Scrapbook Paper Ideas

Do you have a stash of scrapbook paper waiting to be used? Would you like to find a way to use some of your scraps from other projects? Here are some ideas to get you started:

* Use as wrapping paper (gift wrap) for small gifts

* Cut into strips and use as paper "ribbon" for decorating small parcels. Fix with a piece of double-sided sticky-tape or a dab of glue. Cover the join, if you like, with a matching button - very cute!

* Make bunting

* Wrap up chocolate bars or other small edible gifts to decorate tables or put in party bags. Add a label to the front and use them as name cards for your holiday table

* Use small scraps as "mounts" on handmade cards. Take some simple cardstock and fold to make your card base, then cut or tear your scraps into interesting shapes and glue to the front. Stick a small photo or an embellishment, charm, button or other decoration to the scrapbook paper to finish the card

* Use the pattern sheets to cut out letters spelling your loved one's name or holiday greetings. Use the letters to decorate bedroom doors, tables, or fireplaces

* Make napkin rings by cutting the scrapbook paper into strips and fastening into a round by stapling or sticky tape. You could then either attach a label to make a place card, add a contrasting shape such as a Christmas tree, Valentine heart or whatever is appropriate for your table, or tie a smaller ribbon around the napkin ring for decoration

* Decorate party wine glasses with a thin strip of paper, curled around a pair of scissors and twisted around the stem of the glass. You could write each guests name on the strip so that they don't lose their glass!

* Make confetti using the many hole punches available in craft shops

* Make envelopes for your Christmas cards. Use the same scrapbook paper to make a matching printed insert for the card

* Make folders to keep your special work, or that of your kids. Cut two pieces to the appropriate size and glue, tape or stencil around 3 sides to join the pieces together.

* Print out the scrapbook paper designs onto specialty computer paper (do a search to find a supplier in your country). You can now buy plastic shrink paper to feed through your inkjet printer, with which you could make brooches, badges, ear-rings, key-rings and much more! Or print onto glossy or holographic paper and use to make greetings cards. You can even now print directly onto special cotton fabric pieces which you could then sew into quilts, lavender bags and so on

* Print a pattern sheet onto card and then fix a small printed monthly calendar into the middle of it. Stick it on your fridge or kitchen wall and use to keep track of family activities or as a monthly star chart to encourage the kids with their music practice, daily reading, chores, etc

* Make "matchbook" messages and gifts. Print out a pattern sheet onto card and then cut a strip approximately twice as long as it is wide. You can experiment with your proportions to get the right size of matchbook.  Cut one short edge with decorative scissors if desired, then fold up approximately 1cm and crease, then staple once or twice about half way up the fold.  This makes the bottom edge of the matchbook. Fold down the top edge so that it tucks into the bottom edge just like a real matchbook. Now you can either write a message inside the matchbook or attach a small bag or cellophane wrapped package with tiny sweets, sequins or glitter, or other small gift inside.

* Make gift bags and boxes. You can wrap the paper around a small book or similar-shaped object then remove the book to make a gift bag shape.

* Make gift tags, by cutting each sheet into smaller rectangles, folding, and punching a hole in one corner.

* Fold to make greetings cards. You can decorate the front of the card with photos, magazine pictures, or plain shapes from coloured card. Use a glue stick to attach, or stick a small piece of cardboard or craft foam between the card and the attachment to create depth.

* Cut "mounts" for photos, or use as a simple frame. You can laminate the frame for strength.

* Use our templates to cut out lots of similar shapes and join together with string, ribbon or staples to form a garland. Laminate for durability and to add a shiny quality

* Make a hanging garland by cutting a series of shapes (either the same shape or a variety) and string them one above the other. Attach each string to the top of a window frame to create a curtain effect. This is very pretty at Christmas time. Again, laminating the shapes adds an extra dimension

* Fold in concertina style and cut out paper chain boys and girls, hearts or other simple shapes

* Make fans by folding concertina style and fastening the end

* Print out onto printer card or good quality paper, then cut into equal rectangles to make flashcards for the children's homework

* Cut into strips, roll tightly around a knitting needle, and stick down the ends. Slide off the knitting needle carefully when dry to make paper beads. You can make these last longer by coating the beads with a layer of white glue (PVA glue) before threading

* Cut into thicker strips or shapes to make bookmarks (write a message on the back and perhaps a miniature photo or other special memory, then laminate, for a super small gift)

* Make your own books and booklets. One simple method is to print out 2 pattern sheets and trim the edges or cut to the desired size. Prepare many pieces of paper as you require for your book to the same size or slightly smaller. Assemble your book with a pattern sheet facing outwards at the front and the back. Punch holes in the left-hand side and thread a ribbon through so that you can tie a bow at the front.

* Make paper chains! You don't have to use these only at Christmas ... they make great party decorations too

* Encourage reading with a Caterpillar! Get the kids to draw a large happy face and attach at child-height to a spare wall. Cut out lots of bright-coloured circles from the pattern sheets - a variety of patterns is most fun - and every time a book is completed the child can add a segment to the caterpillar's body. Other ideas which work nicely and brighten up the room no end are a "bean stalk" growing up the wall using leaf shapes out of green gingham, a bright flower chain, or a "traffic jam" using car or truck shapes.

* Use in origami projects, printing onto lightweight paper (which is easier to fold)