Scrapbook My Life

Since I’m trying to be a thrifty scrapbooker, I make an effort to use all of my supplies to their full advantage. For example, I keep scraps of cardstock and patterned paper filed by color in a special folder that I refer to whenever I’m at work. Here are some of my favorite techniques for working with these scraps:

• Punch out circles, squares, and other shapes from your paper, then arrange on a sheet of white cardstock for a customized background.
• Cut out flowers or other designs from your paper. Mount them on your layout with foam adhesive for an instant and very cheap embellishment.
• Make an envelope to use as a pocket for memorabilia on your page.
• Layer torn strips of coordinating papers on top of a photo mat for an artistic look.
• If you’re not wild about a particular pattern, flip it over and use the white side as a surface for journaling or rubber stamping.