Scrap-n-$ave---Use your Leftovers

If you're like us, once you finish a project with papers you love, you just can't bear to part with the leftover scraps. Or maybe you've purchased a package of flowers or other embellishments, used a couple, then end up with many unused ones sitting on your shelf. One money saving tip is to "use your stash." Recently we created a mini book using Graphic 45 and Teresa Collins papers. With the leftovers and a few others scraps that were laying around, we created this vintage layout:

Not only did we use up our scraps, but incorporated some new techniques too. Here are just a few ideas for you to try (see photos below):

1. For the two red flaps on the left of the photo---Use a 5 x 12 inch stip of double sided paper. Cut a 3 inch slit starting about halfway down right side. Fold back the two flaps. Put a pop dot under each flap so it doesn't fold down flat.
2. Tuck goodies under the flaps! We used some flowers and some leftover tags from our mini-book project.
3. Scraps with pictures or other designs that can be cut out make great embellishments, such as the clock with wings in the photo below. We cut this out of a leftover scrap, inked it to make it match the other papers better, added a jewel center (again 20 or so in a package!), then put it on pop dots to make it stand out.
4. Flower centers--using your leftovers is a great way to get creative with flower centers. Here we used a Tim Holtz gear and an extra tag. For one of the flower centers above, we used four mini brads.
5. Newsprint flowers-- Punch or hand cut flowers from patterned paper. Curl the petals of each flower up by rolling them around a pencil. Ink the edges. Use some of your button stash for the flower center. Put a pre-made paper flower underneath (the Kaisercraft ones come 25 or 50 to a package, so this is a great way to use your extras!)
6. Photo frame--The photo frame to the right of the photo started out as a white die cut that never seemed to make it onto any projects. We cut the frame into an "L" shape. After inking it to match the rest of the layout, a journaling stamp was used to randomly stamp lines on it. With pop dots underneath, it really frames the photo. And it's barely recognizable from the original!
7. Stitch your scraps--The script paper scrap at the top of the layout is attached to the page with adhesive. But to make it look more "intentional", create stitches with thread, fibers or twine. It's an easy way to add dimension and visual interest. Try using your leftovers. You might be surprised at the amazing layout you create!