Scrapbook Paper Crafts: Free Project Ideas and Tutorials

Author:
Rose Clearfield
Updated date:
Oct 8, 2022

Rose is a full-time freelance writer who frequently writes about education, special education, DIY projects, food, Milwaukee, and more.

Check out the websites below for some fun and free ideas!
Copyright 2016, Rose Clearfield

Some Great Places to Start

For those who enjoy purchasing scrapbook paper and aren't necessarily interested in traditional scrapbooking 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 tried to include 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.

Happy creating!

11 Scrapbook Paper Craft Ideas

Greeting Cards
Coasters
Paper Wreaths
Decorative Trees
Decorative Wooden Blocks
Wall Art
Paper Boxes
Paper Flowers
Washer Necklaces
Glass Magnets
Glass Pendants

These are scrapbook paper-covered washers waiting to be made into pendants.
Copyright 2012, Rose Clearfield

1. Greeting Cards

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.

scrapbook-paper-crafts-projects-ideas-supplies-tutorials

2. Coasters

Decorate just about any type of ceramic tiles with scrapbook paper for quick, simple home décor. Tiles are available for less than $1 each at hardware stores. I recently picked up a set of four 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.

3. Paper Wreaths

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 to 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) as the first wreath has, this is one where it will really make the process a lot easier.

4. Decorative Trees

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 base.

Two Girls Being Crafty: Scrapbook Paper Christmas Trees

5. Decorative Wooden Blocks

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.

6. Wall Art

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.

7. Paper Boxes

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 reuse 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.

8. Paper Flowers

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.

9. Washer Necklaces

When I began a line of charms and pendants for my Etsy shop in 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.

The Inky Scrapper: Washer Pendant Tutorial
Accentuate 'n Ink: WOW!! Stunning Home Crafted Pendant Jewelry for Great Holiday Gift Giving
This post includes several variations for washer pendants.

10. Glass Magnets

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.

not martha: to make: marble magnets
Make a quick gift: Glass gem magnets ~ Madigan Made { simple DIY ideas }
Great packaging idea included.
Welcome to Willow Run Crafts by Karenscraftsupplies on Etsy

11. Glass Pendants

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 where 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.

More Craft Resources

Button Craft Project Ideas: How to Make Easy Crafts with Buttons
Are you interested in craft ideas with buttons? This article includes 10 ideas for easy button craft projects with lots of photos and resources.
DIY Creative Ways to Repurpose and Reuse Old Windows as Picture Frames
Repurposed old windows make a unique collage picture frame for wedding photos, family snapshots, kid school pictures, and much more.
Recycled Old T-Shirt Craft Ideas: Clothing and Accessory Projects
Do you have old t-shirts lying around at home? Recycle them into clothing and accessories with these craft projects and ideas.

Comments

janice on January 01, 2018:

I wrap my paper around sterofoam wreath. You can buy the wreath at the dollar store. You can also buy wrapping paper and cut it in strips and modge podge it on the wreath.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 01, 2013:

I'm glad that you have some new ideas! I have a huge collection of scrapbook paper and do very little scrapbooking, too, but there are so many other uses for it.

Amanda from Michigan, United States on August 01, 2013:

How useful! I was wondering what I could do with my piles of scrapbook paper, since I love it so but never seem to actually *scrapbook* with it.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 31, 2012:

Thanks so much, Magic! You're right that the coasters are inexpensive and relatively straightforward.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 31, 2012:

Thanks so much, Magic! You're right that the coasters are inexpensive and relatively straightforward.

MAGICFIVE from New York on August 31, 2012:

There are so many great ideas here, along with fantastic pictures! That scrapbook leaf tree is so cute and colorful. I also think the coasters look fantastic, and they seem so cheap and easy to make! This is a very inspiring hub!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 12, 2012:

That's great!

wiccanfemme463 on August 12, 2012:

i have always gotten "junk"(books,frames,corkboards,alphabet blocks...you kno the LOT!) and looked for ways to involve pieces into my life.you've given me even more ideas and ,for that,i thank you!!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 03, 2012:

Thanks so much!

AphroditeisAlone on April 03, 2012:

This is awesome--what a variety of crafts, I like it a lot!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 31, 2012:

Thanks talfonso! Have fun with your Mod Podge.

talfonso from Tampa Bay, FL on March 31, 2012:

Wow! So many uses for scrapbook paper - and how genial! I have plenty of Mod Podge and would like to try those out!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 30, 2012:

Thank you!

Sworu Roy from Trivandrum, India on March 30, 2012:

really good ideas

farru from Lahore on March 30, 2012:

Great ideas for scrapbook paper. The decorative tree branches are really good :)

Vegas Elias from Mumbai on March 30, 2012:

Great Ideas to make productive use of spare time.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 23, 2012:

Thanks so much viveresperando!

viveresperando from A Place Where Nothing Is Real on March 23, 2012:

I so love this! Awesome!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 20, 2012:

Cyndi, that's a great deal! I'm sure that you'll have a lot of fun with your paper.

Thanks iamaudra! I'm so glad to hear that.

iamaudraleigh on March 20, 2012:

Very creative ideas, especially the coasters!!! You have inspired me!!!

Cynthia Calhoun from Western NC on March 20, 2012:

I LOVE this hub! I once found about 500 pieces of scrapbook paper on ebay for about $5. I HAD to get it. I'm always looking for fun ideas and you nailed it with this hub. Voted up!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 12, 2012:

That's awesome that your mom is so crafty, Ardie! Thanks for passing this hub on to her. Good luck with your coasters. I'm going to attempt my first set of them later this month.

Sondra from Neverland on March 12, 2012:

I swear you must be my mom's long lost twin (only younger hahah). She loves making all the kinds of things you have listed - she even sold card making and scrapbooking products for years. She just made my daughter a planter of paper flowers and they're SO cute. I am going to send this to her because she will love the tree idea and I am going to make her help me with the coasters :) Thanks!!!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 11, 2012:

Thanks!

htodd from United States on March 11, 2012:

hi Randomcreative ,

Thanks a lot interesting stuff

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 09, 2012:

That's great knowyouwillbefine! I'm glad that this is helpful for you.

knowyouwillbefine on March 09, 2012:

I study product design in college and keeping a scrapbook really helps me come up with ideas! This hub will be very useful for me :)

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 08, 2012:

Thanks veggie-mom! :)

veggie-mom on March 08, 2012:

Love the washers & coasters, thanks for the great ideas!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 03, 2012:

Thanks Edi! It is so versatile. Since publishing this hub just a few days ago, I've already come across several more great ideas. The possibilities are endless.

Edi on March 03, 2012:

You know I love this hub!

Paper is such a versatile product and you covered so many fun projects in this article :)

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 02, 2012:

Thanks Jamie! It's amazing how many different things that you can do with washers. I bought a big box of a single size, but I may eventually add some other sizes. Thank you!

Jamie Brock from Texas on March 02, 2012:

Oh my Gosh! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all of these! I especially love the washer pendants.. isn't it neat what you can do with something like a washer? I bought different sizes of them at Lowes... it was like washer heaven :0) Great hub,voted up and Awesome, pinning and everything else!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 02, 2012:

Thanks Nancy! I just bought some tiles for coasters this week and can't wait to give it a try.

Nancy on March 02, 2012:

What an extensive collection of great ideas Rose! I'm really loving those coasters & trees!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 02, 2012:

Bianca, you'll have to pick up some supplies next time you're there!

Kym, thanks!

Deb, you'll definitely have to give the magnets a try. They are so easy and make a great gift. The tree branches would be fun, too.

storybeader on March 02, 2012:

I am so excited to see the materials for the magnets. Been wanting to make some for a long time! Lots of links here - that's great! The decorative tree branches are really pretty - another something I'll have to try! Thanks Rose.

fabricfascination on March 02, 2012:

Wonderful ideas for scrapbook paper, and I have a lot of it to use up!

biancaalice from Southern California on March 01, 2012:

This has so many great ideas. You make me want to make a run to maichaels really quick.

Voted up & shared!