If you’re a paper crafter, chances are you have a drawer (or several!) filled with leftover patterned paper scraps you just can’t bring yourself to toss. I get it — those little pieces are too pretty to waste! Today, I’m sharing three simple card ideas to help you turn those scraps into beautiful handmade cards that are quick to make!
Using Different Size Pieces
Creating cards with paper scraps is like putting together a puzzle…you just need to get the pieces to fit! That’s how I view the challenge of creating with paper scraps. Often times I simply lay little scrap pieces of paper on my card front, rearranging them until they fit! This first card layout is a good example of that. Each piece on the card front is a different size.
The card sketch provides all the measurements for each piece of patterned paper. Start with an A2 size card base (4-1/4 x 5-1/2″ when closed). Mix and match different pieces of patterned paper to create the layout.
You can even modify the design a bit. The last card features the basic layout but I didn’t have a 1-1/2 x 4″ piece of the flower patterned paper so I improvised! The bottom flower pattern is 2-7/8 x 1-1/2.” the dark blue piece is 1 x 1-1/2.”
Scrappy Panel Cards
The next card layout features a great way to use up longer pieces of scrap papers. You can create a very simple 3 panel style layout. The card sketch provides all the measurements for each of the scrap pieces in this layout. All of the paper scraps are adhered to a 3-3/4 x 5″ piece of white cardstock.
The card base is A2 size. Choose one of the colors in the patterned paper to create the card base. My card bases are Secret Sea (top card), Lemon Lolly (Card 2) and Cloud Cover (Card3). The colored card base really draws out the pretty colors in the patterned paper.
Scrappy Quilt Style
The last simple card layout I have to share features a little quilt style card design. Simply cut squares or rectangle pieces which are the same size. For these cards, I am using a 3-1/2 x 4-1/2″ piece of white cardstock to adhere each rectangular patterned paper piece.
Feel free to mix and match the different paper patterns to create the card design. It a simple way to use smaller scrap pieces of patterned paper. I love the simplicity of the design too.
Video Tutorial
Using up paper scraps doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With a little creativity, those bits and pieces can become something truly beautiful — and there’s nothing more satisfying than turning “trash” into treasure. I put together a video earlier this year which takes you through my creative process for using up paper scraps. You can check out HERE.
I hope these card ideas have inspired you to pull out your scrap papers and create! Be sure to watch the replay of the video to see the creation of these cards in action. Have a fun and creative day! ~ Lynn
Thank you for sharing your creativity and most of all including how to cut card stock. I need all of the help I can get.
You’re welcome! Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. Enjoy!
Thank you for the wonderful dsp scrap cards! <3
You’re welcome! Have fun with these ideas!
I appreciate all your beautiful cards. This is some wonderful ideas that you are sharing with us. So very helpful to have ideas for using the DSP. Thank you.
Thanks so much! Have fun creating with these ideas!
Such great layouts for scraps! Thanks for the inspiration!
You’re welcome! Have fun with these layouts!
Lynn, thank you soooo much for these wonderful scrap tutorials!
You’re welcome!
Thanks for sharing… always great cards and layouts… 🙂
Thank you so much for all the cards you create. I love this one because I have so many scraps and these are not difficult to create. I enjoy you sharing these on your newsletter so I can print them out and follow along. Anita Collins
Oh my goodness!! What a collection of great cards. Thank you so much for sharing.