elements scraps
Welcome to Scraps—a
collection of bright ideas and
fun finds that make us happy.
Leftover gems
make perfect
fl ower centers.
get in the (crafting) mood
When scrapper’s block strikes,
it can be hard to get your
creative juices flowing again.
Try one of these tricks to get
back in the zone.
Cut flower stems
from scraps of
patterned paper.
1 Channel your inner nature-lover and head outdoors. Your
next color scheme is waiting to
be discovered.
2 Install Stumble Upon
( stumbleupon.com)—a Web-surfing tool that takes you to
random sites with the click of a
button—on your computer and
start clicking. You’ll be amazed
how many crafty Web sites are
out there waiting to inspire.
3 You have your workout mix
and your road trip mix. Why not
make a scrappin’ mix, too? Load
a playlist with songs that get
your creativity going.
4 Browse favorite magazines
and catalogs. You’ll find dozens
of design and color ideas perfect
for your pages.
5 Step away from the patterned
paper and embellishments, and
give your camera a little love.
There’s nothing like new photos
to provide fresh inspiration.
bright idea
Rub a wet paper towel in
circles over the paint to eliminate
brush marks on your canvas.
work of art
Decoupaged office papers create a neutral background for
this springtime canvas. Cathy Blackstone used her stash of
scrapbook supplies to pull together an artsy home decor piece.
SOURCES Patterned paper: 7Gypsies (script), Autumn Leaves (lined, orange),
BasicGrey (green), KI Memories (ledger, pink), Making Memories (“name”), Sassafras
Lass (green dots), Scenic Route Paper Co. (grid, brown). Chipboard accents:
BasicGrey (flowers, leaves), Maya Road (bird), My Mind’s Eye (textured flowers).
Design: Cathy Blackstone.
6 Scientists tell you to boost
brain power by eating fish rich
in omega- 3 fatty acids. We say
snacking on chocolate does an
even better job.
7 Have an impromptu dance
party. It’ll get your blood flowing
and put your mind in the mood
to create.
From bright ideas to pop-culture sightings, e-mail your ideas for Scraps to submissions@meredith.com.
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