Monday, July 28, 2014

July's Fab Five








We are having a great counterfeiting month around here!  Nicely done!

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Follow Us!!!


Hey Forgers, did you know that we have a Facebook Page?

I will hold my hands up as a Master Forger and honestly say that I didn't
know until yesterday either!


Shock, horror!

So, now that you do know, what are you still doing reading this blog post?
Click on that little Facebook Logo
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<just over there
and get liking us!!!!

Oh but before you go, we now have a Pinterest Board too.
There's not much in it at the minute (if truth be told)
but before long it will be overflowing with great inspiration
for you to get your messy hands into.

Go on click the button and follow us with Pinterest.

Friday, July 25, 2014

Happy 1,000th post to us!!



Master Forger Jemma pointed out that our next post would be our 1,000th post!  I can't believe we have been going strong for this many posts full of challenges and inspiration!  I certainly could never have done it without my fabulous team!  I am proud to call them friends and wish we all lived on the same continent so we could have a group photo to share.  

To celebrate this milestone, we would like to host a little contest!

Counterfeit Kit Challenge 1,000th Blog Post Contest

Contest Dates:  July 26th - August 9th

Challenge:  
1.  Create a Counterfeit PAGE Kit of your own, based on a current kit (could be a kit club, digital kit or paper collection)
2.  Make up a challenge and create a project based on that challenge.
3.  Share both the inspiration kit & your kit, your challenge, and your project on your blog. E-mail us the link to counterfeitkitchallenge@yahoo.com


Prize:

Counterfeit Kit Queen for a Month!

In the Month of October YOU could be the one:
1.  Picking the kit for us to Counterfeit
2.  Choosing all 3 of our challenges
3.  Performing your duties as Guest Designer for the month!

You will also win a $10 gift certificate to Big Picture Classes



The Master Forgers will be choosing a winner based on creativity and we will announce the winner on August 17th

Thursday, July 24, 2014

July Members' Hop, Skip & Jump


It's that time of the month again - our Members' Blog Hop!  You've been shopping your stash and creating with our challenges and now you get to share with everyone.

Which of this month's challenges did you choose?  Was it

Challenge #1:  Triangles: Use at least 5 triangles on your project

Challenge #2:  Combine Techniques: Use at least 3 techniques for your project

Challenge #3:  Create a Panel Card: Make a card using this unique card design

Here's the Blog Hop order ...
Lisa       http://lisahausmann.blogspot.de

Tina       http://tinasscrapcorner.blogspot.com

Leslie     http://lcsmithsaved-outofthemire.blogspot.com

Lesley   http://ohblogitifyoucantbeatthem.blogspot.co.uk

Cindy    http://www.cindyscreations-cinmfoster.blogspot.com

Julene   http://julenebydesign.blogspot.com.au

Jemma  http://just-jimjams.blogspot.co.uk
... if your name isn't there this month - why not join in with the August Members' Hop - just drop us an e-mail by August 18th - EVERYONE is welcome!

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Join the Hop!


This is just a reminder that we are looking for YOU to come and join in on our monthly member blog hop.


This is always a whole lot of fun and a chance for you to show off your amazing creations with your Counterfeit Kits.

So.... if you have created a project using your Counterfeit Kit Challenge kit for any of this month's three challenges and have NOT posted it on your blog before, we would love for you to join in our member blog hop and share your creations

Here's a reminder of the challenges this month:

   1.   Challenge #1 Triangle Challenge  : Use at least 5 triangles on your project
   2.   Challenge #2 Combining TechniquesUse at least 3 techniques on your project

 We LOVE it when you share so come on, join in on the hop and inspire us all.

Here is how it will work:

Your Blog Hop Project may be from any of the 3 challenges we offer throughout the month.
Your project must be something new, using a Counterfeit Kit Challenge kit, that you have not shown before and only post for the hop.

To be a part of our blog hop:

1.  E-mail us your name/blog address/promise to participate at counterfeitkitchallenge@yahoo.com  BY THE 18th!  (No late requests will be able to join this time due to the work it takes for us to get it put together.)

2.  You will receive  an e-mail from us by the 20th with a list of the hop participants.

3.  You will need to schedule your own blog post showing your project based on this challenge and links to the person after you in the hop.

4.  All Blog Hop posts will need to be scheduled to go live on the 24th at 12:00 A.M. Mountain Standard Time (Arizona

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

July Challenge #3: Create a Panel Card

Hero Arts is full of great tutorials and inspiration.  If you get stuck for a fresh new idea, they are just the place to look!

I love this tutorial on Creating a Panel Card and thought it would make a fun challenge.

Challenge #3:  Create a Panel Card!



I decided this summer to weed out any cards I had not sent to anyone and donate them.  If I did not mail them, then they were not favorites and why keep them, right?  Time to make some fun new cards for my stash!

Let's take a look at what our Master Forgers cooked up...

Susanne was in stocking-up mode also, and made her cards without stamping - relying on the raised elements and bright colors to grab your attention.  Details on her blog.



Well, I gave this card two tries and was finally happy with my second card.  To see my first card, head over to Bethany's Blog.  Now gaze upon my second (and favorite) attempt:


Stephanie used one of her favorite Lawn Fawn stamp sets to create a simple, but quirky, panel card that would be perfect for a wedding or engagement.


Leslie went straight to the Magic Blue Box for inspiration for a birthday card for her daughter.


********************************************************************************


Now, how can YOU participate?  Go to the sidebar and use Mr. LINKY to link us to YOUR kit or project using your kit so we can leave you some love!  We will make a brand new Mr. Linky for each month, so get your blog posts linked ASAP!

To make Mr. Linky a little easier for us to use, please type your name and then a description of what you are linking (ie: kit, mini challenge, ect).

We also have a Flicker group, if you don't have a blog, but would like to share your creativity with us!  CKC Blog Flicker Group

We also have a new twist on our Follower Blog Hop for this year!  I hope you like it!

End of the Month Blog Hop:
On the 24th of each month we offer a blog hop opportunity to all of our followers!  A chance for you to show off a special project made with your counterfeit kit for that month.

Here is how it will work:
Your Blog Hop Project may be from any of the 3 challenges we offer throughout the month.
Your project must be something new that you have not shown before and only post for the hop.

To be a part of our blog hop:
1.  E-mail us your name/blog address/promise to participate at counterfeitkitchallenge@yahoo.com  BY THE 18th!  (No late requests will be able to join this time due to the work it takes for us to get it put together.)

2.  You will receive  an e-mail from us by the 20th with a list of the hop participants.

3.  You will need to schedule your own blog post showing your project based on this challenge and links to the person after you in the hop.

4.  All Blog Hop posts will need to be scheduled to go live on the 24th at 12:00 A.M. Mountain Standard Time (Arizona)


Saturday, July 12, 2014

July Challenge #2: Combining Techniques

So many fun things to try when scrapbooking, so little time!  Sometimes it is relaxing to streamline your scrapping with a simple approach.  Sometimes a girl has a get a little messy.  Spray mists, Gesso, stamping, die cuts, layering, borders....so many cool ideas that are NOT clean and simple.




Challenge #2:  Combining techniques:  Use at least 3 techniques on your project!  (Okay, they don't HAVE to be messy ones, but I will love you if you give a messy one a try!)


Amy Tan's tutorial on Pretty Paper.True Stories


Time for some inspiration from my Go To Master Forgers!

Guest Designer JANE took a no fear approach to her layout!  I love how she combined paper punching, gesso and altered chipboard (with paint and embossing).  The effect is stunning!


Lisa combined different misting techniques (using a stencil, splatting and spraying elements to change their colour) alongside sewing, distressing, layering and clustering for this technique laden layout using her July, Relax kit. You can see more detailed photos on her blog (here)


LesleyG used stamping, stencilling and die cutting to create her layout about the time she met the lovely Jen. More details and close ups can be seen on her blog.


Yes, Bethany is back with some Gel Medium, Paper Pleating, Misting and Stamp Layering.  Head over to my blog to see my thought process for this card.


And, Susanne got playful with fussy-cutting, stitching and misting (not to mention her title) on this layout.  Details can be found over at her blog - Snaps & Snippets.


Leslie sewed, stamped, misted, blinged, layered & painted! For details look HERE.


********************************************************************************


Now, how can YOU participate?  Go to the sidebar and use Mr. LINKY to link us to YOUR kit or project using your kit so we can leave you some love!  We will make a brand new Mr. Linky for each month, so get your blog posts linked ASAP!

To make Mr. Linky a little easier for us to use, please type your name and then a description of what you are linking (ie: kit, mini challenge, ect).

We also have a Flicker group, if you don't have a blog, but would like to share your creativity with us!  CKC Blog Flicker Group

We also have a new twist on our Follower Blog Hop for this year!  I hope you like it!

End of the Month Blog Hop:
On the 24th of each month we offer a blog hop opportunity to all of our followers!  A chance for you to show off a special project made with your counterfeit kit for that month.

Here is how it will work:
Your Blog Hop Project may be from any of the 3 challenges we offer throughout the month.
Your project must be something new that you have not shown before and only post for the hop.

To be a part of our blog hop:
1.  E-mail us your name/blog address/promise to participate at counterfeitkitchallenge@yahoo.com  BY THE 18th!  (No late requests will be able to join this time due to the work it takes for us to get it put together.)

2.  You will receive  an e-mail from us by the 20th with a list of the hop participants.

3.  You will need to schedule your own blog post showing your project based on this challenge and links to the person after you in the hop.

4.  All Blog Hop posts will need to be scheduled to go live on the 24th at 12:00 A.M. Mountain Standard Time (Arizona)

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Look what I found! List of new releases...

No Summer CHA = a big void in my scrappy life.  I LOVE seeing all of the new releases and wishing we would get some in our stores here.  LOL

Well, Scrapbook Update has our back and is my go to for finding out what new things will be released this summer...all in one place!





You're welcome.

Now...which new release is your favorite?  Which do you not love?  Did any company surprise you?  Let's talk about it!

**I'm off to look and will update here with my thoughts...maybe a Master Forger or two will jump in?

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Hey...I can make THAT!

July Tutorials


Welcome to "Hey...I can make THAT!" 
 A monthly post to help you truly counterfeit many of the components of the current month's kit.  No need to go out and purchase...just use the supplies you already have to create some of the freshest and trendiest products out there.  Here you will find links to our amazing design team members' blogs and/or links to other craft sites on the web showing how to counterfeit these must-have products.

Our kit du jour, "Balboa" is brought to you by Noel Mignon.  Take a look at what it has to offer.

Balboa Kit

Let's see how you can create some of these pretties with the help of your Master Forgers.

Jemma had a go at reproducing the bright colours against black backgrounds of the Hazel & Ruby Chalk It Up Supplies (with mixed success) here:



You may be wondering how you can get your hands on some felt roses like the lime green one featured in the inspiration.  Lynnette found a tutorial via Pinterest on this blog here.  Certainly looks easy enough!

felt flower tutorial

Enamel dots still seem to be a mainstay in many of our monthly kits.  They are included in this month's kit as well.

In case you haven't seen the latest craze in scrappy DIY, you MUST check out this video for making your own enamel dots using Perler beads.  An inexpensive children's craft product that can also double as a scrapbook embellishment?  YES, please!  Check out the Youtube video here.

Angela and her daughter have made a SMASH Styled Travel Journal. Angela has been sharing the process with us on her blog.


Leslie has forged her own mini-line of papers this month 
along with some of the kit goodies HERE.



LesleyG has created 3 items for her kit this month.
See what she made HERE
(at time of going to press Blogger would not allow pictures to be added)

Friday, July 4, 2014

July Challenge #1: Triangles!



If there is an underutilized shape in my scrapbooking, triangles would probably be it.  They are great for banners, but I do not think about them outside of that.  Poor little triangles.


If you have not noticed before, our challenges are often inspired by my own scrapping inadequacies, so to continue that trend...

Challenge #1:  Triangle Challenge:  Use at least 5 triangles on your project!  (Hmmm...for some reason I can't get the idea of little gold triangles out of my head...IDEA!)

Shall we play let's see if I stumped the Master Forgers?  LOL  Oh, yes, sometimes they just LOVE my challenge ideas.  NOT!

You're up, ladies!

I think our Guest Designer, JANE had no trouble pulling this fun, layered page together!  I love the pops of black!




Well, Lynnette was not stumped!  With a little help from Pinterest, she created this heartfelt layout with LOTS of triangles.


Angela, and her daughter, are making a SMASH styled travel journal this week, and they used triangles for the cover design. Angela is sharing each stage of the journal creation on her blog this week, and you can see how they created the covers on today's post.


Always one to take on the challenge, Lisa was inspired by a wonderful sketch found on Pinterest (original sketch here) to pile up the triangles making a very angular layout. You can find more detailed shots of this project on her blog (here)

July kit, Sunshine, layout #1

Even Bethany got in on the action (reluctantly)!  I even explain HERE how I pick the challenges for Counterfeit Kit Challenge!


********************************************************************************


Now, how can YOU participate?  Go to the sidebar and use Mr. LINKY to link us to YOUR kit or project using your kit so we can leave you some love!  We will make a brand new Mr. Linky for each month, so get your blog posts linked ASAP!

To make Mr. Linky a little easier for us to use, please type your name and then a description of what you are linking (ie: kit, mini challenge, ect).

We also have a Flicker group, if you don't have a blog, but would like to share your creativity with us!  CKC Blog Flicker Group

We also have a new twist on our Follower Blog Hop for this year!  I hope you like it!

End of the Month Blog Hop:
On the 24th of each month we offer a blog hop opportunity to all of our followers!  A chance for you to show off a special project made with your counterfeit kit for that month.

Here is how it will work:
Your Blog Hop Project may be from any of the 3 challenges we offer throughout the month.
Your project must be something new that you have not shown before and only post for the hop.

To be a part of our blog hop:
1.  E-mail us your name/blog address/promise to participate at counterfeitkitchallenge@yahoo.com  BY THE 18th!  (No late requests will be able to join this time due to the work it takes for us to get it put together.)

2.  You will receive  an e-mail from us by the 20th with a list of the hop participants.

3.  You will need to schedule your own blog post showing your project based on this challenge and links to the person after you in the hop.

4.  All Blog Hop posts will need to be scheduled to go live on the 24th at 12:00 A.M. Mountain Standard Time (Arizona)

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

July's Counterfeit Kit and a big Welcome!


Why are lazy summer days always the busiest?  Are you able to guard some of your crafty time or has your Mojo gone on vacation?  Hopefully we can spark some creativity with you this month...we have some great kits to share with you!

Noel Mignon's Balboa Kit is a beautiful mix of bright colors and Chalkboard accents.  I spy some fun embellishments this time around, too!  


We have a great Guest Designer to give us a new perspective on things this month!  Say hello to JANE!


I am the mother of the 2 most beautiful children in the world (isn't every mother!), with a wonderful, loving partner of some 15 years. Every day I am grateful for how lucky I am - wonderful family, wonderful friends and a room full of scrapbooking & card making goodness!



We were sad to see Milissa go last month, but take a look who I brought back to finish out the year with us!!  A very missed, Susanne!!  Welcome home, Susanne!  Make sure you stop by her blog to say hi (so I am not the only crazy one jumping up and down because she is back!).




As always, we have each made our own spin on the Balboa Kit to get you thinking as you pull things for yours! 

Guest Designer:  Jane  http://alittlescrap.blogspot.com


********************************************************************************


Now, how can YOU participate?  Go to the sidebar and use Mr. LINKY to link us to YOUR kit or project using your kit so we can leave you some love!  We will make a brand new Mr. Linky for each month, so get your blog posts linked ASAP!

To make Mr. Linky a little easier for us to use, please type your name and then a description of what you are linking (ie: kit, mini challenge, ect).

We also have a Flicker group, if you don't have a blog, but would like to share your creativity with us!  CKC Blog Flicker Group

We also have a new twist on our Follower Blog Hop for this year!  I hope you like it!

End of the Month Blog Hop:
On the 24th of each month we offer a blog hop opportunity to all of our followers!  A chance for you to show off a special project made with your counterfeit kit for that month.

Here is how it will work:
Your Blog Hop Project may be from any of the 3 challenges we offer throughout the month.
Your project must be something new that you have not shown before and only post for the hop.

To be a part of our blog hop:
1.  E-mail us your name/blog address/promise to participate at counterfeitkitchallenge@yahoo.com  BY THE 18th!  (No late requests will be able to join this time due to the work it takes for us to get it put together.)

2.  You will receive  an e-mail from us by the 20th with a list of the hop participants.

3.  You will need to schedule your own blog post showing your project based on this challenge and links to the person after you in the hop.

4.  All Blog Hop posts will need to be scheduled to go live on the 24th at 12:00 A.M. Mountain Standard Time (Arizona)


Wishing you a Creative Day!
Bethany