When is the last time you cleaned out your crafting area? I want to send out a challenge to you. I challenge you to go through every embellishment, every sticker, all you chipboard, all of your card stock and pattered paper, all of your ribbon and embroidery floss, and yes all of your unfinished projects and organize them according to:

o Love, love, LOVE this and am inspired just seeing this

o I was so excited about this and just got to busy, but totally want to use/finish

o I really like this a lot, but someone else would get more use of this

What I like to do is dig out, or order 13″ x 13″ zip lock bags and make my own kits. I will put everything I want in that kit together in the bag if it isn’t already organized into a jar, bin, or basket with a specific home in my craft space. Then I neatly place these kits away, keeping my most favorite things closest to my project table well within arms reach.

Now, it is SO MUCH EASIER to use your everyday items in new ways with those products that may have been sitting around for years. I am always so amazed how easily most of my stash coordinates with my Close To My Heart card stock, buttons, brads, and of course, STAMPS!! I was really inspired recently by a few pod casts of the Paperclipping Roundtable. The conversation turned to old products and if it is okay to mix the old stuff with the new stuff?

I never asked myself that, because I love to do that anyway. A girl cannot live on one scrapbook and stamping line alone, though I do come pretty close! I dug out this Basic Grey “Sugared” line and made a few fun cards using my “Wishes” Book. I used CTMH card stock, clear buttons, embroidery floss, brads, stamps, foam tape and Bonding Memories glue, Buttercup Ribbon Rounds, Ink Pads, and sponges from CTMH with my Basic Grey papers and fibers. I had so much fun and I encourage you to challenge yourself to see what fabulous creations you can make.

Normally, I only post exclusive Close To My Heart products, but I do want to demonstrate to you how fast, simple, and easy it can be to use your old items that have been hidden away for so long. In fact, I have decided to host a Scrap and Chat Scrapbook Party in July where everyone can bring in their very favorite products that have been hidden for weeks, months, or even years to just scrap and chat the day away! I will have more details very soon, so be looking for your invitation and check back for dates.