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Put Scraps To Good Use
By Helen | April 7, 2008
Do you have lots of “scraps”? Do you hang onto those scraps thinking…I’ll be able to use this? Let me share some of my tips for what I do with my scraps.
First, evaluate. If the piece is large enough to be used as a photo mat, or as part of a scrapbook layout, then it goes back into either:
- the CTMH paper pack that it came out of - this way, it stays with the coordinating papers or,
- the appropriate paper section in my folders - these are sorted by color, theme, pattern type, etc.
Medium size pieces, decorate! Since I most likely have out the coordinating ink pads, embellishments, and stamp sets, I take a few extra minutes to make “Paper Candy.” What is Paper Candy? These are pre-made accents that can be added to a scrapbook layout or greeting card. Here’s an example of some Paper Candy.
Small to medium size pieces are great for sentiments! I’ll pull out a sentiment stamp set or two and stamp a variety of sayings on the scraps. Things like “Happy Birthday,” “Thank You,” and so forth. Then, using other small scraps, mat the sayings. I store these in a 4″ x 6″ mini photo album (the kind with sewn in page protectors). I use different pockets for different sentiment categories (birthday, thank you, get well and so on).
Thin paper strips - paper quilt! I’ll use a stamped image as the center of a Log Cabin style paper quilt. Put the stamped image in the center of the card (it doesn’t have to be a square and it could be slightly askew). Then…grab all those thin strips you have (1/4-inch, 1/2-inch, or larger). Then, start adding the strips. You can follow the standard Log Cabin light/dark placement for pieces, or change it up and have something totally unique. Here’s a great websitew ith an animation link showing how the Log Cabin block is built: http://www.nmia.com/~mgdesign/qor/styles/logcabin/logcabin.htm
Some other ways to use scraps:
- Serendipity Squares - take a variety of scraps and adhere them to another piece of cardstock or patterned paper. Leave space between the scraps. Stamp images over the scraps and onto the base. Cut out in squares, or use punches to get fun shapes. Use to back title letters, as mini accents on your cards or layouts and more. You’ll find directions on HGTV here.
- Bargello Designs - this is another great use for thin paper strips. Adhere them side by side to a base cardstock or patterned paper (great way to use up a patterned paper you’re not thrilled with, or something that didn’t turn out the way you like). After you have all the strips adhered, cut perpendicular to the strips in various widths. Now stagger the design to create the Bargello pattern. I could see this used on a card, or as a accent strip along the side of a scrapbook page. You’ll find directions on HGTV here.
- Cover Chipboard Pieces
- Get out the shape punches - you can make so many different things with a variety of punch shapes. I have the Punch Your Art Out 2 book which shows how to take hearts and flowers to create fish! It’s amazing what you can create with little bitty scraps.
How do YOU use your scraps?
Topics: Papers |
April 21st, 2008 at 3:20 pm
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April 21st, 2008 at 3:50 pm
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April 21st, 2008 at 4:32 pm
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