Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Summer-Long Counterfeit Challenge and Tutorials: Smash Books

Happy Summer Everyone!!!  This post, and Summer-Long Challenge, is a surprise for everyone, even our Design Team, the Master Forgers!!!   In addition to our regularly scheduled program, I decided to create a summertime challenge that will extend through June, July, and August, so here goes...
K&Company Photo Credit
In my on-line browsing, I have seen over and over "Smash Book-this, and Smash Book-that", naturally, I had to see what the hype is all about.  Well, at the very first glance, I thought..."I can counterfeit this!!!".  So today, I am presenting you with a mini Counterfeit Challenge and tutorials so you can create your own Smash Book just in time for your summer vacation (or any other occasion)!!!  We will run this challenge all summer long, feel free to add a link to your Smash Book in the comments section of this post.

What is a Smash Book?
Here's the original idea by EK Success and K&Company... Smash Book Introduction

What are the various parts and pieces?
Here are the different options and accessories you have for embellishing your Smash Book... Accessories for the Smash Book

Spiral notebook versus 3-ring binder?
If you like the idea, but would rather be able to move your pages around and add some pictures, check out the Ditto Book and all of it's accessories (which is also easy to counterfeit).

Tutorials:
This is a great video to get you started... DIY Smash Book Part 1
DIY Smash Book Part 2


A list of scrapbook goodies (and tutorials) to add to your Counterfeit Smash Book...

A list of memorabilia to add to your Smash Book...
  • Ticket stubs
  • Napkins
  • Coasters
  • Matchbooks
  • Business cards
  • Maps
  • Brochures
  • Flyers
  • Cards
  • Photos
  • Receipts
  • Certificates
  • Paint swatches
  • Magazine clippings
  • Class schedules
  • Report cards
  • Paycheck stub
  • Typical "to do" list
  • Programs
  • Hospital bands
  • Coins/currency
  • Hand prints/ foot prints (of kids)
  • Invitations
  • Letters
  • E-mails
  • ID cards
  • Postcards
  • Dried flowers
  • Keys
  • Fabric swatches
  • Locks of hair
  • Ribbons/awards
  • Menus
  • Trip itinerary
  • Scraps of wrapping paper from a special occasion
  • Buttons from favorite outfits
  • Newspaper clippings
  • Typical grocery list
  • Empty seed packets
  • Clothing price tags
  • Recipes
  • Endless possibilities...

And if you still need some more inspiration, here is a whole blog dedicated to Smash Books... http://www.smashstoriesblog.com/.  If you look on the right hand column of the blog, there is a list of various topics to use for your smash books.  

I have made 2 smaller books for my mom and sisters' trip to Europe this summer, and I am going to be making one larger one for my daughter's Kindergarten year in school, which starts this July!  What do you think you'll make one for?  

Rather than a Mister Linky for the Smash Books...leave a link to yours in the comments below.  To easily find this post in the future, there will be a "quick link" towards the top of the right hand column called "Counterfeit Smash Book Post".  I'll leave the quick link up throughout the summer!!!  I'm super excited to see every one's work!  (Oh, feel free to post your "blank" and/or "completed" Smash Book.)  Since this challenge is a surprise, even to our DT, I don't have any examples of the finished product to show you today.


ETA -  I just found this blog http://inthesuncourse.blogspot.com/, it looks like she will be posting different prompts/ideas/techniques to use in a journal every day this summer.  Here is the post that explains what she is doing.  http://inthesuncourse.blogspot.com/2011/05/taa-daa.html  It looks interesting!!!
Posted by at
Labels: ,

57 comments:

  1. Kirsty.AMay 31, 2011 at 2:37 AM

    How fab that you posted this today. I had never heard of Smash books. I have literally just decided to start Art Journaling because I wanted a different way to record my summer holiday,(see my first attempt on my blog later today) but I had the feeling it wasn't really what I was looking for. I think this might be exactly it. Thank you. I will check out all the links and definitely try to counterfiet his (although I really like the glue/pen thingy - might have to buy a real one of those)

    ReplyDelete
  2. CrystalMay 31, 2011 at 2:53 AM

    Oh my gosh! We are SO alike, I JUST posted my smash book that I made from parts of March and May kit over the long weekend! WOW! http://crystalscraftycreations.blogspot.com/2011/05/happy-memorial-day-i-hope-you-had.html

    I promise I did NOT know that this was the summer challenge but WOOHOOO!

    ReplyDelete
  3. A Creative OperationMay 31, 2011 at 5:44 AM

    I literally just saw these yesterday and was wondering what they are for. Cool Idea! I think I will have to do this!

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownMay 31, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    This is an excellent project! I just decided yesterday that I wanted to create my own Smash-style book yesterday. I wanted to be sure I'd actually use something along these lines before spending money one one made for me.....And, I have a ton of patterned paper that isn't getting used otherwise.

    ReplyDelete
  5. yodloMay 31, 2011 at 7:27 AM

    The new "Smash Book" trend is exactly what just got me going on doing my own book too. It is part Art journal and part smash book. It's funny that there have been a lot of recent posts on Art journals on the Two Peas Stamping and General Scrapping boards. I too like the idea of making my own rather than buying a commercial smash book- it's the perfect thing to counterfeit!

    ReplyDelete
  6. nomorelittlemonkeysMay 31, 2011 at 8:09 AM

    This is awesome!!!! What a fun project to do over the summer months! I am so excited, I might end up doing one for summer vacations, and one for scrapping projects. Thanks for the inspiration, and all the fantastic links!

    ReplyDelete
  7. TriciaMay 31, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    I first saw these new smash books a couple of weeks ago. This idea really appeals to me. Thanks for all the great links!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Carol W.May 31, 2011 at 10:20 AM

    I would love to get my hands on the smash book. I love journaling and this will just make it that more easier and special! Thank you for the information and great link!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Maria OntiverosMay 31, 2011 at 11:17 AM

    I joined "The Sketchbook Project" this year, and this seems the perfect approach to my sketchbook! Thanks so much for the idea.
    Rinda

    ReplyDelete
  10. CarolineMay 31, 2011 at 1:16 PM

    Ooo I've never heard of smash books until this. Funny thing is, I made a few of these for my Art A'level 12 years ago, and I've just started making one for cards, but using an old photo album!
    I LOVE them, Love looking back over them for inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  11. UnknownMay 31, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    omg i just finished one of these, it can be seen on my blog: http://myspotofsunshine.blogspot.com/2011/05/smashing-tuesday.html

    ReplyDelete
  12. Suzanne cricutcraftingrammyblogspot.comMay 31, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    This is the one I made. I used an artist sketch pad which can be bought in different sizes and the paper is thicker. Used my Michaels coupon. I have lots of stuff I have saved in drawers. Think I will make one for craft ideas too. http://cricutcraftingrammy.blogspot.com/2011/05/smash-bookcricut-magazine-challenge.html

    ReplyDelete
  13. NitashaMay 31, 2011 at 9:38 PM

    So happy to see this post because I think the Smash books are so neat, but in the back of my mind was thinking the exact same thing-- "I can make this myself"! So, this summer-long challenge is exactly what I need to get to it! Thanks so much for all the resources and ideas!

    ReplyDelete
  14. yvetteJune 1, 2011 at 12:02 AM

    Thank you so much for all this information, I hadn't heard of these books until just recently and was wondering what all the fuss was about. I would love to make one and now with your help I feel I can, thank you so much, looks like a lot of fun!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Rebecca at How I BurbJune 1, 2011 at 6:18 AM

    That list of links and ideas is terrific - thanks for putting it all in one place! I don't know that I'll get into the whole art journal craze, but those resources are all great inspiration anyway.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Jennifer ShawJune 1, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    I had never hear of the Smash book before but now my head is just spinning!! Thanks for all this great inspiration!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. MichelleBJune 2, 2011 at 2:22 AM

    This is fabulous! My Smash goodies will be here in a few days and I love this inspiration to dig in and get using it! Thanks for the links and the ideas!

    ReplyDelete
  18. UnknownJune 2, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    I'm so in love with this! I have been thinking about my smash book for a few weeks and where I want to end up with it. Perfect for the summer. I can completely accomplish this with little effort lol!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Maria OntiverosJune 2, 2011 at 11:58 PM

    I just posted my counterfeit kit for the smashbook, along with my creation. You can check it out here:
    http://gallorganico.blogspot.com/2011/06/sketchbook-project-counterfeit.html
    I'd love to hear you comments on it.
    Rinda

    ReplyDelete
  20. scrappyjackyJune 3, 2011 at 8:04 AM

    I'd never heard of smash books til today...thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  21. MelJune 4, 2011 at 4:49 AM

    Just had a go at joining in with your challenges for the first time ever - the Smash Book idea really 'grabbed' me! SO I hope I've got the right idea.... My post is here: http://ispeakmelsh.blogspot.com/2011/06/super-smashing-great.html

    ReplyDelete
  22. Maria OntiverosJune 7, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    I just posted my first completed page in my smashbook sketchbook. It's about a trip to Chinatown. You can see it here:
    http://gallorganico.blogspot.com/2011/06/chinatown-two-ways-and-give-away-winner.html
    Rinda

    ReplyDelete
  23. Maria OntiverosJune 7, 2011 at 9:59 PM

    Just posted my second page:
    http://gallorganico.blogspot.com/2011/06/summertime-photography-snapshot.html
    It's just an ode to my official start of summer (finishing grading exams). Thanks for stoppping by.
    Rinda

    ReplyDelete
  24. A Creative OperationJune 8, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    Hi! Jackie and I have a "gallery" blog that we started to use as a collection of things, but we haven't used it a whole lot...until now...I decided to put my smash book stuff here. So, I have a posting I just did if you want to take a peak at what I am doing.

    http://creativeoperationgallery.blogspot.com/2011/06/summer-diy-smash-book.html

    Please let me know what you think! Have a great day,
    Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  25. AnonymousJune 11, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    Here's a link to my DIY Smashbook.

    ReplyDelete
  26. DebJune 11, 2011 at 10:20 AM

    I can not wait to get started on this idea! Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Jennifer ShawJune 11, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    I just posted my Smash book! Had so much fun doing this challenge. If you want a peek, you can check it out at:

    http://jennifer-shaw.blogspot.com/2011/06/having-smashing-time.html

    ReplyDelete
  28. chksngrJune 12, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  29. chksngrJune 12, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    This was the greatest challenge. Mine is RIGHT HERE.

    ReplyDelete
  30. scrappyjackyJune 12, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    Have made my covers and put a 'sort of' kit together....though will no doubt add to it. here it is

    ReplyDelete
  31. A Creative OperationJune 12, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    I made some additions to my Smash Book...

    http://creativeoperationgallery.blogspot.com/2011/06/more-diy-smash-book.html

    ReplyDelete
  32. Jennifer ShawJune 17, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    Just posted some completed pages of my book!

    http://jennifer-shaw.blogspot.com/2011/06/smash-post.html

    ReplyDelete
  33. ConniJune 17, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    I have been thinking about how to make my own smashbook since I first read about Smashbook.
    I finally decided to google the idea because I knew there would be other people out there thinking the same thing.
    I'm really excited about checking out your ideas! Thank you so much for all the great info!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Kirsty.AJune 19, 2011 at 3:41 AM

    I've just posted my Counterfeit Smash*Book here:http://handmadebykirsty.blogspot.com/
    I could't find this link vert easily on the right-hnd side - had to remember it was first posted in May

    ReplyDelete
  35. KarinJune 19, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    I have done one book and is working on number two, you can see them both in my blog - http://www.scrappa.nu/tag/smash-book/

    ReplyDelete
  36. chksngrJune 21, 2011 at 6:16 AM

    More SMASHing...I've made a few more blank books for some friends. I posted them HERE.

    ReplyDelete
  37. A Creative OperationJune 23, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    I have more things posted in my little book. If you want to check it out, go here...http://creativeoperationgallery.blogspot.com/2011/06/more-smash-book-entries.html

    ReplyDelete
  38. mollymoo951June 24, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    So happy to see this over here. I've gotta check out everyone's creations.

    Here's mine: http://mollymoo951.blogspot.com/search/label/SMASHbooking

    ReplyDelete
  39. A Creative OperationJuly 2, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    I have some more additions!

    http://creativeoperationgallery.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-smash-book-pages.html

    ReplyDelete
  40. A Creative OperationJuly 9, 2011 at 10:18 AM

    I think I have become addicted to this smash book thing...I created another one, for my purse. Please come check it out!

    http://creativeoperationgallery.blogspot.com/2011/07/another-smash-book.html

    ReplyDelete
  41. Julie Ann Rachelle Interior DesignJuly 15, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    I just created my first ever Smash Book! :) xoxo
    Here it is: http://julieannshahin2.blogspot.com/2011/07/homemade-smash-book-its-okay-just-smash.html

    ReplyDelete
  42. Angela ToucanJuly 19, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    I've been inspired to do some design work and my first printable "smash book" is available for free until the end of July.
    http://stitchybearstamps.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_75&products_id=3937

    ReplyDelete
  43. JimjamsJuly 23, 2011 at 2:20 PM

    I made a travel smash book (surely known as a travel journal?!?!?) for my son here

    ReplyDelete
  44. kate blueJuly 24, 2011 at 11:09 PM

    I'm a Smash addict!

    http://kateblue.blogspot.com/2011/07/im-still-smashing.html

    ReplyDelete
  45. A Creative OperationJuly 31, 2011 at 1:15 PM

    Here are some additions to my smash book.

    http://creativeoperationgallery.blogspot.com/2011/07/smash-book-additions.html

    ReplyDelete
  46. joscelyne cutchensAugust 7, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    here is my home made smash book: http://www.designhousedigital.com/content/classroom/how-to-make-a-hybrid-my-favorite-things-mini-album/

    ReplyDelete
  47. FrancineAugust 8, 2011 at 6:15 AM

    Hi all, here is my DIY smash book. I posted a tutorial too! http://francineclouden.typepad.com/callaloo_soup/2011/08/tuesday-to-do-diy-smash-style-book-summer-journal.html

    ReplyDelete
  48. A Creative OperationAugust 14, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    Hi all! I am sorry that I have been a little absent lately. Stuff happens, so I decided to take a little time off from the Kit Challenges, but I am still smashing! Here are some of my latest things on my gallery blog...

    http://creativeoperationgallery.blogspot.com/

    Thanks for looking!

    ReplyDelete
  49. A Creative OperationAugust 24, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    I made some more pages...Come by and take a look.

    http://creativeoperationgallery.blogspot.com/2011/08/some-more-pages.html

    ReplyDelete
  50. krystalAugust 31, 2011 at 6:27 PM

    i like the idea of making your own -- and to be honest, i am not a fan of those 'smash' books... I'm 26, and my grandmother used to make her photo albums in this type of way..she would take those composition notebooks and throw photos in them, put stuff in with paper clips that went with certain pics and doodle all over, little notes about that photo... All these books are, those good ol' black comp. books, and office supplies... just saying, the actual 'smash' books are just a fad that will die soon... HOWEVER, the idea of creating your OWN unique way to put your memories together is SO much better -- so forge away ladies!!

    ReplyDelete
  51. A Creative OperationSeptember 7, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    I finished my summer smash book and I just posted pics of the last of it here... http://creativeoperationgallery.blogspot.com/2011/09/last-pages-of-my-summer-smash-book.html

    I really enjoyed this project. I really made me look at the everyday stuff in a totally different way. In some of the entries I made, some may see the mundane, but I see my life, and I love my life. Thanks for the opportunity to do this. I will be doing it again!
    Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  52. Angela ToucanOctober 24, 2011 at 9:29 AM

    I've made 2 today
    http://colestoucan.blogspot.com/2011/10/journals.html

    ReplyDelete
  53. TriciaNovember 20, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    I know I'm late getting this posted, but I kept my smash book all summer and created an entry every day. Turned out to be a very eventful summer and I'm so glad I have it documented in this wonderfully, simple way. Thanks for the challenge.

    ReplyDelete
  54. UnknownJanuary 1, 2012 at 12:37 PM

    it's a great concepts for everyone.My Squidoo lens

    ReplyDelete
  55. ItsSmashingMikaelaMarch 6, 2012 at 9:57 PM

    I love smash books! I haven't been able to get one or any of the accessories due to lack of funds, tis the story of my life! I am a 35 year old mom of 3 kids, 17yr old girl, and 2 boys 11 and 9! I am also a bartender and am going to school for massage therapy. Money is seriously tight! But I just wanted to say that I love your sight and you all inspire me be creative in my head cuz I can't afford to do this at all in reality, lol oh well Have a great night!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Love2CreateMarch 25, 2012 at 4:28 PM

    I've never done my own book and am having a heck of a time with binding it. Want to do the 3 ring type but am having trouble getting my holes to line up. Any suggestions, links .. anything would be appreciated. I don't have any fancy tools :(

    ReplyDelete
  57. talhaMay 8, 2012 at 11:21 PM

    I have a smash book, but even do not know most of these details about it.


    Plastic Card Holders
    Plastic Card
    Scratch Cards Printing

    ReplyDelete

Compliance with the new European Union E-Privacy Regulation

If you leave a comment on this blog, you do so with the knowledge that your name and blog link are visible to all who visit this blog, that you have published your own personal details and that you have consented for your personal information to be displayed.
This blog is currently generated from the USA with contributors from Europe, Australia and the USA.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)