Wednesday 4 May 2011

Leftovers Make Pretty Projects

Last week, I had a big spring clean of the craft room - in which I pulled apart some 'never going to get finished, because I don't like them' crafty projects; reorganised some of my smaller items of stash; and finally started putting away the leftovers from previous projects that were messing up my mojo.

DSC_0142

By Monday, my craft room looked clean and tidy, but there was still a large pile of odds and ends - paper scraps, embellishments, etc - on my desk. I just couldn't summon up the energy to put them away, I really wanted to get on with some actual crafting.

DSC_0139

So, having already learnt the lesson that Leftovers Make Pretty Projects, I challenged myself to create three cards from all that scrappy stash. Though attempting three cards originally sounded like quite the challenge for someone who used to be afraid of cards, in the end it was quicker and far more enjoyable than tidying it all away. The only extras I used were a couple of stamp sets.

DSC_0144

I think I need to employ this technique a little more often - I get such a kick from using up bits other people might throw away. Mini cards are definitely the way forward!

How about you? Do you make an effort to use your scraps? Am I preaching to the converted?

20 comments:

  1. Great idea...I have so much in my "to be sorted and refiled bin" that it is overflowing. I would have to make a zillion cards...teehee

    Love what you made...so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The misting makes these gorgeous, really lovely. What mist do you use?

    ReplyDelete
  3. wow hun love your diddy cards you are definately getting your nack of card making love them all x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beautiful misting, I'd like to know what mists they are too! 3 fabulous cards - very stylish.

    Also, having noticed your comment on Julie Kirk's blog about how you were looking for challenge sites I wonder if you've seen www.thepapervariety.blogspot.com, as that's one I like, and the challenge this week happens to be paint or mists, so you could enter these cards, or make some more! It can be cards or scrapbook pages, or anything else papery on there. xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. love the cupcake one :D perfect colours :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. You do scraps so very well :-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Good work! Gorgeous cards. I love that pink on the first one. I can never bear to throw things away either - I even have a 'scraps pile'.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I KEEP all my leftovers, but that's not really the same thing as using them up, is it?

    Cute cards!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi there yourself - love you, too! And of course I love cupcakes :-) (These gorgeous cards were all aimed at me, right?!)

    PS Pressie for you on my blog xx

    ReplyDelete
  10. I've popped over from Mel's to congratulate you on being her Blog of the Week! I am focusing on using those bits and pieces that seem to multiply every time I walk out of my studio. Here's to both of us making great progress while creating beautiful works :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I keep most of my leftovers....and do try to use them.....though not always successfully!!
    But leftovers are definately great for cards and also for mini albums.

    ReplyDelete
  12. gorgeous cards! I do keep a lot of scraps and on certain projects (like my "iScrap" album) I challenge myself to use only papers and stash from my scrap bins. It always feels good!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Such cute cards!!! Isn't it amazing what you can do when you push yourself & restrict what you can use!! Great examples & congrats on being Mels 'Blog of the WEEK'!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Have come over from Mel's blog to say congrats on being BOTW...love the cards-I'm very good a saving my scraps..but not quite so good at using them!Alison xx

    ReplyDelete
  15. No, not converted when I came - but I could be! These are lovely. ..

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hello! I've just popped over from Mel's blog....I really like your cards! :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh I love using leftovers. That was the reason I started making cards, having originally resisted doing it. Now I normally make a card or two at the end of every scrapping project to avoid hoarding small leftovers. I blogged one of these leftover cards a few days ago: http://handmadebykirsty.blogspot.com/2011/05/using-up-leftovers-aka-not-adding-to.html

    ReplyDelete
  18. Just love your fresh, trendy designs

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Clair! Thanks a lot for your lovely comments! I do read all of them and so happy to get someone else's opinion! I have a look at all of your posts. Really like what you are doing! Hugs, kissinia

    ReplyDelete

I <3 comments! Thank you x