Scrap Paper Crafts
It seems like every week we have scrap paper bits and pieces taking over. Perfectly good pieces that you hate to throw out.? Not big enough for a whole project and yet there always seems to be a project that needs just a little piece to finish. So in today’s newsletter, we are going to share some fun ideas on how to store and use up these bits and pieces of scrap paper.
Scrap Paper Storage Ideas
When I first started saving scrap paper I would collect them in a single file folder. After a couple of months of stashing them in an ever overflowing folder, I thought there has to be a better way. During one of the back-to-school supply sales, I found regular pocket color folders. I matched the color of the folder to the scrap paper we had. Then I simply filed the folder in with my paper trays.
Here are my folders and how I store them.
It did take some searching to find a brown folder. (Thank you Amazon.) But as you can see here are all of my scrap folders with their matching pieces. All of them are nice, neat, and easy to find.
I have known some teachers to even take scrap organization to another level. They use these, no pun intended scrapbook paper storage bins.
Or if you have the space I love these carts. Easy to store items and roll anywhere you need them. Perfect for one side with scraps and one side for whole sheets.
Now that we have our scrap pieces all organized what do we do with them. We love any type of easy to use paper punches. Scrap paper is perfect for this. It is a great way for refining small motor skills while designing any art projects.
Now that we are organized and have a few new tools to use how can we make art with our scraps? This streamer craft can be customized to any season by using matching shapes. In the picture below you can see we used heart shapes of different sizes to glue onto a spiral. You could use shamrocks for St. Patrick’s day or flowers for Spring. The list goes on and on. You can get paper punches in just about any shape and size. Click the image below to print a free spiral pattern
Heart Spiral Craft
Up next we are using scrap paper to learn about the different seasons of trees. You can let your little artist cut bits or use a leaf paper punch to make their own tree. Use different shades of pinks for spring cherry trees. Maybe different shades of green for summer and rainbow colors for Autumn. Click HERE to print a free tree pattern.
Tree Craft Project
You could use a few scrap pieces and a circle paper punch to design this caterpillar. For more information click the image below.
Caterpillar Craft Project
We would love to see the way you use your scraps. I hope you were inspired not to throw out your scrap paper but to use every little bit to make art. It is better for the environment and your wallet. Maybe you will let your little artist make an abstract mosaic art project of their own. We know whatever they make you will be sure to tell them, ‘You’re so creative!’