May Counterfeit Kit Challenge

***This is my second post for today. Please scroll down for My Lily Pad Cards post.***

I have a confession to make. Since joining the Counterfeit Kit Challenge, I have become even more impatient. I find it very difficult to wait for the next inspiration kit to be announced! So, I spend quite a bit of time hopping around to different kit websites, trying to get a sneak peek of the next kits to be released. There were a couple that I really liked this month, but when I saw this month's main kit from Work in Progress, I secretly crossed my fingers that Bethany and Meridy would like this kit as much as I did. Guess what? It worked! Not only did they choose this kit to counterfeit, but the original kit sold out on the first day! Can they pick 'em or what? ;)

Here is my counterfeit version of the main kit:

Here are more detailed shots of my kit. I always start my kits with my papers. I try to match each of the original kit papers as closely as I can. Sometimes I can match a paper almost exactly, but other times I have to make do with what I have. Sometimes it's as generic as "a die-cut paper"! You've just got to do what works for you. Remember that your goal is to use your stash, not buy more! Because of the way that I select my papers, I always have an eclectic mix of manufacturers. This month's papers are from Echo Park, SEI, Creative Memories (1997, mind you!), Doodlebug, Provo Craft (also late '90s!), Momenta, Colorbok, Imaginisce, Core'dinations, K & Co. and Heidi Grace. Quite a mix!

I always pull my cardstock to match my papers, even if the original kit doesn't include any. This month, I think I went a bit overboard, lol:

Choosing papers and cardstock is kind of fun, but what I absolutely love is choosing and creating the embellies for the kit. I LOVED the embellies in the inspiration kit-such cute products from Pink Paislee and Basic Grey. Almost all of the embellies in my kit are handmade, including the "Read" title, borders, and fabric covered brads.

I purchased two items for my kit. The first was the package of "Lemonade Stand" stickers on the right. I struggled to find some soda-inspired embellies like those in the original kit. I decided to skip over those-until I saw this set of stickers on the clearance rack at Michael's-for 97 cents! I snatched that package up so quickly, I think the rack is still spinning, lol! They were perfect for my kit, and they match my patterned paper perfectly! I also purchased a roll of yellow crepe paper at my local thrift store for 25 cents (after I had already taken my kit photos.) The color looks great with my lemonade embellies, plus it will give me a chance to try some fun crepe paper techniques. :)

Now for the Add-ons. Work in Progress offered a Mother's Day Add-on, so I created one, too, using papers and brads from SEI, vintage seam binding and a zipper (both courtesy of sweet Meridy), and a hot-off-the-press stamp set from The Craft's Meow.

I also made a Boy Add-on that is inspired by board games, puzzles, and outdoor play. I actually pulled some items that were leftover from my January Counterfeit kit, such as the stamped journaling spots and bingo cards. The Scrabble letters are a free printable download-I simply printed the jpeg at a 4x6 size on white cardstock and trimmed the letters. You can find the download HERE. The bingo cards were also a free printable download HERE.

OK, are you inspired? I hope so! I hope you will consider joining us this month for the Counterfeit Kit Challenge! You can see all of the other Master Forgers' kits HERE. There are some really fun ideas being shared there today! Over the next few days, we will be sharing lots of tutorials for making your own embellies, and I will have a couple here on my blog, as well, including one for making my faux bingo markers.

Oh, and don't forget National Scrapbook Day tomorrow! I will have new projects and challenges from Momenta and the Counterfeit Kit Challenge!