Trashy (Not Dirty) Layouts

It all started when collage became the coolest trend in scrapbooking. I started to look for hidden treasures everywhere: broken pieces of jewelry, old coins, tiny frames, bookplates and ephemera! I've always had a love of recycling, and I had joy making something out of nothing. Could you be throwing away some items that you could be using in your scrapbooks? I've listed a few items and techniques for turning your trash into treasures!

Bubble Wrap
Kelly Evan aka "Kelscraps_4_Two" used bubble wrap in two innovative ways. First, she used it as a stamp and stamped the background of her layout titled, "Blondies." She next took it a step further and attached painted bubble wrap to the background of her layout "Full of Sh!*"

Cardboard
I remember when cardboard was more cool than chipboard! Here are two ways I used the stuff.

For my "Sisters & Friends" layout, I used a large piece of ripped cardboard to act as a platform frame for my photos. I then used a smaller piece to pop up my title.

For the layout, "Picking a Pumpkin," you might not even be able to tell I used cardboard. I cut out my birdie from cardboard and accented it with paint and chipboard swirls.

Packaging
When I got my first package of Heidi Swapp rub-ons, I fell in love with the packaging. I wanted to make something out of it. I came up with this interactive card. I covered the card and filled the pocket with lots of love notes and memories to my dear friend. You could also tuck away a mini book.

I was browsing a paper crafts magazine and saw some chocolate-covered pretzel rods. They looked so cheap and easy that I wanted to make some for my neighbors. While debating the container I'd use, I came across a Pringles container. I altered several of them and filled them with the pretzel rods. I've also used peanut butter containers, frosting containers, Ovaltine containers, etc. If it's round, it's easy to cover and reuse!

For the Incredible Kids layout, I used a piece of chipboard that came out of the package my kids' costumes came in.

Kitchen Items
I was challenged to create a layout using a kitchen item. While making lunch that day I noticed a pile of bread clips that I had been saving for some reason. So, I added them to my layout, "Bath Boy," and it matched perfectly. Shortly after, Pebbles began selling bread clips! HA! I got mine for free.

For this layout, "Ponder," I was given a large bag of little wooden sticks, the size of toothpicks, and here's what I did with them. You can use toothpicks to create a similar look. How about framing a camping photo with toothpicks? Just cut the pointy ends off.

Your Stuff
Who says you can't make your own ephemera?

I created the layout, "High Fashion," using leftover clearance tags in my closet. Multiple ribbons really make my trash look classy! How about scrapbooking your Christmas receipts? Or, how much you save at the grocery store?

We all have scrap paper. How about using it as a journaling strip?

Next time you clean out your car or kitchen drawer, look for things that can be added to your scrapbook pages.