Saving Leftover Die Cut Images

We all do it…make a die cut that isn’t the right size or the right color to use on our project.  What do you do with those unused, unloved die cuts?  Well, I used to toss mine in the trash until I realized what a waste of my time, materials and money.

I have a solution for you to save those cuts and put them to good use ! Now I have a cute box (which just so happens to match the colors in my scrap studio) that I keep near my cutting station to toss those momentarily un-loved die cuts in for future use. Note: Don’t get too small a box or some of your larger cuts won’t fit plus you won’t have much room to dig around to explore what is in there to use.

So, now that I place to save them…what am I doing with them ?

• Use when I need to MAKE A FAST CARD…I almost always have a shape or two that can be added to a card base, stamp a greeting and waalaaah…a cute handmade card made from die cut left overs !
• Use when I want TO PRACTICE AN EMBELLISHMENT TECHNIQUE before I make the commitment to my actual die cut image…I can play with stamping, glittering, inking, doodling to my hearts content with the worry of having to ruining my project
• Use to JUMP START CREATIVITY when my granddaughter or friend drops by to play…they love having a few shapes to select from to help get them started
• Use to help PLAN OUT  A PROJECT. I can grab a couple of the die cut shapes and use as placeholders on a project I am designing…then once I get the design down I know approximately where I would place the images I select specifically for that design
• Use them as a MASK OR STENCIL when I use mist inks or paint on my projects

The list could go on and on but hopefully by now you are thinking of your own list of ides for using those cuts instead to throwing them away.

Just to inspire you… Here is a card I made out of un-related die cuts you probably spotted in my box. It took me less than 5 minutes to fold a piece of patterned paper to create a card base, adhere the phrase to front of cut shape, use a little faux pen stitching and embellish the flowers with some self adhsive gems to create this to give to a friend.  Who wouldn’t love to receive a cute handmade (in minutes) birthday card ? They don’t have to know it used to be unloved cuts…cause they are gonna love it.

Do you use or toss your unloved cuts?  Or did this post inspire you to save your previously un-loved die cut images for future use?   If not, why not, inquiring minds want to know. Leave a comment so we can see your thoughts on this.