The Future of EcoScrapbooking

It's been nearly a year since I posted to EcoScrapbook. 

Life has gotten busy and I became the blogger who couldn't create new weekly content. I never thought it would be me. But it is what it is.

Over the course of a year, I didn't craft much and struggled with the future of EcoScrapbook. It was my un-craftable year and a time of being un-eco-friendly (not by choice).

My year of un-crafting made me rethink my ecoscrapbooking habits. 

There are businesses that don't have much sense of recycling and I found myself involved with two of them. I felt like a hypocrite. At EcoScrapbook, I preached about being green, but out in the work force, I have zero control of what can be recycled and what has to be trashed. It's been a daily internal struggle.

Since I was barely scrapbooking (thank goodness for mobile scrapbooking...PicsArt!), I began to take less photos. It's not that I stopped taking photos altogether (I have plenty in my gallery).

I started to enjoy life's moments by watching them without a lens in front of me.

I didn't rush to pull out my camera every time life needed to be documented. For so long, I recorded videos at school events and then finally realized that nothing compares to seeing my children through my own eyes. There's a connection you can only get when a camera isn't stealing the spotlight.

As I changed, I thought more about the bigger picture. I'm interested in the idea of teaching younger generations to take action and be more eco-conscious. In order for me to do that, my focus can't be on deciding what content to post next on EcoScrapbook.

With Earth Day here, I felt the urge to create a new post. I didn't expect it to turn into a decision on the future of EcoScrapbook.

Watch now:

What is the future of EcoScrapbooking?

That depends on you and how eco-conscious you want to be. I laid the groundwork as I presented creative and easy ways to craft and scrapbook with the Earth in mind.

The EcoScrapbook Blog and ebooks are your source for green scrapbooking and crafting. Whenever you need inspiration, just stop by and peruse my archived material or download an ebook.

As for me, I will continue to change the way I scrapbook and never stop thinking about how to turn trash to treasure. 

The EcoScrapbook Facebook page and YouTube Channel will still be up and running. Please follow along if you haven't already and I hope we can continue our community on social media. ~Danielle

Pet Memorial Scrapbook: It's Finished!

If you've followed along since the beginning of the year, you know I've been working on a pet memorial scrapbook for our German Shepherd, Tabatha. I'm happy to say it's finished and invite you to view it as you would any other scrapbook. Enjoy! ~Danielle

Click here to see the video of Tabatha's Scrapbook.

Related:

Pet Memorial Scrapbook: The First & Last Pages

Happy Pages From the Pet Memorial Scrapbook

Layout a Day is Over & I'm Still Scrapbooking

A Very Recycled Scrapbook Page

Mini Eco-Friendly Scrapbooks

Eco-friendly scrapbooking is an alternative form of traditional memory-keeping. Ecoscrapbookers are still documenting photos and telling stories, but look for a more "green" approach. We turn to recycled cardstock and often make our own embellishments by turning trash to treasure. We like the thought-process behind using items from around the home and making beautiful creations.

There are plenty of ways to create a mini scrapbook and today we'll focus on four: cardboard, paper bags, toilet paper rolls and coasters.

Cardboard

Example: Documenting Earth Day activities in a mini scrapbook album - I used cardboard, leftover DCWV recycled paper, nature-themed scrapbook paper (that I bought years ago and never used), The Cinch (book-binder + wire), fibers and black ink. Read more...

Paper Bags

Example: 100 Days of Summer scrapbook - I fell in love with Christy Musack's summer-themed paper bag album and contacted her immediately since I HAD to share it with my EcoScrapbook readers. Read more...

Toilet Paper Rolls

Example: Fun in the Sun mini scrapbook - Everywhere I look, there seems to be a mini-album popping up made from toilet paper rolls. I have yet to make my very own, but thought Jenn Bidwell Edwardson's toilet paper roll mini-album was adorable. Read more...

Coasters

Example: Pics From the Vault mini-album - This little coaster scrapbook represents the early years of my relationship with my husband. I've called it Pics From The Vault since the majority of photos have never been shown to our children...until now. Read more...

Have you ever made your own mini scrapbook? ~Danielle

Related:

Earth Day Projects for Kids

Earth Day Ideas: Home Decor

Earth Day Ideas: Fashion

A Very Recycled Scrapbook Page

As I participated in Layout a Day last month and worked on my dog's tribute album, one of my favorite challenges was to use items not typically found in a scrapbook store. As the EcoScrapbooker, I definitely went overboard and turned trash to treasure!

Let's count the recycled items on this page...

1. Background Cardstock: It's made by Wausau and was purchased at an office supply store. The paper is recycled and FSC-certified.

2. Decorative Cardstock: BasicGrey is found in scrapbook stores, but it's one of my favorite companies to scrapbook with since their papers are FSC-certified and use soy based inks.

3. Journaling Bubble: This is the back of a Christmas gift tag and I added Pop Up Glue Dots to bring it up off the page a bit.

4. Page Title: A sweater I received for Christmas came with this "delicate and special" tag which I thought was perfect for a scrapbook page about bringing home a new baby and introducing her to the family dog.

5. Flower Petal: The white stamped flower petal was used during the baby shower for my daughter in 2002!

6. Earbuds: I've had a pair of broken earbuds and have been waiting to use them. I thought they'd work well with the serrated edges from a box of aluminum foil (close-up below).

7. "Love" Tag: This was a leftover tag from my birdseed ornaments. It's made from a toilet paper roll and paper scraps.

8. Aluminum Foil Cutter: Hmmm, what to do with the serrated edge of an aluminum foil box when it's time to recycle the box? You scrapbook with it! Be careful though and use Glue Dots Glue Lines to adhere it to the page.

9. Vintage Lace Ribbon: My husband's grandmother gave me a tin full of ribbon scraps, buttons and other do-dads. The vintage lace fit the theme of the page - "delicate and special."

10. Bread Clip: I started saving bread clips a while back and think they make interesting additions to scrapbook pages. Not convinced? Check out the colorful scrapbook layout I made for the ZISierra Blog.

11. Produce Mesh: A little knot around the bread clip added a pop of red to balance the red heart on the toilet paper roll tag.

12. Fabric Flower: My mother-in-law made custom curtains for our dining and living rooms and I kept the leftover fabric to make crafty things like this fabric flower topped with an old brown button. 

What's your favorite recycled item to scrapbook with? ~Danielle

Related:

Layout a Day is Over & I'm Still Scrapbooking

Happy Pages From the Pet Memorial Scrapbook

Pet Memorial Scrapbook: The First & Last Pages

Happy Pages from the Pet Memorial Scrapbook

After last week's sob story, I wanted to lighten the mood and share five scrapbook layouts about the happier times with our pretty German Shepherd, Tabatha. Have a look:

"Happy"

Supplies: cardstock (black, Wausau, BasicGrey), envelope made from a book page (for journaling), fishing lure pieces (those orange strips), "Happy" flashcard (think it was Blue's Clues), assorted bling.

"Hair Storm"

Supplies: cardstock (black, Wausau, BasicGrey), stickers (Echo Park, American Craft Thickers).

"Pampered Pooch"

Supplies: cardstock (BasicGrey, Wausau), stickers (Echo Park, American Craft Thickers, Jillibean Soup, K&Company Smash), Pink Paislee twine, Studio Calico wood veneers.

"Road Trip"

Supplies: cardstock (black, Wausau, BasicGrey), Echo Park stickers, brads, map flowers I created a few years back, blue heart and butterfly made by my 5-year-old.

"Photobomb"

Supplies: cardstock (BasicGrey, Wausau), Close To My Heart corrugated cardboard arrows, stickers (Bella Blvd., October Afternoon), The Paper Studio chipboard letters, red acrylic paint.

For more pet scrapbook layouts featuring Tabatha, check out my Flickr page! ~Danielle

Related:

Pet Memorial Scrapbook: The First & Last Pages
Just a Little Scrapbook Therapy
Introduction to the Pet Tribute Album

Scrapbookers of the Future

Fast-forward forty years. You receive an email (or whatever form of future communication, maybe an ezap?) from an old scrapbooking friend who would like for you to visit her. You accept and once the weekend arrives, you pack up a couple scrapbooks and drive across state to her house.

As you make your journey, for a brief moment, you are infatuated with the one tree that stands desolate for miles. (There are not many trees these days since scrapbookers took over the paper mills and cut them down to document all of their memories.)

It’s late afternoon when you pull into her driveway. You grab the scrapbooks, your camera and walk to the front door.

Knock. Knock.

The door opens.

photo source: blakespot on Flickr

It is me. I’m old, wrinkled and worn-out from working in the paper mills so scrapbookers like me can spend a lifetime documenting everyday moments on pretty paper in 12x12 albums. (And this photo doesn’t show me with my usual collection of archival-safe markers in my ragged hair and the pair of scissors that dangle across my chest in place of the charm that was once on my favorite necklace. I couldn’t find a photo with a crazy old scrapbooking lady like that.)

I invite you in. Upon entering, your view of the living room that you had once cropped in has been blocked by a wall of scrapbooks. From the floor to the ceiling and 10 feet wide, these albums are not in bookshelves and you wonder how they stay in place without falling.

You follow me through a maze of paper stacks, more albums, boxes of photos and begin to believe that there must be a black hole at the local scrapbook store that sucked everything from there to here. You finally end up at the only chair free from any scrappy clutter...

---

Okay. This story is not going to happen. I’m not going to end up being that crazy old scrapbook lady because over the past few years, I've changed the way I scrapbook. It's a continual process of alternative scrapbooking and my focus is ecoscrapbooking.

The premise is simple.

1. Use my stash. Stop buying excess products. Save and reuse paper scraps. Dig into the recycling bin. Simplify. 

2. Seek out sustainable products. Companies like Basic Grey and K&Company have made eco-friendly changes. I've also found FSC-Certified 8.5x11 acid-free cardstock at office supply stores.

I've downsized the amount of products I use and still trying to be a full-fledged green scrapbooker. I believe the future of scrapbooking will be completely digital. We're already seeing traditional scrapbooking stores and publications close their doors.

Will I ever give up my paper and printed photos? I don't know. I love the creative process and enjoy time off the computer. However, I can imagine a virtual scrapbooking world that is easily shared, changed and moveable. Instead of traditional photo frames, think digital photo frames on your walls and shelves that can be programmed to display your scrapbook layouts. I've gone off on a tangent, but this kind of scrapbook sharing has endless possibilities and I look forward to seeing the growth of digital scrapbooking and media.

Before we get to that future, traditional paper scrapbooking must continue to change. I truly believe that ALL scrapbooking manufacturers need to jump on board and:

• Switch to FSC-certified paper, recycled paper or tree-free paper sources (maybe even elephant poo poo paper).
• Use soy or vegetable based inks.
• Offer reusable packaging.
• Consistently seek out ways to be more earth-friendly.

We must unite to make sure these changes happen so we can continue to create scrapbooks and not worry about a mass consumption of virgin paper (or scary old scrapbooking ladies of the future). ~Danielle

Learn more:

EcoScrapbooking: Crafty Ideas for Eco-Conscious Scrapbookers

Simple Ways to be an Eco-Conscious Scrapbooker

9 Scrapbooking Manufacturers the Love the Earth

25 Eco-Friendly & Free Scrapbooking Supplies

An Eco-friendly Christmas Scrapbook Layout

"Capture the Moment" 8.5x11 Eco-Friendly Christmas Scrapbook Layout

 

As I scrapbooked my 2012 Instagram photos, I included not only good quality photos, but also the bad ones. There are times when moments fly by so quickly, like when my girls had a brief encounter with Santa, and time was limited to snap the perfect shot. 

I still wanted to capture the moment and document the magic of Christmas when I was on the dance recital stage with my girls and Santa, as well as when we watched the the Toledo Zoo's tree light up for the first time of the season.

Scrapbooking is all about the memories and sharing them with others and I think I did just that on this eco-friendly scrapbook layout. ~Danielle

Supplies: FSC-certified cardstock, October Afternoon cardstock and embellishments, Cosmo Cricket notecards and stickers, stamp, twine, two Instagram photos.

Related:

Eco-Christmas Round-Up: 12 Crafty Gift Ideas

Trinket Box Video Tutorial

A Christmas Planner: Coffee Sleeve Mini-Book

Scrapbook Layout: Celebrating a Wedding Anniversary

Thirteen years. That's how long my husband and I have been married. To celebrate, I'd like to share a scrapbook layout about our 11th wedding anniversary when we took a little trip to Michigan to play some slots.

The photos and embellishments I chose for this anniversary layout were carefully thought out. Let's start with the title "Hallway 2 Slots" and the photo of me in our hotel room, which was connected to the casino by a long hallway. Then we move onto a photo of my husband playing slots with his arm pointing toward the third photo of the casino.

I chose an arrow to show direction, threw down some games pieces and even used a piece of broken gold jewelry to represent the cha-ching of playing slots and winning money.

Supplies: black cardstock, Jillibean Soup cardstock, Piggy Tales diecuts, CTMH cork arrows, acrylic paint, Basic Grey letter stickers, Craftwork Cards Candi, Provo Craft ephemera, ticket, broken necklace, StazOn ink.

Have you ever used broken jewelry on a scrapbook layout? ~Danielle

Related:

Digital Scrapbook Layout: One Night in Greektown
How many things can I recycle on a scrapbook layout? (another broken jewelry scrapbook layout)
EcoScrapbooking: Crafty Ideas for Eco-Conscious Scrapbookers (free eBook!)

Scrapbook Layouts Using Paint Samples

If you've never brought home a paint sample, this post will make you grab one the next time you're out shopping at your local home improvement store. And you know what you're going to do with that paint sample? Scrapbook with it!

I've accumulated several different colors of paint samples over the years for each home decorating project I've started and when my creative kiddos want to get their hands on a few of their favorite colors.

Paint samples can be used just as they are or altered any way your creative heart desires. They're free and an eco-friendly option when using your unwanted samples.

Here are two of my scrapbook layouts featuring paint samples:

"When There are None" 12x12 Scrapbook Layout using a Paint Sample

On the 12x12 scrapbook layout above, I cut a large circle shape out of a paint sample book, adhered an Instagram photo to it, stuck both to the cardstock, added a title and some journaling and called my layout complete. Easy peasy!

For this next scrapbook layout, I not only used a paint sample, but a few other free supplies. Can you spot them?

"Caught Green Handed" 8.5x11 Scrapbook Layout using a Paint Sample

If you saw the puzzle pieces, a cardboard circle and product packaging (behind the title), you know how I think! Even the painted handprint can be considered a free scrapbooking embellishment.

Want more ideas on how to scrapbook with paint samples? Check out these crafty projects from around the web:

• Mother's Day Scrapbook by My Sweet Savannah (click here to see pin).
• Paint Sample Mini-Album by Positively Splendid (see pin).
• "Love U" Scrapbook Layout by Sharon Harnist via Copic (see pin).
• Paint Sample Mini-Scrapbook by Sheri Twing via Elle's Studio (see pin).
• "It's Summertime" Eco-Friendly Scrapbook Layout by Me :) (see pin).

Special Announcement!! Are you in need of an intense weekend filled with scrapbooking? Join me at the free sneak peak of True Scrap 5 on Thursday, September 26 to learn more.  Click here to view more details. ~Danielle

Scrapbook Comparison: 2005 vs. 2012

Scrapbooking has come a long way, especially the way I scrapbook. If you've dug into my history, you probably read that I completed my first scrapbook at the age of four, but didn't start "modern" scrapbooking until I became of mom in 2002.

I was a chronological scrapbooker during those early years as a mother and scrapbooked almost every single photo (and back then, most of us were still using 35mm film). I did the big 12x12 albums by Creative Memories too and couldn't start another year's scrapbook without finishing the one I was working on.

Fast forward to present time and I've grown as a scrapbooker. I like to mix things up and with two children, plus a digital camera AND camera phone that get plenty of use, I simply don't have time to scrapbook chronologically or include most of the photos I take.

Traditional (and eco-friendly) paper scrapbooking is still where my heart is, but I've definitely utilized today's photo book options to include more photos, cut down on my scrapbooking time and save money. I only print my favorite photos and if I get around to scrapbooking them in my craft room, super! Otherwise, they're scrapbooked (with titles, journaling and embellishments) in the photo books I create. And if something happens to my photo books, most of them can easily be reordered, unlike the traditional albums that took hours to create.

Let's compare two of my scrapbooks! One is a 12x12 album from 2012 and the other is a photo book I created earlier this year from my 2012 photos.

Comparing Traditional Scrapbooks to Photo Books

These numbers were surprising! Yes, there's an obvious difference in size, but I didn't realize that both scrapbooks had about the same amount of pages. And I practically doubled the amount of photos in the 2012 album! (Thanks to digital, I take A LOT more photos!) Time and cost are huge factors in why I choose photo books for my yearly albums, as well as vacations and birthdays.

Time for the 2005 scrapbook included ordering prints, shopping for paper and embellishments and the amount of time I spent scrapbooking. For the 2012 photo book, I didn't have to shop, but time included editing photos, adjusting layouts, adding digital embellishments and journaling.

The cost for a traditional scrapbook included the album itself, pages, page protectors, adhesive, photo developing, paper and embellishments. On the other hand, the photo book cost included the book, additional pages (beyond 20 pages), shipping and tax, plus I was able to use a couple discounts and saved even more money (already figured in the cost above).

My biggest complaint about photo books and digital scrapbooking is that I have to spend extra time on the computer. I love playing in my craft room and getting creative, which is why I won't stop traditional paper scrapbooking anytime soon.

What are your thoughts? ~Danielle

Related:

Are You an EcoScrapbooker?
We can change how we scrapbook (so we don't look like this in the future)
Digital Scrapbooking: Camping at the KOA

Are You an Ecoscrapbooker?

Do you consider yourself an ecoscrapbooker? If you save items from around the home or when you’re out and about with scrapbooking in mind, you’re definitely an ecoscrapbooker.

The habit of saving and using items like the ones above are so ingrained in my family that my husband saves his coffee sleeves and my girls get excited when they give me something they know I’ll use on a scrapbook layout... Continue reading my post at Messtaken Identity. ~Danielle

Related:

EcoScrapbooking eBook: Crafty Ideas for Eco-Conscious Scrapbookers
9 Scrapbook Starting Points Using Paper Scraps
The EcoScrapbooker Manifesto

What Have I Accomplished in 200 Posts?

Since I launched EcoScrapbook over two years ago, I never stopped to celebrate a blogiversary or even a my 100th post. Now that I have 200 posts under my eco bloggy belt, it's time to look back at my accomplishments and give myself a pat on the back.

I created a minimalist scrapbook layout to celebrate and used clothing tags for the journaling:

"Accomplished" 12x12 Eco-Friendly Scrapbook Layout

Supplies: cardstock, black and white pens, two Instagram photos, clothing tags, alphas (Jillibean Soup, Bella Blvd., Thickers).

Read more about my top accomplishments from 2011 through now:

• The EcoScrapbooking eBook became a reality. What started as a simple idea turned into a scrapbooking eBook featuring ten scrapbookers from around the world and plenty of eco-friendly ideas. I was the mastermind and gave it away for free!

• I was featured on the local news. WTOL contacted me last April and asked me to share a Mother's Day project. I was nervous, but managed my way to the studio and scrapbooked LIVE on the morning show.

• You can find EcoScrapbook on YouTube. I only made one video about organizing paper scraps and plan to make more (even though I said I was going to right after I did the last one...I have ideas, just need to make the time).

• I started a newsletter! It's called The EcoScrapbooker and you can sign up over in my sidebar. I've only sent out one email so far and just need to find my groove of writing monthly updates.

• I'm a Zutter Certified Instructor who's qualified to teach all things Bind-it-All. Check out some of my projects here.

• Speaking of teaching, the Memories Scrapbooking Expo in Columbus, Ohio welcomed me and my eco-friendly crafting abilities as I taught the Recycled Scrapbooking class in March.

• My projects have been featured on some big websites like the Reader's Digest, HGTV, and LuxeFinds.

• I was also a featured scrapbooker during May's Layout a Day and shared several sample layouts with over 400 participants.

• One of my scrapbook layouts was published in the eBook Your Story Matters.

• I made handmade paper!

• As a Glue Dots Dottess for almost three years, I've created plenty of project tutorials on this blog and my old one, but once I started EcoScrapbook, I focused on eco-friendly crafting. There are 38 upcycled craft and scrapbook projects right here that use Glue Dots.

• All of last year's Christmas cards were handmade thanks to participating in the Jingle Belles challenge.

• I designed The EcoScrapbooker Manifesto. Check it out if you haven't done so already. Pin it, print it and try to scrapbook by it.

• Sharing the love - one of my favorite blog series was called Scrapbooker Saturday where I featured different scrapbookers and their eco-friendly tips.

• And I almost forgot about another favorite series from 2011 and then a blog hop in 2012, 12 Days of Eco-Christmas, which showcased several eco-friendly Christmas projects.

• Let's talk blog traffic. I don't completely ignore it as I do like seeing visitors on my blog, but it's not a priority. It makes me feel good to blog every week and I must admit seeing over 11,000 visitors in March felt pretty dang awesome. My most popular post features three cute Easter bunnies made from toilet paper rolls. Who woulda thunk?!

There are plenty of other accomplishments, but I think I've covered most of the big ones. I'm glad I did this post and had a chance to review the past two years. I'd like to suggest you do the same.

What have you accomplished since you started your blog? If you do your own post, shoot me an email, tweet me or link up your post in the comments. ~Danielle

It's Time for Another Round of Layout a Day!

I love to scrapbook (you already knew that) and as a busy mom, I don't always have time to spend on personal scrapbooking. That's why I make time for Layout a Day. 

During each month of LOAD, I scrapbook every single day and have been joining Lain Ehmann and a few hundred of my closest scrappin' friends since 2010. There are traditional scrappers, people who digiscrap and ones (like myself) who like to mix things up - many different styles of scrapbooking and SO MUCH INSPIRATION! Despite a busy lifestyle, I just can't quit! I'm addicted to LOAD!

Below are some of my favorite scrapbook pages I've created during LOAD.

May 2010:

 

October 2010:

February 2011:

May 2011:

February 2012:

May 2012:

October 2012:

February 2013:

I'm also pleased to announce that I will be one of the featured scrapbookers during May's LOAD (LOAD 513)! I invite you to join me on this adventure. Click here to view more details.

You can follow along on Flickr as I dig into my stash and create scrapbook pages. Nothing new is purchased during the month as I find this a perfect opportunity to use up what I currently own. However, I make sure I have plenty of adhesive prior to the start of the month. I won't be printing additional photos and if a prompt takes me to a recent photo, I'll digiscrap it! Can't wait to get started and I hope to see you on Flickr! ~Danielle

Read more about my LOAD tips & adventures: here, here and here.

Disclosure: This blog post contains an affiliate link to Layout a Day.

EcoScrapbooking eBook Launch Party

It's here! The EcoScrapbooking eBook is finally here and I'm beyond excited to share it with you!

EcoScrapbooking: Crafty Ideas for Eco-Conscious Scrapbookers

What began as an idea nine months ago, blossomed into a collaborative eBook focusing on eco-friendly scrapbooking. Nine scrapbookers from around the world joined me as we developed a free scrapbooking eBook jam packed with creative and "green" inspiration.

Join us today as we celebrate the launch of EcoScrapbooking: Crafty Ideas for Eco-Conscious Scrapbookers. 

Before you run off to check out the eBook, I'd like for you to meet all the wonderfully talented designers who I appreciate more than words can express. Visit their blogs for more eco-friendly ideas not featured in our scrapbooking eBook:

You are here--> Danielle Hunter | EcoScrapbook

Next stop--> Zaira Sierra | Hacer Scrapbooks

Lisa Troch | The Cherry on Top

Cathy Sanders | What's up with Cathy

Jules Hollis | Inspired Jules

Erin Bullock | Deeply Rooted Life

Stephanie Medley-Rath | Scrapworthy Lives

Renee Joy | Charms Buttons & Bows

Andrea Friebus | Lights C.a.m.era Action

Jody Spiegelhoff | SpiegelMom Scraps

What takes this project to the next level were the efforts of Zaira and Lisa who volunteered their time to translate the eBook into other languages. Zaira took over the Spanish translations, while Lisa tackled Dutch. Both of these eBooks will also be available for download in the near future.

You have two options to view EcoScrapbooking: Crafty Ideas for Eco-Conscious Scrapbookers: visit the EcoScrapbook Pressbooks site to view it online or click here for the PDF (preferably not to print, just to view and download...we're trying to be environmentally conscious today).

This eBook is free for you to view and you may share the link within your own scrapbooking community. Let's change how the world scrapbooks!

Here's a Bonus Project for you! An 8 1/2 x 11" eco-friendly scrapbook layout using paint samples, tissue paper, product packaging and a clothing tag:

"It's Summertime" Eco-friendly Scrapbook Layout

Tip: To punch through tissue paper properly, place a piece of scrap cardstock (or an extra paint sample) under the tissue paper before punching.

Close Up: Tissue Paper Flower

Six layers of tissue paper were used to make these flowers.

Close Up: Tissue Paper Flower and Clothing Tag

Supplies: FSC-certified cardstock (Wausau Paper), paint samples, clothing tag, product packaging, tissue paper, flower punch, purple floss, rhinestone stickers, word stickers (Simple Stories), black marker, purple pen, adhesive (Tacky Glue, Glue Dots), one Instagram photo. Layout is 8 1/2 x 11".

There are eleven more eco-friendly scrapbook layouts featured in the eBook. Try the tips and techniques for yourself and share them in the EcoScrapbook Flickr group.

Now, hop on over to Zaira's blog (translation option available) and check out her eco-friendly tips! ~Danielle

Upcoming Class: Recycled Scrapbooking in Columbus, Ohio

Want to learn how to turn trash to treasure on your scrapbook layouts? If you're a regular reader of this blog, I know you've started making more earth-friendly choices when you craft. 

Today, I'm talking to the scrapbookers in the Ohio area and would like to invite YOU to join me at the Memories Scrapbooking Expo in Columbus.

My class is called Recycled Scrapbooking and we're going to make something that looks like this:

"Recycled Things" 8.5x11 Eco-Friendly Scrapbook Layout for Upcoming Class

No two layouts will be the same because we are learning how to scrapbook using things we'd normally throw away or recycle. You'll unleash your upcycled creativity and one lucky scrapbooker will receive a prize pack for recycling the most items on a scrapbook layout!

Here are more details:

WHO: You & Me
WHAT:  Recycled Scrapbooking Class (SC303)
WHEN:  Saturday, March 24 at 1:00 pm
WHERE: Ohio Expo Center - Columbus, Ohio

Lausche Building (Room 3)

The cost is only $20, plus a $3 material fee paid to me on the day of the class. Bring basic supplies (pens, markers, adhesive, paper trimmer, scissors, stamps, ink) and 4x6 photos. 

Register here and I hope to see you soon! ~Danielle

Related:

EcoScrapbook: As Seen on TV

3 Scrapbook Layouts That Use Paper Scraps

Would you use dryer lint on a scrapbook layout?

Poll: What is Your Favorite "Green" Scrapbook Company?

Do you have a favorite scrapbook company? I have a few top choices I tend to buy more than others. Why? As the EcoScrapbooker, I give preference to companies using recycled paper, FSC-certified cardstock and vegetable-based inks. 

Today, I'd like to try something new and find out which eco-friendly companies you prefer... What is your favorite "green" scrapbook company?

 

(Can't view poll? Try visiting EcoScrapbook on the web.)

After you vote, let me know why you made that choice (and if you have any others). Thanks! ~Danielle

**There's still time to submit your eco-friendly scrapbook layouts for consideration in the upcoming EcoScrapbook eBook! Click here for more information. Deadline is January 31!**

 

Related:

EcoScrapbook Approved Companies

The EcoScrapbooker Manifesto

Simple Ways to Be an Eco-Conscious Scrapbooker

 

Eco-friendly Scrapbooking: Pause & Get Published

 

Recycle. I started this layout by reusing white cardstock from a previous project and flipped it over for a brand new page. You can find bulk 8 1/2 x 11 FSC-certified and recycled cardstock in the office supply section of most big box stores.

Save your paper scraps and get creative. Journaling strips and paper flowers are my top two ways to utilize paper scraps and that's just what I did on this page. I'm also a big fan of squares, so I designed a unique background from assorted paper scraps, a square punch and stamps.

Turn trash to treasure. What happens when an inexpensive wooden toy airplane breaks? You craft with it! The flower centers were punched from thin wood, formerly known as airplane wings.

Alter. If you plan on investing in embellishments, find ones that are alterable like the corrugated letters from Jillibean Soup that I painted black.

Low on supplies? A great way to add dimension when you're low on adhesive spacers is to use cardboard as I did behind the photo and title block.

Supplies: paper scraps, FSC-certified white cardstock, corrugated letters (Jillibean Soup), black acrylic paint, punches (square, flower, circle), stamps (flower, butterfly), black ink, cardboard, thin wood, adhesive (glue stick, tabs, Mini Glue Dots), Instagram photo. Layout is 8 1/2 x 10 3/4".

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Do you want to be published in an upcoming eBook about eco-friendly scrapbooking? Now's your chance. Create a scrapbook layout (doesn't have to be a new page) using at least 75% eco-friendly/recycled materials and format a blog post like I did above (How is your page eco-friendly? Photo, supply list and layout size.) Email me, ecoscrapbooker (at) gmail (dot) com, the link to your post for consideration in the eBook. Deadline is January 31st. 

Read more about the project here and see the behind-the-scenes details here.

I look forward to seeing your eco-friendly scrapbook layouts! ~Danielle

Helpful Links:

25 eco-friendly and free scrapbooking supplies

9 scrapbooking manufacturers that love the earth

Simple ways to be an eco-conscious scrapbooker

The EcoScrapbooker Manifesto

EcoScrapbook Approved Companies

9 Scrapbook Starting Points Using Paper Scraps

Over the summer, my girls and I dumped out a storage container full of paper scraps and organized them by color. During the process, I set aside some of the scraps to use on future layouts and also created a paper scrap organization video.

Thanks to the ScrapHappy Only Layout a Day, I finally had the push to create 9 scrapbook starting points using paper scraps and finish them:

Let's have a closer look:

"Fresh Picked Worms" Scrapbook Layout

Supplies: Jillibean Soup sticker and diecuts, Simple Stories letter stickers, DCWV cardstock, paper scraps, Distrezz-it-All, black marker.

"Brown-Eyed Girl" Scrapbook Layout

Supplies: DCWV cardstock, paper scraps (including the bird I made), letter stickers (Jillibean Soup, Crate Paper), brown marker.

"Zombie" Scrapbook Layout

Supplies: DCWV cardstock, paper scraps, American Crafts letter stickers, (old) word bubble sticker, My Mind's Eye cartoon figure (circa 2000), paper confetti (from the Bind-it-All), acrylic paint, black marker. (Note: To create bloody brains, I glued the confetti to the cut-off head and added pink and red paint.)

"Sandusky Bay KOA" Scrapbook Layout

Supplies: DCWV cardstock, paper scraps, stickers (Jillibean Soup, Sassafrass), black marker.

"You" Scrapbook Layout

Supplies: DCWV cardstock, paper scraps, American Crafts letter stickers, StazOn black ink, photo booth memorabilia, black marker. (Note: This is my favorite layout of the bunch.)

"Madison" Scrapbook Layout

Supplies: DCWV cardstock, paper scraps (from my daughter's baby announcements in 2008), assorted letter stickers, black marker. (Note: Photo taken by Rick Sheridan.)

"A Photo Like This is Rare" Scrapbook Layout

Supplies: DCWV cardstock, paper scraps, Distrezz-it-All, Echo Park letter stickers, Close To My Heart stamp and ink, black pen, white pen.

"Miss Pres. Bill" Scrapbook Layout

Supplies: DCWV cardstock, paper scraps, corrugated cardboard, stickers (Echo Park, Jillibean Soup), Distrezz-it-All, white acrylic paint. (Note: I had two copies of this photo and cut out one to create a pop up effect.)

"Pets" Scrapbook Layout

Supplies: Paper (Pink Paislee, Cosmo Cricket), Jillibean Soup stickers and diecuts, Scenic Route letters, white paint marker, black pen. (Note: The center of the Pink Paislee paper was cut out for a previous project and I secured Cosmo Cricket scrap paper to create a full sheet to work with.) 

Most of us know about Shimelle's scrapbook starting points, but I wanted to challenge myself and start with paper leftover from previous projects. Now, I'm challenging you to do the same. Create a scrapbook layout using paper scraps and share the link to your project below. I'd love to see what you create! ~Danielle

Related:

Scrapbooking: DIY Hexagons

Let's Make an eBook Together

3 Scrapbook Layouts Using Paper Scraps