Sunday 9 January 2011

The Counterfeit Kit Challenge

Anyone else think that one of the best things things about scrapbooking is the kits? I love 'em! I look forward to seeing how each kit club pairs which with what. Every month, And then quite very often I sit back and wait for that pizza box (or two..) to arrive.

But now I've discovered a way of taking this kit thing to a whole new level...

The Counterfeit Kit Challenge is the most intriguing new scrapping idea I've seen in a long time. Here's the plan: at the beginning of every month the girls choose a freshly revealed kit as an inspiration and the challenge is to make a counterfeit with your own supplies...any way you choose. Shopping your stash, making your own embellishments or treating yourself to a few new pieces, it's all allowed. I think it's genius!

Of course I had to have a go; and in true kit club style, I'll give you a sneak (of my made-at-home yellow felt flower)


and a peek (of my also made-at-home dictionary paper "notions")

and my Martha Stewart doily punch at work


before I reveal my complete kit, based on Jenni Bowlin's December collection.


Believe me, this might just be the most fun I'm going to have today without resorting to Paypal. But check it out yourself and see what you think. I'll be playing along next month again. Definitely.

My kit details: 
  • cardstock: 1 red, 1 green, 1 kraft
  • 1 sheet JBS Family Tree diecut
  • 1 sheet MME Life Stories Recipe Paper
  • 1 sheet BG Nook and Pantry Measuring Cups
  • 1 sheet BG Nook and Pantry Placemats
  • 1 sheet BG Nook and Pantry Cookbook
  • 1 sheet Glitz Scarletts Letter Stripe
  • 1 sheet Glitz Scarletts letter green
  • 1 sheet Studio Calico Exclusive paper
  • JBS exclsive alphabet
  • JBS Family Tree journaling cards
  • Glitz cardstock stickers
  • Black doilies cut with MS punch
  • JBS green buttons
  • handmade yellow felt flower
  • handmade dictionary paper notions
  • a twist of yellow thread 

47 comments:

alexa said...

You have a wonderful talent for finding and sharing interesting things, Sian! This looks fascinating ...

Cheri said...

interesting little game. Will have to try that next time I see a kit that makes me drool!

scrappyjacky said...

I've never actually used a kit....they always seem rather expensive....but this sounds a real fun idea..

scrappyjacky said...

Sian...on your side bar you've got 'a monthly make' picture....it doesn't seem to be clickable....what is it exactly??

Ann said...

What a fun idea to make up our own kits inspired by a monthly kit on sale! Thanks for finding the site Sian. Maybe I can learn a few tricks to save me buying more stash and I love what you've made already ;)

Cheryl said...

you've done very well - manus should be asking you to do this for them! x

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

Super fun post, Sian! My boss and his wife gave me a gift card for Michael's Craft Store for Christmas, and I think I'll use it to buy that Martha Stewart doily punch.

I love seeing your homemade embellishments! You just can't beat them. xo

Susanne said...

Could it just be possible that I have enough supplies on hand (not including my unopened kits that I could pull one of these together in no time at all? When buying kits I've often thought of just using them for inspiration - but I would always resort to the Paypal button too! The challenge site looks like its going to follow-through and help us use the kit we pull together too - that would be a nice change for me as well. This will be my Sunday afternoon project - thanks, Sian!

Clair said...

That's such a great idea - I often wistfully look at all of the beautiful kits out there and wish I could afford to snap them all up (but alas, there's the decorating!)

Not sure I could manage to pull together a whole kit, so maybe I could aim for an add on? :)

Chocodeline said...

What a great idea and concept! thank you for the link and you're kit looks great and I also love the Martha Stewart's puncher, I have it and it is lovely!

Jimjams said...

Now that's a clever idea - off to have a look at that site to see if I can join in soon. I never buy kits ... too much stash to get through as it is!

Carmen said...

That looks like a ready to sell kit! Clever you Sian!

Sian said...

Jacky - It's a new monthly challenge from The Felt Fairy:

http://thefeltfairyuk.blogspot.com/2011/01/are-you-up-to-monthly-make-challenge.html

I'm going to be blogging about it soon

Melissa said...

Sian, what a wonderful challenge site! I love this idea and will probably play along in February, especially since I'm on a hiatus from purchasing any new stash for six months or so. Thanks for sharing about this. You did a great job counterfeiting this month's kit.

laurie said...

i have never used a kit but it sounds like fun. i enjoy seeing all the supplies that go together and imagining how to use them.

Jennifer Grace said...

Your kit looks great Sian, love your handmade elements. Thanks for the link to the challenge site, it's a great idea. I have made my own 'kits' by rooting through stash before, but never thought of copying a current kit, though I drool over them often enough! xx

Anonymous said...

What lovely embellishments you have made and what a super kit you put together.

Sandra said...

oh Sian, what a fun idea ... you have just the most amazing imaagination.

Unknown said...

Thanks for joining the 'make a month' - looking forward to making with you! You have a lovely blog - I used to do lots of scrapbooking and really should get back into it! love annie xxx

Lou said...

This looks good, i'm looking for something new to do, so i'll pop across to see what it's all about xx

Margie said...

Love your kit, and those handmade embellies are fab!

Lizzie said...

Your "Counterfeit Kit" looks very professional, Sian!
I do tend to make my own "mini-kit" when I want to make a scrap page, but am lacking inspiration. I will pick some colours or ideas from the photo and search through my (not inconsiderable!) stash to find suitable items. Once I have a "goodly pile" of stuff on my desk, I sort through it for things that "go" and then I have my little kit. It does help with tricky scrap pages. In fact, it also helps for tricky cardmaking and bookbinding projects too1

I will definitely go and take a look at this challenge - it's great (and so is your "Sian's Kit")! Thanks for a very interesting post.

Amy said...

That is a really good idea - says the girl who has never purchased a kit and has limited supplies! ;-)

Bethany said...

I love the green (my fav. color)! You had some fantastic ideas!

Bethany
Counterfeit Kit Challenge

Melanie H said...

Hi Sian, I love your kit. The handmade flowers look amazing.

I love the vintage looking card you have in your kit.

Can't wait to see what you create with your beautiful kit.

Unknown said...

I love this idea! Thanks for sharing! I hope to find some time and check this site and maybe make my own "kit"
Yours looks great!

Anonymous said...

Inspired by you I have now joined the Felt Fairy challenge - thank you for kick starting my crafting year.

Anonymous said...

Inspired by you I have now joined the Felt Fairy challenge - thank you for kick starting my crafting year.

Rachel Brett said...

What a fantastic idea! I'm definitely off to have a look, thanks for sharing Sian :)

Liberty :) said...

Thats a great idea Sian! I make up mini kits from my own stash, but didnt think to get inspiration from the designers, nor make my own so thanks very muchly!!!

Alana said...

Hmmmm, intresting idea. I know...you make the kits up and then send them to us to use...no?

Heather said...

what a fab idea! I drool over kits but cant usually justify the expense so this is great :)) thanks for sharing xx

Jennifer Shaw said...

Your kit looks totally amazing!!! Your hand made flowers are stunning!! Can't wait to see your creations!!

humel said...

Ah, very clever! I do love kits; the price always put me off (especially as the ones I really liked were from America so shipping was so much) so I was so chuffed to discover Gotta Craft through you!

Amanda said...

Another great find Sian. I love the look of your kit.

.....and I wondered about the monthly make 2011 too look forward to seeing more and may have to go and investigate in the meantime.

SarahLP said...

Ooh what a great idea! I'm sure we all have WAY too much stuff lurking away in our craft rooms.. and we also all have the creativity to make our own embellies now and then (although I agree that you are the MISTRESS of home-made embellies, Sian!). So I shall have to try this little challenge too! :o)

Anonymous said...

Love it! What a neat idea!

Scrappi Sandi said...

What a great idea...I've been the recipient of a fair few pizza boxes in my time, but more recently have shied away from kits, for as mouth-watering as they can be as there's always something that hangs around!! But I love the idea of working with a kit that cathes my eye & pulling equivilant items from my stash...what a great starting point!!! Love it!! & may I say how fabulous your yellow felt flower looks!! :)

Sandie said...

Hi Sian,
I so love visiting your blog and always feel uplifted and inspired by your stories and sharing.
And so I have nominated you a STYLISH BLOG AWARD.
I hope you don't mind.
Please visit my page to find out more. You don't have to do anything in response if you don't want to. I simply thought you deserve to be recognised.
Loving your kit and hope to make one up soon. Thank you so much for the idea and the link. I just love the idea of counterfeit kits.
Just my kind of thing!

Sue Althouse said...

What a unique idea - I'll have to check it out! Really enjoy your blog and just became a follower!

Counterfeit Kit Challenge said...

I love your yellow felt flowers!!! Thank you for playing along! Your kit looks beautiful! *meridy*

Micayla said...

Oh my gosh what a fantastic idea. You are full of them Sian and the kit looks pay pal worthy!!
xx

Debbie O'Neal said...

great job ! Love your embellishments. TFS

Jenny said...

Lovely kit, lovely blog. Just found your blog via The Counterfeit Kit Blog. I will be back often!

Anonymous said...

What a great idea! I just unsubscribed from my kit club because as much as I love new product, I need to use what I have! This is perfect. Your felt flower is stunning.

Curlywiggles said...

What a fantastic idea! Thanks for the link. Can't wait to see what you make, I love the handmade notions!

Dawn said...

Fab idea, Would love to know how you made the felt flower and 'notions'.
Definatly a blog I'll be adding to my follow list and Will have a go at putting a kit together myself

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