I resisted

Yesterday, there was a major event displayed on my television. It was 14 hours worth of televised shopping on two networks. I stayed up late. I got up early. I recorded each hour. I even watched some of them more than once. I hung out in a chatroom all day, discussing the products shown. I received 5 phone calls, and too many emails, regarding the products. And I didn't buy a thing.

Nope. Nothing. Nada. Not a single item.

A couple things caught my attention. Did you know that you can get a 13x19 inch printer at a decent price? That was news to me. We definitely don't need a printer, but when we finally do need one (or I win the lottery) I will be checking out that big size. The deal of the day was pretty interesting. It was a hybrid kit, including digital and paper scrapbooking pieces. I don't digiscrap yet. I looked long and hard at that one, but finally decided against it. One of my favorite designers had 3 brand new kits on. They were great products, but I already owned about 1/2 of each kit. Some of the kits had paper that was very cute. Some had well-coordinated embellishments.

A few months ago, I sold several items that were previous kit components at a yard sale. For pennies. I don't need any more stuff that I don't use. Since then, I've been trying to be prudent in my choices and spending habits. It was pretty interesting that I was sent this link yesterday: http://margotpotter.blogspot.com/2008/09/what-happened-to-creative.html I looked at my piles of stuff I already own. Kit after kit I've purchased and used only some (if any) of the contents. So as I watched, I forced myself to think about the kit. Would I use all of it? Do I own any of it already? Can I think of photos I ACTUALLY have that would work with that kit? How would I store it? How long would I store it? Would I feel like I'd been creative after using that kit? I must say, my answers to these questions left much to be desired. Ordering any of those items would not have been prudent.

So, I'm on a mission today. I want to pre-plan some pages that I'll be taking to a retreat next month. I want to use up some things that came with previous kits I've purchased. Let's get this stuff off my shelves. Wish me luck!

Starting a new blog and tip #1

Ok, I finally did it. I started a blog. We'll see how far this goes. What I really want to do with this blog is to share strategies and tips for scrapbooking prudently (i.e. cost effectively, carefully, etc.) and still have beautiful pages to be proud of.


Here's my first tip: Have a scraps binder with page protectors for each color. Put any piece bigger than 2 fingers inside the appropriate page protector. (Pink, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Black, Brown, White, Metallic)

$ = old 3 ring binder, page protectors, labeled with a permanent marker.
$$ = new 3-ring view binder, pretty page slid in the view sleeve that says "scraps" (decorate yourself with your great skills), page protectors, dividers or tabs
$$$ = expandable file with 11 tabbed sections

As you can see, I used the cheapest method -- page protectors with a permanent marker.

No matter which method you choose, make sure you USE IT! Save the scraps, but also go to them when you need to fill a small section or need inspiration for a new page. When paper piecing, or punching shapes, you'll save yourself money by checking your scraps first!

Here's a quick and easy card, made completely from scraps:

Now you try it!