In my last post I wrote about organizing your cardstock. Today I’ll be addressing the issue of cardstock scraps.
Many times when you cut up cardstock, you usually have a piece or two left over – do you throw it away or do you save it? If you save it, how big a piece would you consider salvageable? I save my scraps – not the very tiny pieces but pieces at least 3″ x 3″ pieces and larger, and I also save long and narrow pieces (about 1″ strips) for sentiments or to punch a small image or shape. It’s better than cutting up an entire sheet for something small. Saving your scraps saves you money.
How Do You Store Your Scraps?
I used to put my scraps inside a sheet protector and each sheet protector would have a label with that specific color – and I would alphabetize them within each color collection just as my 8-1/2″ x 11 organization. However, after a while it annoyed me because the sheet protectors would not stay upright and sometimes one of the colors would slip under.
I decided I needed something more organized and less frustrating. So I bought a mesh metal table top file folder from Staples and some neutral hanging folders. I adhered clear labels to my colored cardstock with the color name and catalog item number and put it inside each tab – again alphabetized in their color collection. (Remember if you prefer, you can organize your scraps by color – all the blues, pinks, etc.) I would, however, keep it organized the same way as your full cardstock. I keep this file folder underneath my desk since I don’t have the room on top of my table, but it’s the first place I look before I go to my full size cardstock. Now all the folders stay upright and it’s easy to remove the scrap I need – I love it! I also kept the plastic bin and added the same hanging folders for my retired cardstock and patterned paper. Don’t you think this system works and looks better?
One of the things I forgot to mention in my last post about organizing your cardstock is to find a spot that will be away from a light source especially near a window. Cardstock does fade after a while, especially if it’s being exposed to the light that comes through your window.
What Can I Do With My Scraps?
Here are a few ideas:
- create a card layer
- use them for die cuts
- for punches
- a photo mat for your scrapbook page
- add a background color to your word cut outs like our Party Pop Up Thinlits and Hello You thinlits
- paper pierce your images with patterned paper
- stamp sentiments for future use
- card with color blocks
I’m sure you’ll be able to think of many more ways to use them. So now that you know how to organize and why you should keep them, go and create something with your scraps and know that your cardstock supply will last longer and you’re saving money for other things you want.
Last Day of Sale-A-Bration
HERE ARE THREE THINGS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS OUT ON:
- For every $50 order, you receive a FREE item from the Sale-A-Bration catalog that will no longer be available after today.
- Save on a 3-month and one year Paper Pumpkin subscription – ends today. Remember there will be a special stamp set in the April Paper Pumpkin, so if you want to get in on the fun and are not subscribed yet, make sure you do so by April 10. Click here to subscribe (and don’t forget to choose me as your demonstrator).
- Do you want a discount on your Stampin’ Up! products? Join my Stampin’ Up! team now for ONLY $99 and get $155 worth of products – that’s $30 more than the rest of the year and FREE SHIPPING! BEST DEAL!!! I would love to have you join my team! Click here to join.
Shop for Stampin’ Up! supplies, clearance rack or this week’s deals at my online store and you’ll receive a thank you card from me.
Thanks for stopping by . . . till next time . . . Brunie
