Monday 2 March 2015

Making Do

I have a tendency to be parsimonious  (read cheap) and will make do with materials I have around the house rather than going out and buying the products recommended.

For instance, when I decided to try paper quilling I bought a book and watched a few Youtube videos - for everything else I made do!
 

Using ordinary copy paper and acrylic paint, I painted some paper to get some interesting colours.




I cut the paper into 1/8 inch strips using a ruler and an exacto knife.

Instead of buying a quilling tool, I use a darning needle or my fingers; I estimate sizes instead of using a quilling board.

I also "make do" while I am making cards (see this blog post - http://mellowoodgallery.blogspot.ca/2015/02/learning-and-adapting.html)
There are hundreds of items available for card making, scrapbooking and journaling but I only have a few so, once again, I make do. Instead of using stamps for the salutations for my cards, I use the computer to make up a bunch of different saying with different fonts and print them out on card stock.




I cut out the saying that works and attach it to the card, most often with mounting foam.

Many of my 'making do' creations may take me longer to do than they would if I had all of the right equipment but they have the advantage of being unique and completely my own. I think I feel more satisfaction this way than by using someone's else's designs, words and patterns. But, the bottom line is that I am enjoying myself and that is what counts the most!


8 comments:

  1. So smart, Val - I love trying new products, but there are so many on the market that one could go bankrupt in minutes. I'm all for using up what's on hand...reduce, reuse, recycle, upcycle and make do!

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    1. I know Win, it is amazing how much we could spend if we aren't careful. However, I also have the problem of wanting to try something 'right now' without waiting for material to be shipped because I sure won't find some of the things I want locally. Making do works for me a couple of levels so life is good!

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  2. Very cool, Val! There's a book called "Paper Mosaics" that you've inspired me to pull out. It has lots of beautiful projects, too. Thinking outside the box is a good place to be!

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    1. Hi Laurie, glad you enjoyed this post and that it has inspired you. I will have to look up 'Paper Mosaics'. Although I have a number of things I am working on this winter, I am always open for more experiences.

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  3. Very nice to see your blog Val! Beautiful work!

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  4. Thanks Morgan for your lovely compliment

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  5. That is dedication, to make our own supplies Val! I love that you made your own papers :) And your creations are that much more special, for all the effort you put into them :)

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    1. I like your comment of dedication better than the truth, Sheila. The truth is I am too impatient and cheap not to make my own supplies. I do enjoy the end result tho.

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