Green glasses

Every where I look everyone is talking about green, especially my husband as he helped his company get LEED certified for building products. (a project he was proud of at YKK) Every building magazine has the word Green on the cover. Well, in our house I am the recycling nazi. Just ask my kids! But that is not the only time I am in a recycling frame of mind, everytime I go to throw something away I think about if it can be used in a special way, especially, if I think it can go on a scrapbook page. I have trained my husband to ask before he throws anything away that he thinks I can use on a page or a project with the kids. He thinks of ways of using things in ways I never thought of before!

I find things even cleaning out my kids pockets and in the lint trap of the dryer! I find pieces of chains, buttons, and landyards. Before I toss things in the kitchen can I wonder if I can alter it for a gift or paper crafting project. For example, I love JARS! They hold ribbon, markers, embellishments and those buttons I pulled from the dryer! I don't think I can have too many jars. Turn one into a votive holder and decorate it with paper and ribbon....

I know you think I am a packrat, but I am not! I do save movie stubs, tickets to shows etc. to put in my scrapbooks, but the trash , it goes in the trash. My family also knows that I love to throw things away! I hate clutter... only the useful stuff may stay.

Here are 5 ways you can go green with your scrapbooks!

1. Save your scraps and use them to make cards for friends when you need one (don't spend $5 on a piece of paper that only fills the land fill, make one they will treasure and put in their scrapbook!)

2. Jot your note on a sticky note before you send a handmade card so your friend that doesn't scrapbook can reuse the card for another friend.

3. Foam sheets sent in packages can be used for a stamp pad with Acrylic Stamps or for paper quilting in your scrapbook. Don't throw it away!

4.Use empty embellishment tubes or ribbon round containers to decorate and fill with treats for a little gift. My kids love when I do that !

5. Trade your unwanted scrapbook supplies with a friend or donate to a school or girls club in your area for use as craft supplies!

I hope you start looking at things through green glasses.... it will make this world a better place for our kids!