Something new from something old

I have been looking at ways of making my scrapbooking a bit different for me as I have been scrapbooking for over 8 years and I have been finding it a bit unexciting for a while. There are loads of new paper products coming out all the time, but I don't want to spend lots of money to keep my creative inspiration flowing. One thing I have decided to do is to limit the manufacturers I buy from. I have already found this really helpful. I have decided to stick with Cosmo Cricket, Echo Park, Prima, Sassafras Lass and Maya Road (with a bit of American Crafts - I love Thickers!). So even though Basic Grey has just released some fantastic new papers I am not tempted to buy.

I really enjoy taking part in online classes and I like learning from a variety of teachers to gain new perspectives. One class I am taking part in at the moment is called "Re-purpose, re-think, re-invent" with Jenni Bowlin at Big Picture Classes. Jenni has been giving us tips for using vintage materials in all sorts of ways and the class included a little pack of items to use during creative challenges. The layout at the top has been made using some vintage milk tops (along with Echo Park's "Summertime" range). I love this page!

The class has been leading me to look at things in a different light. We have had some kids birthdays in our house lately and some of the toys were wired into the packets with the plastic tags below. They look like robot parts to me! I added some wire spirals, beads and wobbly eyes (because everything looks great with wobbly eyes) on a birthday card for a little boy.

This class has also left me dreaming up a piece of wall art for our porch based on the cover for

an old fan. I have been making tips to our local recycling centre to try and find one in the "Small electricals" skip. After a few unsuccessful trips, I was very excited to find this a couple of days ago...