How to Make the Most of Your Paper Scraps

Hello crafty friends! We're going to ask a possibly scary question today - are you ready? How's your paper scrap stash looking? Is it a hot mess, or is it well organized? Kim Kesti recently shared an awesome T3 (that's Tools, Tips, and Techniques) video with us, and in this episode she's dealing with her SCRAPS. Let's take a look at three coordinating cards she made using cardstock and printed paper from her stash, plus her tips to create with your own scrappy stash.

Kim began her card set by choosing 3-5 colors of scraps, and these became the color palette for all of today's projects. Kim chose Bubble Gum, Cool Pool, Lemon Drop, Black Licorice and Whip Cream.

Kim let her scraps guide her, and first she created a striped card base because she had a lot of Lemon Drop strips in her stash from a previous project. (Watch the video below and learn her tip for trimming skinny strips on a paper trimmer!)

Do you have lots of small scraps that might otherwise go to waste? It's time to pull out paper punches. Even small scraps go a long way if you punch small shapes, and those shapes are perfect for fun details on cards. Punch out hearts, circles, tags and more and add them to a little bowl or bin. Then pull from those shapes when you're working on a project.

For Kim's second card, she layered butterfly dies and used the negative space to create cute butterfly antennas. In addition, for a fun detail she turned a die-cut shape into a tag, by punching a hole and adding twine. (Almost any shape can be a tag, right!?)

Flowers and tags are perfect elements to die-cut in advance and have on hand for all types of projects. Just add them to that scrap bowl or bin with the punched shapes you made. The last card of Kim's trio features a simple stamped sentiment and a bold white daisy. Using a limited color palette plus one type of embellishments keep these cards coordinated and perfect for a simple gift set.

Be sure to watch this great T3 video because Kim has more tips! You'll learn tips for using: your paper trimmer, the FSJ grid paper, and Journey Days stapler.

We know YOU have lots of tips and tricks for organizing your paper stash, and for using your scraps. Won't you share your tips with us?! Leave them here in the comments, and then take a picture of your scrap storage or the way you use your scraps and post it on Instagram. Be sure to use #funstampersjourney so we can share your colorful and creative ideas!