Our big surprise is *almost* ready to be revealed...Monday can't get here soon enough! But today's hint is a VERY good one--almost TOO good...just look:

Oh, I know, you're probably wondering...what is {blueprints*}!? Only a few more squares...and all will be revealed! (It's worth the wait, I promise!)
For now, I get to share something else really awesome with you. Today we're taking a bit of a GREEN approach to scrapbooking with the help of the lovely Emma Trout.
Before I show you her layout, look at some of her ideas for using not just product, but the package as well:

These chipboard buttons can be found right
HERE on our website, but it's not just the button that comes in handy when creating a page. You can use these as a template to trace circles of various sizes or, look at how Emma used the package as a mask, spritzing mist over it to create a circle on the background of her page.

Do you have extra numbers and letters on your sheets of Storytellers? Don't pitch 'em, use em. Again, they make excellent masks when paired with mists or even paint.

The results are quite lovely...

These aren't the only ways Emma's gone green with this page.
- The scalloped shape at the top of the layout and the teal colored paper trim underneath the photo are from the front of a Webster's Pages collection pack insert.
- There are barcodes from product packaging (lower right-hand corner).
- Strips you'd normally cut off of a sheet of patterned paper.
- The words ‘All Aboard’ cut from the names of paper at bottom of each sheet.
- Our Journaling Cards can be used as trim or you can even cut the inside out to create a frame.
Next time you're looking for the perfect embellishment, get creative with what would normally end up in your trash can...you may be able to turn it into a gorgeous layout!
Great tips, Emma! As usual your work is stunning!:-)
Posted by: Emmy | March 30, 2012 at 03:03 AM
LOVE LOVE LOVE This! I have also used packaging and bar code strips but this is just amazing!
Posted by: Jean Marmo | March 30, 2012 at 07:20 AM
LOVE this....using packaging on a layout is such a great idea.
Posted by: Marilyn Nimmo | March 30, 2012 at 10:43 AM
you are one of a kind~love it!
Posted by: staceymichu | March 30, 2012 at 10:19 PM
I think the packaging is a great idea...never would have thought of using the bar code! Great ideas!
Crafty Hugs,
Pendra
Posted by: Pendra | March 31, 2012 at 04:11 PM
So in LOVE with Emma's fabulous style! Love the misting, stamping, doodling, layers and bits. Incredibly inspiring piece as always!
Posted by: Doris Widder | April 01, 2012 at 03:13 AM
Using packaging stretches creative muscles which end up giving me a project like no one else. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful layout and incredible use of so many things that normally end up in the garbage! WOW to Emma!
Posted by: Mary Werner | April 01, 2012 at 09:31 AM
Awesome layout! Wonderful ideas.
Posted by: Chris R | April 03, 2012 at 07:44 AM