Art Journaling with Scraps

If you’ve been hanging around here lately, you already know that April is all about scraps—using them, loving them, and finally giving them the attention they deserve. And today, we’re taking those leftover bits of paper and turning them into something a little different… something a little more freeing.

Let’s talk about art journaling with scraps.

What is Art Journaling (and Why It’s Perfect for Scraps)

Art journaling is all about creative expression over perfection—a place where you combine color, texture, words, and imagery in whatever way feels right to you.

Unlike traditional card making or scrapbooking where you might follow layouts or design “rules,” art journaling invites you to play. There are no wrong moves here—just layers, experimentation, and storytelling.

And honestly? That makes it the perfect home for your scraps.

Because instead of trying to “make them fit” into a polished project, you get to: tear them; layer them; cover them up or completely transform them.

Why Scraps Shine in Art Journals

If you’ve ever struggled to use those oddly shaped pieces or tiny leftovers… this is your moment.

Art journaling thrives on:

• Layering bits and pieces together
• Mixing patterns, textures, and colours
• Using what you already have on hand

In fact, many art journal pages start exactly this way—with a simple collage of scraps glued down as a base layer.

From there, you can build. Try stamping, stenciling, journaling, doodles or adding embellishments.

It’s messy in the best possible way—and that’s what makes it so freeing.

From Scrap Pile to Storytelling

One of the things I love most about art journaling is how it blends beautifully with what we already do as paper crafters.

Think of it as:

• scrapbooking without the pressure of photos
• card making without the need for a finished design
• junk journaling’s creative cousin

In fact, junk journaling itself is rooted in using recycled and leftover materials—turning “junk into treasure” and capturing everyday life in a creative way.

And that’s exactly what we’re doing here.

Those scraps become backgrounds, texture, focal points or even hidden layers that peek through.

Every page becomes a little snapshot of your creativity in that moment.

A Simple Way to Get Started

If you’re new to art journaling, don’t overthink it (really!).

Start with:

1. A blank page (or even a leftover piece of card stock!)
2. A handful of scraps
3. Adhesive

Or find a challenge with prompts to inspire you. I love the Full Deck Challenge from Shanouki Art.

Then:

• Glue down your scraps randomly
• Overlap them
• Let things hang off the edges
• Add stamping, ink, or writing on top

Let’s Create Together

I’ve shared a process video walking you through exactly how I approach art journaling with scraps, so you can see it come together step-by-step.

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/gb8BDROPKew

This is such a great way to: use your stash; loosen up creatively and try something a little different this month

April is for Scraps (and Creative Freedom)

This month, we’re not letting anything go to waste.

We’re:

• revisiting our scrap bins
• reimagining leftovers
• and finding new ways to create with what we already have

Art journaling is just one of those ways—but it might be the one that gives you the most freedom. So grab those scraps, open a fresh page, and just start. You might be surprised what comes out of it.

Until next time,

Supply List

In addition to the supplies listed below, I used several retired Stampin’ Up! items, black Heidi Swapp Color Shine and Tim Holtz Ideaology phrase strips.