Stash Diving

Shimelle's 3rd prompt at the Pretty Paper Party was quite challenging. It involves gathering some pretty patterned papers and then adding items to create our own kit. Then we are to cut up most of the patterned papers into smaller pieces BEFORE we ever start working on a layout. Yes, you read that right - cut it up first! She shared with us the video from her True Scrap session on Stash Diving where she demonstrated the whole process and then created layouts until the kit ran out.

At first I wasn't sure if this challenge was for me as I have only once or twice used a kit, but I finally decided to take the challenge. I cheated a little because I had a kit that I had purchased for half price about a year ago at our local scrapbook store. The kit was for a mini-album, however I'd already pulled the album out to use for another project. I'd left the papers and embellishments together thinking I would either use them together or at some point merge them into my stash. This was the perfect opportunity to use it, so that was my starting point.

The kit contained 11 Bo Bunny patterned papers which set the color palette for my kit. I actually ended up with 12 patterns since all these papers are double-sided.

I then pulled 8 pieces of cardstock to coordinate with these papers.

The kit had come with one package of Bo Bunny Chiffon Chunky Chips alphas. I pulled several additional alphas for my kit. Shimelle actually encouraged us to simply choose two alphabet packs for our kit, but the extras I chose were already partially used, so I have more than that.

For embellishments, I started with the cardstock stickers, rub ons, ribbon and buttons that came with the kit. I added several border strips, a few flowers, a 1/2 used package of My Mind's Eye brads, journal spots and labels.

Here's a look at the entire kit together.

I have to admit that I'm not sure how great of a job I did. I've seen quite a few scrappers who are inspired by the monthly Counterfeit Kit Challenge and have often contemplated joining but have been intimidated by trying to match up my supplies. The hardest part is that I normally (ok, practically always) start with my photos, then choose papers and embellishments to go with them. Starting with a kit is totally different.

The final preparation step was to cut up the patterned papers. This was also a little challenging for me because I don't normally cut my papers until I've decided on my design and am laying it out on my craft table. But, I decided to trust Shimelle, and just this once, follow the directions. Here's a look at my cut up pieces.

What? You don't think that looks like enough pieces for 11 12x12 pieces of patterned paper? Well, you're right. I only cut up six sheets. The other five I left whole to use as possible backgrounds or for creating embellishments.

Then it was FINALLY time to scrap. I flipped through my oldest storage binder and decided to scraplift one of Shimelle's sketches from prompt 3 that used only one small photo. I used one photo plus one piece of memorabilia for my layout.

I was determined to use only items from my kit, therefore I had to make a few adjustments. I didn't have any letter that I liked for the title. The white glittery chipboard letters were the perfect size, so I inked over them with an off-white/tannish ink and glued them down. But, they were too light and kind of got lost in the layout. I decided to trace around them with a marker, which looked great except that the marker didn't dry so there were smears. I improvised by then intentionally smearing the ink after I had traced the letters, and I am actually delighted with the resulting color. There was one other small problem - did you notice it?

Since I had already used some of the letters from this package, there was no "R". I actually used a "P" and cut the leg off the "X" (a letter I rarely use!) and made my own "R" - what do you think?

In all honesty, I enjoyed the challenge of using just the items in my kit and am looking forward to creating several more layouts with these papers.