Recycle Scrapbooking

I love journals and recording ideas, events, brainstorming ideas, etc. But I also love to add pictures, ticket stubs, maps, receipts, brochures, coasters and so much more... Scrapbooking!!! Want a few ways to stay "green" while you are scrapbooking? Of course, many have started to do digital scrapbooking. If that is just not your thing... try some of these ideas.

Keep or bring a “Swap” box to your next crop. Think about all the scrapbooking supplies you have. Now think about all the scraps you throw away. The next time you go to a crop, suggest a “swap box.” The next time you meet up with your scrapbooking friends, trade your scraps. You can also swap your unused supplies!

Less embellishments and more journaling! Make a deal with yourself that you will include an explanation about each and every picture you include in your album. If a new friend was looking at your album, they could look at the pictures and read your journaling cards and know everything there was to know about your trip, party, kids, etc.

Think twice before you throw anything. Lots of material at home such as color paper divider from your file folders, your childrens' craft work from school, “bad” printed paper, tissue paper, wrapping paper, ribbons, cool stamps and pretty cards. If you like it, keep it and find ways to use it in your scrapbooking. Many items can become a one of a kind embellishment, border or accent in your layout. I always save the cardboard in all packaging. If you like chipboard, you have to do this!

Use anything nice! Anything can become storage. Think outside of the box, literally! Shoe boxes, cereal boxes, large ziplock bags, small zip lock bags. I keep some of my stickers in a vertical file pocket. I keep my small brads, eyelets and other things in small zip lock bags. I punch a hole, add a large ring and it is easy to keep together. My friend has all of her scrapbooking supplies in an old armoire. It sits there like any other piece of furniture in her house. As beautiful as ever! But open the doors and .... incredible storage!

2” x 2” or larger.... keep it! Recycle Scrapbooking paper excess from previous layouts and projects. Reuse the scrapbooking paper that was excess from previous scrapbook. You can create a new design by using the excess scrapbooking paper. Think about a quilt. A quilt is just small scraps of fabric that is sewn together. Create a patchwork layout book. Use different patterns, with the same color as your central theme.

Digital scrapbooking There are some incredible digital scrapbooking software/downloads out there. The great thing about this is, you can create your album, save it, email it to family and friends, publish it on your website, and print it. A great idea is to do hybrid scrapbooking and create your layout digitally, print it out and then embellish it with additional paper, photos, borders, etc. to create a 3-D effect.

When you purchase new supplies ... look for recycled paper! The Craft and Hobby Association promoted companies that print on recycled paper. (It is surprising that most companies don’t!) Look for it when purchasing paper and embellishments.

Use the packaging... If the paper comes with a cardboard backing, use it as you would chipboard in a layout. Cut and glue to double or triple the thickness. Keep plastic bags for storage of additional paper, layouts, etc. Cereal boxes can also be used as chipboard. Don't forget about wallpaper scraps, fabric and ribbon scraps. Decopage greeting cards, use paper doiles as stencils, etc.

Please send me your ideas!!!