February 2025 - Just the Gist of It

Master Forger Misty here as your hostess for this month. We just had our inspiration reveal yesterday. Sometimes our Counterfeit Kit building can be a breeze, and sometimes you may bump up against an item that you just aren't sure what to do with. 

Despite getting to pick any kit I want as the hostess, I chose this kit. Yet, there was one paper in the inspiration that I wasn't sure about. I won't dismiss a whole kit just because one item is unusual. So let's tackle it together.

Starting from the beginning, here is the full kit.

Details of the papers' A sides

 

And the B sides

 

Plus the embellishments

As well as the add-ons

 

Now let's take a look in on that challenging sheet of paper. Animal skulls. Yep. Now I'm sure some of you will be fine with this. But it did give me pause for a few minutes.

How to tackle this bit of inspiration?

1. Ignore it. That is fine. I don't always use every item in an inspiration kit anyway.
2. Replace it with a sheet of Halloween Skeletons? Or perhaps a sheet of reindeer paper from Christmas supplies? Could work. This would mix up the seasons in an interesting way. This is what I found in my stash.
   
   
   
   
3. Go with a non-skeleton version of an animal or nature print. Much easier. I had many options in my papers, from full 12x12 to 6x6.
   
   
   
   
   
4. Try for the color mood with something heavy white on black. Again I had plenty of options with white on dark backgrounds.
   
   
   
   
   

I saw possibilities in all of these papers. Which option did I go with? I chose the xoxo paper for a couple of reasons. First, I thought the balance of black and white worked well. Plus it was a bit sketchy in nature which matches the inspiration paper's style. Finally, it is a nod to Valentine's day. I don't do many holiday themed items, but giving a nod is just right for me.

Here is how it looks in my selection of papers

The bottom line is, don't be intimidated by anything in an inspiration kit. There is always ideas to work with. I'm excited to see what you will choose for your skeleton paper!

Now, let's see what is coming up next this month:

• 4th February - Forgeries on the Fourth
• 6th  February - Mini Kit and Project Reveal 
• 12th February - Challenge #1 
• 18th February - Challenge #2
• 22nd February - Challenge #3 Sketch Challenge
• 24th February - Follower Showcase 
• 26th February - March Sneak Peek (on Instagram and the Facebook Community) 
• 28th February - Challenge #4 Baby, Use Those Scraps Challenge

We love to see what you are working on!  Drop in your projects to our Facebook Community Group and of course tag us on Instagram at #counterfeitkitchallenge and #ckcfebruary2025

Have an artful day,

Misty