I am not sure about you but I have got a TON of patterned papers. When I say a ton I mean a few shelves full of it plus an overflowing scrap basket.
Only a small part of my paper stash has been purchased recently [and I am waiting for one more order with a couple 6 by 6 packs to arrive on Monday].
Most of my papers have been accumulated over time ever since I started scrapbooking a while back. That means I have some pretty old paper.
Why do I have so much paper? Well…
First, I love papers. I am drawn to their patterns, colors or the overhaul happiness they confer.
Second, I am afraid to use pretty paper. Yes, I admit. I’m silly like that. What good will the paper bring if I don’t use it, I don’t know. But I’m still afraid to take a beautiful piece of paper and cut it or stick stuff on it. To make things worse, a few years back I used to buy every pattern at least twice (occasionally in several colors). Beware, don’t think it made me use it more often. I just have double-trouble right now…
Lastly, when I was working as a lawyer back home I used to compensate the lack of free time with excessive supply shopping. Every time I had a few minutes to spare on my lunch time I would go online and look for cute scrapbooking supply – and between us crafters, what scrapbook supply isn’t cute and inviting?
To make a long story short, I have A LOT of papers. Most are old. Many are “out of fashion” [some have made a come back, though].
So what do I do now?
Simple.
Steering clear of my new stuff and start pulling the old stuff. Here’s what I made this weekend:
What’s On your mind Layout
Patterned paper: Chatterbox
Letter stickers: Doodlebug Designs
Rub ons: American Crafts Remarks
Marker: American Crafts
Flowers: handmade
Button: Autumn Leaves
Tools: Tiny Attacher by Tim Holtz; Doily Lace punch by Martha Stewart.
Boys Will Be Boys Layout
Patterned paper: Background – Pebbles Inc.; Cut flowers – Autumn Leaves.
Letter stickers: Doodlebug Designs
Paper Frills: Doodlebug Designs
Marker: American Crafts
Gems: Zva
Tools: Precision scissors
Sometimes Sad But Mostly Happy Layout
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned paper: Chatterbox
Letter stickers: American Crafts Remarks “JFK”
Marker: Uniball white gel pen
Button: Autumn Leaves
Tools: Corner Chomper by We R Memory Keepers; Heart punch by Martha Stewart.
Very Happy Layout
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned paper: Chatterbox
Letter stickers: American Crafts, Jenni Bowlin
Marker: American Crafts, Uniball white gel pen
Chipboard button: Love Elsie by KI Memories
Stickers: KI Memories
Rub ons: DCWV
Tools: Corner Chomper by We R Memory Keepers, Precision scissors.
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Have you been piling up your stash too? What type of supply do you tend to accumulate most? Share by leaving a comment. I’d LOVE to hear I am not the only one.
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Tags: creativity prompt, patterned papers, scrapbooking, stash
Hi, Avi. Don’t feel alone. I could have written what you did, honey, verbatum. But, ya know what? I think alot of the new stuff looks just like the old. It’s the embellishments that are new and unique nowadays, but so many of them can be DIY copy-catted. xoxo
You are absolutely right. Things come in and out of fashion all the time. In scrapbooking like in the clothing industry…
That is so true! Over the years I have come to understand that the scrapbooking market is product driven and new stuff has to come out all the time or the industry would implode! I don’t care if I have old stuff or new stuff. I do my thing and put whatever pleases me on the page. I have papers in my stash that are 8 years old…and waiting for that perfect layout that I’m confident will come. Paper lasts a long time….and it’s definitely not the only thing I “collect.” I have tons of embellishments of all kinds that are still in the package! My husband says I could scrap out of my stash for two years and still have product left over. He’s right…but don’t tell him so!
I will keep my mouth shut (same with my husband…)
I don’t like many of the papers anymore (for example that dotted background paper I used for the “Boys Will Be Boys” layout. But I try to let myself find a creative way to use something I don’t love and create something new that I appreciate. Frankly, I’m sure another choice of paper would have made me more content, but I’m pleased w/ the result. Perfect isn’t a requirement in my house hold…
I also notice that if I punch a paper small enough, I can use any paper I have and still get results I love…
For not liking the paper, that’s one amazing layout! I think it’s perfect and the orange added the perfect accent color. And I agree with you totally about the punching. Butterflies are very in right now and I can see layouts with those with some of the older papers that may not be as pleasing as they once were!
Thanks Tina, you are very sweet 🙂
I can TOTALLY relate to this, I used to run a business 24/7 and I didn’t have time to do much scrapping but that didn’t stop me from buying anything and everything!! I am addicted to PP, I could scrap for the next 10years without buying another thing!! I just love some of the new PPs around now and am trying to resist buying any more. I try and use up my old PPs by distressing, inking, stamping, punching anything really, they still look alright! Love your LOs.
Thanks. These are some great ideas on how to use up old patterns that may not be as awesome as they once were…
As stated above, I could have written this post myself! I love everything I have ever bought and do just love to look at all the pretties, especially my vintage stuff:)
I have a project that I collect for, any scrapbooking supplies that you would like to donate could be put to good use in a training I offer to foster parents who are required to make a LIFEBOOK for the children that our county brings into care. I work for Children Services and off training to 13 counties on how to make LIFEBOOKS which are Scrapbooks, but with a twist. I have a very empty cabinet at work for foster and adoptive parents to look through if they need supplies to make these books during training or if the just need supplies to make the books. I can tell you more about it if you would like??? I promise all supplies get used and are very appreciated.
I would love to help and maybe write about this opportunity for other scrapbookers to participate. Please e-mail me at avital at creativity prompt dot com (no spaces)
Hey i just thought I should leave a comment as i really likeyour site its so interesting, keep it up!
Thanks 🙂