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.
You did an awesome job! Not sure I could've followed through with the cutting up of my papers. LOL
ReplyDeleteLove the layout!! And I love the kit you made!! I can't wait to see what else you make from it!
ReplyDeleteI think you did an amazing job....and love the colours of your kit.I found this prompt really challenging because of choosing the papers before the photos.
ReplyDeleteGreat trick to make the R. I have never thought about using the X in that way but it is one to keep in mind. Great page.
ReplyDeleteThis is great! I started out OK, but I couldn't bring myself to chop up papers in different sizes until I knew what kind of design I wanted.
ReplyDeleteI was just like you, approaching this project somewhat tentatively, but I'm glad I did it and would do it again! I think your kits looks great! Lovely first layout, looking forward to seeing more.
ReplyDeleteFabulous, Melissa! My post today is about this very challenge too :) I love your 'kit', and that's a great first page - look forward to seeing more! xx
ReplyDeleteYou've made a great kit and I love the layout you made - the R is brilliant - I wouldn't have noticed if you hadn't pointed it out! I have been making a lot of 'a' recently out of the letter 'q', that works quite well too!
ReplyDeleteYour kit looks like fun - in fact, I recognize a lot of those items as being in my own stash. I might have to copy your kit just to use them up.
ReplyDeleteFantastic job Melissa!
ReplyDeleteI love the shelf you created for the photo and the story you tell in your layout. Maybe you'll be counterfeiting next month. . .
Rinda
So inspiring Melissa! I have too many paper packs of Basic Grey waiting to be used. Would be fun to put a kit together with them!! They come with alphas a sometimes some chipboard type embellishments, but it would be fun to add ribbons etc.
ReplyDeleteI have just cut up my papers and made the pages, without knowing what pics I was going to use..am hoping it all works out as well as yours!
ReplyDeleteAlison xx
Your kit is lovely and so is your page.
ReplyDeleteOK!! I am really beginning to think I should sign up for this class!! I LOVE your LO Melissa
ReplyDeleteI didn't even notice the R. I wish I had time to join this PPParty
ReplyDeleteI think you did a beautiful job of creating the kit and I love the layout (I was a Brownie too)
ReplyDeleteWonderful layout! You did a great job. It would have been very hard for me to cut my paper before I knew what I was going to do with it.
ReplyDeleteYou did a very brave thing here cutting up those papers ... may have to try this with my next Counterfeit Kit!
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