Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog...February Kit Challenge!

I have to tell you all, this new blog, Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog is my NEW favorite blog right now...I love the way, they allow all of us "frugal crafters" to put kits together using some fabulous kit of the month inspiration...furthermore, though, I LOVE the way they also list MANY awesome kit club websites right on their blog...so whether you are inspired by the creative inspiration of the kits and create your own...or just want a place for a "one stop shop" to visit these awesome kit clubs directly, I think it's a win/win for all:)

In my TRUE frugal style, I have chosen to use the February kit of choice from http://www.scrapsofdarkness.com/, which I have to say, is an AWESOME kit.  Here is a pic of the kit:

I just LOVE that frame around their pic...gonna have to find me one of them, lol...

Now here is my "counterfeit" kit right out of my stash:

The first thing you may notice is that I don't have the beautiful large flowers in my counterfeit kit...but see the paper scalloped circles?...now ya know, they WILL become my version of those flowers, right?

Now to try and list my products:

• Basic Grey - Stella Ruby Line - Dining with the Daveys - ste - 725
• American Crafts (I think) - this was a paper packet (the red/black piece)
• Some scraps from Teresa Collins - Travel Line
• Pink Paislee - Bayberry Cottage - borderlines
• Quick Quotes - Rub-ons
• Hambly - Screen Print - All mixed up
• Prima - silver swirls & shapes (not sure of the proper name...don't have pkg anymore
• Sizzix - sizzlets die - Bird-Swallow
• Little roses from The Fabric Barn in Long Beach
• Random fibers and embellies from various crafting stores

I will also be using some of my favorite TH products to alter the paper, embellies, etc.

Now to get started on the challenges:)

Go over and visit Counterfeit Kits Challenge and play along:)



Today she becomes...

Happy New Year everyone out in blogland!

It's been a while since I've had time to create, so today is the first day of the NEW YEAR that I've been able to just chill 'n create:)

I've been meaning to start a scrapbook for Dan and Steph (my son and daugher-in-law), but just wasn't able to find the time to sit and get it started...then I saw a great SKETCH CHALLENGE over at the NEW CropStop Challenge Blog.  I'm VERY excited for them.  They have created an AMAZINGLY creative blog that I think is just BEAUTIFUL!

The first challenge on their new blog is a sketch challenge.  I had printed a kind of artistic picture from the wedding and was looking for the PERFECT opportunity to use it in a layout.  Well, the CropStop sketch definitely SPOKE to ME.  Of course, my finished projects always end up being very LOOSELY based on the sketch, since once I get started, my creativity just takes on a mind of it's own...

Let's start with the sketch:

My good friend, Gloria designed this sketch and I love the simplicity...it's not overdone and allows you to run with it and make it your own...GREAT JOB, Gloria:)

Here's my take on it:

I had seen this "artistic" take on a photo a while back and really liked it.  I was so happy to be able to use this frugal foto in my layout for this challenge...in fact I think this is the first actual layout I've done in months!

I used some of my Basic Grey Capella paper pack along with some of the diecut shapes from the same line.  I added some bling from Prima and some ribbon and lace from my stash.  Of course, I had to add a bit of "grunge" so I used some bubble wrap and my Espresso paint dabber to add some texture.  I also outlined the photo and all of the paper mats with the same paint dabber....oh, and the blue paper????  from one of my Tim Holtz paper packs:)

enJOY:)

Lori, FSE:)

Frugal Scrapper Tips 'n Techniques #4

Ok fellow scrappers, I have quite a few things going on here...where do I start...hmmmm...let's start with the canvas background:) I purchased a few of these canvas backgrounds from the local dollar store (there were actually 2 packaged together). I originally got them for my grandkids to paint on, but then thought...hey, these would make a great altered art project for my blog...I hope you agree.

This canvas measures 7" x 9", but when I bought them (around Thanksgiving) there were other sizes available, too...as "luck" would have it, though they are nowhere to be found now:( If anyone finds them, please let me know as these would make AWESOME covers for mini books, too.

I first randomly painted the canvas with two of my acrylic paints. Then as part of a Prima contest, I used Prima packaging on my project. The "ribbons" on the right side (black polka dots), the strips around the left photo AND the mat on the right photo are from Prima packaging. The aqua mat on the left photo is from another Prima package (it's actually a cool aqua/white brick wall pattern, but it's a bit hard to see in this pic).

I also used the tape that goes across one of the buckets of flowers Prima sells (notice the Prima, Prima, Prima across the top of the project)...it would have been awesome if I had some ballerina pic's as I could have done "Prima" Ballerina...oh well, maybe another time:)

I also stamped on the canvas using swirl stamps with Staz-on ink. I did add paint to the edges of the photo mats and ink around the edge of the canvas, too. Of course, I had to use some Prima flowers and "bling". I really love Prima's product line.

So I guess the moral of this post is:

• Stop by your local dollar store often...you never know what treasures you will find.
• Don't just "toss" the packaging from your scrapbook products. With so many companies going "green" and helping us stretch our scrapping $$, I have found that packaging really is useful...(I've been using the cellophane and acetate packaging for years)
• Acrylic paints AND inks should be a staple in your scrapping stash...they last "forever" if stored properly and are an easy way to alter your projects. I've had some of my ink pads and acrylic paints over 10 years!
• Create responsibly (go "green" and do your part to save the earth)...

I'd love to see how you have used these techniques in your project:)

I'm sure you'll find other ideas for using Prima's packaging here.

Enjoy!

Lori McCausland, Frugal Scrapper Extraordinaire