Have Scraps? Try This!

If your paper scraps seem to multiply every time you sit down to craft, you’re not alone. Most of us have bins, baskets, or drawers filled with leftover pieces from card making, scrapbooking, mini albums, and journal projects.

The good news? Those scraps are far from wasted.

In fact, some of my favourite embellishments and creative elements start as nothing more than leftover bits of paper. With a few basic tools like punches, dies, and embossing folders, you can turn scraps into a personalized embellishment library that’s ready whenever inspiration strikes.

In today’s video, I’m sharing how I use paper scraps on cards. The same concepts can also be used for scrapbook layouts, creative journals, and mini albums.

Why I Love Creating with Scraps

This is what it might look like before I start.

When I have a little creative time but don’t necessarily want to start a full project, pulling out your scraps is the perfect solution.

Instead of staring at a pile of scraps wondering what to do with them, I can spend 20-30 minutes die cutting or creating pieces that will be ready to use later.

It’s a great way to:

• Reduce scrap pile overwhelm
• Stretch your crafting budget
• Make use of supplies you already own
• Build a stash of coordinating embellishments
• Get creative without committing to a large project

And best of all, those little pieces add up quickly!

Start with Punches & Dies

Punches are one of the easiest ways to use even the smallest scraps. Tiny leftover pieces can become: flowers; leaves; tags; labels; hearts or circles.

Dies are perfect for creating more detailed elements from scraps. Try cutting: frames; tabs; decorative labels; pockets; layering pieces or borders. One of my favourite things about dies is that they can transform even the most random scrap into something useful. If you’ve invested in dies over the years, this is a wonderful way to get even more value from them.

And after.

I like to start by choosing some coordinating papers from my scrap basket and a couple of punches or dies. Before long, I have a collection of shapes or elements ready for future projects.

Add Texture with Embossing Folders

Embossing folders can completely change the look of a simple scrap of cardstock. Textured scraps can be used for: card backgrounds; layered clusters; journal tuck spots and as decorative strips. Adding texture creates visual interest and helps make simple materials look intentional and finished.

Don’t have time to create a full project?

Create a Personal Embellishment Library

Rather than making embellishments for a specific project, consider creating a stash of ready-to-use pieces. Store them in: small envelopes; photo storage boxes; a pretty basket or plastic bin. Sort by theme, colour, or type so they’re easy to find later.

The next time you’re creating a card, scrapbook layout, journal page, or mini album, you’ll already have a collection of embellishments waiting for you.

Any of these ideas can be used in your journals as embellishments, tuck ins, pockets or covers.

Perfect for Creative Journals

One of the places I use these scrap-made embellishments most often is in my creative journals. Journals are the perfect home for: layered collage pieces; decorative tabs; journaling spots; tuck pockets; interactive elements and small die-cut accents. Because journals embrace creativity and experimentation, they’re a wonderful place to use mixed papers, textures, and styles.

Many of the scraps that might feel too small or random for other projects become beautiful additions to a journal page.

This Week’s Challenge

Choose one tool: a punch; a die or an embossing folder. Then spend just 20 minutes creating embellishments from your scraps. Don’t worry about making a finished project. Focus on building your stash and exploring creative possibilities. You might be surprised at how much inspiration is hiding in that scrap bin. After all, your craft room is already full of possibilities—you just need to look at those scraps a little differently.

I’d love to hear how you use your paper scraps! Leave a comment below and share your favorite scrap-busting ideas.

Until next time,

Supply List

In addition to the scraps of book pages, music sheets, tissue paper and other papers from my scrap bin, I also used the following supplies from Stampin’ Up!