9 Creative Uses For Leftover Paper Scraps

Every crafter has a paper scrap pile — the collateral damage left over from the latest creative project! The pile includes the leftover paper scraps in various shapes and sizes, textures and colors that make their way into an out-of-sight-out-of-mind stack, a drawer of your desk, or a large plastic bag. Too small to do anything significant with, yet too important to throw out. But don’t waste that paper just yet. Here are some inspired ways to make the most of those precious pieces of creativity.

Organize them
Instead of dealing with a mountain of disorganization, organize your leftover paper scraps so you can see what you have. Separate them by colors, patterns or shapes and place them in their own groups. Zip-loc bags work great because you can easily see what you have.

Make minor embellishments
With a little creativity, you can use your leftover paper scraps to create accents and embellishments for your new designs.

Make gift tags
Those sturdy paper or cardstock scraps can be cut in different patterns and shapes to make the perfect gift tag. Gift tags aren’t just for Christmas — you can use them for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

Make confetti
Add some homemade color and flare to your next event. Using your Papertrey Ink dies, turn your paper scraps into confetti for an upcoming party or celebration. Separate them by color to support a theme, or mix them all together for a fun combination.

Photo corners
Cut your paper scraps into triangles, and use them to accent the corners of your photos or other square or rectangular-shaped items on your photo pages. This colorful option makes those items pop, and adds a lot of personality to your project.

Packing material
Every gift bag or box could use creative packing material to keep it secure. Use scissors or a shredder to create strips that you can then trim if you need to. The packing material contributes to a beautiful presentation!

Make cut-out letters
You can create custom alphabets and letter embellishments out of your leftover scrap paper. You can use your Papertrey Ink alphabet dies or you can trace the letters using a stencil and cut them out. These letters make great additions to cards or scrapbook pages.

Make a birthday cake card
Cut your leftover paper scraps into 4 rectangular shapes, each one a little bit shorter than the rest. Glue them onto a card with the longest one at the bottom, then in order of length. You will create a colorful, creative birthday card featuring a beautiful cake!

Trade with other crafters
If you can’t find a use for your leftover paper scraps, try making a trade with a crafty friend. This is a great way to share your colors and patterns with others, ensure they don’t go to waste, and refresh your own stockpile with someone else’s taste and inspiration.

Ready to use those leftover paper scraps for your next creative project? Papertrey Ink has the supplies and tools you need to bring your project to life! Visit our website to browse the wide range of products we offer! Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for our latest updates and tips!