I think most scrapbookers have a pile of scraps that have accumulated in their scrapbook room. Everything from paper scraps, to sticker remnants, ribbons, fiber and so much more. Thanks to ingenious organizing, I now have all mine separated in my scrapbook room and they are in nicely organized containers (something I will discuss in another entry). However, I really have a lot – probably too much.
Since I tend to be on the frugal side in my everyday life, I’m trying to carry it over to my scrapbooking and crafting as well. The most often heard piece of advice, when dealing with budget friendly decorating of any kind, is “Use what you have.”
I decided to start with all those piles of scraps. I’ll discuss what to do with all those new products still sitting in bags or their original packaging in another entry. However, in the meantime, I am offering you some tips on what you can do with all those scraps of material you’ve accumulated.
I’d like to start with paper scraps since that’s usually what we have the most of. I’m fairly certain it’s what I have the most of. In Part Two of this series, I will deal with ribbons, fibers and other scraps.
Now I realize if you took a poll, 75% of scrapbookers would say that paperpiecing is “out”. However, I can tell you, paperpiecing is not “out” in my scrapbooks. It is still a tried and true method of creating simple, but cute pages.
What do scrapbookers do when they make cards? Along with stamping the card, embossing or using another advanced technique, they often paperpiece things together. The point is, if you enjoy the technique don’t let it fade just because everyone else says, “It’s not in style anymore.”
More tips for paper scraps:
- Use small pieces to embellish paper piecings, punch art, you can even make a piece resemble a ribbon across the bottom of your page using those fun ribbon charms.
- Use your larger pieces when making cards, or tags on your layout. Don’t forget they can also be used on holiday or birthday gifts.
- Create Serendipity Squares
- Use them for journal boxes. Don’t worry about the shape, just smooth it around and make it fun. It adds personality to your page. A slightly off “squared” look will add some dimension to the page as well.
- Use much smaller pieces to add the date to your layout (even on the back).
- Use them to write the list of “ingredients” to your page if you like to submit your pages to various publications. The scraps are removable and easy to use.
- Use leftover die cut outlines to create new titles, back them with patterned paper or another item to make them unique.
Please check out Working With Scraps: Part Two for more terrific tips on using up all those scraps all over your scrapbook room.
Nicole Humphrey writes articles for the Scrapbooking Blog and for the Frugal Blog. She also guest blogs on a variety of topics. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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