How to Make the Most of Your Paper Scraps
on May 06, 2019

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!

Leave a comment

Your email will not be published. Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

2 comments

Vicki Kroll,

Great tips and tricks for using scraps and I plan on using them. So informative and creative. Thank you!

Andre M.,

Fab ideas to make great use of scraps.

Back to Blog
  • How to Make a Foiled Ornament Christmas Card

    BP-001

    How to Make a Foiled Ornament Christmas Card

    Looking for a festive Christmas card that combines hot foiling, stenciling, and letterpress techniques? This colorful holiday project features a softly shaded ornament, a pressed sentiment, layered arch panels, and shimmering gold snowflakes. The Tied With Cheer BetterPress plate and stencil set makes it easy to coordinate the ornament imagery and greeting, while the Winter Peace plate creates an elegant foiled background. In this step-by-step...

  • HOW TO USE PRESS PLATES WITH MULTIPLE INKS | CREATE YOUR WAY HOLIDAY, BPR-050, BPI-049, BPI-003

    BP-001

    How to Use Multiple Ink Colors with BetterPress Registration Plates

    Create a colorful Christmas card while learning how to apply multiple ink colors to BetterPress registration plates. In this detailed tutorial, you’ll use the Festive Evergreens Registration Press + Foil Plate & Die Set to press a holiday doorway scene in three colors, combining the built-in registration system with a simple masking technique. The registration template positions the coordinating plates so each layer aligns with...

  • How to Make a Colorful Foiled Butterfly Card with Glimmer II

    BP-351

    How to Make a Colorful Foiled Butterfly Card with Glimmer II

    Combine hot foiling, alcohol-marker coloring, ink blending, and dimensional shaping to create a colorful butterfly card that sparkles from every angle. In this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn how to foil detailed butterflies and a floral background with the Glimmer II Hot Foil System, add bold color, and shape the butterfly wings for a realistic raised effect. The Bright Butterflies and Thanks In Bloom Press +...

View all