August 2026 - Just the Gist of It

Master Forager Amanda here, with a look at how to set up a kit! All of the master foragers set-up their kits a different way, and not even the same way each time! The important part is to get the gist of the kit, but you can take it any direction you would like! 

We are using the kit from Crafty Templates as inspiration this month -- as a reminder this is what it looks like:

Sometimes pulling a kit can be quite intimidating -- but there is no wrong way to pull a kit and no rules to break when setting up a kit!  There are so many bright colors and fun prints in this collection that I thought I would start with the strawberry print and dig deep into my stash to find some strawberry papers! I don't worry about matching a paper completely, or even with the scale of the print -- I find things that kind of work, and go with it! 

After I pulled the strawberry and cherry papers -- I had to pull butterfly papers because of the cute butterflies that are sprinkled throughout some of the papers in the kit.  I have so many butterfly papers I had to scale back what I had so it was more reasonable which ended up being three papers because I cannot scrapbook 20 papers of butterflies in one month, and keeping them all in the kit would have been overwhelming! 

Then I remembered that I had 49 & Market's Nature's Haven in my stash, and had to pull it too, those strawberries, bees and butterflies are perfect to add! (I am pretty sure I am not the only Master Forager that pulled these papers to play with this month!) 

The last papers that I gather from my stash are the patterns.  I try and pull items that are similar - such as the stripes, plaids, poka-dots and florals. In my stash, I have these papers organized by color and pattern/theme, so it makes it quite easy to see what I have. 

Last - I always pull a few embellishments -- if I have a ones that match a paper, those are easy to include - if not, I can dig deep to find stamps and stencils, and other bits and pieces that will work. I don't worry if I don't pull a lot -- as I can always add and make more later or as they fit with the photo that I document! 

Here's what we have coming up this month:

• 4th - Forgeries on the Fourth
• 6th - Mini Kit and Project Reveal
• 12th - Challenge #1: Summer Adventure
• 18th - Challenge #2: Let's get a little Messy
• 22nd - Challenge #3: Let's Get Sketchy
• 30th - Baby Use Those Scraps

We'd love to see what you create! Share your projects in the Counterfeit Kit Community on Facebook or tag us on Instagram @counterfeitkitchallenge.  #counterfeitkitchallenge and #ckcAugust2026

I can't wait to see what you come up with - I hope you will play along with your stash! 

Happy Scrapping!  XO Amanda Bass 

August 2026 Inspiration Kit and Social Media Hop

 Welcome to August and a brand-new month of Counterfeit Kit fun!

I'm excited to be your Master Forger this month, and I think you're going to love the inspiration kit. For August I choose a kit from a UK company called Crafty Templates, and their May/June kit have lots of summertime, fresh fruit fun, with some great tags, some sequence and some great mixed media goodies! 

https://www.craftytemplates.com/product-page/may-june-2026-embellishments-kit

https://www.craftytemplates.com/product-page/may-june-2026-main-kit

Now, let's give a warm welcome to our Guest Designer, Sarah R, who participates often in our community!  

 I live in Newbury, Berkshire UK. I’m a PA to the Directors at a Building Society. I have two grown up children and one granddaughter Daisy who is 8. I’m a widow of 21 years so I know to make the most of every day - we’re only here for a visit. 

As a child I kept Newspaper cuttings of the Royal Family in a scrapbook and I started to scrapbook my photos about 13 years ago but stopped due to life events, however I really got back into it during 2020 - COVID and lockdown! I have followed Counterfeit Kit Challenge on the blog for years and a couple of years ago got stuck into creating kits from the inspiration each month. I have hundreds of photos still to scrap from many many years of snapping away and I like to use a defined kit for each event, occasion or holiday so CKC is great to help me focus on pulling different collections from my stash together to use this way for each project.  I love all the ideas each month and the support and comments posted in the group is so encouraging - everyone is so lovely.

I love CKC because it encourages me to use papers and supplies I already have, mix them with other kits, and make everything go further — especially all those odds and ends left over from older kits. This month’s inspiration kit is one I actually owned, as I’m a huge fan of Simple Stories, but I’ve used a lot of it already. By pulling in papers from my stash, I can recreate the same feel and make more pages for my summery photos.

I started by choosing papers that matched the inspiration kit, including unbranded fruit papers and some floral and checked designs from Carta Bella and Maggie Holmes — the patterns match even if the colours aren’t the same. Then I pulled out embellishing pieces such as file tabs, a few lemons, washi tape, pom-pom trim, and journaling cards that fit the theme and match the inspiration items. 

To stretch the kit even further, I added in older Simple Stories collections that share the same colour palette: Summer Snapshots, True Colors, Sun‑Kissed, plus the remaining pieces from Echo Park’s A Slice of Summer, which has lots of fruit elements. I also included my office style dies, a cut file (I have some birthday photos), some Vicki Boutin titles, matching Hobbycraft letters, and Bramble Fox Perspextives.

It’s a big kit, but I have plenty of photos to scrap — and hopefully more as we head into August. I’ve called my kit Lemon Sunshine.

Inspiration Hop Line Up:

Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog - http://counterfeitkitchallenge.blogspot.com/
Guest Designer: Sarah https://buttononit.blogspot.com/

Brandi - https://www.instagram.com/scrappy.boymama/

JoJo - https://www.instagram.com/scrappyconfessions

Laurie - https://www.instagram.com/scrapbookingbits/

Ryann - https://www.instagram.com/scrapbookjoey/

Tina - https://tinasscrapcorner.blogspot.com/

Vikki https://www.instagram.com/memoriesandmomentsscrapbooking/

Amanda - https://youtube.com/@amandacreates1980

Shala - https://www.youtube.com/@Bookishshala

Briana - https://www.youtube.com/@lovemylifeonpaper

Here's what we have coming up this month:

• 2nd - Just the Gist of It
• 4th - Forgeries on the Fourth
• 6th - Mini Kit and Project Reveal
• 12th - Challenge #1: Summer Adventure
• 18th - Challenge #2: Let's get a little Messy
• 22nd - Challenge #3: Let's Get Sketchy
• 30th - Baby Use Those Scraps

We'd love to see what you create! Share your projects in the Counterfeit Kit Community on Facebook or tag us on Instagram @counterfeitkitchallenge.  #counterfeitkitchallenge and #ckcAugust2026

I can't wait to see what you come up with - I hope you will play along with your stash! 

Happy Scrapping!  XO Amanda Bass 

July 2026 - Last Challenge - Baby, Use Those Scraps!

 Can you believe we're already at the end of July?

We've spent the month creating with our counterfeit kits, and hopefully we've made a nice dent in our supplies. That means it's time for one of my favorite challenges: Baby, Use Those Scraps!

One last time, a reminder of our inspo kit!

If you're anything like me, you've accumulated a healthy pile of leftover paper strips, partial die cuts, sticker sheets with just a few pieces remaining, and odds and ends that seem too good to throw away. Today's challenge is all about putting those leftovers to work.

The music theme of our Crescendo kit reminds me that even the smallest notes contribute to the overall song. In the same way, those little scraps can come together to create something beautiful on a layout.

So dig into those leftovers, challenge yourself to use what remains from your July kit, and see how much mileage you can get from supplies that might otherwise end up back in a drawer.

Let's take a look at how our team used their scraps this month!

Master Forger Amanda

I had quite a bit to choose from for scraps today! I decided to use the left over pattern paper I made from Forgeries on the Fourth, and some of the smaller strips left over to put this layout together! I also decided to get a little messy and I used some Lunar pastes, and some spritz to add some glitz to this page! 

The green is from the same paste that looks crreamy on the page, except it is smeared into to lined of the textured black cardstock! I even took a fan brush with the spritx and brushed even more sparkle across the page (it looks pinkish in the photon)

I have a process video available on my channel to check out how I came up with this -- and I show all the scraps I had left over 

Master Forger Christine

After I completed most of my layouts, I had just 1 full sheet, a half sheet, this circle cutout piece, and some tiny strips I had cut from another full sheet. Because the half sheet already had a collage look going for it, I fully embraced the "junk journal" style and just went for it.  I did have to get into my stash for the title(s) but I really love how this turned out.  It is unique and really different from my normal style.

But I had JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE!

I mean, look, I still had scraps enough to make a card!

So placing the 3 music papers as little blocks to hold the three diagonal stripe pieces made into banners, I was then able to put the little embellishments.  And voila!  I used literally EVERY SCRAP of this month's kit!

We'd love to see what you create! Share your projects in the Counterfeit Kit Community on Facebook or tag us on Instagram @counterfeitkitchallenge.  #counterfeitkitchallenge and #ckcjuly2026

Life moves Fast.  Scrap the moments that matter.

Love, Christine | ScrappingHarden

July 2026 - Challenge #3 - Let's Get Sketchy

Welcome to our third challenge of the month!

It's time to pull out your July kits and get inspired by a sketch. I always love seeing how one sketch can spark dozens of completely different layouts, and I can't wait to see where this one takes you.

First, a reminder of our inspo kit:

This month's sketch was inspired by the bold graphic designs and strong vertical elements found throughout our Crescendo Deluxe Theme Kit inspiration. The large center panel creates the perfect foundation for photos, while the horizontal band offers plenty of space for embellishments, journaling, or layers.

Feel free to follow the sketch exactly or use it simply as a jumping-off point. Rotate it, flip it, add more photos, swap the embellishment areas for journaling, or adapt it to fit your story. The goal is inspiration, not duplication.

A few things I love about this sketch:

• It works beautifully with both bright and neutral color palettes.
• The four-photo design makes it perfect for documenting an event or series of moments.
• The strong vertical design creates natural movement across the page.
• It leaves plenty of room for embellishments without overwhelming your photos.

Most importantly, have fun with it! Use your counterfeit kit, shop your stash, and make the sketch your own.

Be sure to check out how our Master Forgers interpreted the sketch, then share your own version with us. We love seeing all the creative ways our community brings these challenges to life.

Master Forger Brandi Jo

I opted to use just a single photo to switch up the sketch just a little bit! 

Master Forger Vikki

I really liked the design of this sketch, so followed it almost exactly.  I replaced two of the photos with 3x4 pocket cards that I cut down to fit. I will add a little journaling and the date to these cards.  I added a small embellishment cluster in the upper right hand corner to finish the layout.

Now let's get sketchy!

Here's what we have coming up this month:

• 30th - Baby Use Those Scraps

We'd love to see what you create! Share your projects in the Counterfeit Kit Community on Facebook or tag us on Instagram @counterfeitkitchallenge.  #counterfeitkitchallenge and #ckcjuly2026

Life moves Fast.  Scrap the moments that matter.

Love, Christine | ScrappingHarden

July 2026 - Challenge #2 - Turn Up the Volume

Welcome back, scrappy friends!

We're continuing our month inspired by the Crescendo Deluxe Theme Kit, and today's challenge is all about building energy and impact on your page.

Inspo kit photo:

Challenge #2: Turn Up the Volume

Create a layout that uses repetition to build visual "volume."

Challenge Requirements:

• Repeat one design element at least 5 times (stars, circles, tickets, labels, arrows, flowers, notes, etc.).
• Use a large title.
• Include at least one photo that captures excitement, celebration, or fun.

One of the things I love about music is how a crescendo builds. It starts quietly and gradually grows bigger, fuller, and more powerful. That's the inspiration behind this challenge.

Instead of increasing the volume with sound, we're going to increase the volume with design. Repeating elements across a page is a great way to create movement, draw the eye, and add visual impact. Whether you choose stars, circles, labels, flowers, tickets, or something completely different, let those repeated elements guide your viewer through your layout.

This challenge is also the perfect opportunity to pull out those embellishments you've been saving. Sometimes a single sticker is cute, but five or ten of them together can create a much bigger statement.

To really embrace the "turn up the volume" theme, use a large title that commands attention and pair it with a photo that captures a moment worth celebrating. Think vacations, parties, concerts, sporting events, family gatherings, holidays, or any memory that was full of energy and joy.

As always, don't overthink it. Start with one element you love and see where repetition takes you. You may be surprised by how much movement and interest it adds to your page.

We can't wait to see how our team interpreted this challenge and how you decide to turn up the volume with your own supplies.

Now let's see what everyone created!

Guest Designer Rona

My Counterfeit Kit was perfect to go with these photos of my grandson playing at the park. My "Crescendo" may be more of an Ostinato, but I do have repeating elements in my arrows and metal rings.  I also may have failed with a LARGE title. My title area is largeish, hopefully that still counts! My photos are definitely representing lots of fun though!! I love how the layout turned out and I'm glad I had pulled all these fun elements together because it made creating this layout a snap! Thank you so much for having me play along this month!

Check out the process video here.

Master Forger Amanda

This challenge really made me think on what and how I wanted to have repeating items that showed volume.  I used some of my 8x8 paper in my kit to make some squares in 1", 1.5" and 2" squares to repeat and get larger into the center of the page, where there was a larger picture 5" square which I matted in two more pattern papers from mini paper pads.  I played around with the placement and decided that a diagonal for the squares would work best, and then added some repeating triangles.  The fun, exciting picture I choose was of my youngest playing with slime,  which led to to large title in the same color as the slime. Since is accendently ripped a couple of letters, I added a little more grunge and ripped all the blue slime letters! You can see my process on my channel here.

      

Master Forger Shala

 When I put together my kit and picked this large cut file title, I knew exactly what pictures I wanted to use and it fit perfectly with challenge #2. My repeated design element was a no-brainer - musical notes and I think all three photos capture excitement and fun. This is my son and one of his high friends learning a dance for a candidate skit competition. They felt ridiculous but had so much fun.

Master Forger Briana

I've been using this kit all month to document photos from the Joey's Song Epilepsy Foundation fundraiser concerts, but for this layout I switched gears and scrapped some photos of my daughter. She shares my love of live music and attended a Mayday Parade concert that just happened to fall on her friend's birthday. It was the perfect combination of celebration, excitement, and great memories—exactly what this challenge called for.  I love how this layout celebrates not only a fun birthday concert but also my daughter's passion for live music. It's always satisfying when a challenge inspires you to tell a story that might have otherwise stayed on my phone!  See my process video here:

Here's what we have coming up this month:

• 22nd - Challenge #3: Let's Get Sketchy
• 30th - Baby Use Those Scraps

Life moves Fast.  Scrap the moments that matter.

Love, Christine | ScrappingHarden

July 2026 - Challenge #1 - Summer Soundtrack

 Welcome to our first challenge of the month!

Since our inspiration kit is the fabulous Crescendo Deluxe Theme Kit, it seemed only fitting that we kick things off with a challenge inspired by music.

As a reminder, here's our inspo kit photo:

Challenge #1: Summer Soundtrack

Create a layout inspired by a song that reminds you of summer.

Challenge Requirements:

• Include the title of a song somewhere on your page.
• Use at least 3 bold or bright colors.
• Add something that represents movement (waves, sun rays, flowing banners, splatters, stitching, etc.).

When I think about summer, I immediately think about music. Certain songs can instantly transport me to a specific place or memory:  a family road trip, a day at the lake, a favorite vacation, a concert, or even a simple moment spent with friends and family.

That's the magic of music. It becomes part of our stories.

For this challenge, I want you to think about the songs that make you smile when they come on the radio. Maybe it's a classic summer anthem, a song that played during a special vacation, or a tune that reminds you of someone you love. Use that memory as the inspiration for your layout.

Don't feel like your page needs to be about music itself. The song is simply the starting point. Tell the story that comes to mind when you hear it.

To help capture the energy of summer, be sure to bring in some bold color and create a sense of movement on your page. Think flowing design elements, splatters, repeated embellishments, sunbursts, waves, banners, or anything else that helps your layout feel alive and full of summer fun.

Master Forger JoJo

Master forger JoJo made a summer road trip music playlist that tucks right in the pocket on her layout. This will be her opening page in her summer scrapbook album.

Master Forger Ryann

Master Forger Ryann wanted to capture the essence of the Guardians movie by adding the cassette tape to her page, and adding the musical notes in a couple colors to add movement and motion to her page. Since this song is one from the movie, and adds to the emotion or “feeling” of the movie, she used it as her title!

Master Forger Tina

This was a fun challenge. Tina used some of the brighter paper she had in her kit for this page of a recent bus trip. Using the Go-Go's Vacation song for the title and some of the lyrics for the journaling made this layout come together fairly quickly.

Be sure to share your projects with us in the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Community and tag us on social media so we can celebrate your creations.

Here's what we have coming up this month:

• 18th - Challenge #2: Turn Up the Volume
• 22nd - Challenge #3: Let's Get Sketchy
• 30th - Baby Use Those Scraps

Now turn up the volume and let's get scrapping!

We'd love to see what you create! Share your projects in the Counterfeit Kit Community on Facebook or tag us on Instagram @counterfeitkitchallenge.  #counterfeitkitchallenge and #ckcjuly2026

Life moves Fast.  Scrap the moments that matter.

Love, Christine | ScrappingHarden

July 2026 - Mini Kits & Project Reveal

 

Hello, scrappy friends!

Now that we've had a few days to play with our July kits, it's time to share our Mini Kits and Project Plans.

Here are some photos of our inspo kit to get your creative juices flowing:

Now let's take a look at the mini kits and project plans from the team. I always love seeing which supplies everyone chooses to focus on and how differently we all interpret the same inspiration.

Master Forger Tara

The grunge in the inspiration kit really reminded me of Basic Grey!  I dug into my stash and was able to find some papers that I thought would be easy for me to use up for this mini kit and projects.  I pulled all of my papers from my 100 Patterned Paper Challenge box including one 49 & Market background paper that matched my Basic Grey choices perfectly!  I threw in some embellishments and my forgeries and I have a rather large mini kit!  

 

For my projects, I did two layouts.  I used up almost all of my papers and even one of my forgeries!  

 

 

Here are the closeups for this one:

 

You can watch this layout come together over on my YouTube channel HERE.  

 

For my second layout, I used up almost the rest of my patterned papers!

 

 Here are some closeups of this layout:

 

Master Forger Laurie

 

I'll admit I had a difficult time with this kit.  The colors were darker than what I tend t6o use, but I went for it. Since it was a mini kit I pulled just five papers. Instead of the music paper I chose a black and white floral. I also chose a navy and white stripped paper which gives a nod to the navy and white in the Counterfeit kit. I added a dark wood grain and a white wood grain. For embellishments I included a music stencil, a background stamp for controlled splatters and a heart die set.  I did pull in white and black card stock. Here's my kit:

 

I was pretty happy that I was able to complete four layouts. I did pull in some washi tape on my Sweet Girl layout I used the "B" side of the navy and white stripped paper, which happened to be pink text and was perfect for this layout. My favorite is the one with the houses. I stamped, colored and fussy cut the houses, then did some mixed media under each one.

 

Are you a mini kit player too?  Be sure to visit the Facebook group and share yours!

Here's what we have coming up this month:

• 12th - Challenge #1: Summer Soundtrack
• 18th - Challenge #2: Turn Up the Volume
• 22nd - Challenge #3: Let's Get Sketchy
• 30th - Baby Use Those Scraps

We'd love to see what you create! Share your projects in the Counterfeit Kit Community on Facebook or tag us on Instagram @counterfeitkitchallenge.  #counterfeitkitchallenge and #ckcjuly2026

Life moves Fast.  Scrap the moments that matter.

Love, Christine | ScrappingHarden