Got Scraps? Create card layers and backgrounds with scraps

 Got Scraps?

If you're like me, you end up with tons of scrap pieces of cardstock and patterned paper after a crafting session. Well- what do we do with those? Every piece of designer series paper and cardstock is precious. We can't possibly throw them out- right? Today, I'm sharing some ideas for those scraps. Don't let them pile up- make them into beautiful background layers or use them to add some texture and interest to your layers. 

Let's take that pile of scraps and make some cards! I usually keep 1/4" strips. I store them with the paper packs they came in. I keep cardstock scraps that are large enough to die cut in a separate spot all together. 

One thing  I love to do with strips of patterned paper and cardstock is create a strip background. This layer becomes the focal point of your card. It is easy to create but has that wow factor. 

Start with a piece of cardstock in the size you want your layer. I typically use two different sizes. Feel free to change it up and make it your own.  You can use 5 1/4 x 4" or 5 x 3 3/4". The one on this card was trimmed down a bit on either side after I was done adhering the strips. It ended up 5 1/4 x 3 3/4". 

Sort out the strips you may want to use. I cut down some larger strips so they were 1/4" or 1/2". You can use varying sizes. The white strip was a little larger. I kept it that way so I could stamp my greeting in that area. I like to line them up before adding adhesive to see how the layout and designs will look together. 

Then start adding adhesive to your base cardstock piece. Place your first strip. For this card, I placed where I wanted my greeting first on a diagonal. Then I adhered the rest of the strips above and below that strip. Take your time and make sure there's no space between each strip. I prefer to use liquid glue as it gives me a little "wiggle" room before the glue dries. I can adjust my strips before they are stuck fast. It's ok if they hang over the edge. Once you have all your strips placed, run your hand over the entire piece to make sure all of the strips are stuck down. Then, flip it over and use scissors or your trimmer to cut off the parts that are hanging over. I use these pieces to fill in the corners if I need more of a certain pattern or color cardstock. Once you have your layer completed, trim it down to the size you want or just adhere it to your card base.  You can embellish it with die cut images, a die cut shape with greeting or other embellishments like gems or dots.  I created this card on my Facebook live. To see the video scroll down or visit my YouTube Channel- Stamp and Create with Beth. 

I used Nature Walk designer series papers and two tone cardstocks (Pecan Pie, Crumb Cake, Cloud Cover and Secret Sea). I love the two tone because you get a dark side and light side. This helps me stretch my coordinating colors. The gears are from Gears & Textures dies cut from dark Basic Beige two tone cardstock. Greeting is from Simply Said stamp set and stamped in Secret Sea classic ink. 

This card was created the same way as the other strip background. I adhered the strips in a straight line instead of diagonal. The patterned papers are from Lovely Blossoms designer series paper. I had these strips left over after completing the Currently Loving Scrapbooking Workshop kit that features this paper. Great way to use up my scraps. I also used some left over two tone cardstock in Secret Sea, Lost Lagoon and Crumb Cake. 

The base layer on this card is 5 1/4 x 4". I finished off my card with a greeting stamped on a round rectangle die cut from Nested Essential Dies. It's from a new stamp set- Sweet Bugs. I stamped it in Secret Sea classic ink. 

Some of my strips are 1". I like the look when you vary the sizes. 

Here are some other ways I used strip scraps.

You can use fun techniques like paper piercing to add texture to your cardstock strips. For the hello card, I used Lovely Florals stamp set. I stamped the floral image several times and colored with Stampin' Blends markers. Then I stamped "hello". I used the outside edge of a rounded rectangle die from Nested Essentials dies as a guide and pierced holes into my layer with a Take Your Pick tool and stampin' pierce mat. This is a wonderful way to add texture to any layers or cardstock pieces. I also pierced a line of holes into the Pecan Pie two tone cardstock above and below my stamped layer. I did all the piercing before assembling the card. Check out the detail close-up. 

For my birthday cad, I used strips of Lovely Blossoms dsp above and below my greeting strip. This is a great way to dress up a simple card with a greeting layer. This elegant pattern with Secret Sea and Cloud Cover diamonds is perfect to frame many greetings. 

You can use bigger scraps to create simple layers for your cards. Add a greeting stamped on a die cut and you're all finished. Write a special message in your card and it's ready to head out to the recipient. For this card, I had some bigger scraps left over from the Currently Loving Scrapbooking Workshop kit. I love when that happens! The Secret Sea diamond patterned paper was cut at 2 3/4" so I trimmed the length down to 5". Then I had a piece of the Lost Lagoon striped patterned paper. It was 3/4" so I trimmed it down to 5" long and put it next to the diamond patterned paper on my card base. You could also use different lengths and overlap the pieces.  I loved these patterns together. I stamped the large hello greeting from Lovely Florals in Lost Lagoon classic ink and die cut with the short, wide stitched banner die from Stylish Shapes. Don't be afraid to leave white space like I did on the right side of the card front. I like to let my die cuts hang over a bit into that space. 

Do you have some bigger scrap pieces hanging out? Which ones work well together and can layer on your card base?

I hope you enjoyed all the ideas for your paper scraps. You can keep it simple or really dress them up. Mix and match and have some fun. I am in love with the designs of the Nature Walk designer series paper. It may be my favorite yet. I've also used it with a variety of stamp sets and the Gears & Textures bundle. 

Check out the tutorial on this diagonal background card. 

Thank you so much for stopping by! I'd love to hear from you in the comments. You can check out the designer series papers and stamps in my online store. 

Happy Creating!

~ Beth