Storing and Using Your Paper Scraps

I have a real love/hate relationship with paper scraps. I will spend precious time trying to decide wether or not to keep a tiny piece of paper. Other times I keep them all and then I later go through the stash and have no idea why I decided to keep a certain piece of paper.

This last year it was my goal to do more with my scraps and not let the piles take over my space.

1. Decide the size that you will keep. For instance, I decided to only keep pieces that are an inch or more in width. No more teeny tiny scraps. If I happen to keep something smaller I normally create something with it immediately. I sometimes take tiny strips and combine them togehter to make a larger piece.

2. Section them off in containers. I keep 5X7inches or larger in one container. I have one container I have divided up to capture smaller pieces.

3. Spend time each month/week to create with those scraps. Even if that creating is just to create some fodder for later use.

4. Swap scraps. It is so fun to trade with friends and it is beautiful to see how your scraps can inspire others.

5. If at all possible use up every scrap when you are doing a project. Challenge yourself to use up every scrap before you even start. A lot of times this challenge helps spark my creativity

Here is a short tutorial on using your scraps. In my class, Found Mantras, I show more of this.

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