Killing Kits: Mix & Match Cards

Hello lovelies! It's time for a new video for the Killing Kits Series and today, I've used the leftovers from my Wild Hare Kit from May 2018. It was full cardstock and embellishments from the Be You Collection by Pinkfresh Studios and I didn't have a lot of it left!

I've made the most of all my little leftovers by combining them with the Chevron Mat Die from Avery Elle, but it's really easy to adapt my 'mix and match' method - and, as a bonus, you could use up some extra washi, ribbon or trim!

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!

Hidden Journalling {Killing Kits Series}

Hello lovelies! It's Clair with the latest video in the Killing Kits Series for the Counterfeit Kit Challenge and this time around, I wanted to share a layout that I made with the last little bits of my Planning For Perfection Kit from January 2016. I can't believe that I've finally killed that kit!

Today's layout is small in size, but it's so easy to scale the methods I've used to suit 8x11 or 12x12 - and with minimal effort. Really. It took me more time to edit and voice-over the video, than it took to make the layout!

I've also added a 'hidden' section for some journalling. If, like me, you find it difficult to add your stories to a layout once it's finished (or you simply want to keep some of it a little more private) then I hope this idea will be useful.

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! 

Killing Kits: Quick Cards

It's time for me to share the next video in the Killing Kits Series and this time, I dived into the leftovers of my 'Field Notes' Counterfeit Kit from September 2017. I loved the colours of this kit - it seemed like the ideal transition between summer and autumn, and it had a lovely botanical feel.

I've made two cards, both based on a card that I made for The Wild Hare Kits back in May (see that card here) with some of the leftovers from an earlier mini-album. I adored that card because it looked fantastic, but it took me less than ten minutes to make it! In the video for today, I've used the same basic materials - a white card base; cardstock leftovers; die-cut sentiments and little jewels - to recreate that card.

Different colours and textures make the cards look so different - seasonal almost - and, because this method would be so easy to 'batch' for multiple cards, I'll definitely be making more of these come winter!

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! 

Killing Kits: Tackling Branding Strips

Hey! It's time to share the latest of my videos in the Killing Kits Series, that I'm working on in collaboration with the Counterfeit Kit Challenge. Today, I'm using a little bit more of the leftovers from my 'Planning For Perfection' Counterfeit Kit January 2016. (I made a start on them in the last video to make some Handmade Embellishments & A Quick Card. Be sure to check it out, if you haven't already seen it!)

This time around, I'm tackling a little stack of branding strips (because who doesn't have lots of those leftover?) to make some cute tags that could be added to a layout; used as a bookmark; or added to a gift!

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! 

Killing Kits: Handmade Embellishments & Quick Card

It's time for me to share the latest of the videos in the Killing Kits Series that I'm working on in collaboration with the Counterfeit Kit Challenge and I'm delving back into the leftovers of my 'Planning For Perfection' Counterfeit Kit from January 2016. 

This was such a massive kit that I had to store the leftovers in two files (!) but I've nearly finished the first file - and I've loved making new, with old! I often find it easier to work in batches, so today's video includes a set of handmade embellishments *and* a little card. Who doesn't love a two for one, eh?

Whether you are struggling to finish a current kit, or need to revisit some older stash, I hope that the Killing Kits Series inspires you to love - and use - what you have!

As always, feel free to leave comments here, on my YouTube Channel, or over in the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Facebook Community. I'd love to hear from you!

Killing Kits: Clamshell Layout Process Video

Hello! I'm excited to share the latest of the videos in the Killing Kits Series that I'm working on in collaboration with the Counterfeit Kit Challenge. This time around, I'm working with the leftovers from my October 2017 Kit and December 2017 Kit from The Wild Hare Kits. I loved the October Kit so much that I asked for a similar kit in December - and, of course, that meant a fair amount of leftovers!

My inspiration for the layout was the beautiful HKC Exclusive Paper by Kimberly Hutchison, that's included in the May 2018 Kit from the Hip Kit Club - which is this month's kit to counterfeit over at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge.

Please feel free to leave comments here, on my YouTube Channel, or over in the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Facebook Community. I'd love to hear from you!

Killing Kits: Patchwork Cards Process Video

Hello! I'm excited to share the first of the videos in the Killing Kits Series that I'm working on in collaboration with the Counterfeit Kit Challenge. (Check out the Introduction for a little overview if you missed it earlier in the month!)

This video features the leftovers from my 'Summer In The City' Counterfeit Kit from August 2015! I was a little shocked when I realised it was that old, but I'm so happy to have rediscovered an older kit - that I still love - and I think, that with the addition of a few recent embellishments - it looks on trend!

Whether you choose to use the ideas in this new series to help you finish off your current kit, or whether you haul out the remains of some of those older kits, it’s up to you. But, I hope that the Killing Kits Series will help you to make the most of those little leftovers!

Introduction {Killing Kits Series}

Hello lovelies! I'm so excited, because today I can finally share the introduction to my new video series, Killing Kits, that I'm working on in collaboration with The Counterfeit Kit Challenge.

Before we start, I wanted to share a little overview of how I store all of my unfinished kits – because, once I found a system that worked for me, it made everything so much easier. Well, until it didn’t … but more about that in a minute.

Normally, I’ll have two or three monthly kits in use and I, most often, will have some leftover at the end of the month. Of course, I could sort the leftovers into my stash, but I tend to think that after all of the effort of co-ordinating a kit, it seems a waste to break it down.

It used to stress me out. I had two or three kits in use – all over my desk – and the leftovers from (at least) the last month, sat around in little dishes or boxes making me feel guilty.

Eventually, I found a solution.

I store all of my kit leftovers in these Wilko A5 Binders. These frosted binders, came with a small exercise book, dividers and, a set of four removable wallets. I removed the exercise books and dividers (I still have them somewhere!) and found that the wallets were about the size I needed for most of my kit leftovers. They are surprisingly roomy. I went back to the store and, now, I have a set of four folders and a total of sixteen wallets.

The small size of the binder has made it really easy to store them on a shelf, next to my desk – and, of course, it’s so easy to snatch a couple of them of the shelf on my way to a scrapbooking crop. No need to spend time co-ordinating supplies, more time crafting! Yay!

But, here’s the issue. Those little leftovers eventually built up and, when I finally filled the last wallet, I found out that these little binders aren’t available anymore. What?! I really didn’t want to start over with a new system – and, honestly, I would rather spend my money on new stash (or new shoes!) So, I realised that I need to start making more an effort to use those leftovers – and it’s been a lot of fun to take a fresh look at some older kits. It’s even more fun to finally kill a kit.

Whether you choose to use the ideas in this new series to help you finish off your current kit, or whether you haul out the remains of some of those older kits, it’s up to you. But, I hope that the Killing Kits Series will help you to make the most of those little leftovers!

I'll be back on the 30th with the first of the inspiration videos!

Long Live The Adventure Layout

Finally found a little time to sit down and craft with the all of the iNSD inspiration available online - and if this is all I make, well, I'll still be happy! I decided to use a bit of my 'It's The Little Things' Counterfeit Kit and combined the Scraplift Challenge from For The Love Of Pretty Paper and the current Counterfeit Kit Challenge Shapely Photos.

I loved Kerry Bruce's Layout from the For The Love Of Pretty Paper community, and made mine in 6x8, rather than 12x12. But I think it's easy to see how I've used Kerry's for inspiration. I loved the circles and the hand stitches, but I used my machine instead.

Photo wise, I decided to die-cut one of Granada into a small circle. It fits a little better into the overall layout - and, of course, fits the theme of this month's first challenge from The Counterfeit Kit Challenge

Then, I took my final little bits of inspiration from Kerry's embellishment clusters! Done!

It's The Little Things: May 2018 Counterfeit Kit Challenge Mini Kit

Hello! Did you see this month's Counterfeit Kit Challenge Reveal? The inspiration kit this month is from Mind The Scrap and it's so lovely that I *had* to counterfeit it, even if I have more kits than I need! So, I decided to make a Mini Kit - which turned out to be a little bit less 'mini' than I expected.

I've made a (short-ish) video overview of the kit - with some chatter about how the items I've included relate to the 'Inspiration Kit'. Please let me know whether this is useful to new counterfeiters and/or interesting to those of you who have been counterfeiting a while. I'm happy to make more videos when I create my kits!

Toned Down: April 2018 Counterfeit Mini Kit

Here's a little look at the mini kit I made for this month's Counterfeit Kit Challenge. Their inspiration this month was full of the most amazing colour, but I knew I wouldn't be able to handle so much full on colour without the addition of some neutrals. 

So, my own kit has a base of white and kraft, and smaller touches of the bright colours in the inspiration kit! Making it work for me!

I've included a small selection of pretty patterned paper; some embellishments from Studio Calico and One Little Bird and a couple of my favourite washis. 

December Daily Foundations {Counterfeit Kit Challenge}

I've made a start on the foundations of my December Daily album for 2017. All of this has been made with my October Counterfeit Kit 'Shoreside' - which was actually based on a summer kit! Go figure?! 

I love the little details that I was able to add with some mini-dies! 🎄🎅❄ I found a whole selection of them at the local craft store and swept them into my basket with wild abandon! Isn't that tree adorable?

I made a small selection of envelopes, because I love to add them into my album - with extra little notes, souvenirs, and ephemera. Some I'll add in the Pocket Pages, others I'll add in as they are, for a little bit of extra detail.

Finally, I've added a little bit of sparkle, because I don't seem able to make anything without adding a stickle or sequin! I'm now so excited to continue building the foundations of my album for 2017. December Daily is truly one of my favourite annual projects!

Shoreside {October's Counterfeit Kit Reveal}

Hello Counterfeiters! It's October (what?!) and that means that it's time for a new Counterfeit Kit Reveal and, this month, our inspiration 'kit' is the St. Tropez Collection from Prima! It's a beautiful collection, but it needed a little 'clean and modern' tweak to make it work for me!

I loved the nautical elements of the St Tropez Collection and wanted to include as much as I could of what I loved, but more 'me'. So, I had to include some red! With that in mind, I chose to include both some traditional red stripe and some florals that included a little red. I also included a lot of little red accents in the embellishments (labels, buttons, sequins and envelopes!) 

I have very little navy left in my stash (I must rectify this immediately!) so included some softer blue tones and some neutrals to round out my selection. I love the sea birds. I can imagine them swirling around over head!

Embellishment wise, I've included some label stickers from French brand 'Karine', some die-cuts from Elle's Studio and an envelope from Teresa Collins. Then I raided some of the leftovers from my Inspiration Creation kits for suitable 'French elements' and found a little laser cut 'Ete' (meaning summer) that I haven't had chance to use. 

No kit for me is finished until I've included a little selection of embellishments, and it seems that Prima would concur, as the St Tropez Collection includes some amazing embellishments! I've tried to include a selection that would be worthy, but with a modern twist that works well with my own kit. It includes some nautical elements - seashell buttons, little anchors and lots of blues - as well as some of the charms, beads and flowers that are typical in a Prima collection.

I'm really looking forward to working with this collection over the next month - I have some ideas already! In the meantime, I'm settling down with a cuppa while I visit the The Counterfeit Kit Challenge for all of the details of this month's kit inspiration; an introduction to this month's Guest Designer, the wonderful, Kate Blue; and, of course, the rest of this month's kits from The Master Forgers!

English Country Garden Pocket Letter {Counterfeit Kit Challenge}

Hey! This morning, I have a Counterfeit Kit Challenge make to share, made with the remainder of my 'Collecting Small Moments' Mini Kit. I was on a Pocket Letter roll and decided to use most of the kit to make another Pocket Letter for a Craft Paper Scissors Facebook Group swap - with an 'English Country Garden' theme! 

This Pocket Letter uses a lot of the Blue/Aqua/Grey tones seen in the Lost River Scrapbook Kit, but I've also added in Peach/Amber, simply by using some 'B Sides' and a few additional embellishments from my own stash!

I've added a selection of sequins as well, because who doesn't love sequins? And to finish off, I made a beaded charm as a little extra. I've now used all of my  'Collecting Small Moments' Mini Kit, so it's time to start on the 'Field Notes' Main Kit!

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!

Forgeries On The Fourth {Counterfeit Kit Challenge}

This month at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge, we're basing our kits on the Lost River 'collection' of kits from Studio Calico. There are three kits in the'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.

I made 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 'counterfeits' that I've made over time, with leftovers from other Counterfeit Kits. I've also included cards from the free 'Go Outside' download from Persnickity Prints. It has some lovely 'Foil' effect cards, so it's a fantastic addition to a kit that includes lots of shimmer and shine!

I also loved the Gold Alpha included in the Lost River Scrapbook Kit, but didn't have one in my (overwhelming collection!) that was suitable. So, in true counterfeit mode, I made my own with some Glossy Gold Foiled Paper from Rinea and one of my favourite dies. I also made a two-toned version (which I used with my Counterfeit Kit in June. I even made a tutorial - Custom Shimmer & Shine Alpha Tutorial.

Head on over to the Counterfeit Kit Challenge for more counterfeiting resources and tutorials from the Master Forgers!

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. 

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!

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!