If you’ve been making cards for any length of time, I absolutely can guarantee you’ve got these.

Those narrow strips of cardstock left over from trimming layers, panels and especially, card bases.

Too good to throw away… but not quite big enough to feel useful.

So they sit there.

This week in Ink Paper & Play LIVE, we’re putting those strips to work, turning them into clean, colourful cards using what you already have.

Super electric and oh so colourful! And perfect for birthdays for anyone!

In this week’s Ink Paper & Play LIVE, I show you step by step how to create with cardstock leftovers so you can see how easy peasey they are.

👉 Catch the replay here

Because honestly? These little leftovers can do a lot more than you think.

3 Easy Ways to Use Cardstock Scrap Strips

These ideas are all about simple layouts that let the colour do the work.

No overthinking. No complicated techniques.

1. Create a Simple Strip Background

This is one of my favourite ways to use something I might otherwise have thrown away.

Take your strips and adhere them side by side onto a piece of cardstock.

You can:

• keep them straight for a clean look
• angle them for a bit more movement (probably what I do the most)

Once your panel is covered, trim it down and use it as your card front or a layered piece.

It’s bold, colourful, and makes those tiny pieces feel like you planned them.

2. Build a Colourful Label Element

Instead of using scraps as the background, use them as your focal point.

Start with the same process as in #1. Layer your strips (you can use shorter ones here) then either punch or die cut out a label (see my hints in the video).

This works especially well when:

• you keep your base card neutral
• your strips are bright or high contrast
• you add a few simple embellishments to tie it together

It’s a great way to create an eye catching element without needing to use extra supplies.

3. Create Colourful & Unique Word Cards

This one is fun…and a little unexpected. Use your cardstock scraps to build colour directly into your sentiment.

Die cut or layer your words so each letter or section picks up a different strip of colour.

The result?

A bold, graphic sentiment that becomes the star of the card.

Add a simple strip detail or a few embellishments, and you’ve got a finished card that looks far more detailed than it actually is.

Find Out How to Recreate These in the Live!

If you’d like to see exactly how these come together (with a few extra tips along the way), you can watch the full LIVE replay here:

You might be surprised how quickly a pile of strips turns into multiple finished cards.

How to Make This Idea Your Own

You don’t need the exact same colours or supplies to make these work.

Try experimenting with:

• Colour combos – go rainbow bold, soft monochrome, or even neutrals
• Layouts – vertical, horizontal, angled…each changes the look completely
• Card styles – birthdays, thank you, masculine cards… this works for all of them

And remember. The goal isn’t perfection.

It’s about using those scraps instead of saving – or tossing – them.

Want More Card Making Ideas Like This?

If you enjoy simple, practical ideas to help you use what you already have, you might like being part of my email community.

Inside, I share:

• weekly crafting tips
• exclusive ideas and inspiration
• reminders for Ink Paper & Play LIVE

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Time for Some Cardstock Strip Play!

Now before you head to your craft table…

I’d love to know:

Do you keep your cardstock strips,or do they end up in the recycle bin?

Click here to leave a comment.

And then go grab those scraps from wherever they are and put them to work.

Because around here?

Not only do we use what we have, we boss our paper. Not the other way around!! 💛