One of the things I like to challenge myself to do is to reuse my scraps when creating. I support the philosophy of "reduce, reuse, recycle" or the even better the idea of "upcycling" when it comes to crafting. I shared a few ways to do this is my book Creative Foundations and I have another suggestion and challenge for you today. It isn't only the idea of reducing the waste we create but this concept also helps me to save time and provides a push to be resourceful and inventive. Who doesn't love a challenge?!?
So here is the idea. When you are busy making a project think twice before you throw the bits and pieces away. If you are punching a bunch of stars, save the ones you don't end up using. If you messed up a cut, throw that scrap in your "save for something special" bin. And last but certainly not least, save the cast offs and left over bits from techniques you are working on. If you misted it and stamped it and then die cut shapes from it, save the negative bits from the die cut. Put all of these pieces along with the last button or rhinestone from an embellishment set if a box or ziplock bag and at the end of the week or month sit down with all of your goodies ad make something special!!! Think cards, a page, a bunch of gift tags…whatever tickles your fancy!
Here are some of the precious bits from my crafty adventures….
No word of a lie, I threw left over bits and baubbles in a ziplock bag for a week or two and I am beyond excited with this little menagerie of pieces. On Wednesday I am going to share what I made and I hope you will give it a try, too! This is going to be an ongoing craft challenge and share on my blog. Are you going to play along and grab on to the upcycle trend?
~ Vicki
Enabler alert! If you haven't see Vicki's brand new book Creative Foundations...have a look!
For more information about this fabulous book and to order it, check it out here!!! I can tell you friends, it is quite a book. SO much information and so many techniques packed into one book. Loved it! Oh, and it's on sale ;) Enabler alert over.
Last but not least today...registration for Crop & Create Burnaby, BC opens tonight at 8:00 p.m. EST! For more information and to see all classes, just visit our website. With only 110 spaces open, be sure to book early! It's going to be a fun filled (cheeks hurt, stomach sore from laughing kind of thing), education packed event you don't want to miss!
~ Catherine
I LOVE what you did with the tray! Gorgeous! ;o)
Posted by: Ruza | March 05, 2012 at 11:26 AM
Wow, that's really great:)
Posted by: Gisele | March 05, 2012 at 01:26 PM
WOUW this is absolutely gorgeous, and I just so love this tray here, really awesome. I´ve made many crazy projects from my scrapbin, but never thought of anything like this, I have to admit, but it+´ll definitely be on my mind next time, that´s for sure. I just love the idea here. Thanks so much for sharing it.
Posted by: Maryann | March 05, 2012 at 01:57 PM
That book sounds fantastic.
Posted by: Tona | March 05, 2012 at 02:14 PM
AMAZING and all the colors are FABULOUSE!!!!
Posted by: Stephanie | March 05, 2012 at 03:08 PM
Love Vicki's Book. I'm having so much fun playing with it. In fact with the rain we're having today, it's a good excuse to play somemore.
Posted by: Dorina | March 05, 2012 at 03:19 PM
I throw hardly anything away except the backing of double sided tape- which I am trying to work out how to use somehow. The people in my class laugh because I insist they put all their scraps no matter how small or what shape into a kitty tray I keep for that purpose- but they are all thankful when they need just a small piece of a particular colour or a certain texture- they just go to the tray and generally find it
Posted by: Kathy S | March 05, 2012 at 04:31 PM
I have a TON of left over scraps... I never throw anything away!! I just need to start using some of it, so maybe I'll have to start following your blog & see how you do & maybe it will motivate me to do the same!! :-)
Posted by: Michelle | March 05, 2012 at 07:59 PM
My problem is I hoarde my bits and pieces too!! LOL. I do need to challenge myself to use it, maybe tomorrow?!!!!
Posted by: Renee VanEpps | March 05, 2012 at 09:06 PM
I won Becky's Page Maps 2 at the Crop and Create in Saskatoon so I would love to win this latest book to complete my collection.
Posted by: Brenda Rutherford | March 05, 2012 at 11:03 PM
This is a great idea! I save everything!! But the idea of putting just a week or month's worth of "scraps" in a baggie and use just them for a project excites me!! Thanks Vicki for sharing your thoughts!
Posted by: Carol M. | March 06, 2012 at 12:52 AM
My daughter and I have often challenged ourselves to ONLY use our scrap bin for projects because it is often full of our favourite papers anyways! If there was a show for scrapbook HOARDERS we would be on it---we have a tough time throwing out the smallest piece of paper!!
Posted by: Karin Bourne | March 06, 2012 at 09:30 AM
I do this with my scraps all the time. I have a cute box I got a Michaels for around $2.00. Toss all die cuts, extra borders, last bits, even ribbon inches. Then when the box is full, I go to a crop at Michaels and let others use the stuff while I make cards for OWH. We all have a great time and they love the stuff. I have even been offered money for the left overs and I told her to donate a sack of cards for OWH, she could have it. TFS
Just A Pac Rat
http://www.circlebenterprises.com
Posted by: JustAPacRat | March 19, 2012 at 11:40 AM