Learn what to make with leftover paper scraps, these crafty ideas will have you saving paper scraps and making fantastic projects!
You loved when we talked about what to do with leftover yarn scraps, I did too. It was really fun to research and brainstorm all of those creative ideas and since I published that post, several people have added some other ideas that are really great!
So today we’re going to talk about what to do with leftover paper scraps. You don’t have to be a scrapbooker to have paper scraps. I use fun and beautiful papers for all kinds of crafts and, like I do with fabric and yarn, if the scraps seem at all usable, I usually keep them. I used to have a literal box of paper scraps I moved from apartment to apartment just in case I needed something for a project!
I suspect that if you’re reading this, you know exactly what I mean. Well, today we’re going to brainstorm some creative ideas for using up those leftover paper scraps. If you think of any other crafty ideas, leave them in the comments!
Why should I save paper scraps?
- To save money
- It’s always better for the earth to use all of something
- They don’t take up much space!
Tips and Tricks for Using Leftover Paper Scraps
- Decide on a minimum size of paper scrap to keep. If it’s too tiny to use, don’t bother.
- Make sure to recycle any weirdly shaped or tiny pieces, don’t just toss them in the trash.
- Consider how to organize your paper scraps. You could organize by type of paper, color, size, etc.
- Consider how to store your paper scraps. With all paper, acid-free storage is always good. Think about a small folder or photo box or something. Make sure the size is self-limiting, if the container for your paper scraps is too big, you’ll never be able to find what you want.
What should I make with leftover paper scraps?
- Make greeting or holiday cards (kind of obvious yes, but I’m still adding it to the list)
- Collage or mixed media art
- Decoupage. There are SO many things you can decoupage. Pretty paper and a little Mod Podge and the possibilities are endless!
- Make gift tags. Use a tag shaped paper punch, cutting machine, or scissors and cut gift tags, punch a hole, done. We did this once at a craft night and it was a great way to use scraps AND get cute cheap gift tags.
- Make your own stickers. This is on my must-try list with my sticker-loving child
- Make paper flowers
- Make ornaments
- Make confetti – cut into tiny pieces with scissors or punch tons of holes with a paper punch, free pretty confetti for your next celebration!
- Make a garland or banner
- Make paper weavings
- Cover a huge clip to make a photo stand
- Make bookmarks (soooo many options with this one)
- Do origami (if you can turn your scrap into a square)
- Cover wood blocks for fun nursery decor
- Make paper beads
- Try quilling
- Recycle it (I mean, it is an option)
- Make a stained glass ornament
- Use scraps to line envelopes
- Use a blender and some screens and blend your scraps with water to make NEW paper!
- Cover wood tags to make luggage tags
- Make die cut shapes for scrapbooking
- Use in a mini album
- Cut out letter shapes and use on gifts or posters
- Make a pretty countdown link chain
- Make magnets
- Create cute photo corners
- Make a photo mat
- Have a scrap swap with your scrapbooking friends
- Make a paper mosaic
- Make paper doll outfits
- Wrap small packages
- Line small gift boxes
- Use for colorful paper mache
- Make a woven basket
If you liked this, you may also like some of my other posts…
- Scalloped Garland Knitting Pattern - February 11, 2025
- 30+ Best Valentine’s Day Knitting Patterns - February 6, 2025
- Valentine Heart Wreath Knitting Pattern - February 5, 2025
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