Week of scraps - with a challenge

     As I first started stamping - I wouldn't necessarily keep my scraps - but then, there really wasn't a lot of scraps left over when you make a lot of the same cards at once.  It was after I started scrapbooking when I started having plenty of things "left over" from the projects I was working on.  I hated to throw things away - especially when my husband was taken out of work...I didn't have money to waste supplies and things.  Living in Utah - you are right in the middle of scrapbook HEAVEN - with manufacturers and stores all over the place!  Then the recession hit - Well folks, I've LIVED the current recession and have been in it since that time - I know a thing or two and can help save you money along the way by teaching you what I have learned!
     As you work on your scrapbook layouts, keep a file folder to put scraps in - from the projects you are currently working on.  This is where I draw from when I am making cards and bookmarks - in order to save money and be able to create cheaply!  I know for me - scrapbooking has been a great therapy tool - and it's a great way to leave my personal mark on the things I do!  As I am working on things - or my file gets full - I look at the scraps I have, in the sizes I need and start to put them into piles.  
     I have two different sets of piles going as I go through my scraps - and usually I will do this when I want to separate and put away my scraps.  I have an accordion style file folder that I put all the scraps I have in - and then as I am separating the colors, I will either put them in a card pile, a bookmark pile, or the color the scrap belongs to if I can't use it on anything else!  That way - when I start to put away the colors, I can look at the other scraps I have that will go with either cards or bookmarks!  I have recently started going through my scraps in order to make tags for presents!  
     My scraps are separated and filed by color - that way, when I need something specific, I can see if I have a scrap piece before I grab a full sheet of paper!  For smaller things - die cut shapes, tags, punch pieces, one of a kind embellishments, a way to give visual interest - all can come from scraps saved from other projects!  
     This week - I will be all about using scraps on your projects!  Here is a quick bookmark  idea -  


Supplies needed:
Scraps for the base - aprox 2" x 5.5 (size can vary)
Scraps for the layering
Die cuts, stickers, punches, etc.
Buttons
Corner rounder
Any type of border punch
Adhesive of your choice


Directions:  
Step one:  Cut bookmark base to size - round the corners with a corner rounder.  
Step two:  Cut the layering to size - a bit smaller than the base.  
Step three:  Use the border punch on the sides of the layering piece - glue to the bookmark base.  
Step four:  Add the die cuts (I use a hot glue gun), and then the buttons on the top.  


     Tomorrow's post will be all about cards - with the rest of the week on things you can do with scraps!  Scraps can save you money in the long run - especially if you are on a budget and can't spend a lot of money on things.  Punches used together can create one of a kind embellishments for your projects - wait until you see some of the fun Easter projects I am working on made out of a balloon punch (with the tails cut off) and scraps - to be shared towards the end of the week!  
     Now for the challenge part - if you don't save your scraps, I will challenge you to find a good system and start to save them.  I use a simple file folder by color system, kept in an accordion style holder.  If you keep scraps already, then I challenge you to look at what you have and make one thing with your scraps and what you have at home!  If you love to read books, make a bookmark - or, make a birthday card for an upcoming birthday!  I hope you start to enjoy scraps as much as I love to use them - and make sure you share what you have made! 

Lynda Jeffs

Memories in Tyme