small boxes lined up on a tray.  

KIT BUIDLING TIP #4:  KEEPING YOUR EMBELLISHMENTS VISIBLE WILL HELP GET THEM ON PROJECTS!

So, I hope my kit and tips have inspired you to dig through your stash and create your own.

KIT BUILDING TIP #5:  THERE ARE NO RULES...JUST RIGHT!  THIS IS YOUR KIT...YOUR PAGES...YOUR PROJECTS!  GATHER SOME STUFF AND HAVE FUN!

Now go hop along to Stephanie and be sure to give an extra welcome to Jane, our guest designer and Susanne, who has come back "home" to CKC!




Bethany: http://inspiredscrapper-bethany.blogspot.com
Guest Designer: Jane http://alittlescrap.blogspot.com
Angela http://colestoucan.blogspot.co.uk/
Jemma http://just-jimjams.blogspot.com/
Lesley G. http://ohblogitifyoucantbeatthem.blogspot.co.uk/
Lisa H. http://lisahausmann.blogspot.com/
Leslie http://lcsmithsaved-outofthemire.blogspot.com/
Lynnette http://sassyscrapper2010.blogspot.com/
Stephanie: http://skylinepaperie.blogspot.ca
Susanne: http://snapsandsnippets.blogspot.com

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

CKC Challenge #1: Tone on Tone Background

Challenge # 1 charges us to create a tone on tone background.  How you achieve that is entirely up to you.  Tone on tone brings interest to a page without letting things get too busy.  It provides that little somthin'-somethin' that plain cardstock lacks.  So, I grabbed some of that plain turquoise cardstock that I added to my June Piña Colada kit and got stamping with a tropical flower stamp and a turquoise stamp pad.

Here's what I came up with...


I added some bling, also in turquoise to keep with the tone on tone, to add a bit of dimension.

Here's a closer look...



There are many ways you can add tone on tone to your layouts. 
 Stamping, paper punches, misting...  
Try one out today and be sure to share with us over on Mr. Linky.

Thanks for stopping by!



Sunday, June 1, 2014

Counterfeit Kit Challenge June Reveal and Blog Hop

Well, hello there!  It has been a while, but I am back after a little hiatus.  It was sweet to hear through the grapevine that some of you were looking for me and my kit.  I missed you, too, but it is nice to take a little creative break.  I am ready to come back out and play!  The fun starts over at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog, so if you've stumbled in, be sure to start back over there.

This month Bethany had a hard time choosing between 2 kits to counterfeit, so she put them both out there as options!  And you know, a girl NEEDS options...especially when it comes to scrappy supplies!

Option #1 didn't speak to me so much.  Maybe it will appeal to you, so I'll provide the link here.

Option #2, on the other hand...SWOON!  I chose this one instantly.  Here, take a look:
Simple Stories - Good Day Sunshine Collection - 12 x 12 Collection Kit

This Good Day Sunshine paper pack by Simple Stories is the majority of the Summer School kit presented by Clique Kits as seen here.  Those fun summery colors set against the rich wood tone just transported me to a happy place.  Since I like to share, let me invite you to my happy place under the awning where I have this month's kit displayed.


If you like piña coladas...and gettin' caught in the rain...  Sorry, that song has been in my head since I came up with the title!

Let's look at the papers and see how I made the connection from the inspiration.


Bright colors and wood tone paper is such an interesting and tropical combo.


The tropical chipboard pieces were a recent bargain purchase and worked so well with this kit.  It was meant to be!


Could those wood veneers be any cuter?


Now if Margaritas are more your drink of choice, we have paper straws and summery tags to help wet your scrappy whistle.



This month the printer's tray is brimming with tickets (courtesy of Leslie), flowers, a handmade felt polaroid from Whimsical Nature (aka Pam), View Master reels (as a nod to the inspiration) and a little whale sticker from Vineyard Vines...to name a few.


Ahhhh...after a long harsh winter, summer is finally here!  Help yourself to a drink and some scrappy inspiration.  Come kit and scrap with us over at Counterfeit Kit. 

This month I am the caboose of the hop, but if you've missed anyone along the way, here is the line-up.



Angela http://colestoucan.blogspot.co.uk/
Julene  http://julenebydesign.blogspot.com.au/
Lisa H. http://lisahausmann.blogspot.com/
Leslie  http://lcsmithsaved-outofthemire.blogspot.com/


A fond farewell to Milissa!
  A talented scrapper, faithful commenter and true Master Forger.  
We will miss you. 
 Please come back and play when you can. 
 Hugs!