Recycling and Money Saving Tips For Scrapbookers - Part III

You can also use recycled items such as plastic mesh, bubble wrap, and cardboard as scrapbook tools. Here are some suggestions from About.com Scrapbooking readers:

1. Bubble Wrap: You can use bubble wrap brushed with acrylic paint as a stamp to press on to cardstock and make your own patterned paper. (Ann Marie)
2. Paper Tubes: I've used empty paper towel or toilet paper tubes dipped in paper to make circles on a layout. (monirose)
3. More Cardboard Ideas: I save cardboard that comes in calendars, new shirts, etc. I have pieces of cardboard and chipboard all over this room. I use it for lots of things. I put it down on my table when inking with cosmetic sponges so I don't make a mess. I put it under paper when I iron paper for batik designs. I use it behind paper when punching holes with a needle. Everyone in my family is under orders to give me all their cardboard and chipboard. (TheresaGram)
4. DIY Wavy Ruler: I made my own border design rulers by tracing a wave, or a scallop on a long piece of cardboard and cutting. (Karenladd)
5. DIY Rubber Stamps: I made my own stamps by recycling the rubber that I cut off of Stampin Up stamp sheets when I trimmed my stamps. By piecing together various shapes of stamps, I designed a whole set of textured designs, a palm tree (complete with coconuts), an American flag, and a set of flowers. (Karenladd)
6. Cups and Plates: Of course, there are cups and plates are perfect to use for tracing when you need a circle. (Karenladd)
7. Sticks: Popsicle sticks or old disposable chopsticks are super for stirring paint or glue. If the chopstick has a flat end, then you can dip it in ink or paint and make dots. (Karenladd)
8. Paper Clips: Large paperclips, with one side straightened out, are fine to poke holes in paper for hand-stitching or to insert a mini brad. (Karenladd)
9. Old Toothbrush: And old toothbrushes work great when you want a speckled ink pattern on paper. Get the toothbrush wet, rub on your ink pad, then start flicking the ink from the brush with your fingers! Instant speckling! (Karenladd)
10. Plastic Lids: I like to use old plastic lids as paint palettes or to pour glue on when I need to brush it on a project. (Karenladd)
11. More Plastic Mesh: I love to use netting and other items to use as a stencil for glimmer mist. (Kriddle49)

For even more creative uses for recycled materials for scrapbooking continue on to the last page of this article.