Leftover Die Cuts | Use Your Stash #3

Using Leftover Die Cuts for Cardmaking

When I spread my scrap stash out over my desk, I noticed I’d accumulated small piles of leftover die-cut shapes. You cut a few extra “just in case,” set them aside for later… and before long there’s a little stack of shapes that never quite made it onto a finished project.

Creating a Repeated Die-Cut Background

For the third challenge in my Use Your Stash – Season 1: Paper Scraps Edition, I decided to focus on some of these pieces. Instead of treating those leftover shapes as scraps, I turned them into a repeated die-cut background.

Adding Texture with Embossing

I reached for a group of blue circles that had already been cut and placed them inside the Tin Tile embossing folder, running them through the Big Shot to give them this lovely pattern.

I suspect the particular shade of blue was actually from a recycled manila folder rather than a Stampin’ Up! colour, so I couldn’t do an exact match with the background panel I adhered them to. After testing a few blues from my collection as substitutes, I settled on Pacific Point.

Keeping the Design Simple with Bold Colours

Because the colour was quite bold — and I had a sympathy theme in mind — I decided to keep the overall design simple.

A Sea-Inspired Card Variation

When I sat down to film the tutorial, I decided to explore a sea-inspired variation. The blues already lent themselves beautifully to an ocean palette.

I kept the same layout and colours, but switched the embossing folder to Swirls and Curls. The white leafy element became a die-cut net from the Under the Sea framelits, and the orange florals were replaced with a tiny school of fish.

Those small changes shifted the mood of the card, turning the repeated shapes into something a little more playful and thematic.

Watch the Full Tutorial

You can see the design choices and craft along with me in the full video tutorial below.

Exploring a Third Variation with Dies

While filming this challenge, another idea emerged.

I still had the Under the Sea framelits on my desk, and a sand dollar shape caught my eye. With a stack of light blue leftover circles sitting in front of me, it felt like the perfect opportunity to create one more variation.

Creating a Beach-Inspired Card Design

For this version I used the Sand Dollar die to cut the shapes and leaned into a beach-inspired theme.

The lighter palette and delicate shapes gave the card a completely different feeling, even though the underlying idea remained the same. Because the repeated background already added plenty of visual interest, I kept the sentiment banner simple with a few stamped details.

It’s a good reminder that a single layout can evolve in very different directions depending on the supplies you choose.

How One Layout Creates Multiple Card Ideas

Starting with a simple goal — use up die-cut circles — led to three very different cards: a soft sympathy design and two sea-inspired variations.

Using your stash well isn’t just about finishing leftover pieces. It’s about looking at what you already have and asking:What design could this become?

More Cardmaking Ideas Using Scraps

If you’d like to see the full process and how each version came together, you can watch the tutorial below.

If you enjoy stash-busting ideas like this, you can find the other projects in the Use Your Stash – Paper Scraps Edition series HERE.

Leftover Die Cuts | Use Your Stash #3

March 13, 2026

Sea of Textures, Stampin' Sneak Peek Blog Hop

I had the pleasure of being a Display Stamper at the Stampin' Up! OnStage event in Auckland earlier this month.  Today I'm sharing my creations using the new Sea of Textures stamp set I was allocated.

Notice the textured Sahara Sand circle layer?  This was created using my absolute favourite new goodie from the upcoming catalogue - the Subtle Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.

The patterned paper is from the new In Color 6"x 6" Designer Series Paper pack.  This pack has a great selection of white and tone-on-tone single colour patterns.  It's going to be a fabulous staple for any crafter!

I recently took my family for a day trip to the Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium.  When I saw this stamp set I immediately thought of scrapbooking this occasion. Again, I've gone with a number of new in-colours for the colour combo.

Applying some of the new Grapefruit Grove embossing powder in the centre of the octopus made for a fun textured, two-toned effect!

Of course, I had far more photos of this day that I wanted to record so I made a matching pocket scrapbook layout too.

They look great in the album side by side!

The last project I have to share with you is this card featuring a watercolour wash background with subtle bokeh detail.  Followers of my blog may feel like this design is a bit familiar, that's because I CASED *this card* I made late last year.  I felt the colours and the wash effect would make a gorgeous background for this cool octopus!

I hope you've enjoyed these projects.  Click the 'next' link below to see some more awesome sneak peeks of new catalogue goodies!  Next up in the line up is my talented friend Susan Wong.

Supplies Used
Stamps: Sea of Textures, Thoughtful Banners

Card: Whisper White, Sahara Sand, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black, Watercolor

Paper: In Color 6"x 6" Designer Series Paper (2018-2020)

Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Lovely Lipstick, Blueberry Bushel, VersaMark, Grapefruit Grove, Archival Black

Accessories & Tools: 2018 - 2020 In Color Stampin' Emboss Powder, White Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Classic Label Punch, Black Twine, 1/8" Grosgrain Ribbon Blueberry Bushel, Aqua Painter, Sponge Dauber

Adhesives: SNAIL or double sided tape, Stampin' Dimensionals, Tear'n'Tape Adhesive

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Sea of Textures, Stampin' Sneak Peek Blog Hop

April 27, 2018