Friday, March 15, 2013

Dollar Bins - Bargain or Bother?

I confess that I am attracted to those $1 Bins at the craft retailers near me like Michael's and JoAnn's and I'm guessing many of you are too. Lately (at least everywhere near me) they've started to become $1.50 and $2 bins and I've also noticed that I have a LOT of those 'bargins' sitting around and going unused. These cards were created with a pad of K&Co. tags. I think they are probably intended for journaling on scrapbook pages but I'm using them for cards.


This sentiment is part of a custom made rubber stamp set I had made for myself.

Now don't get me wrong, I think these turned out fairly nicely but when I sat down with the goal of using up some of that tag pad I found that I felt they limited my creativity. I'm not completely sure why, it might be due to their size as they take up a good part of an A2 size card  or that the colors and designs on them mean finding papers that work with them and that felt limiting too. I am going to keep this craft session in mind the next time I find myself scouring a $1 bin and try to remember that just because it's a good buy if it isn't something that I can see myself taking home and using right away it might be a good idea to leave it in the bin for someone who will.

Happy Crafting!
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9 comments:

Lynn said...

It is an interesting question. I know that I have bought quite a few of K&Co and Martha embellishments on clearance. They stuff is so yummy and hard to resist. Some of the items I have used right away and then others take a bit more thought. I like the brands and they do make nice cards. Where I live with limited access to LSS's or wonderful discount stores like Tuesday Morning I tend to keep an eye out for them. But I do agree that not all of the items in the packages are quickly used. The goal this year IS to use them. Your cards came out really nice and show that these "deals" are worth it.

Cherie said...

I'm picky about what I buy, even if it's in the dollar bin (or the $2 bin). The only things I've really found a use for is the rhinestones or sentiment stamps at Michaels. Even then, it takes a lot for me to buy it since I have so much already. But you did a wonderful job using those tags on your cards.

Linda said...

I have a thing for tags...so I adore your cards! WTG!!!

Lee Mae said...

Hi Paula, I too have some of those tag pads that I bought on clearance at Micheals. I've decided to use the ones I like the best and pitch the ones I can't get to work. The Penny Black blog just had a video by Jill Foster showcasing their tags (they make K&Co tags look a bit weak, lol). Jill used an embossing folder for the top two-thirds of her card and then stamped the bottom tone-on tone. Here's the link: http://stampinginspiredby.blogspot.com/2013/03/pb-video-tutorial_15.html
I thought I'd try her layout with embossing and using tone-on-tone papers for the bottom. Haven't tried it yet, but I think it will work.

Your cards turned out really well and I will be CASING! since I'm still in the same boat with you!

Another thought I had was if the attractive part - that cool flower/butterfly/whaterever cluster could be simply trimmed out to make a smaller sentiment label by using a Spellbinder. (Is this agony really worth it?)

Thanks for posing the question, because now I know I'm not alone!

Kathryn said...

I have no idea what to do with those tags, so I don't tend to buy them. I do get sucked in by the bling and stamps in those $1 bins. The bling gets used here and there and now that I have a decent variety of colors, I've slowed down buying it. Some of the $1 stamps I've bought are my favorites while others have only been stamped once or twice. Trying not to let the price suck me in is tough, but I've been on a "no frivolous spending" self-imposed restriction for a month or so and it's been easy to pass them up.

Ann said...

I love your cards with those K&Co tags. They turned out great!

Leslie Hanna said...

I have a bin of $1 Bin stuff, and I had to stop getting all the "bargains". I applaud you for using these tags. :) I have packages of K&Co tags I got a full price that I still haven't used. ;/

Cindy O said...

You did a good job with those tags! I've had the same experience when I'm just determined to use something or use it up, and it takes WAY too much effort to create something that I'm not that happy with. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it.

Jen M said...

I think you did a great job on these! The dollar/clearance bin question is a good one. I am a sucker for a "good deal" but if I don't need it, it usually sits around not being used. I really try (NOW, mind you) to avoid impulse buys and the "have a coupon have to use it" mentality. In the past year or so I've really gotten better at not buying as much STUFF and I find that I truly love what I do have... and if I don't, I have no problem selling/donating it. It's just stuff.

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