Got card stock and patterned paper scraps? Don’t we all!
Today I’m sharing some honest truths, a helpful hack, and a personal story about how I’ve learned to manage scraps *without guilt*—and how you can too.
Let’s face it: card stock and paper scraps can overrun our craft spaces in no time. One project in, and suddenly we’ve got offcuts, trimmings, and odd-shaped pieces everywhere.
I’ll never forget a story from a Stampin’ Up! convention with over 5,000 demonstrators in attendance. Co-founder Shelli Gardner stated said, “If it’s less than a quarter sheet of card stock, it goes in the bin.” The collective gasp? Absolutely legendary.
But Shelli wasn’t just trying to sell more card stock—she was encouraging demonstrators to stop holding onto things out of guilt. Smaller scraps often just aren’t practical so why let them take up valuable “real estate” in your craft room?
Let’s Talk Scrap Guilt
Story Time with Chrissy
When I first started crafting, I thought I had a “system” (insert laugh track here). I used zip bags for each colour family (colour collection)—then graduated to boxes. But every time I needed a scrap, I had to dig through the chaos to find it.
I felt obligated to use every scrap. Card stock isn’t cheap, and I believed being frugal meant never wasting a thing. But the time I spent rummaging was eating into my precious creativity.
At the time, I was juggling full-time work in a senior public service role, managing chronic health issues, raising a family, running craft classes *and* trying to build a creative business. Time was gold—and I was spending it on scrap hunting.
The scraps kept piling up. One box became two, then four. I sat down to sort them and ended up in tears. Steve, my wonderfully logical husband, stepped in and said it straight: “This is a waste of time.”
I disagreed—at first.
Later, I spoke to my crafty business coach. Her advice? “Throw out the scraps.”
What?! Had the world gone mad?
But then she asked a life-changing question:
What would it cost to replace these scraps with full sheets?
So Steve and I laid out the scraps. It was shocking how much space these little bits took up. I estimated that two assorted colour packs would give me more card stock than the mountain of scraps I had—neatly, efficiently, and without the stress.
That night, I walked (okay, trudged) to the recycle bin and let them go—boxes and all. It was hard. But I survived. The sky didn’t fall.
And guess what? I felt lighter. I felt free.
My Current Scrap Storage System
Now I store my A4 and 12×12 papers in labelled 13″x13″ ziplock bags in my paper shelving unit. But for smaller scraps, I found the perfect solution in large bamboo stackable kitchen storage boxes (thank you Kmart!)—neat, efficient, and easily accessible.. They sit neatly on top of my paper shelves.
Each colour has its own 6” wide ziplock bag (sourced locally through Logan Packaging), labelled and ready to go. No more digging—just grab the colour and usually, the perfect piece is right there.
And what about patterned paper scraps? I’m glad you asked.
I store my pretty paper scraps with their original paper packs—whether 12”x12” or 6”x6”—inside 13”x13” ziplock bags. To keep things tidy and prevent the scraps from getting damaged or lost, I pop them into a smaller zippy bag first. That way, all the coordinating pieces stay together in one place—easy to grab, easy to use.
This setup works beautifully no matter what paper brand you use. The key is keeping like with like, and giving your scraps a home that makes sense.
Feeling Overwhelmed by Scraps?
If your scraps are a burden, here’s my advice:
- Take a deep breath.
- Gather your scraps—and put them straight in the recycle bin. Don’t sort them. Don’t overthink it. Just release the stress.
- Buy yourself a set of 6” ziplock bags.Get the simple kind without sliders.
- Download my printable label list for current Stampin’ Up! colours (formatted for Avery address labels).
- Set it up once.It’s easy to maintain—and you’ll be amazed how much smoother your crafting becomes.
Next-Level Scrap Zen
You’ll know you’ve truly embraced this system when you find a scrap bag full of unusable bits. You’ll tip it out, recycle the contents guilt-free, and keep the bag to start fresh.
That handful of scraps? Probably worth 1–2 sheets of card stock. Let. It. Go.
What You Gain in Return
A friend told me, “I feel so overwhelmed by all my paper that I walk into my craft room… and then turn around and walk back out.”
That broke my heart—because I know how that feels. I’ve been there too.
Decluttering scraps gives you more than just a tidy space. It gives you freedom, clarity, and your creativity back.
Imagine walking into your craft space and feeling calm, inspired, and ready to make something beautiful. That’s what this simple shift can enable.
Your Turn!
Did this resonate with you? Are scraps your Achilles heel, too?
I’d love to know what works for you—or what you’re struggling with.
This post took nearly two hours to put together (not including the emotional flashbacks 😅), so if it helped or made you think, please take a moment to leave a comment. It means the world to hear from you.
We’ve talked patterned paper and now we’ve tackled card stock scraps. Next up: stamps! Stay tuned.
Until next time… Happy Creating!
Chrissy XOXO
