Guest Author - Meschill Billington

One of the great things about paper crafts is that it is a craft that can be very earth friendly. Using the mantra of recycle, reuse and repurpose, you can make beautiful cards and gifts using found paper and objects which is easy on the earth as well as your pocketbook. Unique cards, journals, gift bags, tags, and more for all occasions can be created with a different outcome which makes for a very personal gift. The collage method of layering can be used with papers and objects from an endless number of resources. Part of the fun of using found materials is the treasure hunt for usable supplies.

There are many ways to find the elements for your projects and while you may have a specific project in mind and set out to find just the right things, this type of crafting usually turns into a way of life. This is one of my favorite paper crafts and I am constantly on the hunt for various elements to add to my growing stash so that when I’m ready to make a project all I have to do is search through my collection. The most rewarding experience is when the found treasures actually inspire the project! Here are some of my treasure hunting tips.

Antique stores are surprisingly a good place to hunt. I can usually find old photos, postcards and other ephemera and while these can sometimes be expensive, bargains can also be found. One of my favorite antique stores has junk grab bags for a couple of dollars which are filled with broken jewelry, watch parts, and various little trinkets that make great embellishments for my projects.

Thrift stores are my favorite places to look. Everything that I find at antique stores can also be found at thrift or junk stores at fabulous prices. This is also a great place to find old games which offer a wealth of possibilities. Old books can be used to alter for a project in itself, the discarded pages can be used as backgrounds on your projects, and words or phrases can be cut out and used on the collage. Also look for jewelry and old watches which can be taken apart and broken electronics can produce amazing little embellishments as well. Check out the toy section for more finds and also look for sewing patterns, material, ribbon, craft supplies, keys, art prints, fasteners, cloth tape measures, the possibilities are endless. Do your treasure hunting when you have plenty of time to browse; make your way around the store once and then go back around the opposite direction for items you might have missed.

You’ve got mail! Your mailbox is like a tiny treasure chest and almost all mail can be used in your projects. Watch for colorful junk mail with large lettering that can be cut out, envelopes that can be reused, postage stamps and postmarks. Advertisements on heavy cardstock make great bases for your projects. Ask friends and family members to save things for you; just tell them what you’re looking for. The receptionist in my office at work saves envelopes and junk mail for me.

A visit to your home improvement store can also offer some amazing finds. Paint chips, flooring samples and paint brochures make great elements and while these are free for the taking, I usually just take a few at a time instead of grabbing handfuls. You know they will always be available so I get these as I need them. You can also ask for discontinued wallpaper books that would otherwise be thrown away. The wallpaper samples make great envelopes, backgrounds and cut outs.

Don’t forget to keep an open mind when you return home from a shopping trip. Examine the tags that come on clothing, the shopping bags, and even the receipts for possible usage. While you’re on the road stop at tourist information centers for wonderful brochures as well as maps.

Develop an organization method for all of your finds. A filing system with folders can be used for larger pieces of paper while a plastic drawer system or even ziplock bags can be used to sort your treasures by category or color. When you are running low on inspiration, sort through your stash for new ideas.
I hope that this gives you some ideas but I am sure you will find your favorite outlets as well. Before you throw anything away ask yourself, “Could I turn this into something interesting?”