Using Scraps from Your Scrappin’ Hobby

Scrapbooking is a fun activity that generates a great deal of scrap material in the form of stickers, paper, embellishments, and more. Use these leftover items for other projects and you will not only be eliminating waste – you’ll also save money.

Scraps can be used in a number of ways, including the ones mentioned below. The end result of any one of these projects will make a pleasing gift for anyone. They might also be used to decorate your home. If you’re good at what you do, you will be able to generate extra income from the items you make.

Little Albums

Use small scraps of paper, stickers, and other embellishments to make little scrap or tag books. Choose color themes, or themes of cartoon characters for a child, flowers for a gardener, or sports stickers for a fan.

Scrap Frames

Use the cardboard insert of a picture frame, or a piece of cardstock or thin cardboard, to create a scrapped collage. Use a picture and scraps from your hobby to decorate the insert, and frame the finished collage. Use color themes, stickers, or other embellishments to add some flair.

Make Cards

Half-sheets of scrapbook paper or card stock can be used to make greeting cards for a variety of occasions. Fold the partial sheets of paper in half and decorate. Use smaller scraps of paper and embellishments to create unique cards for loved ones. Use quotes as sayings, being sure to credit the person who said the quote.

Create Your Own Gift Tags

If you have tiny scraps left over from your scrapbook hobby, these are great for making tags for any occasion. Cut circles, hearts, rectangles, or other shapes from paper and add a sticker to each, leaving room for the “To” and “From” fields. Use can use tag templates, or do it freehand.

Do Decoupage

Adhere sticker, paper, photograph sections, and ribbon scraps to objects using a decoupage medium. A great many items can be decorated this way, including hat boxes, mirror frames, bulletin board frames, planters, and jewelry boxes. You might also decoupage the top of an old table or dresser.

Let the Kids Get Crafty

Keep scraps in a plastic tote for a rainy day, or any time children want to make gifts.  They can make scrapbooks using paper bags that have been folded in half and tied together with ribbon. They might make ornaments, cards, or even story books.

The possibilities are endless.

~ Shannon

 

Homemade Quilting Projects Using Old Clothes

I love homemade quilts and other quilted items. The sheer amount of time that people put into making quilted goods amazes me. My daughters grandmother used to quilt. We still have quilts she made. My sisters both quilt. At one point I helped them with a quilt project, but I’ve never done one on my own. A well-made item can last a long time. Here are some projects you might want to start.

• Make a quilt for a boy or a cowgirl using old jeans.
• Use your baby’s old clothes to make a quilt, a quilted pillow, and quilted curtains for his or her room as a toddler.
• Use old Christmas clothing to make Christmas stockings and a tree skirt.

Looking for more quilting project ideas?

• lap quilts
• wall quilts
• tote bags
• place mats
• pot holders
• coasters
• oven mitts.
• table runners
• doilies
• vests
• ornaments
• pillow shams
• pillow cases
• baby clothes

Where can you get old clothes without busting the budget?

• anything that you or your children no longer want, or grow out of
• yard/garage sales
• dollar stores
• thrift shops
• flea markets
• attics

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a nice gift or home decor items.

Shannon