if you're a frequent blog reader, you'll know that I hate to waste stuff...
especially art supplies...
yesterday was a "full on" kit making day for upcoming classes in Illinois, Texas and North Carolina...
while making the kits, we opened 300 of tim's remnant rubs...
and ended up with LOTS of the inserts that come inside the package...
when you look at them, they're BROWN & have a great graphic design on them...
the card stock-ish material is very sturdy...with a slick surface...
I had saved the inserts in the past, thinking I'd use them for small art journal pages...
and I plan to die cut tags from them...
that hasn't happened...YET......
so with this giant stack looking at me...
I had an idea...
I used them with a #2 circles die from Sizzix ...
I've had it for quite a while...
and I just spotted this size set of circles...
and this set looks great too!
note to self...place order...
I cut the #2 for each student in class...
the slick surface makes them re-usable many times...
they're not actually waterproof...but more like water/ink resistant...
they'll give you plenty of uses & still be durable...
repurposing makes me happy...
the other thing that I LOVE to do, is to find different ways to use/combine products...
and this explains why I chose to die cut circles...
this next photo shows how to change my large sunburst stencil...
into...
a smaller funky sun...
lay the stencil in place, then place the die cut insert over the stencil & add ink (dandelion archival) with the new mini blending tool...
super simple...
here's the result...a smaller *off center* sun...
with a stenciled (carnation red) star center...
.jpg)
using the same process, you can create any size flower with the sunburst stencil...
just change the size of the circle you overlay...
you can also position the die cut insert so that the center of the stencil is actually in the center of the flower...
this flower was stenciled with cornflower blue archival...
I think off set makes it unique...& really changes the look of the original stencil...
I'll be using this circle die cut to stamp thru...
and I'll use it with other stencils...
like the checkmate, yikes stripes and add a stencil to create cool patterned polka dots on backgrounds...
this same idea will work well with the layered flower stencil to create smaller striped flowers or dots & totally transform the layered flower stencil...
you can also spread embossing paste thru the die cut inserts...
so think about all the dies you have...
many of them can be made into stencils at NO COST, by repurposing the inserts from tim's idea-ology products!
now I have all those circles that fell out of the insert after cutting...
hmmm...they make great masks, or can be glued to a surface to create a polka dot textured base for any art journal page...card, or layout...
or I can cut them in half to create a scallop border...
LOTS of fun possibilities to think about, when you
make art!
wendy
ps...If you'd like to leave a comment with YOUR idea, that would be great...
sharing ideas is wonderful...
ps again...who knows...there may even be a random giveaway, since I haven't done one in a bit...
just saying'...
You Wendy are a genius!! Can't say anymore really,you are queen of the leftovers!
ReplyDeleteDonna.x
Wendy, you had me at BROWN, lol. I recently came across some blank stencil material, and had made a couple of stencils from dies, but this is even cheaper!!. I save both parts as the cut-out part makes a great mask!!1
ReplyDeleteI would use/do use the cut out circles as bases for 3D flowers/flower pins. It gives a sturdy base,which is easy then to glue down or to glue something(pin back, barrette,hair comb)on to.
ReplyDeleteI love your ideas Wendy and I'm all for not wasting stuff too. I am going to spend a day just playing in my craft room using your suggestions. Thanks for the beautiful projects you shared and the inspiration! xx
ReplyDeleteGREAT idea !!!! Getting out the Vagabond ...
ReplyDeleteI love making stencils with my dies...and stamps with foam from the $1 Store. A crafter keeps everything and garbage isn't garbage. It's an opportunity! Mounting a favorite paper or burlap and stamping on the circles would be fun. I have a box just for my extra bits. A quick cutout when needed!
ReplyDeleteLoveitloveit...!
ReplyDeletethe circles cut in 1/2 could make a great swag topper.
ReplyDeleteRepurposing gives me the warm fuzzies. I love using things that would otherwise be thrown out. And I love empowering others to do so. Good Job! Fondly, Tami
ReplyDeleteI use T.H card packaging to mix all the Ranger paint products on, also to dry things on cuz they don't stick when dry like paper
ReplyDeleteSuch great ideas, you are way more creative than I! Love the scalloped border ideas. I do repurpose a lot of packaging items also, as I hate to throw out something that could be used! The little, white foam things that Sizzix sticks in the packaging make great ink daubers....and they wipe clean.
ReplyDeleteLiving so close to the water, we have lots of beach and pool pictures to scrap. You could use small circles inked in various blue inks, then cover with Glossy Accents to mimic water droplets. OR! Use them on the ends of some of your flowers as water droplets on them. OR! Pics of kids splashing in the tub as water droplets on a layout or journal page.
ReplyDeleteThank you Wendy, recycling at it's best. Makes me want to do the Happy Dance.
ReplyDeleteOh my, you have given me so many cool ideas!! Thank you for the creativity!
ReplyDeleteEspecially love the off-set sun... very cool look... and I love LOVE love being able to use a stencil in more ways than one. All your ideas to use up the inserts are great. Hard to think of more cause it seems you covered everything. You could stamp or stencil on the circle pieces and add to the journal pages for texture and interest. The smallest circles you could glossy accents over the stamping to make embellishments or flower centers.
ReplyDeleteI've been using my packaging and inserts for mini file folders, quick palettes and masks for years. No waste. :)
ReplyDeleteWhy am I seeing garlands when I look at these circles? Hmmm ...
ReplyDeleteI have a bunch from my stencils and I can't throw them!! I thought that since I took the stencil out and kept the plastic and the card piece that it might be a great way for me to make and save some card candy!
ReplyDeleteThe Cards themselves are so pretty they would make awesome mini book covers just cover any printing on the backside with another piece.
People have often asked about the messing up of the back of their tags-
Well you could cut a duplicate of the card with the tag die and use it as a backer or even better use a temporary glue and glue it to any tag you are working on to protect the back and then it could be removed from the back of the tag when you are done.
I like the idea of using them as temporary stencils for shaped dies like the Easter Rabbit or butterfly BOTH pieces could be used, the die cuts on cards and the negatives as the stencil.
Heck you could cover Tins that you wash and save and cover them for a matchy set of Tim Holtz Vintage Photo brown flourish brush/pen holders! LOL
Gee thanks Wendy....now I will be thinking of this stuff all day!
LOL
I adore how your creative brain works, and I'm glad I'm not the only one who saves packaging!
ReplyDeleteWell I don't usually have 300 inserts to work with but with my few I have made stencils with my dies also. I have cut out letters as well to add to a project especially those with cool designs or colors.
ReplyDeleteWhy would anyone throw out free stuff like packaging, labeling materials, etc.? It's free art supplies!!!!! I'm always using a die to make a stencil so that my cards and envelopes coordinate. Sometimes I put the stencil in the lower left corner, sometimes I put it in the center and write the name and address over it. I hate sending naked envelopes! My stack of those yummy inserts isn't quite as high but I do think they'll make great tags, stencils, even use it in place of foam tape or just to make a project sturdier when you don't want to use chipboard.
ReplyDeleteLove the ideas. I have used the inserts like a thinner chipboard when I just wanted a little lift not the thickness of chipboard.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea Wendy, love the idea of using your stencil along with the template circles you made. I re-pupose packaging all the time and actually use Tim's ideology packaging for wings or other things along with alcohol inks for color.
ReplyDeleteThat's one of the things I love about art journaling and mixed media ... nothing has to go to waste! And these are such great ideas!
ReplyDeleteamazingly great idea!
ReplyDeleteI love circles on the page for a base then gesso over great look. or make flowers, or cut into hearts who know where a circle will lead you but for sure it will get your brain going around and around.
ReplyDeleteWow your ideas are all so creative and it's a beautiful thing to not waste any of our paper crafting product packaging. I love to mask and your clever ideas are perfect. Such beautiful designs with your ink blending. Love your style!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are so smart!
ReplyDeleteI also use them for die cuts, pages, and backgrounds.
This is such a cool idea Wendy! I also love to re-purpose supplies and using them with your stencils is a win-win idea! Bette
ReplyDeleteSuch clever use of these,love it!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you - I hate to waste stuff! I always save the nice looking inserts from craft packaging. Mostly I punch tags from them that I use on cards, but I like your idea and will try it!
ReplyDeleteI am a pack rat by nature and never throw anything out because I might be able to use it again. NO, not a horder, but if it is re-useable, I will find a use for it! Another great keep is the background paper for Tim's stencils. I cut them out with the tag die and use them that way! Thanks for a chance to win!
ReplyDeleteMichael
I have been repurposing packaging for awhile now. I even have friends giving me things and they say "I thought you might be able to use this". I like making my own stencils. I also pieces of the packaging to make things 3D on my cards and journals.
ReplyDeleteYou are BRILLIANT! I love it!
ReplyDeleteMaking tags out of the circles for Christmas Gifts is what I would do. I never have enough of those! I would also cut out some of the inserts to make rectangles that I would wind up my loose ribbon or twine to.
ReplyDeleteOh! and using the circles to make a chandelier adding brads etc. Oh how fun! Hugs
Tanya
Great idea! I am all for reusing / repurposing packaging etc. I often use the acetate from packaging to make the clear fronts for shaker cards. Some packaging has beautiful prints on it and makes great backgrounds for cards or tags too.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of making tags But I really think the idea of repositioning the dies is super smart. Good Girl
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea, I wish I had not thrown mine out now, I saved them for ages too... sigh. I love turning small canvases around and using the back to make shadow boxes, your four circles would make lovely frames to put some pictures behind and then mounted into the canvas back. Thanks for giving us so much inspiration! Anne x
ReplyDeleteOh wow, what great ideas!! I save all of the inserts and now I have a use for them!! Thank you for the amazing inspiration!! Have a great day :)
ReplyDeleteLisa
A Mermaid's Crafts
What a great idea! I have been saving them from the stencils. I knew that there had to be something I could use them for.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! As it happens, I have both of those dies, I believe. LOL And the sunburst stencil. You know, those would make a cool art journal, too.
ReplyDeleteYou are so amazing! I love your creativity, and all the energy you put into every project. I cannot wait to try this out. I am very methodical stamper, the offset flower/sun idea will test me, and I cannot wait to try it today.
ReplyDeleteA way cool idea, Wendy!!! And I think I have that same Sizzix die. Stars instead of circles would be cool too!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the repurposing! You could also stack them up maybe a couple at a time, and adhere to another piece of cardboard to create a custom embossing plate.
ReplyDeleteI've been saving those too. I think they would make great stencils and masks for gelli printing. When they get all painty and luscious you can add to your journal , cards, and art projects. Fun!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! (& I'm pretty sure I need that sunburst stencil!) you could stack up the circles and use them to pop elements off your project surface.
ReplyDeleteSooo smart! And that cornflower blue is my favorite!
ReplyDeleteI can't bear to throw those luscious inserts away either. I like to use them for backgrounds, tags, stencils, ATC's and especially embossed card fronts. They make great bases for guy cards!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. I do save a lot of packaging from tim's procucts. In the past I have used them for backgrounds on mixed media projects.
ReplyDeleteAnd there is the 100th reason why I love Wendy... LOL :) !!
ReplyDeleteGenius, genius, genius ! Like I said they make great tags and ATC backgrounds too !
I will NEVER run out of ideas hangin' around your blog :) <3
Christmas ornaments! The possibilities are endless! Love you sun!
ReplyDeleteGlue several of the same size together, and decorate (with your stamps naturally)then varnish, and voila, drinks coasters. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteYou could use two different sizes (circles, squares, etc.) and create frames!
ReplyDeleteLove your ideas! I always feel guilty throwing out packaging. The offset circle on the sunburst stencil is a great idea!
ReplyDeleteLove all the cool ideas oh the possibilities and fun I'm going to have .
ReplyDeleteLove this!! I imagine you closing your eyes reaching out and grabbing the first thing your hand finds and making something brilliant with it. <3
ReplyDeleteFirst thing I thought when I saw the picture of the circles cut out was .. STENCIL ! It would look so cool on a page with different colors in each circle or any shape you cut .. possibilities are endless ! I keep all my insides .. because you just never know :) Thanks for sharing Wendy !!
ReplyDeleteOnce again, you show your brilliance! The uses are endless, I'm thinking embossing paste and sprays. I'm going to try some "minis" with my movers and shapers.
ReplyDeletewonderful idea, Wendy, TFS! I have used pieces of the inserts for extra firmness behind warped paper.
ReplyDeleteWhat great ideas. I love the sun and flowers.im off to look at my dies and look at the possibilities. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteWhat great ideas. I love the sun and flowers.im off to look at my dies and look at the possibilities. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI love to upcycle packaging! This is right up my alley! Now I need that cool stencil!
ReplyDeleteLove this! I too cannot bear to throw away packaging that could possibly at some point in a vague future might be re-useable. Using your clearly for art combined with tim's frosted film yielded me some amazing art....but also some wonderful, sturdy stencils :) I'm not much of a "trash-to-treasure" sort, but this kind of stuff I can get behind1
ReplyDeleteA great repurposing idea ! Love the flower particularly. Must have that die !!!! X
ReplyDeleteOh this is
ReplyDeletewonderful!
Great way to
use all the
die cuts and
stencils. Maybe
use the circles
to make a mobile?
I will use
this technique!
Carla from Utah
How cool is this - and environmentally sound too. I love how you can turn what most would throw away into a work of art and show me how to do it at the same time.
ReplyDeleteThanks and hugs!
Cec
Brilliant! Love to re purpose packaging and little bits I find along the way. These inserts would make great backing for foil tape. Like to die cut and embossing the foil but always hate to use my good card stock or chip. These inserts are the perfect solution. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeletelove your ideas thanks for the inspiration
ReplyDeleteupnurse at aol dot co m
Genial, I've been saving all the packaging as well. I should gave it some purpose. Thank you for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteYou are so smart!!! Love it!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome idea! I especially like the flower! Genius!!!
ReplyDeletelove your idea...the inserts are always too nice to waste...thanks for the inspiration...
ReplyDeleteI'm with you...never throw anything pretty away!! What a great idea to use the inserts as masks and stencils! As for me, I would probably turn some of them into ATC bases, die cut scrolls and flourishes out of them, sand and ink the edges for card fronts, and maybe use some as journal covers.
ReplyDeleteOoh, love repurposing crafty packaging! I would not have thrown these out either...and the proof of that is my craft stash which consists of lots of old packaging!! Love the idea of making these into stencils to stretch them even more. I would probably die cut some of these for card and layout embellishments...combined with stamping and inking. Maybe some layered frames or tattered flowers!
ReplyDeleteNow I feel bad about throwing those out! What a clever idea and will start looking at packaging in a whole new light, I loved all of your mask and stencil examples.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant, Wendy! I never throw away any packaging either. I could see using these to make thicker die cut words for my cards. I usually die cut 4 or 5 words & then glue them together. This would be great for that!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous idea!!!! I can see using the plastic packaging in the same way! I always hate throwing away all that wonderful stuff but I just don't have a whole lot of room but now I will be keeping most of it for other purposes! Thanks, Wendy!!
ReplyDeleteI'm also a Huge fan of repurposing, with all these great pieces, I would lop off the tops and make a little book. Perfect for art journaling!
ReplyDeleteThere are unlimited things that can be done with a die cut machine and packaging materials..Lol! What genius to use these to make a stencil, I wouldn't have thought to do that. What I probably would do is use to make cards and tags. A little sanding and heat embossing would turn these into treasures!
ReplyDeleteI have run them through an embossing folder and then used crackle paste on them. Pretty cool effect.
ReplyDeleteJess
Love the idea to make custom stencils, I have a few die sets that would be awesome. I'm always looking for sturdy chipboard for index dividers, these would fit the bill.
ReplyDeleteI am always looking for reasonable journal covers, this would fit the bill.
ReplyDeleteI also save the inserts because of the color and cute swirls on them. They are also quite sturdy! Thanks for the idea using them as a stencil.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, Wendy! And how satisfying after saving all those inserts to find such a great way to use them and share with your students.
ReplyDeleteWHERE do you come up these iDEas ?? I would SO like to spend a day (or 100) walking around inside that crazy talented head of yours !!
ReplyDeleteThanks Wendy!Love the idea!I was thinking if the packaging is a shiny surface, couldn't it be colored with alcohol inks, the design would still show through, and then die cut flowers or shapes from it.
ReplyDeleteOk, so I immediately went up to my craft room and pulled out the backing sheets for 5 of Tim's layering stencils I just purchased - SO glad I hadn't put the recycle bag from my craft room out in the trash yet!! You have the best ideas Wendy!!
ReplyDeleteWhat great ideas! I really liked the one using the insert as a mask. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea, and the uses are unlimited. I've used the inserts in the past for ATCs, tags, and backgrounds for cards. I've also got a huge stash of packaging material just waiting to be used again.
ReplyDeleteWendy, your imagination, as usual, creates beautiful things. I repurpose as much as I can, but haven't come up with anything like this. Now I have to try it.
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas Wendy! I have saved mine as well thinking "I know I can use these for something some day." Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI don't really have an idea for using the circles or inserts, but wanted to let you know I loved your idea. I too hate to waste things, so this is a great idea. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a clever idea...love this...can't wait to do this...love...love the sunshine rays....tfs
ReplyDeleteYou are so clever and creative thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteGive her a stack of cardboard and she re-invents the circle. Yep, Wendy V is a art genius! You rock, Sista!
ReplyDeleteI made stencils from the backs of notepads and then modpodged the stencil to keep whatever medium I use from absorbing into the stencil.
ReplyDeleteGreat to use as a template around an object for faux stitching or gel dots...lots easier to keep in place than a die.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea & have another idea from reading yours. I use Steno notepads at work which have clear plastic covers. I finished one today and thought how can I repurpose this? Now I know how! Thanks! Love your products!
ReplyDeleteYou are so clever! I have covered packaging with paper & die cut it quite often.
ReplyDeleteI thought I was the only one who saves (and uses) Tim's packaging! One of my favorite ways to use "scraps" is the frame left from punching stuff out - either grunge stuff, leftovers from chipboard, whatever! Thanks for the FAB idea :)
ReplyDeleteLove the off-set sun in a circle idea. I think the cards would make great tags too. What about all those lolly sticks. Would they stick to the waste card in a row to make wooden pages for a mini book?
ReplyDelete~Kate~
So glad I found your blog I also hate to throw away and have piles of stuff. I am just very grateful that there are people out there who willing share stuff so that people like me can get ideas.... Now I don't have to worry about my every growing stash of supplies.
ReplyDeleteOkay I already boarder on being a hoarder, this can only give me more reasons not to toss stuff.Love it
ReplyDeleteWOW! I have been using these in cards and scrapbook pages forever. They're such a nice vintage-y color and look great on scrapbook pages and cards. I do the same with the backs of the Prima doll stamps. Great idea to share!
ReplyDeleteMary
I love the way you think! I have a huge pile of saved-from-the-recycle-bin items. Things like the inserts I sometimes use for ATC bases or die cut shapes from them and then gesso, layer tissue paper or whatever over them for a kind of faux embossed look.
ReplyDeleteAgain.....Thank you so much for your inpsiration. I have so many leftovers....
ReplyDeleteGreat inspiration. I knew I saved packaging for a reason.
ReplyDeleteWow! You are one smart girl! I love to make cards, ATC's, etc out of packaging...and now you've given me an even better idea to use! LOVE IT!!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome ideas Wendy! I have a bunch of these inserts, I can't seem to throw anything away either!
ReplyDeleteAnother very cool idea!
ReplyDeleteWhat a clever idea! I love the background on the inserts! They are made of cardboard so can be used in many projects! Tags, flowers, stencils. Can be painted, covered with paper. Thank you for the wonderful inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThe inserts make great tags and bookmarks
ReplyDeletelove visiting - always leave inspired to make art! I like the idea of using the cards for a little album or journal - nice size and durable.
ReplyDeleteSandra ltb
I just tried something out on one of these... and it worked! I'll be sharing this with a step by step on Saturday Wendy. Thank you for that huge creative nudge. You have no idea how much you inspire me. Jenny x
ReplyDeleteI love this idea. Always looking for creative ways to use everything and anything available!
ReplyDeleteAwesome idea! I love it! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLove this! I like making mini pages with these inserts.
ReplyDeletePacking is awesome, love your take on it and, yes I agree it's such a waste of 300 pieces when just thrown away.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for coming by my Blog : http://aidaharon.livejournal.com/
Aida.
Hubby is away today, which means I can play without guilt....just have to try this technique Wendy and thanks for it!!
ReplyDeletep.s. I am known as the recycling lady of Harrogate (my hometown) and here is another way to add to my ever growing list!
ReplyDeleteLove the way you think. Thanks for sharing a great idea. I hate throwing things away, but don't always know what to do with the things I save. And this blog is an amazing resource. Great ideas from everyone.
ReplyDeleteHi thanks for this idea, love to use all the left overs!!!! And this I will use!!!!
ReplyDelete