6 GENIUS Hacks You MUST See for Saving Money on Craft Supplies!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Register for the Summer Craft Break Live Event here: marypolanco.thrivecart.com/summer-craft-break-with-mary-polanco/ Get a signed copy of AJ’s book “The Amazing Brown Bag” here with free shipping to the 48 US States: www.etsy.com/listing/1490573919/the-amazing-brown-bag-comic-book-and?click_key=62bc56f19c6917a7cf3f6b7cb0814f4a578acdc4%3A1490573919&click_sum=db4a0971&ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1

[@Ddbehn]

Empty tissue boxes are a great source of patterned lightweight chipboard for die cutting. I have made some beautiful tags and embellishments from them.

[@marypolancodesigns]

GREAT idea!

[@barbborja1910]

You know how you can get “second hand embarrassment” watching videos? Well I have second hand PRIDE for your amazing sponsor, A.J.! The amount of courage it takes to put your creations out into the world is huge. And I love that his book encourages others to create for themselves. Whatever your form of creative outlet (paper crafting, writing books, illustration, music, theater), it takes courage to share it with others in a time where people feel entitled to demean others on social media. I truly hope that our society can move past this awful trend and realize that encouraging each other creates a happier society. (stepping of my soapbox now)

[@irishk.1041]

Oh no! STAY on that soapbox Barb!! Good show!!! Society has lost the "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". More of us need to stand up on a soap box and take our society BACK again. Go girl :)

[@traceyallen8286]

@@irishk.1041 Absolutely! My personal favourite "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all!"

[@paulineburns8446]

I agree wholeheartedly

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much for this! This thread right here on this little video shows us that we can move past it. All of you are encouraging and thoughtful. It's why I choose to give my energy here and not to the negativity of the world. Thank you so much for this!

[@connieacree4006]

If more people would stand up, our world would not be in the mess it is in.❤

[@debbie2837]

I save the clear hard plastic from frozen pie lids & diecut out wings for dragonflies/butterflies/bees. Then layer them above the paper diecut butterfly…wing. This gives mev a moveable wing that shows thro to the paper one.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Wow beautiful idea! I bet you can put alcohol inks on them too since they are non porous

[@JoolsVoiceOver]

AJ you are a star :0) x Oh and if you ever want an audible version I am putting my hat in the ring to narrate it xx

[@marypolancodesigns]

He says thank you so Much!

[@marypolancodesigns]

He loves the idea Of an audiobook thank you. Lol

[@kcinca5410]

I use my stamp packaging to put my finished cards in before I mail them if the weather is going to be iffy. This winter & spring we had what seemed like constant rain and I was able to mail my card without worrying what would happen if they got soaked. Most of the packaging is a perfect size AND doesn't add to the cost to mail.

[@marypolancodesigns]

That is so so smart! YES!

[@lorraine8037]

Brilliant! It probably helps with protecting the envelope if the card has embellishments.

[@maxinee1267]

Tell A. J. so well done, I hope he sells out of all the books printed. Also I save my strips from all my punches, the negative parts and I glue these strips around the top of my brown bag and sometimes around the bottom and then I use balloon punches to add to the center. and I stamp Happy Birthday, sometimes I have a name I put on it and I use up scraps of ribbon to make curly cues that hand down from the strips on top. they are very festive and fun, I am using my scraps and supplies to make my own gift bags. Sometimes during the summer months If i go on a walk I may hide a gift bag I decorated a tiny one, with a uplifting note in it, a sticker or two, a brochure of Fathers love, and something a person could eat like a small can of baked beans and a fork and i hand those out to the homeless who are begging. I call those balm bags. because they might have lip balm, to protect from the sun, a single bag of popcorn, they can use the microwave at 7.11, a prayer, a list of shelters in the area, a message that says they are enough to overcome any and all obstacles in there life. I don't know it it helps or not it just makes me feel better to have something worthwhile in the car.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you for sharing all this it's super helpful

[@yelena86]

Your son AJ is absolutely brilliant, being a published author and illustrator is an achievement not many of us can attain and yet he’s done it, smashed it out of the park! You must be so so proud. Excellent job young man. Thanks Mary and AJ 👍✌️🙏❤️✨

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh you are so so kind, thank you for this!

[@jesseb5112]

When I am gluing intricate die cuts, I do it over Amazon bubble envelopes. You know the bubble wrap ish stuff that you can't pop. I wipe the excess off until it stays mucky. I then flip over and or use other parts of it before I toss it. When I am inking intricate die cuts (en masse), I do it over scrap paper or junk mail and usually turn those papers into backgrounds or journal pages. If they become journal pages, I glue white paper down to write on. My special needs daughter loves painting tattered floral die cuts. I use cereal boxes or similarly thin cardboard.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great tips here thank you!!!

[@bethroundell8424]

I'm inspired to recycle a repeat container. I'll repeat your black storage tub.

[@marypolancodesigns]

That's so awesome to hear! thanks for sharing that with me.

[@beckysorenson5527]

I use bubble wrap from packaging to paint with. Simply put the paint on the bubble wrap and smoosh it on your paper.

[@marypolancodesigns]

LOVE such a fun idea, thank you

[@gaylemcalexander8076]

Hi Mary. I recently found your channel and have been enjoying them and learning a LOT! I have been saving my clear packaging as well and use them to store my extra die cuts, and store them with the stamp set. That way the next time I need a flower or leaf or whatever, I usually have already die cut it.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Perfect plan! LOVE THAT

[@LauraJastrzemski-qp2zo]

The left behind film from heat transfer vinyl is called the “carrier”

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you!

[@madeatbentwood]

Clothing packaging! I am terrible for cutting all the little ribbons off tops an dresses that are put there to hang them, the spare buttons, the mini safety pins/gourd pins used on tags, some tags even have twine, some tags themselves are cool enough for use in various paper crafts. All have found their way into my crafting.

[@marypolancodesigns]

SUCH great ideas here thank you so so much

[@jelee5240]

Me too, I do all of those, glad I'm not alone!

[@joyjournal6157]

I did "gelli" printing with an old hot water bottle cut in half!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Well now I need to see this in a video. Do you have a demonstration you can point me to

[@joyjournal6157]

@@marypolancodesigns I've never seen anyone else use a hot water bottle for this. Maybe this will be my first video on my Instagram? 😄

[@bonniemcclure7999]

Great tips, love the guest and the inspiration he adds. I use essential oil of lemon to remove glue. A couple drops direct on area and rub then clean with soapy water. Really any citrus essential oil works.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Amazing idea, thank you so much for that.

[@aufan7134]

So very precious, and shows he’s been taught to preserve our Earth. Thank you Mary😊😊

[@marypolancodesigns]

He's just the best! thank you so much

[@vectra2k1]

I love your son's book. And his encouragement of other writers and artists. He's amazing!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so so much for this!

[@AmarasGifts]

OMG! I remember you mentioned this project at the “SLAY” event. How exciting, your son’s first comic book! I can’t imagine how proud of him you are! Congratulations AJ!!! Great Job!n Awesome tips, Mary! I am going to implement them ASAP. Tamara

[@marypolancodesigns]

TAMARA!!!! Hiyeeeee....I hope you are doing so well! Yes, we finally got it out to the world. YAY!

[@greendancingshoes]

As always, great ideas here. Thank you!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Glad you like them! YAY thanks for letting me know.

[@bethroundell8424]

Love your illustrated comic book. Our son used to use calendar pages for illustrated stories. One and 2 year planner calendars are great sources of block grid.

[@marypolancodesigns]

That's a great idea!

[@PaperSquirrelsCardDesigns]

Instead of buying organizers I clean off used glass jars from pasta, fruit, etc--you get a lot of unique shapes. Also I use baskets from various old decor/crafts/gift baskets. Misfit paper plates (like 2 left over from a bday) make on-use paint palettes. Love your ideas!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much for this Jessica; stellar ideas!

[@lynnbitter494]

If I have an intricate die, I will often put a layer of the plastic packaging between the paper and die to get a better release. Sometimes the plastic stays on the die and this allows for multiple uses. 😉Thanks for the crafty tips!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Huh...I NEVER tried that. Off to experiment! THank you!

[@Pebblesmas]

Thx!!!!

[@caroleanderson1106]

Great video, Mary. Your hacks are just the best! So fun to have your sponsor talk about his new book. Congrats to him and you as well. Thank you and take care!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank yo for this Carole! I'm so glad it was helpful.

[@CraftyAliConfessions]

Love all your crafty hacks Mary! Your the best! Xx

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much!

[@amymullins1566]

You’re right, it’s Transfer tape & you’re a freaking GENIUS! Love this video!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Awww YAY what a compliment thank you so so much!

[@beckykent6674]

I love your channel! I'm frugal too and love your ideas! I use Goof Off to get gooey stickers off! Sometimes even finger nail polish remover. Thanks for your ideas and your silliness!!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great idea, thanks so much Becky!

[@greendancingshoes]

What a great book, AJ!!! You are an amazing, creative guy. Love your drawings, love the story. Good for you!! 💖

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much 😀 He's over the moon about the book!

[@DanaJoy]

I adore your special guest today. Way to go AJ!!! So proud of you! And thanks Mom for the tips! ❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

DANA!!!! Oh yay thank you so so much. I appreciate you!

[@tjyb1502]

Shaker packs with a chip sealer and plastic packaging !!!! BRILLIANT! thank you for that!! And great job A.J.!

[@marypolancodesigns]

So glad that was helpful! YAY

[@edithritchison9963]

A couple of years ago I ordered a new mat for my SNC125e, but I ordered the wrong one. Now it's home is under my Big Shot Express. I've thought of either just trashing it or donating it but nothing gets done. I also don't like spending money I don't have on things that I can actually do without, like sticky mats. Thank you so much for letting me know that I can re-use this mat in my stamp platform. I have a lot of cards to make and this will be such a big help.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh this is so awesome to read! YAY! I'm so glad it was helpful. You were just waiting for the right idea. :)

[@MsAliemm]

Edith, if it is hard to get your card panel off of the mat because it's a bit too sticky, make sure to bend the mat back, otherwise your cardstock panel will be very warped. Hint: grab each side of your mat in one hand making it bend into a shape like the top of a paperclip. You prob already realised what to do with it but I had to visually see it on another channel to get what they meant lol.

[@artcreationsbydar]

Love the comics book! What a wonderful imagination but very true in the concept. Brown bags versus the plastic bag! Brilliant!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hahaha we recycle but don't talk about it all the time so it was just funny that this stuck. lol

[@irishk.1041]

Wondering if we could put some micro powders into a water pen? I get the cheap tiny sprayer bottles from the miniature section at Walmart. I add those powders with water - shake them good and mist onto cards and then seal with hairspray so they don't rub off. So, wondering if this would work with water in those pens too. I don't have a pen - but maybe???

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oooh great idea: i'll have to try. Also, if you add something called Gum Arabic (it's a powder) you won't need the hairspray because it makes the mica a bonding agent to make it basically just like Perfect Pearls.

[@irishk.1041]

@@marypolancodesigns Awesome! Yes, I remember you teaching about the Gum Arabic. Have used that when painting with a brush etc. - will try that in a spray bottle too. thanks!

[@mamapillow8365]

@@marypolancodesigns I used distilled water, watercolor pigment powder, a tiny bit of mica powder and a little bit of glycerin (because I couldn't find the gum arabic) in my brush pen and it worked. I also added some water soluble ink to make it a little darker. I just have to shake it before I use it, because the mica settles at the bottom.

[@VictoriaMarieScraps]

Way to go AJ! What an awesome book! And great tips Mary, as per usual!

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY thanks so much Victoria!

[@susancooper6566]

A J has a career as a graphic designer calling him! What a wonderful sponsor!!!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh thank you so much, he was thrilled to read that!

[@lauramay5915]

Carrier sheet

[@Peggy2316]

You’re brilliant Mary!! I love your hack videos and of course your other videos too!! Your Son is amazing!! Congratulations AJ on your book!! 📖

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh thank you for such an encouraging comment. I appreciate you so much

[@reginabasart5080]

Like mother, like son, what a creative boy, how sweet. I’m frugal too, specially now with the crafting supplies triple in price. T4s

[@marypolancodesigns]

They do seem A bit pricey huh. I think I have enough to last me awhile. L o l

[@marisah5724]

Great ideas! You can add pebbles or marbles into the plastic jar to give it weight, too :)

[@marypolancodesigns]

GREAT Idea thank you for sharing this!

[@mydirtylittlehands4389]

I was going to say that lol. I used shells in my clear jar.

[@alldaymusiclover107]

Congratulations to your talented son, A.J. I hope he pursues his creative gifts. What a great mind!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much, he's so creative! I love that he just leans in

[@kcinca5410]

I use the lids from my prescriptions as paint pallets/brush cleaners. I don't have to worry if I forget to clean up and the writing on the inside of the lid has just enough roughness to gently clean my brushes.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much for this!

[@TraciBrennan]

The hint about the package sealer is brilliant! I'm moving mine out of the kitchen to my craft room right now.

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY So happy that was helpful. thank you!

[@peggyfitzmaurice4100]

I ordered AJ book as a gift for my grandson. AJ did a fabulous job👏👏👏

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so so much; he is over the moon!

[@shugsbug]

Wow wow wow What a great young lad, absolutely fabulous what he has done. Well done AJ. Love your channel Mary, thanks for sharing x

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much, that's so encouraging

[@gayle1055]

Hi Mary, awesome sponsor. For 10 yrs old he is really good using his brain. Great video as usual.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much for this!

[@c.r.mcleod8959]

Love this video 🙂 I use the Pringles containers to use for putting items in, the small ones are a great size & with with the large ones I've cut it in half and glued the lid to the bottom so I have 2 containers. Any round cardboard containers should work, the Pringles ones are thick and sturdy. A great way to get rid of sticky residue off of stuff, including price tags etc from books etc is Eucalyptus Oil. Put some on a cotton ball or cloth and go for it. 🙂💚🇦🇺

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great idea!! THank you so much for that tip! YAY

[@mkmousej6745]

WTG AJ! Good luck with your first book. I use coconut oil to remove sticky stuff and you might want to throw some marble or pennies in your cute new utensil holder for some weighted support. Fun video. ty.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I'm seeing a trend with oily things working. I am definitely trying this! Thank you so much!

[@traceyallen8286]

Great message and very entertaining AJ! The backing (release paper) from lots of adhesive products makes great release paper for intricate dies (and sometimes you get a useable bonus die cut). The thin foam that we often get in packages (I'm in Australia) is also really good it you need just a little bit more pressure in your in your Big Shot because it squashes as it goes through the machine - that tip came from Natasha Foote a NZ youtuber. This is pretty obvious, but the 'leftovers' from die cutting can make great masks/ stencils before they get tossed. Great tip about the heat tool Mary - those top lips of plastic containers can be sharp!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Nothing is ever too obvious. We have newer crafters joining us all the time so thank you so much for sharing all these ideas. You're the best!

[@lauraingersoll981]

Another thing you can use the release paper for is to squeeze out Nuvo drops. Let them dry and they pop off really easily for use on a card.

[@debt.8971]

Some great ideas. And I love your sponsor! AJ has some real talent!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so so much!

[@missychan63]

I use an old parmesan shaker bottle for my glue sticks... They fit the holes perfectly so when I need one I can just shake it out. The shaking it out is just a fun bonus, lol - I started using it because it was the perfect size.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh wow what a fun share! Thank you for this

[@gailspence]

Congratulations to AJ! BIG accomplishment for a 10 year old, heck, for anybody at any age. Gail from Southern MD

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so so much Gail!

[@nancyallin525]

Great ideas! I’m always looking for ways to reuse/repurpose items that would end up in the trash. I use the plastic containers used for frozen chicken to store die cut pieces. They stack very nicely. Just went and ordered AJ’s book for a student I tutor (he loves creating comics, so I know he’ll love it)❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh that's so sweet thank you so much!

[@kirriesummers5219]

I am impressed and delightedly blown away seeing your son's comic book. I wish him well on this incredible journey. I love when you share hacks and all the $ saving ideas. I'm going to try the glitter pen idea. I have already tried adding alcohol to make the glitter in the pen last longer. Whatever I did was not correct; it didn't work at all. So I'm loving your hack to make my Wink of Stella pens actually work. 🌹🌹🇨🇦❤️🌹

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh so happy this was helfpul; thank you so much for the sweet comment about AJ's book. He's so excited!

[@wendypeters1528]

Great ideas 👍🏻. What a bonus to see AJ’s new book! It’s a great book and I admire his creativity 👏🏻.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so so much; he's so proud of it

[@JoanOrloffDK]

Fantastic hacks Mary 🥰 I love your creativity and hacks. Congratulations AJ on your awesome comic book YAY ❤️ thanks for sharing your creativity Hugs xx

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh thanks Joan! I appreciate this so much

[@gaylemcalexander8076]

I am also VERY impressed with your son AJ’s book. Great job AJ! Keep up the good work and keep being creative!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much! That's so kind!

[@user-DonsWoman]

_His book is adorable_ 🥰 I don't use inks or foil or die cuts or embossing or stamps. However I do recycle my frozen dinner boxes, bread sacks, postage junk mail, soda [zero 7up box has cute bubbles] very versatile!, as well as other food labels... I also love the mario/ italian character on top of the potato chip cans.... So so cute!! ~ I love shaker cards!!! I was going to use wrappers (from sliced cheese) but started saving the packing from #DollarTree hauls instead 🎉 I have tons LoL *So much plastic so little time 😂 I've been watching scrapbooking vids to get ideas for future projects .. love using legal envelopes turned inside out to use as a background to b'day card .. cute. I plan on trying to do shaker cards out of a few envelopes. I use packaging craft paper too In a delivery got a box of coragated triangles... I used several underneath sentiments for thanksgiving cards 🎉 I've found tons of bkgrounds & thoughtful words on many junk items. Just cut & glue. Plus have tons of stickers, confetti, sequins, washi tape, & scrap cardstock pks from $tree posted Dec 26.2024

[@LynnMLeBel]

Lynn Le Bel AJ's book is a great idea! Good for him to have such initiative!! Good luck with the sales A J

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so so much, he's so excited about it.

[@ChristineYardley-u7u]

Great tutorial/ ideas thank you. Love AJs comic & his ideas! Very inventive! What a clever imaginative mind he has well done! AJ & good luck for your Creative future! 🙌👏👏👏

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much for this!

[@ChristineYardley-u7u]

♥

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

How adorable! Your family is so cool!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you!! 😊

[@lindabozeman2499]

Love seeing AJ’s book, thinking of buying an autographed one for my grand daughter’s month birthday. She is very artsy also.

[@marypolancodesigns]

He would be so thrilled! :)

[@barbaracarson9636]

Great ideas, thanks so much. I also love❤ A Js creativity also. He gets it from his MOM 😊 , BARB FROM ANAHEIM, CA

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much for this sweet comment!

[@t.edwards4491]

Awesome job A.J.!!!!! 👏👏👏👏

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks!! YAY!

[@alanbirkner1958]

Dollar Tree foam rollers are great for stamping and mark making. I also use dried up markers and empty glue sticks. Tina, Al's wife

[@marypolancodesigns]

WOW great ideas! YES! Thank you for sharing this

[@minikraut]

You are the first person I ever saw who didn't throw out that sealing device straight away ... I certainly did and now I realize it was probably not good for the kind of bag I used it on (freezer bag), but would've been brill for those cellophane bags. Well, I will not buy another one 😉but definitely make little shaker bags instead of trying to get the right amount inside the foam taped-area! Thanks for that!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh really? Yeah maybe it's because I don't use it for its intended purpose. They should rebrand. lol

[@jeannethompson5564]

I just noticed my spectrum noir sparkle pen was empty!! So happy to hear I may be able to get a little more use out of it! Thanks!!! ❤️🤓

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yay you are most welcome i'm glad that it can be helpful.

[@marydoherty6859]

Fabulous job, AJ! My daughter's Senior Prom is the 17th so I will miss your event, I'm sure you all will have a great time. Keep being Awesome :)

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh yay for Prom! Tell her to have the best day ever.

[@vmiller735]

I refresh my mat after cleaning if it isn't sticky any more by taping off the borders with painter's tape. Then I take it outside in a box and lightly spray about a foot above with repositionable spray glue. I wait until it dries (just a few minutes) and test the stickiness. If I miss a spot or it needs more, then I lightly spray again. If I spray too much, then I take my hands and go all over the mat to remove some of the sticky. I have my original mats and they're over 10 years old. Still working. I had one that cut through the mat a little so I used packing tape on the back and it still works. I bought small sticky mats from Dollar Tree that are perfect for a stamping apparatus. I use my older mats to hold cardstock pieces so I can watercolor them or stencil them with paste or glitter glue or my homemade pastes that I color and/or add glitter to. I love the shaker pouches as they're flatter so if you need to mail them, they're not bulky and go through the mail without issues. I don't have the sealer but use double sided adhesive which also works. I also use the packaging for windows on cards.

[@marypolancodesigns]

What a money saver, thank you for the tip!

[@debiwaleski1797]

Yes, AJ's illustrations are wonderful!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh thank you so so much!

[@lauramartin7300]

GREAT JOB AJ. It's nice to see a young mind at work. And a proud mom you should be. Love your ideas. I'm Always saving things. Junk as my boys or husband has said. I'm starting to do better,cause I'm running out of room. I have used hand sanitizer on labels too. It has alcohol in it. Thanks for sharing.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh hand sanitizer on labels that's such a great idea. Thanks so much for sharing this

[@user-DonsWoman]

disinfectant wipes tooo

[@nancyglaspie6735]

Cool ideas. AJ you are amazing! Keep it up!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh he says thank you and he is feeling so encouraged. YAY

[@artcreationsbydar]

Well holy moly! Using the sticky part in the Misti is brilliant! Amazing hack and I never thought of this ever! I am using my old ones for this, they are still sticking but they just aren’t pretty anymore! Lol

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY! So glad it was helpful; thank you for letting me know.

[@lornaassmus9189]

Great job AJ! Love your comic, what a great idea to add the open pages at the end! Thanks for the tips, Mary

[@marypolancodesigns]

He said thank you so much! YAY

[@mamapillow8365]

Wow AJ! Very cool comic, congrats.

[@marypolancodesigns]

he says thank you so much! YAY

[@ABJILL033]

The shaker hack with the waste plastic wrapper, if you add some gel to the pouch too it makes a great squishy shaker. The gel can be any transparent body or hair product, just ensure you have a good seal. Another great tips video, thanks Mary ❤️❤️👏👏🇬🇧

[@marypolancodesigns]

What An awesome idea! Thank you so much for sharing this

[@jesseb5112]

Congratulations AJ!!!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

He says thank you so much!

[@beckypilcher688]

Congratulations AJ on your wonderful book. I would love to purchase an autographed copy of yours but at this time I can not afford it. I have 10 grandchildren and I know that it would be a great inspiration to them. You should be very proud of yourself. I am sure your mom is.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much for the sweet words of encouragement. Big hugs

[@pineapplepapercrafts]

I save a lot of my plastic packaging. I need one of those hand held sealers Also save cardboard and use instead of foam tape. It definitely is a money saver. And you can die cut the cardboard to make it fit perfect behind your Embellishments 😊

[@marypolancodesigns]

Same I love my hand sealer for shakers.

[@Lizaxoxo3]

I’m so glad I’m not the only on that reuses things , the bags I repurpose but I never thought about the cricut Matt’s or the other sticky paper great idea and the glitter pin love it . Thank you

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@donnapalmer1727]

This video popped up on my home page; so I thought I’d have a look. Loved your ideas but loved AJ’s book even more!! My grandson is almost 8 and I will be helping with his home schooling. Him and I will be tackling science, arts & crafts, along with other subjects as my daughter and I come up with. Thanks for the inspiration and ideas!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY I'm so glad you joined me here. Thank you for the sweet and kind encouragement.

[@juliecurtis9517]

Such a cute book!great job AJ!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you 🤗 He's so proud of it!

[@mariafernandez6537]

What great tips! I never thought to use the Cricut mats to hold down paper/stencil. Great idea especially if it is a bigger area. (to restick an unsticky mat: I use Alenes' tack it over and over glue. I've also used quilt spray glue) Love the glitter pen idea! All great! TFS

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh great to know thank you for this!

[@maryjoprice9845]

AJ, you are amazing!! Thanks for sharing your talent with us!!❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so so much for this!

[@juliecurtis9517]

I use everything that has texture to it and use it on my gelli prints...cardboard, 1st aid gauze, ribbon, bubble wrap, old widow screen, sink mat...everything! Lol

[@marypolancodesigns]

So clever, I can't wait to play with my gel plate more.

[@judipalumbo]

Way to go AJ!!!!!! Nice job, great story line!

[@marypolancodesigns]

He said thank you so so much!

[@cindyn3383]

What an amazing book AJ!

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY he said thank you! So proud of him. He's working on Vol 2 now

[@cindyn3383]

That’s awesome!!!

[@marianhopley7601]

what a lovely idea AJ! Well done. I think your illustrations are awesome

[@marypolancodesigns]

He says thank you so so much

[@cardsbycolie]

You are such an inspiration, your son really showed his heart and soul and it was beautiful. Good for him for taking a risk at such a young age. Shows great character! Love you tips and I do most of them myself😊 Great minds think alike, TFS💜🎨

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much! That is so encouraging, Nicole! You're the best!

[@AlysonGold]

I loved this video. I'm a sucker for a good, strong box or container. I hate throwing them away but have trouble trying to figure out what to do with them. My dog's joint supplements come in containers similar to the black one you have and I've been trying to figure out something creative to do with them. I thought about stacking them, like you said, for markers, but haven't tried it yet. Keep those brilliant ideas coming! 😁💙

[@marypolancodesigns]

BOXES....yes I have such issues with them as well. I've seen some videos where they wrap them in fabric and use for storage. kind of cool

[@MsAliemm]

@Alyson Gold..I'm Alison from Melb Australia! Not sure what kind of markers you have but those black containers Mary had are great for markers! You could cover them with design paper (or make some backgrounds yourself and use those!), for that 'uneven' top you could wrap twine, cording or ribbon as Mary said Then stick them together using hot glue. I might do this for a big set of water based markers I have...they came in a hard plastic case but because they are dual ended standing the case upright leaves one end dry, laying it flat takes more room and is awkward with the flap open. I think I'll do this and have one or two colours per container.

[@AlysonGold]

@@MsAliemm Hi Alison :) One of these days I'll get around to doing it. I have so many of them. I'm glad to know that hot glue will help them stick together, thanks!

[@NancyH25]

I have the same problem with getting rid of well made boxes! My son thinks I’m bonkers…lol

[@judytracy5231]

AJ. Your truly an artist. Keep it up

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh thank you for this! He loves the encouragement.

[@michellerowe64]

Way to go AJ your the best kid ever!!!!!!!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Awww that's so kind, he says thank you!

[@geminidream4347]

There is an addictive brown bag repurpose on how to turn them into pouches he could add to his book if he needs more ideas. So easy and so useful. You've taught him environmentally well I see as he made the plastic bag a bad guy. Wat to go AJ!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hahah...sure did! He's hilarious. lol

[@kawanalee2300]

Awesome I love it….. proud of you young man…

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh thank you so much for this!

[@judipalumbo]

STICKY VINYL for the black round tub. Ahhh chip bag sealers on Temu, that is where mine is from.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great ideas thank you!

[@kerriegood1046]

Fun video- so happy to see you often. Glad to be reminded about AJ's book. I put one in my cart to order for a nephew. Happy Memorial Day Weekend.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much! YAY! he will be so excited!

[@renehamilton8865]

Way to go AJ (and Mama too)!

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY! Thank you so so much

[@mariafernandez6537]

AJ's book is wonderful!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so so much!

[@deballen7031]

Hi. Hat's off to A.J., he's put into practice behat I've been procrastinating over for over four decades now! 😃 I jave one of those little bag seal gadgets and I completely forgot that making shaker pouches was my reason for purchasing it in the first place due to the ridiculous amount of packaging that I can't seem to let go of.😂 I also keep cardboard boxes, tubes and plastic tubs for storage and other handy uses. My husband is less than pleased about it and it seems to upset him less if he doesn't actually bsee me retrieving items from the recycling bag.🤭 Thank you for sharing your great video, I love your tips and tricks and look forward to seeing more. Have a lovely weekend.😊

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so very much! for this. Yes he inspires me daily with his ability to just DO IT! Great additional tips here, thank you!

[@mariaelenanorman9861]

I use Zig 2 way glue pen to reconditioned my cricut mat. AJ you're very clever and creative.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great reminder about the Zig; AJ says thank you very much!

[@rebecarod1475]

That's so awesome! Amazing creation.

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY thank you for this