Crate Petite: Mini Recyclables - CP Gal Jeanette Lee

Hello! This is Jeanette, bringing you the last installment of the Crate Paper's Petite series. Have you ever wondered what true potential might be had from leftover scrapbook packaging? Often times, we admire the beautiful embellishments that come inside all that pretty packaging and leave it at that. We dispose of any excess and move on. I find this routine rather wasteful and so, I've been trying to recycle my packaging for future use. Hence, the purpose of today's post is to present ideas for revamping leftovers - 'Go small, aim high'!

I started with this mini shadow box - filled to the brim with laser-cut wood pieces, it was the perfect packaging choice. The box itself reminded me of the infamous 'shadow box' used for featuring photos and other little assemblies. I thought this smaller version 'shadow box' would be fabulous as a mini album for a special loved one.

I mounted the shadow box on a cardboard base with strong adhesive and from there, I measured the size of each square and adorned them with brightly colored patterned paper.

Each square measured almost 2" wide - I felt it important the details take center stage, including the hand-selected patterned papers. So, each square highlights one major embellishment and other small items such as buttons, jewels and phrases.

The finishing touches were placed on decorating the cover - this particular cover conveys the joy and delight of my niece who just turned three years old. I can imagine her petite hands admiring the contents inside the album.

Had you noticed the sequin pocket? The transparent piece used to create it was recycled from a scrapbook item, too. The sequin pocket is a surprise element of cuteness! I can't get enough of sequins!

I created another album similar to the previous one. From the looks of the theme and content, you might assume it's for a young boy - you're half right. This album is dedicated to my current favorite game app, Clash of Clans. I'm a game addict at heart. It's something that seems ironic considering how my scrapbook style differs from my actual personality, but it is very much me and embraces who I am as a person. Because the game is a part of my life, I felt it worth documenting.

I printed a saying of the game onto photo paper - and I stand by it firmly. I completed the album with embellishments that suit the 'video game' theme. One of my favorite techniques used was the placement embellishments on top the shadow box itself. It's a great way to generate more interest and depth while highlighting some elements more than others. Embellishments tend to come off "flat" inside a shadow box. It's important to break away from that monotony and give rise to 'layers'. It'll serve to heighten your piece.

After finishing the shadow box albums, I took recycled packaging another direction and tried applying it to a layout. These clear dimensional plastic covers are common sight in my scrapbook stash - it'd be a pity to not use them!

Using patterned paper and my collected covers, I arranged them in a grid-like pattern. Because the covers are bulky, I felt it best to compartmentalise them via two sections. This allowed each one to have it's own focus.

Embellishing each cover was a simple process - I envisioned them as memory keepsake pockets, or interactive shaker boxes. So, I tucked beneath them phrase labels and relevant embellishments. Thereafter, I attached them to the layout with washi tape.

When faced with a stash of discarded packages, consider giving them a second chance. With a little creativity, these items have infinite value and potential!