Showing posts with label Scraps. Show all posts

I made this card as another take on the square layout I’ve been working with lately, this time leaning into something a little softer for Mother’s Day.

Cardmaking Inspiration from Challenges

The inspiration came from the As You See It challenge, which included five elements: a frame, shades of pink, florals, a single word sentiment, and die cuts.

Mixing Patterned Scraps Without It Looking Messy

I started with the square grid, choosing three different pink patterned papers. I’ve been enjoying working this way—staying within the same colour family rather than trying to match everything exactly.

To give each section a bit more definition, I used a square die to create thin white frames. It keeps the layout feeling clean, but still structured.

Inside each square, I added simple white die cuts, florals and leaves, keeping everything quite minimal and letting the shapes stand out against the softer patterns.

Simple Mother’s Day Card with a Single Word Sentiment

I grounded the design with a green card base, and finished with a single word sentiment: mum, stamped letter by letter.

After I’d finished, I did end up adding a small extra sentiment—“you’re the best.” It wasn’t part of the original challenge brief, so I’ve shared both versions. One stays true to the prompt, but for me, that little extra detail tipped the card over into feeling complete. I always find that balance interesting—knowing when to stop versus adding just one more detail. Which way would you go?

How This Card Layout Works in Different Colour Palettes

This has been one of those layouts that shifts really easily depending on where you start. Here it leans soft and feminine, which worked perfectly for this week’s Paper Players Challenge theme.

I also explored it in a completely different colour direction, which you can find HERE.

Watch the Video Tutorial

I filmed the alternate 'Coastal' themed version, focusing more on the process of building the squares and frames. You can find that video <HERE>

Using a Repeatable Layout (From My Scrap Guide)

This design is based on one of the challenges from my Cardmaking With Scraps printable companion guide. I’ve been revisiting it lately and seeing how many different directions it can take depending on the colours and elements I start with. Once you have a structure like this, it becomes much easier to adapt colours, themes, and challenges—without starting from scratch each time.


From Scraps to Squares: Mother's Day Card

May 6, 2026

Today I’m sharing a vintage-inspired layered card, created entirely from paper scraps and elements I had on hand.

Stamping your own DIY Vintage Background

I started with a card-front sized scrap of patterned paper from my stash—the very last piece I had from an older set—which already had a soft, slightly distressed feel. From there, I built it up with additional stamping using black ink and some stamping-off techniques to create more depth and variation. The postmark details add that nostalgic, stationery-inspired feel.

No Line Watercolouring

One of my favourite parts of this card is the floral feature. Originally, I planned to stamp it in black, but I ended up using a no-line watercolouring technique instead, and I’m so glad I did. It was a bit of a happy accident that turned into something really soft and delicate, and it ties beautifully into the overall vintage look.

Scrap Layer Embellishments

I created a scrappy, notepaper-style layer in the background using a vanilla cardstock offcut. I paired this with patterned paper scraps from my desk to add a little colour and interest, while the vellum leaves add a soft, subtle detail. There’s something really rewarding about turning leftover scraps into something that feels intentional and cohesive.

Watch the Video Tutorial

I’ll be sharing a full video of this process on Friday, where I walk through the background building, layering, and watercolouring techniques in more detail. In that video, I’ll also be recreating this vintage-style background from scratch, so you can achieve a similar look even without the original base paper.

World Stationary Day

This card was inspired by the Festive Friday Challenge Blog #FF0207, celebrating World Stationery Day.

From their inspiration list, I incorporated sepia tones, twine, distressing, vellum, postmarks, and a “thinking of you” sentiment.

Thanks so much for stopping by—and if you’re playing along with the challenge, I’d love to see what you create!


Vintage Inspired Layered Card

April 21, 2026


Do you have a mountain of paper scraps and wonder if they’re useful or just clutter? In this card making challenge, I’m proving that even tiny offcuts can become beautiful, fun projects — no need to throw them away!

Welcome to Season 1 of Use Your Stash: Paper Scraps Edition — a creative series all about turning leftover paper into intentional, playful cards. The idea came while prepping a homeschool workshop for kids aged 3 to 16. I realised that scraps can spark their own kind of creative inspiration.

For this challenge, I sorted my scraps by colour and built kits with a rainbow of tones. I also brought along a few sample cards, including an up-leveled version with a simple faux stitching technique, so kids (and adults!) could try something more advanced if they wanted. 

Some participants followed the samples, others created their own layouts. Their creativity was so heart-warming! I’ll share some of their photos here.

In my YouTube tutorial, I show step-by-step how I put the kits together, the choices I made along the way, and how you can craft along with your own scraps at home. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crafter, this challenge will help you see the potential in every leftover strip and piece of paper.

Join the challenge: grab your scraps, get inspired, and create with me! Don’t forget to check out the full tutorial on YouTube and share your creations — I’d love to see them.

I hope this challenge inspires you to play with your own paper scraps! I’ll be back soon with Challenge 2, where we’ll explore another fun way to turn leftover pieces into creative cards.

If you give this one a try, I’d love to see your creations — share them in the comments or tag me on Pinterest. Happy crafting!

Rainbow Paper Strip Scraps | Use Your Stash #1

March 1, 2026

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