Scrapbook paper is colorful, whimsical, sophisticated and… not cheap. As such, I try not to waste a single scrap.
Frugal scrappers know the importance of using every last piece of expensive scrapbook paper regardless of its weight. Patterned paper is very thin and is sold in large multi-packs, while cardstock is thicker and more durable. The former can get down in price to about 10 cents per sheet if you buy it in large quantities, while specialty paper can easily exceed $1 or more per sheet. However, both varieties can be repurposed and used for other craft projects. This is particularly true for scrapbook paper that is embossed or metallic, even glitter paper can be used to spice up basic craft ventures.
No matter how much you spend on scrapbook paper, you never want to toss out the scraps. It is downright wasteful to dump paper when it can be used in a host of different ways. For example, if you have a die-cut machine you can turn your leftover paper into letters or shapes for future layouts. Another way to recycle paper scraps is to make tags, page borders or photo mats from them.
My mom has practically made a side business from turning scrapbook paper scraps into greeting cards and gift tags. Leftover cardstock and scrapbook stickers are ideal for making seasonal cards or simple thank you note cards. She also gives a ton of scraps to my young daughter who goes gaga making everything from paper doll clothes to paper furniture for her Squinkies with the colorful remnants.
Making new creations from leftover scrapbook paper is nothing new to crafty scrappers. In fact, you can often get inspiration for how to use scraps by visiting popular online resources such as Scrapbook.com, Addicted to Scrapbooking, Two Peas in a Bucket, Scrapbook Supercenter and Crafter’s Toy Box.
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