Crafting with Scrapbook Paper: 20+ Creative Project Ideas

Scrapbook Paper: More Than Just Backgrounds

Scrapbook paper is one of the most versatile crafting materials you can own. While it's designed for scrapbook layouts, its beautiful patterns, rich colors, and quality construction make it ideal for dozens of other craft projects. From home decor and gift wrapping to card making and party decorations, scrapbook paper transforms everyday items into something special.

Whether you have a collection of leftover paper from scrapbooking projects or you're discovering scrapbook paper for the first time, this guide gives you 20+ creative ways to use it beyond the scrapbook album.

Types of Scrapbook Paper

Understanding the different types of scrapbook paper helps you choose the right one for each project:

• Patterned paper — Printed with designs (florals, geometrics, plaids, themes). Usually lighter weight (60-65lb). Great for decorative applications and paper crafts.
• Solid cardstock — Heavier weight (65-110lb), available in every color. The workhorse of paper crafting — strong enough for structural projects like boxes and frames.
• Specialty paper — Includes glitter paper, foil paper, vellum (translucent), chalkboard paper, and textured papers. These add special effects to projects.
• Double-sided paper — Printed on both sides with coordinating designs. Popular in modern scrapbook paper collections and incredibly useful for projects where both sides might be visible (like paper flowers or accordion folds).

Monthly subscription kits from Hip Kit Club include a curated selection of all these paper types, coordinated to work together.

Scrapbook Paper Craft Ideas for Home Decor

Paper-Covered Picture Frames

Cover a plain wooden or cardboard picture frame with patterned scrapbook paper using Mod Podge or spray adhesive. Trim edges with a craft knife for clean lines. This instantly transforms dollar store frames into custom home decor.

Wall Art Panels

Wrap canvas panels or foam boards with coordinating scrapbook papers. Hang a set of 3-4 panels in a gallery arrangement. Change them seasonally using different paper collections for instant room refreshes.

Book Covers and Bookmarks

Cover plain journals, notebooks, or textbooks with scrapbook paper for personalized book covers. Cut matching bookmarks and laminate them for durability. Great gifts for book lovers and students.

Drawer Liners

Line dresser drawers, kitchen shelves, or storage boxes with scrapbook paper. The paper adds a pop of color and pattern to hidden spaces, making organizing feel special.

Paper Garlands and Banners

Punch or die cut shapes (circles, stars, hearts) from coordinating papers and string them on twine for instant party garlands, nursery decor, or holiday decorations. Use a sewing machine to stitch through paper circles for a quick garland variation.

Gift Wrapping and Packaging Ideas

Custom Gift Wrap

Twelve-by-twelve scrapbook paper is the perfect size for wrapping small gifts, jewelry boxes, and accessories. Layer coordinating patterns — wrap the box in one pattern and add a belly band in a contrasting design.

Gift Bags and Envelopes

Fold scrapbook paper into small gift bags using simple templates (available free online). Punch two holes at the top and thread ribbon handles. Matching envelopes for gift cards take just minutes to fold.

Gift Tags

Die cut or punch tags from scrapbook paper, stamp a sentiment, and tie to gifts with twine. Coordinated gift tags elevate any gift presentation. Our metal dies include tag shapes perfect for this.

Paper Crafts for Kids

Paper Chains

Cut scrapbook paper into strips and loop them into chains for holiday decorations, countdown calendars, or birthday party decor. The pre-printed patterns make these chains far more decorative than solid-color construction paper.

Origami and Paper Folding

Cut 6x6 squares from scrapbook paper for origami projects — cranes, flowers, boxes, and bookmarks. Double-sided paper is especially effective because both sides of the fold show coordinating designs.

Collage Art

Tear or cut scrapbook paper into pieces for collage projects. Kids can create landscapes, animals, or abstract art by layering different patterned papers. No drawing skills required — the paper patterns do the heavy lifting.

Paper Craft Ideas by Age Group

Toddlers (Ages 2-4): Focus on tearing and gluing — no scissors needed. Let toddlers tear patterned paper into pieces and glue them onto cardstock for free-form collage art. Pre-cut shapes for them to arrange and stick. Oversized stickers and chunky glue sticks work best for little hands. The goal is sensory exploration, not perfection.

Elementary (Ages 5-8): Kids this age are ready for kid-safe scissors and more structured projects. Try paper weaving with alternating strips of patterned paper, simple origami like fortune tellers and paper airplanes using scrapbook paper, or building a mini scrapbook page about their favorite pet, vacation, or school memory. Introduce basic layering — background paper, a photo, and a caption.

Tweens (Ages 9-12): This age group can handle more complex crafts and genuinely creative projects. Introduce them to actual scrapbook page design with sketches, card making with layered elements and embellishments, paper-pieced art (cutting shapes from multiple patterns to assemble a larger image), and bullet journal decoration. Many lifelong scrapbookers started at this age.

Card Making and Stationery

Matching Card Sets

Cut panels from a coordinated paper collection to create a set of 6-8 matching cards. Add simple stamped sentiments and package in a clear box with a ribbon for beautiful handmade gifts.

Personalized Stationery

Add patterned paper borders or accents to plain note cards, envelopes, or writing paper. A strip of scrapbook paper along the top of a sheet of writing paper creates custom stationery in seconds.

Seasonal and Holiday Paper Crafts

Paper Flowers

Roll, fold, or layer scrapbook paper into flowers — roses, dahlias, and succulents are all achievable with basic techniques and YouTube tutorials. Arrange in a shadow box frame for year-round floral decor that never wilts.

Holiday Ornaments

Create paper ornaments using die cut shapes, paper strips, or folded designs. Hang from the tree, use as gift toppers, or string into garlands.

Advent Calendar

Fold 25 small envelopes or boxes from scrapbook paper, number them 1-25, and fill with treats, notes, or activities. A handmade advent calendar becomes a keepsake that's used every year.

Tips for Crafting with Scrapbook Paper

• Coordinate your projects — Use papers from the same collection for cohesive multi-piece projects. Paper pads with 24-48 sheets give you the most variety per dollar.
• Use the right adhesive — Mod Podge for covering surfaces, tape runners for card making and flat projects, hot glue for 3D projects, and spray adhesive for large, smooth applications.
• Score before folding — Use a scoring board or bone folder to create crisp folds, especially with heavier cardstock. Unscored folds crack and look messy.
• Save your scraps — Even small pieces of scrapbook paper are useful for die cutting, punching, gift tags, and small embellishments. Sort scraps by color in clear containers.

Scrapbook Paper Crafts FAQ

What's the difference between scrapbook paper and regular craft paper?

Scrapbook paper is typically acid-free and lignin-free (archival quality), comes in coordinated collections with matching designs, and is available in specific sizes (12x12, 8.5x11, 6x6). Regular craft paper may yellow over time, isn't always coordinated, and comes in various sizes. For archival projects, always use acid-free scrapbook paper.

Can I print on scrapbook paper?

Yes, but results vary. Smooth, uncoated cardstock prints well on inkjet printers. Textured, glossy, or coated papers may smudge or not accept ink evenly. Always do a test print on a scrap piece first. Laser printers generally work better with specialty papers.

What's the best way to store scrapbook paper?

Store 12x12 paper flat in a paper organizer, large drawer, or dedicated paper storage rack. Keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent fading. Sort by color, theme, or collection for easy access.

Featured Products

Explore these supplies from Hip Kit Club (click image to view product):

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Classroom Paper Craft Activities

Patterned scrapbook paper elevates classroom crafts from forgettable to fridge-worthy. Here are activities teachers can use for creative enrichment, rainy day projects, or integrated art lessons:

• Collaborative class mural — Assign each student a 6x6-inch square to decorate with torn and cut paper. Arrange all squares into a large grid to create a quilt-style wall display. Great for back-to-school community building or end-of-year memories.
• Seasonal bulletin boards — Use patterned paper to create themed borders and backgrounds for classroom displays. Students can cut leaf shapes from autumn patterns, snowflakes from blue prints, or flowers from spring florals. Rotate monthly for a fresh classroom feel.
• Paper weaving mats — Cut slits in one sheet of patterned paper and weave strips of a contrasting pattern through. This teaches over-under patterning and fine motor skills while creating a beautiful finished piece. Works well for math integration (patterns, symmetry).
• Origami with scrapbook paper — Standard origami paper is plain, but using patterned scrapbook paper makes the finished pieces stunning. Cut 6x6 squares and teach simple folds — cranes, boats, boxes, or bookmarks. Display finished pieces on a nature-themed bulletin board.
• Thank-you card stations — Set up a station with pre-folded cardstock, patterned paper scraps, stickers, and glue sticks. Students create handmade thank-you cards for volunteers, staff, or community helpers. Teaches gratitude while building craft skills.