ScrapValue

Using your scraps #2 - Leftover letters

2009-09-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

I visited Kathie Link's blog today and on an older post she asked what people did with leftover letters.

Being the thrifty person I am, I don't throw them out - but after I amassed a few, I realised I needed to do more with them. As it is now, I use a lot of them.

Firstly, I like to try making words myself - it becomes like a Scrabble challenge (and I love Scrabble!). Scrapping a layout around that word provides a bit of a challenge for me sometimes when I am lacking inspiration, and makes for some interesting layout ideas.

If I'm stuck, I found this great site here: http://www.wordplays.com/fcgi-bin/jumble.pl. You enter the letters you have, and a list of words is created.

If I'm running short on vowels, I use buttons for Os, and stars for As. Flowers can also be used in place of letters.

I've also stitched one of the missing letters, using the background as a template to pierce the letter first.

Depending on the font, I also alter and cut letters to make letters I need.

Make lower case Ds, Gs or Qs into As by cutting off the stems
Turn around and cut the stems from lower case Ps and Bs to make As
Lower case Us and Ns are usually interchangeable
Lower case Qs and Bs are also interchangeable
Lower case Ps and Ds are also interchangealbe
Turn a Z on its side to become an N
Cut the tail from a lower case J to become an I
Cut the arrow from a K to become an L or an I
Cut an L to become an I
Cut an uppercase E to become an upper case I
Cut the stem from a lower case H to become an N, and further cut to be an R
Cut a lower case M to become N or R
Cut a lower case N to become R
Cut the stem from certain lower case script font Ks to become Rs
Cut the top part from certain lower case script font Zs and turn it aroudn to become Es
Cut Fs to become Ts
Cut 8s to become Ss
Make 1s or 7s into lower case Ls
Use number 0s as letter Os
Add a 'bar' to Cs to make lower case Es

I use leftover Vs and Ws to make little butterflies/dragonflies.

I make monogram or number/age cards for people.

And then I've also done the background thing:

Leeann Pearce has often created backgrounds with random leftover letters, usually in the same or coordinating colours, or in the same font.

I tried an idea I got from Lisa Damrosch, who put all kinds of leftover letters in different fonts and colours as the background, and then painted over the whole thing. (I still need to find or take the right photo for this layout though!)

Hope this has given you a few ideas!

Using your scraps #1 - Stickers and chipboard embellishments

2009-08-04T20:04:00.001-07:00

If you've been scrapping a while, you might have some picture stickers left over from 2005 when stickers were more commonplace. Or if you have children, your child might have a picture sticker they would like on their page.

One quick and easy way of updating your old sticker stash is to turn them into chipboard embellishments. Simply adhere them to scraps of chipboard and cut around them for a quick chipboard embellishment. The chipboard gives them a bit of purpose and dimension, and you can get rid of old stickers in your stash!

Making alternatives #4 and Bargain versions #2 - Crochet flowers

2009-07-21T03:32:00.000-07:00

You've probably noticed crochet flowers on layouts for quite some time now. And at the moment, with a renaissance in vintage-style scrapbooking, you may be tempted to buy some.

If you know how to crochet, you've probably already made your own! Failing that, your Nanna might have made some for you.

But if you don't know how to crochet or don't have a relative or friend who does, here's a straightforward tutorial for you. If you're more of a video-learner, then this youtube video is really instructional.

Of course, another option is to utilise crocheted flowers from doilies and tablecloths that you don't use or which may be damaged. You could also visit opportunity (thrift) shops to find doilies and tablecloths for this purpose. You can easily dye them with ink to suit your layout.

Happy crocheting and/or happy hunting!

Resurrection

2009-07-20T00:17:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago, when I started my scrap-blog, I noticed this neglected venture to collate all my product-saving and money-saving tips in relation to scrapbooking.

I thought now was an even more appropriate time to be considering this issue, particularly in the global economy.

In addition, I now have a few more skills using blogger features, so I can add pictures. :)

Over the next few weeks, I will be updating the old entries with pictures, and including some search tags to find tips more easily.

I will also be adding new entries. But I've also decided to add an extra category: using your scraps ... I'm talking about left over letters, the sheets left over after you've used your chipboard letters or die cuts, short lengths of ribbon, small scraps of paper or fabric.

I'll also be adding time-saving tips. After all, many of us are more time-poor than money-poor and I want you to get scrap-value from your time as well.

Meanwhile, this post is just to let you know that this blog is in the process of resurrection. Stay tuned, and thanks for stopping by today!

Making Alternatives #3 and Adapting Items #2 - Lace cardstock

2008-03-31T16:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks for your comments and suggestions regarding tiny scraps of paper. It made me feel a bit better. As a matter of fact I went to a crop recently and was aghast at someone throwing away HALF A SHEET of paper - just because they cut out two small (3cm) flowers!!!

I plan to display some tiny scraps layouts soon - but I'm actually here for another reason ...

As I was going through my scraps recently, I found a strip of paper from which I had punched a row of higgeldy-piggeldy butterflies. I thought - why not use that in the place of lace cardstock?! What a great way to adapt some of your cardstock scraps.

Thanks for visiting. :)

Discussion topic: sizes of scraps you keep

2008-02-07T18:34:00.000-08:00

How small is too small when it comes to scraps?

How big a scrap of patterned paper or cardstock would you keep?

How long a scrap of ribbon would you keep?

As an out-and-proud 'scrap stinge', I am at times flabbergasted by the paper people throw away. Like pieces of paper 12 x 5 inches. Or even a 12 x 12 sheet with just a couple of smallish (2 inch square) pieces cut out of it.

I keep patterned paper or cardstock big enough to punch with my 1 inch square or circle punch. And ribbon scraps - generally about an inch long.

How about you?

Making Alternatives #2 - Felt embellishments

2008-01-09T13:59:00.000-08:00

Felt embellishments are everywhere at the moment. No doubt you would have seen some of the packaged felt embellishments you can purchase. But felt is SO CHEAP, so why not make your own too?

If you're lucky enough to own a die-cutting system, or know someone who does, it's so easy to diecut felt and you're left with really professional-looking felt cut-outs.

Don't worry it you don't have a die-cutter though - handmade felt embellishments have a gorgeous appeal of their own. You've probably also seen some fabulous handmade felt embellishment creations of some top scrappers such as Kim Archer, Mardi Winen and Leeann Pearce.

Draw your pattern on paper first and then pin it to the felt and cut out. You can layer felt colours and shapes and use either acid-free glue or stitching to hold them together. I drew my own felt flower which I layered behind a crochet flower and button. (You'll also see on this layout that I created my own scalloped cardstock strip by using decorative scissors!)

I found A4 pieces of felt at my local 'cheap shop' for only 50 cents a sheet. Three sheets and there is more than enough felt to create literally dozens of embies.

If you're not confident to make your own, you could use some of your old stamps stamped onto paper as your design. Again, pin to felt and cut out. You may also be inspired by some old 'paper art' books which detail paper layering to create embellishments. Just do the same thing with felt!
Thanks for visiting!

Bargain Versions #1 and Making Alternatives #2 - Tiny alphabets

2007-12-08T19:35:00.000-08:00

This one is a super-recent idea - and not one of my own.

For a while I've wanted some tiny letter stickers and haven't seen them around to buy. When I did place an order for them, they weren't available. They're not too expensive so I wasn't worried about spending $2-3 on them.

I have found that the Carolee's Creations tiny letters are much better value than the Making Memories ones. Carolee's are usually around $2, and Making Memories are usually at least $5 or more (though you might get some on sale for $4).

However I recently looked through Yvette's album, including a layout done for her by her dear friend. Her friend had made her own mini alphabets and to be honest I didn't even notice the difference until Yvette said - 'See how she made her own tiny alphabets?'

I very excitedly went home and created a sheet of my own using Word - to print on whatever cardstock or paper I like! They are 'inspired by' the Making Memories alphabets. I am happy to share this Word document with anyone that asks - just let me know by commenting and leaving your email address if I don't have it.

And just a tip - make sure you put your DS tape on the back in rows before cutting up the page.
Thanks for the inspiration Yvette and L!!!

Postscript: I've since discovered that it's much easier to use my Word document little alphabet to over-type your own set of words and just print out that section! So much easier and saves paper too!

Adapting items #1 and Making alternatives #1 - Scalloped cardstock and paper

2007-11-18T02:41:00.001-08:00

Firstly just a quick THANK YOU to your comments and support!!! It means a lot to know you've taken the time to visit here!

Now onto business. The scalloped cardstock look has been around a while now. But I've noticed that it is usually much more expensive than regular cardstock (and also, it's not available in the same range of colours).

I suppose it's pretty obvious to scallop your own - but just thought I'd draw to your attention some things that might make it easier.

The handcut look: just draw your own scallops and cut out with scissors!

But for a more regular look: scalloped rulers. If you don't have one, you can make your own with chipboard. Just draw a pattern on chipboard by lining up a row of circles (either punched or traced around a small eggcup, small glass or similar) and then cut out your chipboard. You can use it over and over!

And another alternative, if you have the money, is a scallop cutter - and you may actually already have one! EK success corner rounders are available in small, medium and large and the corner part can be taken off and the punch used to scallop the edge of cardstock or paper.

Love these corner rounders! And this was such a flukey discovery because I bought them for their rounding ability, not because I knew they scalloped but happened to notice the back of the packaging of one in a shop! The smallest ones are around $6-7 and the largest around $12-13 and if you scallop a lot they pay for themselves in no time (given the extra cost of scalloped cardstock) AND you can scallop the colours and paper YOU want.

You can also dig out your decorative scissors ... you may already have a scalloped edge pair! Why not put them to good use again! (I'll post on decorative scissors later too).

Happy scalloping!

Welcome to ScrapValue

2007-11-10T20:41:00.000-08:00

For those that know me, it will be no surprise that I am starting a blog like this. I love bargain hunting and I love scrapping and of course I love finding scrapping bargains!

This year, we moved from being a one full-time, one part-time income family, to being solely a one full-time income family, and my scrapping budget (previously around $40-50 a month) was drastically cut. (Incidentally, as I am now the full-time worker it hasn't affected me as much as I thought, as I unfortunately don't have as much time to scrap!)

I've always been someone who shops around for products and services, and I like to know I am getting good value for my money. Working in consumer affairs helps in maintaining that mindset!

Yet, I would notice trends in online galleries and magazines and want to try them too, but often could not afford to buy new product.

As a result I found my behaviour focusing on four main ways to make the most of my scrapping budget:

* I would try to find ways of adapting items from my current stash to match the new trends.
* I would try to seek out bargain versions of a new trend.
* I would try to make alternatives myself.
* I would keep an eye out for sales or specials.

I hope that this blog will be a place to share ideas for how to make the most of your scrapping budget, and also a place for scrapbooking retailers to let us know when they have sales or specials. I welcome any and all contributions and feel free to suggest topics!

Over the coming weeks I will write about and raise discussion of various issues for budget scrappers: discussing what is the upshot of using non-scrapbooking product on your pages and such burning questions as 'just how small a scrap of leftover paper is reasonable to keep?' and 'what is the optimal size of an online order is to minimise postage charges?'! I plan to only post once a week at this stage.

Thanks for visiting!