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!

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!

Killing Kits: Stitched Backgrounds

Hello lovelies! I'm back with a new video for the Killing Kits Series and today, it's a little short and sweet (because I lost the last little bit of video!) But, better short and sweet, than not here at all!

I've used the leftovers from the 'Rose Garden' Counterfeit Kit that I made in October 2011. It was, and still is, one of my favourite Counterfeit Kits and I must have wanted to save every last bit of it. I can't remember exactly why I decided to reduce it all down to little squares but, since I've been known to make a 'Patchwork' or two before, I can only assume that I believed I'd make one a little sooner :)

I must have, at some time, added to these leftovers with some from other kits - as there's Basic Grey and, what looks like at least one other kit (that I don't remember) in here too!

I'm afraid that the video doesn't include the machine stitch, as I lost this little bit in the edit, but the main idea is there - and, hopefully, it's one that you may decide to use on your own projects!

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!

Happy Mail (Killing Kits Series)

Hello lovelies! It's Clair with the latest video in the Killing Kits Series and today, I'm sharing some 'Happy Mail' that I made with the last little bits of my 'Field Notes' Counterfeit Kit from September 2017.

I'm actually a little sorry to have finished this kit. It was one of my all time favourites! Do you have a favourite? Have you kept little bits of it around to look at wistfully? Let me know, okay? It would be nice to know I'm not alone!!!

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!

'The Best Of The Best' Card

Hello lovelies! I'm back with my usual 'end of the month card' that I've made with the last little bits of my Wild Hare Kit! I loved the selection of cardstocks from Amy Tan's 'Shine On' collection that were included in my Deluxe Kit for September, but I still had a fairly substantial section of the 'Three Sides' cardstock leftover from earlier layouts - and I wanted to use it! (If I file the last bits of my kit away, it could be a really long time before they come back our for my Killing Kits Series!)

I combined the cardstock with my own Chevron Mat Die from Avery Elle to 'tone down' the cardstock a little and leave me with an area for embellishment. I love how the cardstock 'shines' out from behind the die-cut. I made a little bow from the same cardstock. I decided where I wanted the bow to sit, then chose one of the small phrase stamps from the Heidi Swapp 'Hawthorne' set that was included with my kit - it's a really versatile set!

Once I'd added the sentiment and adhered the bow, I finished the card off with some enamel dots from the Simple and Sweet collection by Pinkfresh Studios. I love the little bit of colour that it adds!  

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!

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! 

Wild Hare Kits: Gifts For Jess-Claire

Hello. I'm over at the Wild Hare Kits today, with a little look at some of my favourite handmade embellishments, a little  box, and the short story of how Jess Claire and I met, in real life!

Jess and I 'met' on Instagram well before we both ended up on the Wild Hare DT. I noticed that Jess' bookshelves included some similar favourites and commented that we *had* to be friends. Luckily, she decided I wasn't insane - and now I have a crafty bestie ❤

 

We've swapped a few letters, bits of happy mail and had a little chat via our mobiles, but we've not met before. So, I decided that I couldn't meet her empty handed and made a little set of my favourite handmade embellishments to take with me (as well as a few other bits and bobs that I thought may make her smile.)

Normally, I would make these embellishments from my leftovers, but I decided to dive into my latest Wild Hare Kit and chose some of the beautiful new collections from Pinkfresh Studios that were included in my kit. I used some 6x6 sheets from 'A Case of The Blahs' and lots of the latest release, Simple & Sweet. They co-ordinate so well - and the colours are so fresh! I've added some small sentiments and enamel dots from my own stash (but they actually came in one of my earlier Wild Hare Kits!) I like to add a little bit of stitching, to add some texture and I left them 'messy' this time around as I know Jess loves the mixed media look!

You can see an earlier video, on my YouTube Channel, if you are interested in seeing exactly how I make these little embellishments!

Now, of course, I couldn't hand these over without a lovely box! So, I went back to my beautiful kit and, after a little think, decided to die-cut a small Pillow Box from the Pinkfresh Studios 12x12 sheets that I received. I do love having a mix of sizes to work with, it makes my kit so versatile! While I had my die-cut machine out, I made a doily from one of my 6x6 sheets and added it to the front of my Pillow Box. I used a sentiment from the 12x12 'cut apart sheet' and decorated with some twine from my kit - and a few little sparklies from my own stash. 

I *think* Jess liked her little bits (and we had such a lovely lunch) but I do still owe her a letter ... so until next month! 

Wild Hare Kits: Hey Card

Remember the August 2018 Sketch for the Wild Hare Kits that I shared a little earlier this month? Well, this is my first, and more literal, take on that sketch and it features lots of beautiful Pinkfresh Studios stash from my kit. I love the pop of yellow!

Oh, and, I did say first? I have at least one more take on the sketch coming up later in the month!!!

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! 

Wild Hare Kits: 'Life Is Made of Moments Like These' Card

Hello! Hello! Today, I'm over on the Wild Hare Kits Blog sharing one of my favourite ways to use up those scraps at the end of a kit. Yes. You know it. I made a card! I mean, really, why would you spend ten minutes cleaning your desk at the end of a scrapping session, when you could use those ten minutes to make something instead?

I cut fours sections of cardstock to add to each corner of my card base, then added a strip of the most amazing washi to enter my household (!) to each section. I then played around with a few different ideas for the sentiment, but eventually settled on one from the Patio Party 'Cut Apart Sheet' that was included in my kit.

A few little enamel dots, that were also already out on my desk, finish of the card nicely. I love this clean and simple look!

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!

Wild Hare Kits: Little Love Card

I've made a little card with some leftovers from an earlier layout, it really is my favourite way to stretch out my supplies!

I had a little stack of 2x3 sections from the lovely 'Let Your Heart Decide' Collection by Pinkfresh Studios. (I had a whole 6x6 Pad in my kit, but I still can't help myself when it comes to little bits, I just have to try and use them!) So, I cut them all down to 1x3, then added them to a 6x4 card base. I really like the off-set, random look, but I think a more structured look would also be nice and may try it next!

Once I'd added them to the cardstock, I ran the card through my sewing machine to add a simple running stitch. I like the added texture - and it secures all of the cardstock.

I then choose a sentiment sticker from the 'swoonsome' One Canoe Two sheet that was included with the kit, along with a little heart sticker. It's so cute. Finally, I added a few of my favourite little sparkles (like, seriously, I add them to everything) and that's it.

I love it when I'm able to find a way to use up all of my little leftovers at the end of the month!

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!

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. 

Wild Hare Kits: The Monthly Sketch

Hello! I'm back on the Wild Hare Kit Blog today with my take on this month's sketch and - as usual - I've adapted it to make a cute card with some of the leftovers from mini album making!

I really wasn't sure about the sketch when I started, but once I made a start I realised how much I loved the circular elements - and I may just have to create a layout based on the same idea very soon!

I really hope that you’ll visit the blog and will be inspired to use some of the little ‘leftovers’ lying around on your desk to make something fabulous!!!

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!