7 Project Ideas using Paper Scraps

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a growing pile of paper scraps that you just can’t throw away. Those little bits are full of potential—and this month (right before a new catalogue goes live) is the perfect time to give them the love they deserve! Instead of letting them sit unused, let’s turn those leftovers into beautiful, intentional elements in your card making, scrapbooking, and journaling projects.

Here are seven project ideas that make the most of your scraps.

The Process

When I sit down for a scrap busting session I will usually turn to a collection of papers first. For today’s projects I’m using the scraps I had leftover from the Beach Boardwalk DSP & Sticker Sheet from Stampin’ Up!. After choosing the paper, I go through my embellishments and ribbon scraps to find something that coordinates.

After collecting all my supplies, I begin with planning projects with the larger pieces like the first two cards below.

I’m including measurements for these cards but it’s not about using the exact same sizes. It’s more about the ideas. This first card uses a larger panel and then three punched shapes that are layered to create the focal point. I’ve used circles but they don’t have to be circles. Any shape will do.

Measurements:

• Thick Basic White: 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ scored at 4-1/4″
• DSP: 5-1/4″ x 4″ ; 2-3/8″ punched circle and two 2″ punched circles
• Vellum: 4-1/8″ x 2-7/8″
• White: scrap for greeting
• Twine: 8″
• Sequins: x3

For this second card, I have a larger piece and then a narrower piece. I’ve flagged both of them and layered them.

Measurements:

• Thick Basic White: 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ scored at 4-1/4″
• DSP: 3-1/2″ x 4-3/4″ and 1-3/4″ x 4-1/2″
• Basic White: scrap for greeting
• Ribbon: 10″
• Twine: 8″

Card Ideas using Strips

These next three card ideas use strips of pattern paper.

I share more details and make a few of the cards I’m sharing in this post, in this video.

Measurements:

• Fresh Freesia: 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ scored at 4-1/4″; 1/8″ x 6″ (x2)
• Basic White: 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″ and 3-3/4″ x 5″
• DSP: 1/4″ strips (x2); 1/2″ strips (x4); 5/8″ strips (x2) and scraps
• Ribbon: 5″
• Twine: 8″

You can also use larger scraps to cover your envelope flaps.

This is another great example of a card using those narrow strips you have. The strips can be any width. I’ve used 1/2″ and 5/8″ strips. To dress up the background a bit, I added a bit of stamping.

Measurements:

• Thick Basic White: 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ scored at 4-1/4″
• Fresh Freesia: 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″
• Basic White: 3-3/4″ x 5″
• DSP: 5 strips in any width
• Ribbon: 5″
• Twine: 8″

This is a great card idea to use up the leftover pieces from the previous two cards because the pieces are shorter.

Measurements:

• Thick Basic White: 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ scored at 4-1/4″
• Fresh Freesia: 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″
• Basic White: 3-3/4″ x 5″ embossed and scrap for greeting
• DSP: 5 strips in any width and fussy cut image
• Vellum: 2-3/8″ circle
• Twine: 20″

This next card uses squares of dsp. You can cut your squares in any size. I find that 1-1/4″ works well for a regular sized card.

Measurements:

• Thick Basic White: 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ scored at 4-1/4″
• Basic White: 3-3/4″ x 5″ embossed and scrap for greeting
• DSP: 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″ squares (x6) you can use three each of 2 patterns or 2 each of 3 patterns
• Ribbon: 5″
• Twine: 8″

Not Just Cards

All of these ideas can be used on scrapbook layouts, in journals and home decor projects. For the final project I created a little notebook.

I had a larger piece of pattern paper left and didn’t want to create any more cards so I folded it in half and created a little notepad.

Measurements:

• DSP: 3-1/2″ x 9″ scored at 4-1/2″; 2-3/8″ circle and a 2″ circle
• Paper for inside. I used strips of grid paper but you could use copy paper or any other type of paper you have around. I used 4 pieces measuring 3-1/4″ x 8-3/4″. I simply folded them in half and then stitched them in.
• Bubble Bath: 3″ x 4″ embossed
• Basic White: scrap for greeting
• Twine: 8″

Here’s a photo of some of the same cards done with different scraps.

You can see how a few of these cards come together using a different collection of scraps in the video linked below.

I hope this inspires you to dig into your scraps and create something wonderful!

Until next time,

PIN

Supply List

Click on any of the images below to shop my Canadian online store or to find out more about any of these items. In addition to these I used some retired ribbons and embellishments. And the Sending Salutations stamp set and Hydrangea Hue card stock both of which will be available beginning May 5th, 2026.