If you’ve been making cards for any length of time, you probably have a small mountain of patterned paper scrap strips somewhere around your craft desk.
Right?
Those narrow strips left after cutting full card bases, layers or panels? Too pretty to toss…but you’re not sure how to use them…and they just keep piling up!
This week in Ink Paper & Play LIVE, we’re putting those little leftovers to work by turning patterned paper scrap strips into simple, eye-catching handmade cards.
Because honestly? Those scraps deserve their moment too. 😉
Instead of letting them clutter up your craft space, you can use them to create:
- clean and playful backgrounds
- bold and colourful graphic accents
- quick draw-the-eye focal elements
And the best part? These cards come together fast, making them perfect when you want to craft but don’t want to overthink it.
In this week’s Ink Paper & Play LIVE, I walk through these card ideas step by step so you can see exactly how the layouts come together.
👉 Catch the replay here
You might be surprised how quickly those leftover strips turn into finished cards.
3 Easy Ways to Use Patterned Paper Scrap Strips
These ideas focus on simple layouts that make the most of those skinny offcuts.
1. Create a Bold Banner Row
One of the easiest ways to use patterned paper scrap strips is to line them up across the card front.
Mix up your patterns, vary your lengths then trim the ends into banner shapes and you’ve got a pretty decorative edge.
Because the patterns and colours are coordinated, it’s easy and fast to create a totally beautiful card.
A simple sentiment underneath finishes the card nicely and keeps the focus on the playful banner row.
2. Use Scrap Strips as Graphic Accents
Sometimes all a card needs is some strips of colourful patterns to bring it to life.
Take a strip or two of scraps, cut them down a smidge and layer onto matching cardstock. Here it’s the Florals in Bloom Designer Series Paper layered onto Summer Splash with only a thin border showing. (Size is 7/8″ x 3 3/8″ for the DSP and 1″ x 3 1/2″ for the cardstock).
It’s the ideal size to create a pretty focal point on your card.
Even if your patterned paper scrap strips are a slightly different size to mat and layer, this layout idea is a keeper!
3. Create a Bold Block
With several strips, you can create a bunch of cards at one time.
Add adhesive to a piece of cardstock (see the video for my time-saving tip!), then lay the strips over top. Cut it into 1″ strips across the different patterns. Mat it to a coordinating colour of cardstock and you’ve got a clean and modern design.
And with the colours and theme of this Country Woods Designer Series Paper pack, it’s ideal for the fellas in your world.
Grab Lots of Tips in the Live!
If you’d like to see these ideas in action (with bonus card alternatives), you can watch the full LIVE replay here!
How to Make This Idea Your Own
You don’t need the exact same paper or supplies to try these ideas. These layouts work with almost any patterned paper scraps.
Try experimenting with:
- mixing different patterns in the same colour family
- trimming strips into angled ends
- adding embossing or texture to the background
You can also change the direction of the strips. Vertical, horizontal, staggered. Each option creates a different feel.
And remember, the goal isn’t cardmaking perfection.
It’s finally using those patterned paper scrap strips instead of saving them. You’re the boss of those scrap strips! 😍
Catch Up on the Boss Your Paper Series
If you’ve been following along with Boss Your Paper Bootcamp, today’s ideas build on the techniques we explored in earlier weeks.
You might enjoy these posts and videos too:
- How to Make Any Patterned Paper Look Polished
- Easter Card Ideas Using Patterned Paper
- How to Use Patterned Paper You Don’t Like
Want More Card Making Ideas Like This?
If you enjoy practical ideas that help you use your supplies instead of – ahem! – hoarding them, you might enjoy being part of my email community.
Inside my emails I share:
- creative card making challenges
- special subscriber offers
- design tips and techniques
- reminders for upcoming Ink Paper & Play LIVE sessions
You’ll also get the weekly ideas from the Boss Your Paper series delivered straight to your inbox.
👉 Join the email list and get reminders for Ink Paper & Play LIVE.
…where you can build a toolkit of bite-sized ideas!
And as a bonus, the challenges are shared exclusively with subscribers.
Time for a Bit of Patterned Paper Play!
Before you head to craft… I’d first love to know: Do you keep your 1″ strips of patterned paper cutoffs? And if you do, what do YOU do with them?
Leave a comment below and let me know!
Click here to leave a comment.
OK, now it’s up to you crafty friend.
Grab those strips and boss them around! Try these ideas for quick cards featuring your patterned paper scrap strips and create some fun in your craft space today!
