Use Up Your Scraps

Paper Dolls from Cardboard

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I am trying out something today. I am playing and having fun making some paper dolls in a cardboard journal.

I was inspired by this video by A Bit of Birdsong where she makes what she calls “trashy dolls” out of cardboard. I love the freedom of making something out of items that are normally tossed in the trash or recycling bin. There is nothing to do but play around and see what you come up with.

I decided to make a small journal to house my doll using cardboard I had here in the studio. I drew a face on the back of some scrap paper for her head and attached arms and legs using brads so they would move a bit.

It was such a simple project and this is only the first phase. Next I am going to make her some clothes and possibly a friend or two. I had thought of making each page in the book a different room in a house for her so that might be a possibility too.

I will be doing more of these so you can be sure to see how she progresses but for now you can watch a sped up video of me putting all the basics together below.

Until next time…

-Michele, aka The Dreaming Dilettante

Video: Making Pockets for Our Teeny Mini Journals

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Today I made some teeny pockets to go with my teeny mini journals.

I have to say that these are so much fun to make and not just because I am delving down the world of miniatures. I love using up my scraps as I have said on here a lot and I really love making bits and pieces to add to my journals.

These pockets are really easy to make! I used some book pages I have on hand to make mine but regular copy paper or scrapbook paper would work just as well. I think using our DIY collage papers would be a fun element to add as well. You could use brown paper packaging or bags, old greetings cards, spent wrapping paper, junk mail-really there is no limit.

The construction of these is simple and the fun really comes in when you start decorating. I hope you have fun making these and be sure to comment and let me know if you make some! If you share photos you can tag me on Instagram as well!

Until next time…

-Michele, aka The Dreaming Dilettante

VIDEO: Use up Your Scraps & Make Paper Clusters/Ephemera

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Today I am cleaning my desk.

Well, sort of.

Today I wanted to make some ephemera to add to my journal pages and I wanted to use up all the bits on my desk.

I thought it would be fun to make some ephemera to keep on hand for adding to my journal pages.

I didn’t give much thought to the process. I opened up my scrap drawer and pulled out some papers that were similar in color, then grabbed some other bits from my scrap box along with some stamped words I made.

A glue stick, some handmade buttons, lace and trim later and I have a nice little collection of paper clusters in blue, beige and pink.

I started with some decorative paper and cut it into rough squares and rectangles.

Next, I added some torn paper or book page (or both) followed by some trim. I used a bit of lace and a bit of embroidery floss a few stamped words and a button or two.

I rounded the corners on some and others I left square. If you don’t have a corner rounder you can always cut rounded corners with scissors.  On one I decided to punch a hole and add some lace to form a tag.

These are so simple (and fun) to make. Of course, in the end I used up scraps for sure but I also have a lot more on my desk now too. No worries-I have another post and video planned for Wednesday where we will make some paper tabs.

Until next time…

-Michele, aka The Dreaming Dilettante

Music by Little Boots – Silver Balloons – https://thmatc.co/?l=54B37541