January 2020 - Mini-kit reveal and project

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the idea of a big kit this month?

 Perhaps you just want to pull together a few products to get those creative juices flowing again.

Maybe a mini kit is the answer!

Today we'll be sharing a couple of mini kits and projects to give you a little inspiration.

First, here's a reminder of our January inspiration:

Master Forger Clair

Clair has created a mini-kit, based on the colours of the inspiration kit, but raided her scraps box instead of her main stash. She's omitted the 'Christmas Green' which makes the selection feel a little more 'Valentine'. She's selected some random embellishments that need to be used, all of which match the main colours of her kit. Let's see what's she's made, shall we?

From her kit, Clair die-cut lots of little borders, then added them to some small card bases; selected a sticker sentiment; and added some enamel dots. This basic card is one of her favourites, as it's easy to make in batches - and uses a lot of little leftovers!

Make sure that you visit our Facebook Community to see what else Clair makes with her mini-kit this month!

Master Forger Lori

I did not get a chance to work on any of my December Daily or 52 Favorites during the holiday season so I am going to see how much of it I can do in January. My kit may not look like a mini kit, but compared to some December Daily kits out there, this is a very mini kit! Here's a look at my  kit:

I pulled what Elle's Studio Christmas goodies that I had on hand for my kit. The colors are a good match to those in the inspiration kit and they are perfect for what I was wanting for my December scrapping. I pulled a few 6x8 and 6x6 papers, labels, tags, alphas, wood veneer pieces, puffy stickers, die cuts, and journaling cards. I also included a touch of gold with some trim and a couple of stamp sets. I also included 3 - 12x12 papers in my kit. 

Here is my first project with my kit:

I have created a Traveler's Notebook spread in my 52 Favorites TN of the Christmas tree ornaments that my daughter and granddaughter made for us this year. You can read more about my layout and my kit on my blog here. 

Stay tuned to see how much of my holiday scrapping I can get done this month!

Don't forget that we've got a whole bunch of stuff coming up this month to give you some tips, ideas and challenges as you put together and use your kit:  

• January 12th & 18th:  We'll give you two challenges to help you use the kit you've made. 
• January 24th: I'll be showcasing one of the CKC community who's caught my eye this month 
• January 30th: We'll be offering another installment in our Killing Kits Series to help you find ways to use up all of your kit. 

We always love to see your work, so please share your kits and projects with us. You can use our Monthly Link-up page, post them in our Facebook Community, or share them on Instagram (we are @counterfeitkitchallenge or tag us using #counterfeitkitchallenge and #ckcjanuary2020). 

Thanks so much for stopping by! We can't wait to see your kits and projects this month!

Lisa
xxx

Killing Kits - An End & A New Beginning

Hello Counterfeiters! Today, I'm here with a little note to let you know that this is my last write up for the Killing Kits Series. In the New Year, the wonderful Shannon Allor will take on the role of 'Kit Killer' and will, no doubt, amaze us with her own tricks and techniques to use every, little, last bit of our kits!

I started the series in May 2018 because I had the leftovers of at least sixteen different kits stashed away. It felt like a such waste. I had lots of lovely stash, all bundled into files - and some of it had been around since c.2012 - that I felt I would never use, if I didn't make the effort. Today, as I write, I've killed all of those older kits and have breathed new life into my older stash with new ideas! 

If you haven't seen much of the series, or would like a reminder of the ideas I've covered, here's a little list.

Killing Kits: Introduction

Patchwork Cards

Clamshell Layout

Handmade Embellishments & Quick Card

Tackling Branding Strips

Quick Cards 

Hidden Journalling Technique

You Are Wonderful Layout 

 

Happy Mail

Patchwork Backgrounds

Mix & Match Cards

In The Christmas Mood 

 

Little Bits & Branding Strips

What I Do When I'm Done, with Susan Brochu

Mini Album Foundations 

 Grids For The Win

Washi, Washi, Washi

Project Life Cards

Utilise Those Cut Files

Kill A Kit With Style, with Shannon Allor

Shipping Labels & Tags

I've discovered some new 'favourite' techniques for making the most of my leftovers and will continue to use them as I work on current kits. Perhaps I'll start to use every little last bit of my current kits before I move onto a new one? (Ahem!) Or more likely, I'll build up a new stash of kit leftovers. Either way, I'm happy!

Bye, for now. Clair x

Killing Kits - Project Life Cards

Hello Counterfeiters. We're nearing the end of the month, so I'm back with a few 'Killing Kits' ideas to help you finish of some of those kit leftovers and this month our focus is on Project Life Cards.

I have a massive stack of Project Life Cards that have accumulated via kits, collections and from the 'cut apart sheets' that seem to be included in lots of new collections. 

Of course, the simplest way to use those Project Life Cards is to add them into a Project Life Album, but it can sometimes be difficult to match colours or themes. Next time you find yourself unsure of which cards to use, choose a monochromatic scheme, like this beauty from Crafty Kari that I found over at Studio Calico. There's no overall theme to the cards, but it's well balanced and, more importantly, it's a layout done and in an album! Imagine! ;)

This beautiful, soft layout by Kathleen Graumuller for Felicity Jane uses two 3x4 cards to fantastic effect. A filler card acts as the base 'frame' for a small photograph and combined with a beautiful sentiment card, forms the base of the layout. It's so pretty!

But what about the cards that aren't really your style? I often find it difficult to use 'loud' colours, but this layout from Eyoung Lee looks effortless. With 3x4 cards in a loose format, she's used them as a base for embellishments and a smaller photograph. The bold colours draw in the eye, but don't overpower the layout in such small doses. 

I'd love to know if you decide to try one of these ideas, or if you have any ideas of your own for using up Project Life Cards.

If you are still in need of ideas for your kit leftovers, you can watch the full Killing Kits Series or head over to the Counterfeit Kit Facebook Community where the Master Forgers and our friendly followers will be happy to help!

Clair x

Killing Kits - Washi, Washi, Washi.

Hello lovelies! Ready for a new kit to counterfeit? Or do you still have lots of little leftovers from this month's kit? Today, I have a short and sweet video for the Killing Kits Series, that focuses on one or two methods I use to make the most of the beautiful washi that's often included in my monthly kits!

I have so much washi that I'm sure I'll do another washi focused Killing Kits Video over the summer. Let me know if there's any other kinds of stash that you would like me to cover?

 

Still in need of other ideas to use up the last bits of your kit? Watch the full Killing Kits Series or head over to the Counterfeit Kit Facebook Community where the Master Forgers and our friendly followers will be happy to help!

Killing Kits - Grids For The Win!

Hello lovelies! Ready for a new kit to counterfeit? Or do you still have lots of little leftovers from this month's kit? Today, I'm breaking from the norm and, instead of a video for the Killing Kits Series, I wanted to showcase a few ideas that I've had saved on my Pinterest Boards!

Now, whilst I love an elaborate layout, the ones that I admire the most are those that don't need a lot of tools (or effort) to recreate - and this lovely layout by Lorilei from Rosey Posey Studio is fantastic! This would be so easy to lift, with no more than a trimmer or some scissors and would be even easier to make with those little swatch sets included in some of the recent collections by Pink Paislee. Layers underneath the central element and the addition of lots of little bows makes this a real stash-buster!

Jung AhSang made a layout in a similar style for the Scrapbook Circle Creative Team. The use a different die or punch really makes a difference - as does the use of a softer set of colours. Play around with the leftovers from different kits, and a selection of dies or punches - and see how many different layouts you can make in this style!

Finally, this layout from Sandra Dietrich from Pretty Paper Things, shakes it all up a little. The lines are all a bit wonky, and there's no central element, but it's all 'tied' by the colour scheme - and, of course, it's not 12 x 12.

I'd love to see some similar layouts from our followers, so if you decide to make some with your leftovers, don't forget to add them to our linky!

Still in need of ideas? Watch the full Killing Kits Series or head over to the Counterfeit Kit Facebook Community where the Master Forgers and our friendly followers will be happy to help!

Clair x

Killing Kits - Mini Album Foundations

Hello lovelies! It's time for the next video of the Killing Kits Series!I'll be here at the end of each month with a new video - and some of the DT will be popping in, in-between, to share their own ideas for Killing Kits. (Did you see Susan's video earlier this month? I must admit that I haven't had chance to watch it, I don't know where the month has vanished to! I'm looking forward to a massive catch up soon!)

This time around, I've created the foundations of a mini-album with some of cardstock and die-cuts from my kit leftovers - and for now, it's a blank canvas. I think it would be lovely to send it as 'Happy Mail', but I also love the idea of filling it with teeny, tiny photographs, or maybe a selection of favourite quotes!

Newer members of our community may like to watch the full series, which includes an introduction and an overview of how I store my kit leftovers and I would love to hear your comments here, on YouTube, or over in the Counterfeit Kit Facebook Community.

I'll be back next month with more ideas for using up these last little bits. In the meantime, let me know if there's anything that you always struggle to use!

Clair x

Killing Kits - Little Bits and Branding Strips

Hello lovelies! It's time for the first video of the Killing Kits Series for 2019! The series aims to offer some ideas to help you finish off your current kit, or the remains of older kits that you may have in your stash. When I started the series in May 2018, I had the leftovers of many, many kits - and with a new kit each month - I was a little overwhelmed. Happily, I've worked so hard on the series (!) that I now only have the leftovers of the seven kits in the video. I'm thrilled to have whittled down my stash so much and hope that some of you have had successes too!

Newer members of our community may like to watch the full series, which includes an introduction and an overview of how I store my kit leftovers and I would love to hear your comments here, on YouTube, or over in the Counterfeit Kit Facebook Community.

Those of you that have been a follower for a while, or follow me over on Instagram will, no doubt, have seen these little cards before. I love to make them at the end of a craft session; and typically, make them when I have a lot of little thin strips leftover. It's also my favourite way to make the most of branding strips! In fact, I make them so often - and send them all the time, with Pocket Letters and little parcels - that I can't believe I've not featured them before!

You'll see me make a few mistakes in this video and I do really think it's important that these aren't edited out, because I know that as crafters we all make them - and it can make us feel bad if we only ever see 'PERFECT' on screen. Learn from my mistakes and use a quick drying ink - like Stazon - if you decide to stamp onto 'shiny' labels. Or run the risk of them smudging - even after they've been set aside for several minutes! *meh*

I'll be back next month with more ideas for using up these last little bits. In the meantime, let me know if there's anything that you always struggle to use!

Clair x

Killing Kits Series: In The Christmas Mood

Hello! It's Clair here today with 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 Clair with 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: Patchwork Backgrounds

Hello lovelies! It's Clair 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!

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!

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 Technique {Killing Kits Series}

Hello lovelies! It's Clair with the latest video in the Killing Kits Series 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!

Quick Cards {Killing Kits Series}

It's time for me to share the next video in our 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! 

Tackling Branding Strips {Killing Kits Series}

Hello Counterfeiters! It's time to share the latest of our videos in the Killing Kits Series, and, 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 and made 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! 

Handmade Embellishments & Quick Card Process Video {Killing Kits Series}

It's time for me to share the latest of the videos in our Killing Kits Series and, today, 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 or over in the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Facebook Community. I'd love to hear from you!

Clamshell Layout Process Video {Killing Kits Series}

Hello! Today, I'm excited to share the latest of our videos for the Killing Kits Series. This time around, I'm working with the leftovers from my October and December 2017 kits 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. This is, of course, the kit to counterfeit this month!

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!

Patchwork Cards Process Video {Killing Kits Series}

Hello! I'm excited to share the first of the videos in the Killing Kits Series. (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 our new video series, Killing Kits!

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 now 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 off 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 video series! 

Challenge #2: Leftover Challenge

Aahh..leftovers.  I have a love/hate relationship with them.  I love not cooking on Sundays and having everyone "fend for themselves" with the leftovers.  I HATE the space they take up in the fridge.  

I'm the same way with my scraps.  I love being able to use up bits on my project and not cut up a big sheet of paper.  I HATE how disorganized they get!

I finally came up with a solution for my scraps that is working well for me.

1.  As I make a layout, I go ahead and use the scraps from it to put together some cards right away.

2.  The scraps that are left go into a basket.

3.  When the basket gets annoying, I trim them to the following sizes:

6x6, 4x6, 3x4 and 12x12/6x6 punched borders.

4.  The extra bits get tossed guilt free UNLESS I absolutely love it and then it goes back into the basket to use later. 

5.  Sometimes I will head straight to the basket for my cards...mix and match my scraps.  

Challenge #2: Leftover Challenge:  Pick a scrap (not from your kit) to use on a project!  Hey...use as many scraps as you want!  The more the merrier!

I have a feeling our Master Forgers turned some Leftovers into some "Fine Dining"!  Let's take a look!

Angela

LesleyG

Milissa

Dawn

Trash to Treasure

Well life got in the way this month so let's do something different. YOU tell ME how you use up your SCRAPS! We all have them, how do you use them up? Do you store them, save them, or just recycle them? Do you go ahead and make a card or other project once you are done with one project with them? Inspire me to use my mountain of scraps!