Scrapbook Paper Crafts: Free Project Ideas and Tutorials

For those who enjoy purchasing scrapbook paper and aren't necessarily interested in traditional scrap booking or are simply looking to branch out a little, there are so many great project ideas for scrapbook paper. I have covered eleven of my favorite ideas in this article. It is certainly not a comprehensive list of scrapbook paper crafts, but it gives you enough projects to keep you busy for quite a while. I have included at least one or two tutorials for all of the project ideas.

If you will be purchasing paper to complete any of these projects, I highly recommend looking for scrapbook paper sales and/or using coupons. As of writing this article, I have purchased all of my scrapbook paper books during 40-50% off sales at Michaels and Joann. At Michaels, sometimes I combined these sales with 20% off everything coupons for even more savings.

Happy creating!

When I first got serious about card making, I started stocking up on scrapbook paper during the holiday season, taking advantage of the great sale prices. A large book of scrapbook paper will provide enough paper for many many cards. You can keep cards simple with layered paper or you can get as complex as you want by adding stamping, embossing, sewing, embellishment (sequins, buttons, ribbon, etc.), and more. A handmade card is a perfect touch for any gift or just a great way to let people know that you are thinking of them.

Decorate just about any type of ceramic tiles with scrapbook paper for quick, simple home décor. Tiles are available for less than a $1 each at hardware stores. I recently picked up a set of 4 plain white tiles for $0.16 each. If you already have scrapbook paper on hand, the only other supplies you need are acrylic spray (available at craft stores) and some sort of felt or cork "feet" or squares for the coasters (available at craft or hardware stores). The spray is the most expensive item but will last you a long time.

Creating a large wreath is a bit time intensive and tedious, but it isn't tough. Personally I like to work on long projects like this in 20-30 minute stints throughout the week, but you can settle into an afternoon of movies and get most of it done in one sitting, too. I don't think that paper punches are necessary for all scrapbook paper projects, but if you are making a wreath with a shape (i.e. flower, heart) like the first wreath has, this is one where it will really make the process a lot easier.

Create a beautiful tree centerpiece or general table decoration with scrapbook leaves. You can look for a large leaf punch (if you don't have one already) or you can cut your own leaves. For the first photo, the author used floral wire to wrap her leaves around real tree branches. Some people opt to create a smaller tree or a simple bouquet with floral wire only. I love the funky mix of colors and patterns in the pictured tree, but you can use any color palette you like. For the second photo, the author glued her scrapbook petals to a Styrofoam bases.

Personalize plain wooden blocks with scrapbook paper, photos, rub on letters, and paint. For the first tutorial, the author gives a resource for purchasing wooden blocks online. If you're looking for a particular size or simply can't find any in a craft store, this is a good option. You can customize the blocks with any type of photos, images, and/or messages. The possibilities are endless. With proper Mod Podge coating, these are sturdy enough to be played with by little ones.

One of the easiest options for creating wall art with scrapbook paper is to start with a stretched white canvas (available at just about any craft store), as is pictured in the first photo. You can paint the canvas or leave it white. For the second photo, the artist chose to create her own backing for a vintage frame with foam core and burlap. For your picture, you can create a design entirely from scrapbook paper or add details with paint and/or other embellishments (Scrabble tiles, sequins, buttons, etc). There is no limit to the number of different subjects that you can use for your art.

Add a personal touch to presents, party favorites, and more with paper boxes that you made yourself. People will appreciate a beautiful box that they can re-use for a gift that they give at some point in the future. The boxes made wonderful decorations on their own, too. Create the size and color combination that you want.

There are tons of different tutorials out there for paper flowers. I've provided just a few here. You can do an online search if you are looking for a specific type of flower and/or project. Flowers can be used as detail for many of the projects here, such as cards and wall art, or they can stand alone for a bouquet of any size. Have the flowers stand on their own or add some leaves, either with more scrapbook paper or another material, such as fabric.

When I began a line of charms and pendants for my Etsy shop for 2012, I first started collecting unique ideas. The washer pendant hooked me immediately. Washers are very inexpensive and come in a variety of sizes. I base mine with Mod Podge and then coat them with Diamond Glaze. Mod Podge has a similar Dimensional Magic product that works well, too. I create a more complex beaded rope for my washer pendants but you can use any type of simple cord or chain that you prefer.

If you've ever seen these for sale anywhere, handmade or not, you'll be amazed at how much more cheaply you can make them yourself. Brighten up your fridge or file cabinet with a set of handmade magnets. The small glass rounds are available in the floral section of craft stores. I purchase my large glass rounds from the Etsy shop that I've linked below. There are lots of online resources for these. I highly recommend using neodymium magnets. When you purchase them in bulk online, they are about the same price as weaker craft magnets.

The concept for glass pendants is very similar to glass magnets, except that you attach bails instead of magnets. I purchase bails from the same Etsy shop that I purchase my large glass rounds. It seems like most people make round glass magnets and then branch out more with other shapes (squares, rectangles, ovals, etc.) for pendants, but there's no reason that you need to be exclusive with any shape for any particular craft. As you can see in the first photo, I attach my bails to lobster clasps so the pendants can hang from beaded ropes or simple silver chains.