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1.07.2013

It's A Scrap Yard Series - Post #1

I don't know about you, but I felt like I was living in a scrap yard. I kept just about every scrap of paper and ribbon that I produced thinking that one day I would use it again. The reality is that if it's not organized and at least a good size, what's the point in keeping it?! Why should I keep a punched scallop circle in Gumball Green? Reality is... it would probably be lost in my current scrap pile and if I ever needed one, I'd just simply punch another.

My point is that with the new year, I've finally come around to organizing my gigantic pile of scraps!

Here are a few rules I set for myself:
  1. Get rid of all the tiny pieces - anything shorter than 5-1/2" or too small for a large punch out was not worthwhile in my book.
  2. Cut every piece of scrap into straight edges - get rid of all those tiny punch outs I was hoarding!
  3. Separate the neutrals - I decided to keep small pieces of Whisper White & Very Vanilla because I use them a lot for stamped sentiments.
  4. Patterns and colours - same rules apply as above, but if I came across DSP or colours that were retired and decided I probably wouldn't use them again or didn't have more of it lying around, they went "bye bye".
After sorting through with these rules in mind, I bagged all my scraps according to colour and put them back in my bin. Now it's easier to find the colour and size I need. If it's not in the bag, I know not to look any further!

Since I spent half a day organizing my "scrap yard", I decided to do a mini series of posts with cards I created from just using my scraps. Surely there are others out there like me, right?! :)

Here's the first card in the series:

Paper: Very Vanilla, Lucky Limeade, DSP: Elegant Soiree (retired),
Everyday Enchantment (retired), 11-12 In Color Stack, Fan Fair, Neutrals Stack
Ink: Lucky Limeade
Stamps: Delightful Dozen
Tools: Paper Piercing Pack
Techniques: Paper Piercing
I know it's my own card, but I'm in love with it. Frankly, if it weren't for my scrap pile, I would've never thought to use five different DSP's together on one card! Funny how they all work nicely together though, eh?!

Tune in again tomorrow for another "scrap yard" card... and why not give this a try yourself. You may be surprised as to what you can create from your scraps!

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

7 comments:

  1. Wow! Thanks for the good tips on sorting your scraps, I tend to keep it all too. lol I love your first card you made in your scrap series. Will try and check back to see what's next. Have a great day.

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  2. Great idea and a great card. Thanks.

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  3. Great card and a great way to use your scraps! I've been trying to clean out and organize my retired DSP too, so I'll be checking back for more card ideas! I'm your newest follower!

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  4. Looks great but another great idea for your little scraps and punch outs are to give them to a kindergarten were they use them for collage and also any group that does craft with the disabled we can never get enough bits an pieces.
    love Carolyn

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  5. That's a really striking card! I keep all my skinny strips of DSP and cardstock, btw, because they make wonderful woven or quilted cards. I made several for Christmas.

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  6. Hi Steph,

    From the comments, it sounds like all of us are guilty of hoarding our scraps! Ha ha! When I have lots of time I'll search my scraps and try to find the perfect scrap piece to use BUT USUALLY I'm in a rush and I just grab a new piece of card stock! You've inspired me to pull out the bags of scraps & try to create a card with them!

    Peace, Love & Joy,
    Joyce
    peaceloveandjoyce.typepad.com

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  7. Love this card and this series, Steph! What a terrific idea!

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