I don't like to waste paper. This all started a few years back when I started scrapbooking. I would happily add layers of various gorgeous scrapbooking papers to my layouts but I always ended up with bits and pieces of paper to beautiful to throw out. So I started making cards with the leftovers and found a new hobby that I was enjoying very much. The trouble was that even after making the cards I still had bits and pieces of that gorgeous paper left over, much tinier bits but still...I didn't want to throw those out either. So I ended up making gift cards, gift tags and even some tiny thank you cards for a friend who sells her crafting. She started handing out the tiny gems to anyone buying her goodies and it became a win/win situation. She was able to give a nice handmade thank you to her customers and I got to spread my name by using my stickers on the backs of her cards. So at Easter I had posted about using the leftover bits from my punches to decorate some Easter eggs for my cards. (Here's the link to that post if anyone would like to see what I did. Easter Eggs Post.
Recently I received an order for some cards that would have a Ladybug theme on them. I did have some Ladybug patterned paper left and used that but wanted to add a special touch onto the front of the cards. The person ordering just wanted the cards to be blank with no occasion or sentiments on them. I do have a Cricut as well as a cartridge that would've cut some Ladybugs out just using some red cardstock and black cardstock. But no.....I had to challenge myself. I was using a Martha Stewart punch to add a little decorative touch to separate the 2 different patterned papers when I noticed something. The "garbage" part from the punch included tiny round dots that instantly made me think of the polka dots on a Ladybug. Also there were some other pieces that made me think I could make an entire Ladybug from the negative pieces and I would just need a circle punch out. So I punched some circles from red cardstock. I started playing around with the garbage bits and came up with a cute little Ladybug that took it's place of honour on her cards. I think she's going to love them. I loved the challenge of once again making something from nothing. I think I'm going to make this a regular feature on here. Maybe once a month or so, I will see what I can make with stuff that otherwise would be garbage. As always, your comments are welcome!
