Killing Kits: In The Christmas Mood

Hello! It's time for a new video for the Killing Kits Series and today, I've used the leftovers from my wonderful November 2018 Wild Hare Kit so that I can make room for some new holiday themed stash! Honestly, the best bit of finally finishing off all of these kit leftovers, is that I feel less worried about the occasional stash addition!

The kit was full of the most incredible selection from the December Days Collection by Pinkfresh Studios, Sweater Weather by American Crafts and a whole host of extra embellishments. Now, I felt that I used most of it in my December Daily 2017 album, but I still had a lot leftover and I've utilised most of those leftovers in the video to make a set of little cards!

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Please feel free to leave comments here, on YouTube, or find me over in the Counterfeit Kit Facebook Community. I would love to hear from you!

You Are Wonderful Layout {Killing Kits Series}

Hello lovelies! It's Clair with the latest video in the Killing Kits Series and I'm thrilled, because in this video, I combined the leftovers from two kits to make one, fantastic layout!

Both of my Wild Hare Kits from August 2017 and September 2017 featured the Carousel Collection from Crate Paper (as well as lots of co-ordiated loveliness) but I was left with a selection of cardstock that featured bold colours, carnival/animal cut-outs and some embellishments!

I've been asked a lot, since I started the Killing Kits Series, what I do with leftover items that feature bold colours, cute animals, and otherwise 'awkward' to use bits and bobs! So, in this video, I show how I 'reduce' the awkwardness - and reduce my leftovers!

I used the Heart Board Fri-Die from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps to die-cut all of the cardstock that remained from both kits into a selection of hearts in different sizes. Then added them in 'stacks' to a white 8x5 x 11 sheet.

Please feel free to leave comments here, on YouTube, or find me over at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge. I would love to hear from you!

Collecting Small Moments {September's Counterfeit Kit Mini Kit}

Hello! Hello! It's time for the September Counterfeit Mini Kit Reveal! Phew! That's a bit of a mouthful!

I'm officially on the Mini Kit Team this month (but snuck in a full Main Kit 'Field Notes' earlier in the month, because I chose this month's inspiration kit and really, really wanted a full kit to create with!) And, I'm lucky that I did, because I used my Counterfeit Mini Kit almost as soon as I made it!

You can see that, once more, I raided my stash of 'leftovers' and chose to work with colours and textures that reminded me of the inspiration kit, Lost River by Studio Calico. I included lots of black, white, grey, navy blue, gold, aqua and turquoise. There's also a few arrows, maps, stars and flora/fauna - all of which are reminiscent of the inspiration kit! I had intended to use the Mini Kit to make a few Project Life Cards, so added in some Simple Stories stickers and sentiments. 

But, here's the thing ... I ended up making a Pocket Letter that looks so far removed from the Lost River Kit that it's hard to believe it started out as the leftovers in my Mini Kit.

I started out by cutting some of the scraps down to 2.5 x 3.5 (which is the standard size for Pocket Letters) then added the central, blue card (which is the last little bit of an old favourite.) From there, I added more colour, simply by turning over some of the cards to show their 'B Sides'. 

I made a lot of my own embellishments (with my dies and stamps) but added, as needed, from my own stash - and I'm happy to say that I also used some of the summery embellishments that I had leftover from my 'Sunshine Happiness' March Mini Kit.

Luckily, I also found (whilst looking for something else, obviously!) these lovely little vellum circles, which were included in one of my Elle's Studio Monthly Kits. They echo the vellum circles included in the Lost River Kit and were the best little addition to my Pocket Letter. To finish it all off, I added some little sentiments to a few of the cards and, voila, all done! 

There’s more inspiration from the rest of the Mini Kit Team - Lisa, Margie and Kelly – over on the Counterfeit Kit Challenge. Head on over now to see their kits!

Field Notes {September's Counterfeit Kit Reveal}

Hello Counterfeiters! It's September and that means that it's time for a new Counterfeit Kit Reveal and, this month, we have a kit (and a wonderful Guest Designer, Jess-Claire) that I chose! 

Our inspiration kit is the Lost River 'Collection' from Studio Calico, which seemed like a nice transition between summer and autumn. It makes me think of the outdoors, camping, cold evenings and warm cider!

There are three kits in the Lost River 'collection' the Lost River Scrapbook Kit; the Lost River Documenter Kit; and the Lost River Planner Kit, so there's a lot of inspiration to work with. This month, I started with the base 'Patterned Papers' and tried to match them with stash. I based the selection on both sides, which can be seen in more clearly in the Lost River Digital Papers below - which are still available. (Enabling alert!)

I've remained fairly close to the inspiration kit with the neutrals and the black/whites. But I took a cue from the ombre in the inspiration kit, when I found a coral stripe in a Dear Lizzy collection, then added in more coral to substitute for the yellow. Then, to 'match' the ferns from Maggie Holmes 'Chasing Dreams' collection, I added in a little, unexpected touch of green - which makes the kit feel a little more earthy to me. 

I found a small (look, it's tiny) little bit of white cardstock that had 'Glitter Circles' on it! It's the back of an embellishment collection from Mrs. Brimbles! I wanted a little more of that Glitz in the kit - and decided to add in some 'Gold Confetti' that I made with some of my Metallic Foiled Paper from Rinea. And, I had a stroke of luck with the vellum circles when I found a small selection leftover in one of my old Elle's Studio kits!

Embellishment wise, I've added some sentiments; small alphas; a couple of nature themed washis and a small Swirlcards stamp set (that I haven't broken in!) 

I have a little 'add-on' of cards inspired by the Documenter Kit. There's a few from Elle's Studio and Simple Stories, but the majority are 'Forgeries' so I'll be back for Forgeries On The Fourth. With the add-on, I've included a few, little extra embellishments like labels, wood veneer and a charm - simply for a little bit of interest! And I'm done!

Please head on over to The Counterfeit Kit Challenge for all of the details and an introduction to this month's Guest Designer, Jess Claire Creates. 

Pretty Papers Pocket Letter {It's Arrived!}

After last week's Sunday Sneak, I had the lovely news that the Pretty Papers Pocket Letter arrived at it's destination safe and sound - and that it was well loved! This makes me so, so happy! I've only had two letters that never made it to their new owners but, honestly, I worry about them all while I'm waiting to hear that they've arrived. It breaks my heart a little to think that someone would be disappointed. And, of course, each and every Pocket Letter that I create is my new favourite :)

This one was made with a combination of elements from two of my favourite collections, from Maggie Holmes and Elizabeth Kartchner. I love the whimsical elements and the happy colours.

The little section in the centre is easily my favourite bit of the whole letter. it has a cute, little label, star sequins, stitching, and a lovely little flower! *swoon*

Summer Memories Mini Album {July's Counterfeit Mini Kit}

This month, I’m 'officially' on the Mini Kit Team for the Counterfeit Kit Challenge and I am so excited to share the kit that I've made, based on this month's inspiration kit, Walden Pond, from August 2016 at Cocoa Daisy.

As soon as I saw the colour scheme of the kit, I decided to make a mini-album to document some summer memories. Each time we visit Adrian's family in Portsmouth, we have a lot of fun - and we found an outdoor 'assault course' on our last visit. 

I decided to use some of the cards leftover from recent Elle's Studio Monthly Kits, and chose a mixture of Blue, Green and Yellow. I then added in some die-cuts from the same leftovers, some washi and a set of Elle's Studio Stamps (which I didn't use in the end!) I didn't use any of those Simple Stories Alphas either! :)

And here's the little mini-album that I made. It's absolutely adorable. It's need some additional journalling, but I really want the kids to add that in their own words (and handwriting) so at the moment, I'm considering it 'almost done'. 

There’s more inspiration from the rest of the Mini Kit Team - Lisa, Margie and Kelly – over on the Counterfeit Kit Challenge.

Custom Shimmer & Shine Alpha Tutorial

Hello lovelies! Today, I have a little 'How To' that I hope will show how easy it can be to customise Rinea Foiled Paper! I wanted to add a soft, subtle shimmer and shine to some recent layouts for the Counterfeit Kit Challenge but couldn't find an embellishment that I was happy with. Enter my Metallics Foiled Paper Variety Pack - a swoonsome collection that includes a selection of 'Matte' and 'Glossy' Gold, Silver and Copper. It's so on trend, it hurts! :)

The Foiled Papers die-cut so well (but I would recommend some release paper for smaller or more intricate details) and I was thrilled to have some custom alpha embellishments for my cards and layouts. I could have left it there - with some basic, die-cut alphas in some of the lovely metallics - but I wanted a little variety and decided to emulate some of the two-tone alphas I've been seeing recently.

Creating this look is so simple. Haul out an alpha die-cut, choose a little bit of washi tape that compliments or contrasts with the Foiled Paper. Add the washi tape to the Foiled Paper, using the die-cut as an aid; run through the die-cutter; and voila!

I've had a lot of fun combining my customised alphas with my Watermelon Whimsy {June's Counterfeit Kit} stash and I am certain that this technique will turn up over and over, as I make my own kits each month! 

I've already started to experiment with some of the other Rinea Foiled Paper colours; different washi; and, of course, different die-cuts. So much fun! Watch out for more soon!

Dream Big Pocket Letter {It's Arrived!}

A little while back, I sent out a batch of Pocket Letters and none of them arrived at their destination. I was so disappointed! Luckily, the second Pocket Letter that I've made and mailed for the lovely Pang (who's on IG as @hello_gnap) has arrived! I really hope that Pang feels it was worth the wait!

The base of the Pocket Letter is the Posh Collection from Simple Stories. I loved the classic mix of colours and the cute, fun sentiments. I've added some elements from Dear Lizzy and Papermania, but have mostly created my own embellishments - some of which I've added to the Pocket Letter; and some I included in a little collection of 'extras'.

I've been thrilled with the Gummiapan - Stitched Banners Die and the Gummiapan - 2 Diamonds Die - both from Swedish House Crafts - because I've been able to make co-ordinating embellishments from with my scrap stash. I've added some little labels, stitching and sparkles to them, as finishing touches. And there I have it, a Perfectly Posh (and Polished) Pocket Letter.

Oh my! Try saying that when you have been up all night crafting and drinking wine! (Which, of course, I never do!) 

Happiness {Sunday Sneak}

It's been a little while since the last Sunday Sneak, while I've been busily working on Design Team work for Rinea, Swedish House Crafts and the Counterfeit Kit Challenge. But now, I have a little sneak to share. 

It's a fun, happy little project, that I'm not allowed to share in full. Just looking at the colours makes me feel happy. Care to guess what it's for? 

Tic, Tac, Toe (Counterfeit Kit Challenge #1)

It's time for our first challenge of the month over at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge with our own version of Tic, Tac, Toe. Have you ever played the crafting version? It's a simple idea, use three boxes to complete a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line to 'win'. 

I used this lovely, little dotted cardstock from the Jubilee Collection, by My Mind's Eye as the base of my card. It's subtle, but cute and I love that! I then used the Gummiapan - Stitched Banners Die from Swedish House Crafts to create two sizes of banner; then embossed the smaller of the two to create some texture. The Rinea Gold/Gold Glossy Foiled Paper I used truly looks incredible when it's embossed!

To finish, I added a small sentiment that I'd included in the June Counterfeit Kit - Watermelon Whimsy - and some cute, little sparkles! 

Head on over to the Tic, Tac, Toe Challenge to see if you can spot my winning combination!

Watermelon Whimsy {June's Counterfeit Kit Reveal}

It's the first of June and that means it's time for another inspiration kit from the Counterfeit Kit Challenge. If you have been following from the start of the reveal then you will have already seen the inspiration kit for the month and a wonderful counterfeit from our talented Guest Designer,  Lea Rhea of Scrap and Plan. If not, then stick with me for a short while, and I'll make sure that you know where to head to next for even more inspiration. 

Our inspiration kit for this month is the Felicity Jane, May 2017 Kit 'Willow'. As the contents of the kit are all exclusive to Felicity Jane, it's an especially fantastic kit choice for counterfeiting! 

It's an eclectic mix of colour, whimsy and loveliness; and I was instantly inspired! Oddly, the first item to catch my eye was the 'Candy Stripe' Washi. It reminded me instantly of a cardstock I knew I had 'floating around' somewhere and I continued to build my kit from there, based on some of the colours, textures and 'feel' of the inspiration. I have a fantastic selection of both old and new!

I've included two lovely, little notebooks that seemed to match in well. I've been keen to start a wee book or two to hold some lists and these cuties from Ikea (!) were a fraction of the cost of the Traveller's Notebooks that have been cropping up in my Instagram feeds.

I've added a little more whimsy with some cute die-cuts and sticker sheets from the Simple Stories 'Domestic Bliss'  and 'Posh' Collections. (I've been so happy with their recent collections - and I'm trying to use them while I love them!) These little succulent die-cuts are too cute! 

To finish off my kit, I've added some more embellishments - sticker sheets, alphas, resin flowers, metallic clips and some hand stamped envelopes! It's a fun kit and I'm looking forward to finishing work for the week tomorrow, so that I can make a start on some new projects! 

In the meantime, I'll have to 'make do' with visiting the rest of the team from the Counterfeit Kit Challenge - Kelly, Lisa and Margie - as they reveal their own versions of the kit! 

Spring Garden Pocket Letter {It's Arrived}

Hello! Hello! I cannot tell you how excited I am to finally share the Spring Garden Pocket Letter that I made for the lovely Lisa Hausmann, over at Recklinghausen Musings. It's arrived!

Lisa and I have been firm scrapbooking friends since we 'found' each other via the Counterfeit Kit Challenge and, recently, Lisa showed an interest in my Pocket Letters! That's the kind of friend she is - interested, supportive and kind! So, I made her a Pocket Letter of her very own to introduce her to the Pocket Letter community! 

Lisa's own style is soft, delicate and whimsical; so I decided to use the remainder of my Spring Garden Counterfeit Kit to make this Pocket Letter. Honestly, I am so thrilled with the result - and I killed a kit! Win!

Want to see some details? Silly question. Of course, we want to see some details!

I've been keen to add the date to each Pocket Letter that I send out, because I love the idea of that being recorded within the Pocket Letter and, of course, the Dated Stamp from Elle's Studio, is a favourite. Oh, and is the tiny, tiny heart visible on the left? It adds a little bit of sparkle when the sun hits it!

These little butterfly die-cuts are one of my favourites. I've stitched three to the card - so that there's a little bit of dimension when the card is removed from the wallet - and added some sparkle. My Spring Garden Counterfeit Kit had some cute, little die-cut elements which I've found are excellent for adding extra interest without adding too much dimension!

Probably my favourite cards; I love the combination of colour, florals and diecuts - with the teeny, tiny heart on the first one and the second has a small beaded embellishment, that I made with some beads in matching colours! I love that it adds something very 'me'. 

And lastly, could a Pocket Letter be complete without sequins? Um? Possibly. But this is so cute!

I am thrilled to say that Lisa loves her Pocket Letter, as much as I loved making it and that I've been able to share a new love with an old friend. 

No Rain, No Rainbow Pocket Letter {It's Arrived}

Recently I've been sharing some 'sneaks' of my Pocket Letters (via Sunday Sneak) but as they arrive at their destinations I'm keen to show them off in full, because, well, details!!! 

Thankfully, my 'No Rain, No Rainbow' Pocket Letter has arrived state-side and I can share it's story. Initially, I was a little flummoxed because I was matched to a lovely lady who loves shabby-chic, while I most definitely have more of a minimalist aesthetic. However, I was really keen to create something that she would love, so I hauled out some of my older stash. I have so much from when I first started scrapbooking and shabby-chic was everywhere. 

I must admit, I really enjoyed myself! Stepping outside of my comfort zone a little bit was liberating. I even hand-rolled some fabric flowers; found some retro clothing tags; and some floral washi tapes to include as extras for my new friend.

And, thankfully, my new Pocket Letter Pal has written to tell me how much she loves it! Phew! 

Still Worthy {May's Counterfeit Mini Kit}

This month, I’m 'officially' on the Mini Kit Team for the Counterfeit Kit Challenge and I am so excited to show off the kit that I made - Still Worthy - based on this month's inspiration kits - the March 2017 Kits from Gossamer Blue. I loved the mix of colours in the inspiration kits, as well as all of the fresh, fun embellishments!

My kit may have been mini in size, but I felt really inspired by bundling it up and, as soon as I had it all photographed, I took it all apart and started working with it, finishing it off in super, speedy style. In fact, I finished it so quickly, that I made another kit - The Noteworthy Kit - based on the March 2017 Life Pages Kit, which I revealed with the Main Kit Team! (And, I've used a lot of that already!)

Recently, my little basket of scraps has started to overflow and I felt the need to return to my 'use it or lose it' roots, so I had what I like to refer to as a 'rummage' and I've made a small kit, with a selection of scraps (most smaller than 6x4) based on the March 2017 Main Kit.

Yellow is definitely the major colour in my kit, but I also included all of the colours from the inspiration kit - navy, turquoise, lime, white and black. I also fished out several 'matching' sentiments (some handmade) and then added a small selection of embellishments. I love those little triangle enamels. Can you spot them?

You'll have seen the Counterfeit Die-Cuts that I made using the last, little remnants of this kit, but how about a little card-making inspiration? I love how simple it was to make this one! Just one or two scraps; a little sentiment; a few otherwise underused brads and a little scattering of sparkle!

There's a lot more for me to share over the rest of the month, but in the meantime, there’s more inspiration from the rest of the Mini Kit Team - Lisa, Margie and Kelly – over on the Counterfeit Kit Challenge.

Counterfeit Die-Cuts {Forgeries On The Fourth}

I had a lot of fun with my (soon to be revealed) mini-kit for the Counterfeit Kit Challenge. At the end of the frenzied crafting session, where I used it all in one sitting, I decided to use the last few remnants to emulate some of the die-cuts, stickers and embellishments in the Main Kit. 

I used stamp sets from Heidi Swapp and Neat & Tangled, both of which have a wide selection of smaller, adorable icons and sentiments. I think the envelopes are my favourite - and I can see them featuring in a Pocket Letter soon! 

Head on over to the Counterfeit Kit Challenge for more Forgeries On The Fourth. It's full of inspiration this month!

Life Is A Song Pocket Letter {It's Arrived!}

My 'Life Is A Song' Pocket Letter has, finally, reached it's new owner and I am very happy to hear that Catherine loved receiving it as much as I loved making it! I adored the theme of the event, finding that writing the letter sparked some journalling - and a few scrapbooking projects that I'll be sharing soon! 

For this shot, I took all of the little cards out of their Pocket Letter, so it looks a little bit wonky. I've found a much better way of setting up my shots since sending out this one. Rapid improvement! In true 'me' style, it's a little minimalist in terms of decoration because I wanted the theme - and the little extra - to do most of the shining!

Probably my favourite element of the Pocket Letter, I love this little corner, with it's Dear Lizzy sentiment and a handmade button clip. (I do love adding little extras that I've handmade.) And, it's on the outside of the Pocket Letter, so it adds a nice, dimensional touch!

The Pocket Letter Guide (available as a free download) also recommends little extras that could be included - either as an element of the overall letter, or as a hidden extra - so I raided my, shockingly sized, unused stationary stash *ahem* and sent some extras - washi samples, clips, stick-it notes and buttons. 

Since the Pocket Letter itself was a little minimal, I wanted to include something a bit more dimensional, so I decided to make a mini (truly, tiny) album so that I could also send some paper samples, brads, tags and more washi. I love how it turned out and I'll definitely be making more of these little beauties in the future! It was a wonderful way to use leftovers from my January Counterfeit Kit - Moody Blues.

I've found Pocket Letters a lot more fun that I was expecting. There's something really lovely about creating a Pocket Letter - and litle extras - for someone else (and usually, for someone that you haven't even met) and then sending it on it's way. If you have been thinking about joining in with a swap, then I would definitely recommend The Pocket Letter Pals Network or maybe you would like to swap with me?

Noteworthy {May's Counterfeit Kit Reveal}

It's the first of May (What?) and that means it's time for another inspiration kit from the Counterfeit Kit Challenge. If you have been following from the start of the reveal then you will have already seen some amazing kits, including one from our talented Guest Designer, Christy Strickler, and will have found your way along to me via the rather fantastic, Susan Brochu! 

This month, I was so inspired by this month's Counterfeit Kit Challenge inspiration kits - the March 2017 Kits from Gossamer Blue that I made a Main Kit (based on the March 2017 Life Pages Kit) and a Mini Kit (based on the March 2017 Main Kit.) I love that I switched them around! Always contrary :)

As I'm 'officially' on the Mini Kit Team this month, I made that first, but I used it so quickly, that I decided to make another kit to use this month. I have my Week In The Life albums (2016 and 2017) to work on and Project Life to make a start on, now that all of my photographs have arrived!

As I like to include full 6x8 layouts in my albums, as well as Pocket Pages, I included a few sheets from the Chasing Dreams Collection by Maggie Holmes as a base. I've then added a massive selection of Pocket Life Cards, that I've been hoarding since I started my Elle's Studio Monthly Kit Subscription. In all, there's 50+ 3x4 cards and 15+ 6x4 cards! 

I've included stickers from Elle's Studio, Pinkfresh and Simple Stories; my favourite stamp sets from Elle's Studio and Heidi Swapp and a massive selection of little die-cuts, cute embellishments and some washi. 

Please let us know if you are inspired to play along with us this month, by linking up kits and projects in our Monthly Link Up or by sharing online with our official hashtag #counterfeitkitchallenge.

And, don't forget call back on the 4th May, when I'll be revealing some of my forgeries!

Sci-Fi Pocket Letter {Sunday Sneak}

This week's Sunday Sneak is a 'Two For One'. It's a sneak at a new Pocket Letter (with a Sci-Fi theme) and it's a sneak of the May Kit for the Counterfeit Kit Challenge, which will be revealed tomorrow. It's an amazingly inspiring kit and I have really enjoyed working with it! 

For those interested in Pocket Letters, I can recommend the Pocket Letters Pals Network and Janette Lane's own YouTube Channel for an overview, but I'm more than happy to help. Just leave me a comment! 

Boss Babe Pocket Letter {It's Arrived!}

Hurrah! The Boss Babe Pocket Letter has arrived and has a new home with the lovely Lisa-Jane Johnson! Lisa-Jane was the Guest Designer for the Counterfeit Kit Challenge in February and I wanted to send her a little 'Thank You' for her contribution. It's well deserved! 

Lisa-Jane has her own business, Pretty My Page, so I hope she likes the inclusion of the Boss Babe element from a beautiful Heidi Swapp Weekend Stamp Set. I really admire folks that start their own business - I know exactly how difficult it can be - and am happy to support local, small business whenever I can!

I love the colour combination of Black, White and Red, with the addition of a little Aqua, that I didn't mention in the Boss Babe Pocket Letter {Sunday Sneak} Gotta have a little bit of mystery, right? 

I've been including the date somewhere on most of my Pocket Letters using the Dated Stamp from Elle's Studio. I love it so much and can honestly say that it's fast becoming my favourite! of course, I also added a little bit of bling!

I'm still loving the challenge of creating each of the 'mini-canvasses', but combining them into a cohesive Pocket Letter. And, of course, making something special for friends is always lovely! No wonder it's become a little bit of a current obsession!