Creative Ways to Use Scrapbook Paper (Beyond Scrapbooking!)
- Rea Weeks
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
Have a stack of pretty scrapbook paper you love, but you’re not sure what to do with it? Good news: scrapbook paper is basically a secret weapon for easy, colorful DIY projects. It’s lightweight, cuts cleanly, and comes in patterns you’d never want to paint by hand.
In this post, you’ll find practical ideas you can try right away, plus tips for choosing the right paper so your finished projects look polished and hold up over time.
A quick note on scrapbook paper (so your projects turn out better)
Before we jump into ideas, it helps to know what you’re working with.
Weight matters. Most scrapbook paper is around 65–80 lb cover weight. It’s great for wrapping and layering, but it can wrinkle with heavy glue.
Single-sided vs. double-sided. Double-sided paper is amazing for folds, envelopes, and anything that shows the inside.
Acid-free is your friend. If you’re covering items you want to keep long-term, acid-free paper helps prevent yellowing.
Seal it when needed. A clear matte spray sealer or decoupage top coat can protect paper on frequently handled surfaces.
1) Wrap small gifts in a way that looks “boutique”
Use scrapbook paper to wrap:
Books, candles, mugs, and small boxes
Soaps and homemade treats
Party favors
Easy upgrade: Add a simple belly band (a strip of a coordinating print) and a tag. Because scrapbook paper is thinner than traditional wrapping paper, it folds crisp and looks extra neat.
2) Make custom gift tags and mini cards
Scrapbook paper is perfect for tags because it’s sturdy enough on its own.
Cut basic shapes (rectangles, circles, scallops)
Punch a hole and add twine
Layer two patterns for dimension
If you keep a small basket of pre-cut tags, you’ll never have to scramble at the last minute.
3) Line drawers and shelves (quick, high-impact)
This is one of the fastest ways to make a space feel finished.
How to do it:
Clean the surface.
Measure and cut the paper.
Use removable adhesive (or a thin decoupage layer if you want it permanent).
Use this for:
Desk drawers
Bathroom vanity drawers
Spice drawers
Pantry shelves
4) Turn plain boxes into pretty storage
Cover shoeboxes, photo boxes, or inexpensive bins with scrapbook paper.
Tip: Wrap the lid and the box separately so it opens smoothly. Add a label on the front so it’s practical as well as pretty.
5) Create book page flags and bookmarks
If you’re a reader or planner person, scrapbook paper is an easy way to make:
Bookmarks
Tabs
Page flags
Make it last: Laminate with clear contact paper, then trim. It keeps the edges from fraying and helps it survive being tossed into bags.
6) Upgrade your planner or journal without adding bulk
Instead of thick stickers, use scrapbook paper as:
Header strips
Corner accents
Page dividers
Habit tracker backgrounds
A small amount of patterned paper can make a page feel designed, not cluttered.
7) DIY envelopes for notes, cash gifts, and coupons
Double-sided scrapbook paper makes envelopes feel extra special because the inside is pretty too.
Quick method: Use an envelope template (you can trace an envelope you already like), fold, and glue the flaps.
These are great for:
Birthday cash gifts
Thank-you notes
Printable coupons and gift certificates
8) Make paper rosettes, garlands, and party décor
Scrapbook paper is ideal for party decor because it’s lightweight.
Try:
Paper rosettes for a photo backdrop
Simple triangle garlands
Table scatter confetti
Cupcake toppers
Tip: Stick to 2–3 coordinating prints for a cohesive look.
9) Frame it: instant wall art
If you find a pattern you love, it doesn’t need to stay in a paper pad.
Cut to fit a standard frame
Layer multiple patterns like a collage
Add a quote printed on cardstock on top
This works beautifully in craft rooms, kids’ rooms, and gallery walls.
10) Refresh a notebook cover (or make one from scratch)
Cover a plain composition notebook or spiral notebook with scrapbook paper.
For extra durability: Cover the finished notebook with clear adhesive film, or brush on a thin top coat and let it dry fully.
11) Decoupage small home items
Scrapbook paper can give thrifted or plain items a whole new life.
Great candidates:
Picture frames
Coasters (sealed well)
Small trays
Pencil cups
Light switch plates
Best practice: Use thin layers of adhesive and smooth from the center outward to avoid bubbles.
12) Make easy craft kits for kids (or for yourself on busy days)
Pre-cut shapes from scrapbook paper and store them in labeled envelopes.
Ideas:
Seasonal shapes (leaves, hearts, stars)
Alphabet letters
Simple animals
Patterned strips for weaving
This makes it easy to sit down and create without pulling out every tool you own.
🌻 If you're looking for high-quality scrapbook paper, check out my store!
Rea of Treasures offers a plethora of digital and printable products; from scrapbook paper to monthly planners, reading trackers, coloring pages, and more! You can find it all in my shop!
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🌟 Final Thoughts: start with one small project
If you’re not sure where to begin, pick one idea that takes 15 minutes or less, like tags, a bookmark, or drawer liner. Once you see how much personality scrapbook paper adds, you’ll start spotting opportunities everywhere.
Rea 🌻Creator of A Rea of Treasures
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