Creative Ways to Use
Your Paper Scraps

So you’ve been scrappin’ away to your heart’s content, but now you’ve got all these leftover paper scraps. What do you do with them? By all means, don’t throw them away! Get the most out of those bits and pieces with some of these ideas.

1. Make cards and gift tags! If you can, make them at the same time that you are doing your pages, since you’ve already got all of your supplies at hand. It will save you some time down the road. Don’t need a specific card right now? Make thank you notes – you’ll be more inclined to send them if you can just grab one out of the box. Who doesn’t appreciate a beautiful, handmade card?

2. Make mosaics! You can create frames, backgrounds, or even a one-of-a-kind “stained glass” element. These can be a great focal point for your page and can make some of your more expensive papers go a little further.
   
   
3. Use paper punches! Punches come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so they’re actually quite versatile. For example, using a heart shape for leaves and a small flower punch I was able to recreate my wedding bouquet. Glued it together on a piece of cardstock with a bit of ribbon and dash of glitter and - Voila! A custom element made from, essentially, leftovers. You can also make your own custom confetti for the next big bash you’ve got planned or use for “sprinkles” in your hand-made paper. Which brings me to my next thought…

4. Make your own paper! You’ll be able to make fantastic, one-of-a-kind paper that you would normally pay big bucks for at the craft store! Paper making is easier than you might think, and it’s a great activity to do with the kids. Check out my paper making tutorial to learn how you can start recycling your scraps.

5. Decoupage! Think “outside the album” and use your scraps and photos to create beautiful home décor accents. Decoupage keepsake boxes, clocks, lampshades – you name it – with the bits and pieces you have laying around. There’s no end to what you can come up with!

6. Make your own stickers! Draw, stamp, or cut out a design on a scrap, get some double-sided tape and adhere one side to the back of your piece, then peel off the backing and you’ve got your own instant sticker!

There is so much that you can do with your scraps that it just doesn’t make sense to throw them away! You’ll be amazed at all the new things you can create out of all those bits and pieces. So save some money and take your creativity to the next level!

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