Dear Scrapbookers:
So you just finished the most fabulous scrapbook layout and you put it in your scrapbook. As you are cleaning up your workspace, you notice the pile of paper scraps from your latest creation. Do you throw them away, file them with your paper, or add them to a pile of scraps you keep meaning to use? Well, if you are like me, you probably keep most of the larger pieces (I can’t seem to part with something I paid for!). But what happens next? Do you ever use those scraps?
Because I am a big organizer, I like to keep my scraps in clear envelopes with their color (i.e. pink scraps go with my 12×12 pink papers, etc). This helps me more easily use my scraps while I am scrapbooking and prevents me from cutting up a perfectly good 12×12 paper to get a small mat for a photo. I do also have a little bin of “odds and ends” scraps that are too small or multicolored/patterned. What do I do with those scraps? I actually use some of them to make homemade paper (that is a whole ‘nother article)!
But what do I do with the rest of my scraps? I am definitely a penny pincher when it comes to scrapbooking, so I wanted to help my fellow frugal friends in their paper scraps creativity. Thus, my 6 tips for paper scraps were born:
Tip #1: Create Your Own Embellishments - Use a die-cut machine, decorative punches, scissors or a craft knife to cut embellishments out of scrap cardstock or patterned paper. Collect papers with small prints-they work well for title letters or small die cuts. Add paper embellishments to the front of card or a layout. Take a look at how Vicky Randall uses small flower, leaf and circle punches to create a lovely garden on the front of her large Flower Card.
**My favorite embellishments to make with scraps are: flowers (try twisting and crinkling your scraps too), faux ribbon, circles/squares or other shapes (keep these in little compartments like you do for buttons), letters or numbers, etc.
Tip #2: Make Mini Cards and Tags - Vicky’s Mini Flower Card is less than 1″ x 1″. To make it, simply cut a 1″ x 2″ rectangle, fold in half and cut card into a three-quarters circle. Embellish using decorative punches, buttons, brads, charms or fibers-anything you have in your box of leftover bits. These mini cards work perfectly for short love notes or as decorative gift tags. Use slightly larger scraps to make tags like Vicky’s Flower Tag and Envelope.
Tip #3: Have a Confetti Party - I know it sounds silly, but everyone can turn their scraps into confetti. And everyone I know loves a little confetti throwing on birthdays or New Year’s Eve. It may not help you with your crafting or scrapbooking, but at least you can have fun with your scraps. I like to make mine small by tearing or cutting. Then I keep them in small ziplock bags for storage. Keep them with your party supplies.
Tip #4: Make One-of-a-kind Layouts - You really can come up with a layout using very little money and supplies! Just pick out 5-6 different scraps and put them together to make unique paper backgrounds or mats. Check out this great one from Sweet Pea:
Tip #5: Try Paper Piercing Designs in Layouts - Using scraps to create paper piecing designs is a perfect thing to do with your scraps. I found these great layout designs on Two Peas in a Bucket (click on the picture for the designer’s info, larger pic, and instructions):
Tip #6: Create Smaller Albums, Brag Books, or Tag Albums - You would be surprised at the perfect size your scraps are when making a 6×6 album! Recipe albums make great gifts. Write or type your recipes on an index card or any colored paper and then cut to fit the album.
Have fun with your scraps and let me see some of your creations (and I will add them to our website!) Also, don’t forget to browse or shop our website at www.scrapbookfinds.com.
Your Scrapbooking Expert,
Robin
