If you are a card maker, chances are you have mounds of leftover scrapbooking paper that you don’t want to throw away but can’t find a use for. Luckily, there are many great projects that let you turn that leftover scraps into some thing creative and beautiful, and working with each item of paper to the max helps you get your money’s worth. Start out by sorting your scraps into piles- keep big pieces (bigger than four inches by six inches) in one pile, medium pieces (less than four by six but larger than two inches by two in.) in another, and small items in a third. Then, grab a few supplies and get started!
1. Use big pieces to create ready-made mats and journaling. If the item is significantr than a four by six photograph, you can turn it into a ready-to-grab mat with just a few slices of your paper cutter. A journaling stamp or a pen and ruler used to make neat lines can turn other leftover scrapbooking paper into ideal journaling blocks or tags. You can trim the edges with ornamental scissors or a border punch to add a exclusive touch.
2. For medium and small size items, try creating patchwork accents for your next project. Adhere leftover Teresa Collins scrapbooking paper or any other brand paper to a item of cardstock (use items that you would otherwise throw away) or the firm cardboard packaging from paper packs. Create a patchwork impact, create a torn-edge mosaic look, or cut paper into 1/2 inch strips and adhere theme neatly to the paper, mixing with ribbon or ornamental tape if desired. Then, draw or trace a shape onto the back of the paper, and cut out the shape. Play with distinct color combinations and mix scraps to create different looks that you can then use on any layout.
3. Bring out the Mod-Podge. Scrapbooking paper is best for creating decoupage creations that are good as gifts or to keep for yourself. You can decoupage almost anything that is flat and suitable for gluing. Medium and small sized pieces, along with leftover stickers, trim, or any other tiny items can turn any plain item into a beautiful home decor item. Consider creating a decoupage frame for mother’s or father’s day, a cool pencil holder (from an old can with the edges carefully flattened), decorate a clock face, or turn a plain wood box into something special. The options are endless, and you can add extra pictures for a certainly individual touch.
4. Don’t forget about your punches! Smaller pieces that you would otherwise throw away can instantly turn into fun confetti if you take advantage of your punches or diecuts. Leftover scrapbookinging paper can be punched in fun shapes that you can scatter on furniture at your next social gathering, or you can simply save punched shapes for your next decorating project. This is an easy way to get another use out of your paper.
Of course, one tip that every paper crafter should know is that recycling is the best way to make sure that there is lots of scrapbook paper for the next generation! If you don’t have a home recycling services, simply find one in your community that you can access and then save your scraps that are too small to use in a paper grocery bag. When it is full, drop it off to be used again. Use your imagination, and you’ll find that leftover scrapbooking paper can be a good source of inspiration for your next invitations.
