Wednesday, January 27, 2010

scrap paper fun: part one

I've been itching to do something creative lately but, I wanted to use up the materials leftover from other crafting endeavors before I go spending more money at Michael's. So, I decided that some scrap paper projects were in order.

Inspired by Martha's scrap paper notebooks and by this recent grocery planner project over at Design*Sponge, I tried to find uses for some scrapbooking papers that I bought for an album last year that never materialized.

First, I gave my beat-up RS planner a fun tree print lining to bring it back to life, and then I covered a plain clipboard with a cute strawberry print to use as my own grocery/meal planner. (Maybe it will inspire me to add some more fruit to my shopping list? I hope so!)

I also needed a notebook for BYW class but, didn't really have the money to buy a nice hardcover one . So what's a crafty-but-cash-strapped girl to do? Make one! (Or three!)

My mom loved my DIY notebook so much, she requested one for herself-- for grocery lists, messages and such. I made her two mini notebooks with some cool purple hydrangea paper (below) while I was at it.


The only materials I used: various papers, spray adhesive/glue, scissors, a hole punch and some jute twine (all of which I had around the house). All of these little projects were super simple and not at all time consuming -- the total time it took me to complete all of them was less than an hour (plus a little drying time). A piece of cake with a big visual impact. Funny how lovely prints cheer up the most mundane things, huh?

I'm already looking around my office for more things I can cover in pretty prints, and seeking out other fun scrap paper projects... leave me a comment with any links, projects or ideas!

And stay tuned for Part Two ;)

x

6 comments:

  1. What a great way to spruce up other wise boring items! Such a good idea! Have you seen Teesha Moore's art journals? She has video tutorials on you tube that you can access through her site http://teeshascircus.blogspot.com/
    She's really inspired me to do some projects!
    Thanks for stopping by my blog and saying hi! Besides being in the BYW class together, I think we have a lot of things in common....I just moved to Falmouth, MA (I don't think so far from you?) and I see in your "about me" section that you are a newly wed! Me too! So its nice to "meet" you!

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  2. Hey, thanks for stopping by! Nice to "meet" you too! Yeah, Falmouth isn't far from Plymouth at all. I was excited to see some others in BYW from around New England!

    Thanks so much for the link-- her work is neat and giving me some great ideas!

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  3. Hi Tracy, I'm another BYW classmate. Love the notebooks you made, especially the little lavender one.
    I also have a degree in Anthropology and also studied Art History for 10 years. Isn't it nice to get to know one another?

    Gina

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  4. hej tracy,
    little hello from ines...also student in the BYW-class...;)...great job to make it by yourself...i had an old one...get back for a special moment...;)...so see you in class and a lovley weekend...cheers ines

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  5. thank you Gina, Ines & Penny! I love having visitors from BYW, I'm enjoying it so much!

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