advertisement
Make your own templates.
Make your own templates by
tracing items you may have around the house. Get a piece of sturdy
cardboard and then trace the item on it. Use an X-acto knife to cut
out the shape. Michaels also has "free activity sheets" that
you can find in the scrapping section.
Organize.
If you can’t find it, you’re
not going to be able to use it. Make sure that all your supplies are
easily accessible and easily viewed. File folders are great for
separating your papers by color, use Ziplocks to store stickers by
theme, and page protectors for storing any pages-in-progress. There
are some great plastic storage chests available at stores like
Wal-Mart of Target. Or, just use a filing case.
Get inspired.
Carry a small notebook
around in your purse and write down anecdotes, important events, and
the latest thing your child has done. They can be a great source of
inspiration when you go to create your next layout. You may even want
to shoot some photos to match these funny sayings.
Clip coupons, shop sales.
Check your Sunday paper for
the Michaels coupons that let you save 40%-50% on one item. JoAnn Fabrics
has the same kind of coupon when you sign up for their mailing list.
Use the buddy system.
The best thing for
beginning scrappers is to get together with some friends. Share your
tools as well as your ideas. Shop for supplies with a friend; buy in
bulk and split the cost. Know a teacher? Most schools or districts
have Ellison die cut machines. If you know a teacher who will let you
in or volunteer for your child's teacher, you can also cut your own.
Host a party.
There are all sorts of
scrapping supplies available through at-home consultants like Creative
Memories and Scrap in a
Snap. They can be a fun way to get some of your friends together,
learn some new techniques, and earn some free merchandise!
Use your computer.
Instead of diecuts and
stickers, print out graphics from your computer. You can print them
out onto regular acid-free paper, or even buy paper with adhesive
backing. There are also some great fonts that can be downloaded from
the internet. They can be a great substitute for letter stickers, and
a great help for those who don’t like their own handwriting!
Save your scraps!
Frames from die cuts can be
used again; either as a mat for a photo or as a die cut itself. The
frame can also be used as scrap paper for small paper punches. Even
the tiniest bit of paper can be used later. Try the new mosaic pages
where squares of different colors of paper are pieced together to
create an interesting design… the perfect way to use up that extra
paper!
About the Author:
Kimberly Danger is the
owner/publisher of Mommysavers.com, and online resource
for parents interested in saving time and money.
She is the author of
1000 Best Baby Bargains. Ms. Danger lives in
Southern Minnesota with her husband and two kids.
