11/12/18 - "Use Your Stuff" Challenge #337

Good Morning!

Welcome to a new week and new challenge of "Use Your Stuff" .

This week we challenge you to use stars.

I created a layout of our Mini Pig Hamlet sleeping, using a star patterned BG.

This layout was very difficult to take a good photo of because of

the shiny gold stars.  

"Dream Big" 

Here is a photo of the layout at a different angle so you can see how absolutely gorgeous that BG paper is … Mega Heart Eyes, amirite?!

Hamlet is a black pig, well all black except for 1 white hoof … the front hoof on the right side (not pictured).

Because he is black, it's really difficult to get a good photo of him without great lighting, and in this case, it was night time so the lighting was at it's worse...that's why he looks brown.

I love this photo so much and I knew, even if the lighting wasn't the best I needed to scrap it, and I needed to scrap it by itself and in a large size; this is a 6x8 that I ordered through the PL App.

Pretty sure I'm not fitting ALL of 2018 into one album... but I'll deal w/ that problem when I get to it, LOL

Also, I used 99% of my November Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog Kit to create this.

Yes, I strayed a bit. I couldn't help myself! When I found that BG paper I just HAD to use it, it was too perfect for the photo! So I used it, but EVERYTHING else is from my kit so I'm counting it!

I know for a fact the CKC Blog is a bit flexible w/ their challenge so it will be just fine; the goal is to get your stuff used and photos scrapped, and I did both!

This makes Project #3 w/ my November Kit.

BTW - poor Hamlet always seems to be scrapped in pink... Oops, LOL

Thanks for stopping by and please play along w/ us at "Use Your Stuff"!

-Products: Studio Calico, Heidi Swapp, Echo Park, Jillibean Soup -



CKC November / Projects #1 and #2

Hello, hello!

Stopping by really quick-like to share 2 of  the layouts I have created so far w/ my November Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog Kit:

 

 

-This is Part of  Project Life Week 32 -

The other page has already been shared (twice)

 

"David's 41st Birthday"

 

For this one I'm just "dipping my toe into" my November Counterfeit Challenge Kit.

It is a 12x12 Digital/Traditional Hybrid Layout
The layout  was created on the Project Life App and embellished in real life.
All the embellishments came from my counterfeit kit: 3 stickers, 8 enamel dots/shapes, and doodling.
I kept it simple because the photos are so beautiful I didn't want to distract from them.

From the Project Life App I used

-Page Design P
-Card Kit "Strawberry Edition"

"Happy Girl/Hello Happy"

12x12 Traditional Page

Using nothing but my November Counterfeit Kit

The photo collage was created on the Project Life App and printed at home on 5x7 photo paper.
(Yes the PL App is listed in my Counterfeit Kit Supply list)

Journaling:
"Silly Selfies with David during my Birthday Celebration"
My Birthday, last year.

I have no date or place information on this because this will sit right next to another page about this event that has all that info.



- Product info: Echo Park, Heidi Swapp, Jillibean Soup, Crate Paper, Sharpie -

 

11/03/18 - CKC November Kit Reveal

Hi there,
Welcome to another installment of the Counterfeit Kit Blog!
This is the inspiration kit for November; it's from Citrus Twist.
It is their October Kit and it is called "Little Things":

Here's the link to the website where you can see more photos of it: Citrus Twist Kit
BEAUTIFUL, right?!
I'm fighting w/ myself NOT to buy it, LOL
(Yes, it's still available!)


I always start creating my kit by making a list of what stands out to me.
Some of these ideas came from the actual papers, some from the embellishments.

• Flowers 
• Animals 
• Coffee (because of the "coffee rings" paper, bottom left) 
• Music Notes 
• Vines 
• Clouds 
• Stars 
• Cameras

Before I show you my kit I want to tell you I cheated just a little...
But it wasn't intentional, and whether it's cheating or not depends on your personal opinion.

Here's the story.
Last year a "Tuesday Morning" store opened up in a nearby city.
I had heard great things about their scrappy deals and had wanted to check it out but never seemed to have the time or, when I did, remembered to go.
Yesterday I made time, I actually wrote it on my To-Do list (along w/ about 7 other items).
What I heard about their scrappy area as correct; lots of great stuff at low(er) prices!
I was pretty proud of myself as I only spent about $25.

Fast Forward to my drive home when I was looking at my purchases, at a red light of course, and realized that one of the kits I bought would work perfect for my counterfeit kit because it had:
- Music Notes, -Vines, - Clouds, - Stars and - Cameras
It wasn't something I planned I just bought what I liked and it worked out!


So here is my Counterfeit Kit (papers):

Top Left hand side is the kit I was referring to.

Here is a photo of it by itself:

Back to my Counterfeit Kit:

On the right-hand side you will see a Flower PP. That, and the 2 "cut-apart" papers underneath it were also bought at "Tuesday Morning" yesterday. They are from a huge Amy Tangerine Paper Pad I bought for only $6.99!

And as I'm sure you noticed, the "Eclectic" kit was only $5.99.

Yup, deals alright!

You want to know why they're so cheap? Because it's old product.

The "Eclectic" kit is from 2012 and the Amy Tangerine is from 2015.

I don't mind because TBH I miss a lot of the old style of my favorite manufacturers!

I saw some kits for sale that I have already owned, and that I loved, and almost bought them again...but then decided I should get some new (to-me) stuff.

I bought a 2011 Echo Park Christmas Kit ($5.99), some alphas and a few random embellishments as well.

Anyway, let me stop before this turns into a complete "Tuesday Morning" commercial, LOL

All the other papers are from my stash; isn't that Cat Unicorn paper adorable?! That's from Websters Pages

I also have Bella Blvd, Jillibean Soup, Doodlebug, and Crate Paper thrown into the mix!

The mug paper is also Amy Tangerine but it's not new.

Here are my embellishments:

The details:
I found a book printed paper in my stash to mimic the one in the kit.
I pulled out some wood embellishments. I don't even like wood embellishments but they're in the kit and having them in mine will push me to use them! BTW - the "&"s I didn't even know I had until I cleaned my scrap room!
Lots of Coffee and Animal themed items...including cat, dog, and coffee washi tapes
I pulled out my current favorite Gold Alphas, trying to use those up, yet not... (cuz I love them, LOL)
I pulled out 4 stamp sets - Alphas (never been used), Animals (only 1 has been used), Food, and a random fun one with popular Instagram Hashtags like "Taco Tuesday" and "Sunday Funday" (next to the alphas)
A few random enamel shapes and puffy stickers (puffy stickers are Heidi Swapp and are from "Tuesday Morning" also)
A set of rub-ons that are so old I don't even know if they are going to work!
A date stamp
A few other alpha stickers
My Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher
Word Stickers
Random Project Life (like) cards
Journaling Labels
and of course all of my circle making items


Finally -
Not pictured:
-Cardstock in Black, White, Neutral AKA: Beige/Kraft
-Project Life App
-(1) 12x12 Piggy PP that I forgot to put in my paper stack ::doh::!!

I absolutely love my kit, it's one of my faves so far!
Can't wait to get started.

BTW - cast your vote below if you think I "cheated" or not, LOL
(I truly won't get upset if you think I did ::wink::)

10/21/18 - CKC October/ Projects #3 and #4

Hi there!

2 more projects from my Counterfeit Challenge Blog October kit

(projects #3 and #4)

 

 

My first page is a 12x12 Traditional Layout

 

  

"Void"

Journaling: "Void: a Star Wars themed Virtual Reality experience. David really wanted to try it! I was afraid to try it because I'm not any good at video games but it was a lot of fun!"

This is part of my 4 page spread covering our visit to Vegas this past July; this is page 3 of 4.

My favorite things about this layout:
1) the color scheme...
2) the cluster of embellishments around the bottom photo
3) the inclusion of our bracelets... I'm trying to remember to save and include ephemera in my layouts more often

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My second project is a 2-page Travelers Notebook layout for my Pet Themed album.

"Hello Happy"

Journaling: "Hamlet enjoying a yummy apple. Nobody tell him what usually happens to pigs who get whole apples. 03.31.17"

I'm also entering this layout into the "Dotty About Dots" Challenge  over at The Studio Challenge blog seeing as both my PPs have dots on them!

All of the paper pieces on the TN Spread are scraps, including the "Hello Happy" which is from a cut-apart paper that I had already cut into.
That sticker border under the photo is a scrap also.
In my "Void" layout you will see a green butterfly and a circle word sticker: "cherish" (and the other half of the border sticker).
Those came from the same sticker sheet that I got the border sticker from...and it is an old sticker sheet that I bought in May 2016.
So glad I included it in my kit this month!

For having such a shaky start to this month, I feel like I'm accomplishing a lot w/ my kit!

10/13/18 - CKC October / Projects #1 and #2

My first 2 Projects using my October Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog kit

 

Both are 12x12 Traditional Pocket Pages:

 

 

 

"Happy 16th Anniversary"

This is about our dinner out at "Pasiano's Italian Restaurant" at the Pechanga Casino in Temecula last year for our anniversary.

This was our first visit to both.

(This was BEFORE I became a vegetarian and when I had blonde hair)

 

That Green Heart paper is from Nikki SIvils and has been in my stash for a long time!

Glad to have found a place for it... and I still have scraps of it to use since I only used a portion of it for the pocket.

I really like using papers for my pockets! 

 

And yes I realize I spelled "anniversary" wrong … LOL

Luckily it's just stickers so I can fix it!

 

 

 



"Truly Madly Sweetly"

Also a first for us: a visit to the "Truly, Madly, Sweetly" Bakery in the Temecula Mall.
We had spent the night in Temecula and visited this place the next day.
My husband loves ice-cream and I love... EVERYTHING else, LOL
so we ordered a few different items and shared them because, "sharing is caring"
::wink::

Another old item/items I want to highlight is that "SWEET" PL card, which has been in my stash...probably since Project Life became "a thing"! The heart is cut out of a PL Card from the same set.


And just for fun-sies let me share  a layout I created last year about this same night...
-some of you may have seen it already -
*NOT created w/ my Counterfeit Kit*

 

Not a bad start I think.

I've been feeling a bit more productive, and like myself lately... ::crossing my fingers:: it continues!



10/10/18 - CKC October Kit Reveal

October has been a rough month for me so far!
Nothing specifically bad, I just can't seem to focus...
I'm thinking it was that darn vacation...LOL

Hopefully, it's just temporary as my brain tends to do that every once in a while, a huge side effect from be a sufferer of both depression and anxiety #TruthBomb

Anyway, because of my lack of focus I am a bit behind in getting my Counterfeit Challenge Blog Kit put together for the month.
I like to have it done by the first weekend of the month so I can get scrappin'



Here is the inspiration:

And this is what I came up with (you may recognize some of this stuff from last month):

What I pulled from the inspiration:

- Papers (14 total)

• Flowers

I have 2 flower paper: white BG with large colorful flowers and dark blue BG with small red, light blue, white, and yellow flowers (top row, far right)

• Pink

I have 2 of those: one with stars and one, a darker shade of pink, with polka dots

• Green

Mine has brown hearts on it

• Words

I have 2 of those: one Fall Themed and one Colorful/Everyday themed (the emoji paper)

• Stripes

The Green/Yellow/White Paper - could also fall into the Green Category

• Cut Aparts  

I have 2 sets: a Fall Themed set and Colorful/ Everyday set

• Colorful Multiple Patterned BGs

Everything else, LOL

BTW - I was going to include a wood grain but forgot ::DOH::!


- Embellishments:

• Black and White (square/rectangle) medium and small Letter Stickers
• Word Phrases - though mine are black
• Frames
• PL Cards - to mimic the words w/in the frames embellishments
• Lots of brown
• Buttons - to mimic the sequins because I cannot work w/ sequins, LOL

What I added to play w/:

• A few sheets of misc, partly used, embellishments and alphas - gotta use that stash!
• Scraps - always try to include some of these
• Gold Thickers - cuz currently obsessed
• Washi - because I have so much I need to use
• Cat, Dog, Pig papers and embellishments - cuz, you know, fur-babies/hair-kid ::wink::

-1 is a cut-apart, most are colorful

• 1 Brand New un-opened package of MAMBI stickers -I want to see how much of it I can use
• Date Stamp and Ink
• Black Mist - I always try to use it but never do...maybe this month will be the month ::crosses fingers::

Added Essentials (though I didn't photograph them):

• Black, White and Kraft card stock
• Black Sharpie
• White Gel Pen
• Circle Punch and Template
• File Labels - for journaling
• Adhesive
• The Project Life App

My goal was to mimic the colorfulness of the inspiration kit but also bring in a few darker colors and embellishments because if the fact that it's currently Fall (hence Fall-ish papers and embellishments). I will probably use up a lot of those colorful items but I wanted to have a bit of wiggle room...

BTW - sorry about the bad photos.
The lighting was bad but I knew if I didn't take the photos while I had everything out, I would procrastinate in taking the photos...
I think the only things I do not like about playing along w/ this challenge is trying to get good photos of my kit and having to put away whatever I don't use after the fact, LOL

09/25/28 - CKC September / Project #6

This is my 6th and final project for the September Edition of the Counterfeit Kit Challenge blog.

I will be going on vacation soon and will not have time to scrap any more for this challenge (if any).

I made 7 last month so w/ one week to spare before the end, I feel like I did pretty good creating 6 layouts this month!

 

This is a 2 pager in my "Food Themed" Travelers Notebook.

It contains lots of journaling!

 

 

"Rolled Ice Cream"

"July 29th, 2018 -
David and I tried rolled ice cream for the first time... and I loved it!
This one is "The Chocolate Monster": Chocolate Cake, Nutella, and Kit Kat - Number 9 on the menu at "The Roll Ice Cream" in Huntington Beach.
I loved the flavor and the texture; the fact that you could chew it a bit before it actually started to melt.
I wasn't a fan of the price though: $7.99!*
IDK if that's the going price or if it's because it's by the beach but yikes!
Anyway, something I would definitely have again, just not very often.

What Is Rolled Ice Cream?

Choose your ice cream and add-ins.  The liquid ice cream is added to an anti-griddle that chills anything  that touches it to (-)4 degrees farenheit. The toppings are then mashed in and just as it all begins to freeze, it's spread into thin layer which is then rolled up and added to a cup. More toppings can be added on top.
Originated in Thailand."

The description of how rolled ice cream is made was paraphrased from an online article; shortened/re-phrased in a few places to help make it fit in my condensed space.

*TBF - the price includes unlimited toppings.
But you wouldn't be able to tell by mine because I kept my toppings minimal...
as a person who suffers from anxiety, when I have too many choices I panic and wind up choosing...nothing, LOL



Coincidentally my very first counterfeit challenge layout for this month included a photo of this ice cream also:

As much as I loved this layout, I felt like I wanted to explain more of what exactly rolled ice cream was, especially after I had a lot of inquiries.
So, I printed another copy of the photo, yes I scrapped the same photo twice, and added a few bits and pieces from my kit, some doodling, and a whole lot of journaling!

BTW - if you recall I was contemplating replacing the "mangled" sticker on my 12x12 layout...
I wound up doing it... it just bugged me WAY too much!
The rest of the stickers will be used so it's not exactly like I wasted money.
Besides, my sanity is priceless, LOL

09/21/18 - CKC September / Project #5

Hello,

Just dropping by to share my latest:

a page I made w/ my September "Counterfeit Kit Challenge" blog kit.

 

Before I do, some background...

I have Food-Themed Traveler's Notebook (no big surprise there, right?! LOL)

And it's been a while since I created anything in it.

I pulled it out a couple of nights ago to add to it and as I flipped through previously completed pages I was not liking what I saw.

Oh, I still loved the pages I created! But what I didn't like was the blank pages that proceeded/followed them. For the most part I create 1 page layouts in my journals.

I rarely fill in the other side unless the theme (w/in the theme) corresponds well w/ the other page.

And generally I'm perfectly okay w/ the look of it.

 

 

But this time,  flipping through my journal, I felt like the blank page made the book look empty, even...ugly.

So, using my counterfeit kit, I spruced up the other side.

 

Take a look:

Before

After

All of the items on the left-hand side are from my kit and since it is the only page I created this go-round it still counts for the counterfeit challenge.
Also because it references a "Fall-Themed" food it counts for their current challenge:
- "Do a project about Fall -Anything Fall related - leaves, apples, cold weather and so on"

BTW the "Forever Autumn " was 2 separate stickers.
The word "Friends" proceeded "Forever" but since I don't have any friends, I cut it off, LOL
And since I was eating a Pumpkin Spice dessert in March what I changed the phrase into was perfect!
Oh, and just a reminder of my kit name, in case you forgot: "You Had Me at Pumpkin Spice"! ::wink::

TFSB!
And feel free to let me know if you've ever done something similar...
(Added to an old layout).

09/15/18 - CKC September / Projects #3 & #4 and Use Your Stuff

I have already shared 2 layouts made from my September 2018 Counterfeit Kit (as inspired by the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog)...

and I am happy to share... 2 more!

I created these this past week.

Both are Traditional 12x12 Layouts:

"Saved"

Journaling: "Starbucks almost ruined my Fall when they got rid of their "light" menu; no PSL for me...until this:

-Grande - Blonde Americano

- 2 Pumps Pumpkin Sauce

- Splash of Almond Milk

and -1 Sweet - N- Low

A substitute recipe suggested by my co-worker. Just as tasty and saved me 145 calories and $1.40

-YAY- "

 I didn't name my counterfeit kit "You Had Me at Pumpkin Spice"; for nothing, LOL

Back Story: Starbucks got rid of their ready-made light recipe line of drinks, both hot and cold …

so I thought it would be no Pumpkin Spice Lattes or Pumpkin Spice Frappuccinos for me this year, since I ONLY drink light... but then my co-worker shared how she orders her drink and "saved Fall" for me!

See, I'm not good at recipes in any shape or form (LOL) so I really thought I was going to have to do w/out! I'm so glad that's not the case...though I still need to figure out a Frappuccino alternative.

...

This second layout was also created from my Counterfeit Kit and is Pet Themed so I am entering it in the current challenge over at the "Use Your Stuff" Blog since their challenge this week is Animals!

As an animal lover and fur-mama, the challenge was right up my alley!

"Trying"

Journaling: "Trying to organize my scrap book albums...trying ::eye roll:: "

Our cat Panini decided to plant herself on one of my albums while I was organizing...
cuz Cats Are Jerks, LOL

- The Title Alphas are actually Gold -

I really, really, REALLY, love this layout!

I think a lot of it has to do w/ brown being my favorite color...

Of course the cute subject doesn't hurt! :0)

Thanks for stopping by!

Hope you're having a great weekend so far!

09/13/18 - Another PL Catch-Up Post (Weeks 25 - 29)

Hi...

Project Bomb!

 

Just sharing some more Project Life Pages

 

- Week 25

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- I shared week 26 in a previous post:

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- Week 27

-Remember I told you I intermingle PL w/ Regular Layouts?

My  previously shared "July 4th"  and "Chunky Dunk" layouts are also part of this week:

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- I shared week 28 in a previous post:

 

This week includes a few Vegas Layouts also, 2 of which I have created and previously shared and 2 that I have not yet created:

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Week 29

 

 

Sorry if this is too much but I thought you might like to see how it is going to look in my album w/ the mixture of different types of layouts!

If you haven't already figured out the LARGE photos are of layouts I'm sharing for the first time and the SMALL photos are of layouts I have already shared previously. 

I am enjoying this PL journey... but I am behind, both in creating and sharing.
Not giving up on either though!
I think a lot of my PL Pages will be digital since it's something I can do on my phone an it allows me to include lots of journaling which is something I struggle w/ on traditional layouts.
I also like the cleaner look of them.
I spruce them up w/ stamping (sometimes) and stickers & doodling (all the time) so I'm still getting in some hands-on creativity and it gives the layouts a more personal feel.

 

BTW - Pretty sure all the future generations are going to think all I did was eat, LMAO!

09/08/18 - CKC September / Projects #1 and #2

Hellooooo there!
Today I am sharing my first 2 layouts with my September Counterfeit Kit as inspired by the Counterfeit Kit Challenge blog.
They are both 12x12 Traditional Layouts, though one is a Project Life Layout.
Oh, and you might notice just how much I love circles by the fact that they both have a large circle in the design... I didn't do that intentionally but my scrappy style does tend to gravitate towards "circle usage".
Oh and they both have a Black and White BG...
again, not intentional, just worked out that way.
Luckily, the dates of the layouts mean they won't be right next to each other in the album though.

"Day At The Beach"

Journaling Top:
"We didn't go to the beach last year, so my goal this year was to go... at least once!"

Journaling Bottom:
"First time trying rolled ice cream
Loved it!
'Chocolate Monster' Chocolate Cake, Nutella, & Kit Kat"
29 July 2018
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Unfortunately I mangled one side of that title sticker during the creative process...still debating whether it bugs me enough to go buy another set of stickers just to replace that 1 sticker #TheStruggle, LOL

(Raise your hand if you feel me!)

 

Next up:

"Project Life - Week 28"

Journaling
Top to bottom:

1) "I honestly think my life would be incomplete w/out animals. Yes, even this PITA (Pain In The Ass)! Very early morning cuddles."

2) "Reading real books means cute bookmarks! This one was sent to me by my Instagram Bestie: Jenny"

3) "Speaking of books...finished #13. "Why Not Me?" by Mindy Kaling. Good, but not as good as her first."

4) "Ever since they released 2oz sizes of their cookies, I have been obsessed w/ Lenny & Larry's; I order them by the box! Half the size = Half the calories."
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I bought the hexagon stickers last year and wound up hating them, LOL
So I was determined to use as many as I could here in order to get rid of them (use it up ladies!)
I used 7 of them..
They wound up working really well w/ the added circle stickers and enamel dots:

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Overall, not my favorite layout... I see flaws that I'm trying very hard to not make me crazy... but done is better than perfect, right?!

What you're not seeing is during this same week we went to Vegas for a couple of days,  of which I created/will have created 4 other layouts about our adventures. So in reality there will be 5 pages for this week of PL! 

I've shared 2 of them already: 

"Wahlburgers & Sugar Factory" - link

"Baz" - link / 2nd layout

Yes, I like to mix things up like that! ::wink::

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And yes...

I'm still chugging along w/ Project Life... 

I've said it before, and I'll probably say it a thousand times more: this is my first year doing Project Life and it is a definite learning process!

I'm behind but I had a feeling that would eventually happen. 

I  am desperately trying to catch up... so it's more difficult to plan ahead for actual real-life Pocket Pages which is why you haven't seen those in awhile.

I'm not too concerned about it though, other than my pocket page protectors collecting dust...Doh!

Hopefully I can find the opportunity to fit some more into my album before the year is up... but if not, I'm not gonna worry about it. 

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff.... except for mangled stickers  ::wink::

09/02/18 - CKC for September

 

Hello,

I'm playing along with the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog again this month. 

Here is the inspiration kit:

 

It is the Noel Mignon kit from October 2017 and you can see the full kit here:

Noel Mignon Oct 2017

 

 

And here's mine.

I call it "You Had Me at Pumpkin Spice"

 

Heads up....

This is my biggest Counterfeit Challenge Blog Kit to date.

I've always felt I had to limit myself to keep with the spirit of the Challenge, but when I saw so many other players,  design team members, guest designers create large kits, I realized that was not the case. 

Good thing cuz 

I had so many items that worked well with the inspiration kit this month!

And really it is still small compared to my full scrappy arsenal!

First my papers:

5 cardstock

6 Floral

2 Woodgrain

2 Polka Dot

5 Fall-Themed / 2 Which are cut-aparts

20 Total

Alphas and Embellishments 

Fall, Wood, Orange, misc...

2 of the sheets of alphas/embellishment sheets are actually by Jillibean Soup and are similar to the Jillibean Soup pieces in the inspiration kit

Also, I had the same Echo Park "Perfect Autumn" set, though theirs is chipboard while mine is a sticker sheet

 

 

Embellishments

Lots of Fall inspired patterns and colors along with some scraps 

Included: a spray mist, washi (1 in black and 2 in Fall colors) and Lawn Fawn stamps ... more Winter than Fall but it should still work

Enamel dots/shapes

Lots of Word/Phrase embellishments: stickers, wood, acrylics, cork

And a whole lot of OLD Wood/Chipboard/Corrugated Wood embellishments that I had forgotten I had until I started putting my kit together

Some PL Cards

My circle punch cuz I love using circles*

Coffee PP, Coffee PL Card, and Coffee Stickers (upper left), you know...JIC Pumpkin Spice happens, LOL

Also acrylic Food/Drink stamps cuz I'm a Foodie 

Oh and I snuck some beach stickers in because I still have some beach photos to scrap and the kit does have blue and blue makes me think of blue skies and, at this time of year, beaches

so yeah, I made it fit ::wink::

*I have a smaller circle punch that I misplaced  but hope to find and use

 

and finally

Freebies -AKA- For My Animals

Because I always seem to be scrapping my fur-babies/hair-kid

Though I did try to keep it in a similar color palette as the inspiration.

 

 

It may look like a lot but a lot of the stuff is leftovers that need to be used up. 

And using up items is a large part of the point of the challenge.

If you have time this month, come play along...
Still plenty of time to get your kit together!

08/23/18 - CKC August / Project #7

This is (probably) my last project w/ my August Counterfeit Kit Challenge blog Kit.
I have had such a great time w/ this kit, and the overall process of working from a Counterfeit Kit, that I am really hoping to continue to play along again in future months!
Crossing my fingers that time will allow it.

For now, let's take a look at my last August project.

Some background first:
As you know I have been tackling my first ever Project Life this year.
I have been doing my best to follow the traditional aspect of it while throwing in my own twists here and there.
For example:
- Alternating Traditional Pocket Pages w/ Digital Pages
- Using real life embellishments on Digital Pages
- Mixing-in Traditional Pages either in-between, before, or after corresponding Pocket Pages
- Alternating documenting a whole week w/ documenting one day/event

I find the flexibility allows me to continue to want to keep going w/ the project which, I admit, can sometimes be tedious...
Especially when you're behind!
(And I did get behind.)

Today I bring you yet another twist on the Project Life Page...
Though it's the 1st time I'm trying this method, I am not the one who invented it.
This page is a 12x12 Traditional Layout w/ random photos from the week:

"PL Week 26"

Despite the fact that I feel like I take a lot of photos, this particular week I really didn't.
And 1 of the photos I took wound up on another layout, which I already shared (LINK/2nd Layout), and that other page will follow this page in my PL Album.

With only 4 photos and 1 journaling block I tried to make a traditional pocket page and realized I couldn't because the back of that page would need to hold the 12x12 traditional layout referenced above; cant do back-to-back w/ 1 pocket page and 1 traditional page.
So I tried to do a digital page and I just could not get it to work because I couldn't get the 4x4 meme to fit into a frame on a page w/ out needing to choose a template that had lots of extra spaces to fill.
I tried...believe me, I did!

Finally it clicked!
Do a traditional page but include all the photos for that week and call it a Project Life Page!
It worked out so well that I will definitely be doing it again!

The only thing is, I wish I had thought of it sooner...
I spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to create a page for this week;
time I will never get back... ugh... LOL

08/21/18 - CKC August / Project #6

Another layout using nothing but my August Counterfeit Kit

(as inspired by the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog).

 

A 5x8 Travelers Journal/Jot Journal Page

for my Book of Me Album

 

 

 

"Perception"

Journaling:

"In Nov 2017 I seriously considered becoming a vegetarian. By Aug 2018 I pretty much was one. (I had already given up pork for Hamlet)"


Documenting my decision to become a vegetarian.
As the owner of a Farm Animal for a pet, it's kinda hard to shield yourself from the horrors of the meat industry. Knowing all animals have feelings and knowing what happens to some of them, the ones in the meat and dairy industry, and being such a HUGE animal lover like I am I just couldn't continue to live my life knowing sweet, innocent, animals were dying so I could eat.
Maybe you don't feel the same, and I'm not here to convince you otherwise, but for me... it's something I had to do. And I do share my views in hopes that others may convert but I'm not going to judge you if it's not the way you want to live, just please don't make fun of me for doing so (yes, I have actually been teased about it...by other adults WTF?!)

I have completely given up meat and am trying really hard to limit my dairy intake... making swaps when I can, that's a bit harder... not because I don't have the drive, but it's really difficult to find dairy-type items w/out dairy in them! I gave up Cows Milk over 3 years ago, and try to eat vegan ice cream a majority of the time, but otherwise, yeah not many options for other stuff yet, at least that I can find.

Design Details:
Other than the BG paper and the tag, which I cut in 2 and placed one-half at the top of the layout and the other-half at the bottom, every embellishment on here is a sticker/self-adhesive item (even the journaling spots).
The overall layout is very simple but I love the layers and mix of colors!

I'm hoping to squeeze out at least one more project from my August Kit before the month is up
 ::crosses fingers::

08/18/18 - CKC August / Challenge #2

Hello!

Welcome to my blog post and the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog's 2nd (and Last challenge) for the month of August.
Today's challenge, to (hopefully) inspire you use up that August kit, is:

Mix and Match Journaling or Title. We have them in our stash -alphabet stickers, word stickers, stamps, dies, and even punches.  Use at least two different alphabet styles for your title or journaling.


This is actually something I do frequently because I'm always trying to stretch my alphas when they are getting to the end. Mixing them up not only gets them used, but it sometimes results in some interesting combos!

For this layout I mixed the alphas in my title:

"Real Men Wear Pink"

Journaling:

"The chicks are gonna dig him!

Stylish amirite?! Pink was $120 dollars less than blue.

(Sorry, Spotty) Good thing dogs are colorblind!

07.13.18"

For those who do not normally read my blog, here's some back-story (via a previous, not-for-this-challenge layout I created):

Journaling:
"4.12.18 - National Pet Day. Also the day we found out Spotty has Spinal Arthritis. His back legs no longer work and it's irreversible. All we can do is try our best to keep him comfortable and give him meds to help w/ his pain. It makes me sad."
Yes, it's sad that our fur-baby is going through this but we are trying our best to make him as happy as possible while he is still with us.



Back to my layout for this challenge...

I'm very happy w/ it!
Not only is everything from my Counterfeit kit, but I have used up yet another Wood Embellishment (remember I said I'm not a huge fan of wood embellishments?)!
I also like that I was able to incorporate lots of pink on the layout due to the color of my dog's wheel chair. Normally I wouldn't think to use so much pink because my dog is a boy, but the topic of this layout made it A-Okay-USA! (though technically there aren't any rules... but you know what I mean!)

I hope you'll play along!
Here's the link to the challenge again: CKC Blog - Mix and Match Challenge

08/12/18 - CKC August / Challenge #1

Hey there, hi there!
Happy Snout Sunday!
"Happy Snout Sunday?" you're asking...
Well, when you see what I'm sharing today it will make more sense...

Popping in to share the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog's current challenge to help you use your August Counterfeit Kit.

This is challenge #1 for the month and it is called:

 

Put it on an angle Use your favorite layout style and turn it a little bit to put it on an angle on your layout.

 

One of my go-to scrappy items is circles... big and small!

On this layout I used a big circle to anchor my photos of our mini-pig Hamlet enjoying his rooting rug.

And small circles to add pops of color and interest!

(We pig owners frequently use "Snout Sunday" as a hashtag on Instagram. Makes sense now, right?)

 

 

"Rooting Rug Fun"

 

Journaling: "Hamlet enjoying his Batman rooting rug. Thanks to my daughter, his momma, it's all Batman all the time for Hamlet. 09.11.17"

 

Naturally I went for Black and Yellow as my main colors, cuz... Batman!

But I quickly found I didn't have a whole lot of other Black and Yellow embellishments, DOH!

So I got creative, AKA took a chance, and added red and white (leftovers from my "Espana" Travelers Notebook spread; see previous post) and some blue and green and you know what? I absolutely LOVE the look!

I wasn't kidding when I said the Counterfeit Challenge really makes you think outside the box!

I would have never added those colors if I had my whole arsenal of scrappy supplies to choose from and yet... they really work so well on the layout!

Seriously LOVE this layout!

 

That Rooting Rug has since gone to pasture but the photos and memories will forever be captured!

 

BTW that little flag that's sticking out of the "Good Times" embellishment block was actually cut off of one of my embellishments, which means I still have the rest of it to use.

Talk about making your supplies stretch, amirite?!

And that "makes me happy" stamp is from my food stamp set... how lucky did I get, LOL!

 

Anyway, I really hope you like this layout and are inspired to play along.

In case I'm not inspiring enough, go check out the CKC Blog for more Design Team inspiration!

 

Link: Counterfeit Challenge Blog

 

TIA!

 

08/08/18 - CKC August/Projects #1 and #2

Good Morning to you!

 

Just stopping by to show off a couple of layouts I created w/ my August Counterfeit Challenge Kit.

As per the rules, everything on both is from my kit and only my kit:

 

-First up:

 

Midori Travelers Notebook

2 page spread

 

"Espana"

Journaling:
"July 1st, 2018
This is how my husband notifies me that, "Spain is winning!"

W/ a Snap Chat-Dog-Filtered-wrapped-in-a-Spain-souvenir photo.
I was born in Spain so we cheer for both the USA and Spain.

Spain did not win the World Cup"

My husband sent me this silly photo and I knew I just had to scrap it for the "Fly Your Flag" challenge at Scrapbook.com...
Basically it's a challenge for showing off your National Pride.
I very rarely have a reason to scrap Spain so I enjoyed this.
Funny thing... 2 years ago we went to Spain and I have like a bazillion photos...but only like 2 of them are scrapped, LOL (Because there are a bazillion of them!)

Design Details:
I used 2 PL Cards on this:
1. As a journaling spot
The 2nd I punched 1 circle and a couple of half-circles out of and used them as embellishments (the Yellow Patterned circles)
The PL cards are super old, part of the Becky Higgins "Kraft" Project Life Kit.

.
.


2nd Layout
12x12 Traditional
W/ Non-traditional Colors for the theme: Fourth of July

Heads up my scanner is (always) dirty so the "ink" smudges you may see here and there on this layout are not intentional, LOL
Seriously IDK what's up w/ my scanner!

"The 4th, 2018"

Journaling
TOP:
"This was the first 4th we didn't see fireworks. David had to be at work at 3AM so he went to bed early and Madi and I didn't want to watch the neighborhood fireworks w/out him"

MIDDLE:
"06.30.18 - Early 4th w/ the neighbors. David made chocolate brownies and lemon cupcakes w/ strawberry frosting."

BOTTOM:
(Menu)
"-Corn on the Cob                   -Steak
-Salmon & Veggie Kabobs        -Meatless Burgers
July 4th, 2018"

 

Finished off my Pink Enamel Dots on this - a bittersweet moment for me.

Also the polka dot PP is from an old SMASH book; remember those?!

  
I'm so happy that CKC asked me to Guest Design because I forgot just how much fun it is to create layouts w/ only a "handful" of supplies! Especially when some of the supplies are ancient... forces you to finally use them!

As a reminder of how it all works:

Here is the link to my kit: Doreena's Aug Counterfeit Kit

and the link to the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog: CKC Blog

 

I would love if you played along!