Do you have a growing pile of DSP scraps that you just can’t bring yourself to throw away? You’re not alone! Every time I finish a project, I’m left with beautiful little strips and pieces that seem too pretty to toss, but not quite large enough for another full card.
This week I decided to challenge myself to use nothing but those leftovers from my Scenic Coast Designer Series Paper. The result? Three quick and easy card designs that prove even the smallest scraps can become something beautiful.
Watch the full tutorial below and craft along with me!
These cards come together quickly, making them perfect for using up your stash while creating cards you’ll actually want to mail.
Card #1 – Embossed Scrap Strips
For the first card, I simply glued random strips of Designer Series Paper onto a piece of Basic White cardstock until the entire panel was covered. After trimming away the excess, I ran the panel through an embossing folder to add texture and tie all those different patterns together.
The embossing completely transforms the background, making it look like a custom piece of patterned paper instead of individual scraps. Add a couple of punched circles and a sentiment, and you’ve got a clean, masculine-friendly design that’s incredibly versatile.
Sometimes the simplest ideas turn out to be my favorites.
💚 Want even more card ideas like this? The Crafty Klock Inspiration Vault is filled with exclusive inspiration sheets, Imperial and Metric measurements, project variations, and helpful tips to help you get even more from your Stampin’ Up!® supplies.
Card #2 – Easy Patchwork Squares
This card is a fantastic way to use strips that are already about one inch wide.
Simply cut them into squares, arrange them until you like the color combination, and adhere them to a Basic White panel. I left plenty of white space around the squares and finished the design with a sentiment stamped directly onto the background. A light touch of Crushed Curry applied with a blending brush warms up the card and helps tie all the colors together.
The best part? There isn’t a right or wrong arrangement. Every card will be completely unique depending on the papers you have left over.
If your scrap bin is overflowing, this is a great project to sit down with while watching your favorite show and create several card fronts all at once.
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Card #3 – Modern Staggered Strips
My final design uses narrow strips arranged at different lengths to create a clean, modern background.
I love how this technique lets you mix different patterns while still looking coordinated. Because the strips vary in length, there’s lots of visual interest without the design feeling busy.
I also shared one of my favorite little tricks in the video—how to create a longer rounded rectangle label using a standard punch. It’s one of those simple techniques that opens up a whole new world of possibilities for your sentiments.
Never be afraid to experiment with your scraps. Sometimes those leftover pieces inspire designs you never would have created otherwise.
Looking for Even More Inspiration?
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I’d be happy to answer any questions and help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Don’t Let Those Scraps Go to Waste!
The next time you finish a project, take a second look at those leftover pieces of DSP before tossing them aside. With just a little creativity, they can become beautiful backgrounds, unique focal points, and cards that are every bit as special as those made with full sheets of paper.
I hope these three ideas inspire you to dig into your own scrap bin and see what you can create.
If you make one of these cards, I’d love to see it! Be sure to share your project and let me know which design is your favorite.
Until next time…
Stay Crafty,
Judy