After a big project there are always offcuts: strips, corners, half sheets of a pattern you love. Small projects use them up, and they are also the quickest way to try a new pack. Here are six that take under 15 minutes each, with sizes.
1. Gift tags
Size: 2 x 3.5 in or 2.5 x 4 in. A Letter sheet gives 8 to 12 tags.
- Print on 80 lb cardstock so the tags survive handling.
- Cut rectangles, then trim the two top corners at 45 degrees for a classic shipping tag shape.
- Punch a hole, add a reinforcement circle cut from a coordinating paper, and thread twine or ribbon.
Print a whole sheet of tags from a seasonal pack and you have them ready for every gift.
2. Envelopes
Size: a Letter or A4 sheet folds into an envelope for a small A2 card or gift card.
- Print on 24 to 32 lb text paper.
- Turn the sheet face down in a diamond orientation and place your card in the center.
- Fold the left and right corners over the card, then the bottom corner up. Glue where they overlap.
- Fold the top corner down as the flap and seal it with a sticker or a strip of washi tape.
Mini envelopes from offcuts make perfect pockets for junk journals.
3. Bookmarks
Size: 2 x 6 in. Four fit on a Letter sheet with room to spare.
Print on cardstock, cut the strips, round the corners and add a tassel through a punched hole. Laminate or cover with clear packing tape for a bookmark that lasts.
4. Recipe cards
Size: 4 x 6 in or 3 x 5 in.
Glue a printed strip across the top of a plain index card, or print a light pattern and add a white label for writing. Kitchen and citrus patterns are made for this. See year-round paper ideas.
5. Labels and jar toppers
Cut circles from printed paper with a punch or a glass as a template. Use them on jam jars, spice tins, pantry containers and homemade gifts. Print on sticker paper for labels that stick on their own.
6. Paper chain and bunting
Strips of 1 x 8 in printed paper make a paper chain in minutes. For bunting, cut triangles 4 in wide and 5 in tall, fold the top edge over a string and glue. Mixing papers from one pack keeps it colorful and coordinated. More in birthday party ideas.
Small-format tip: the 6 x 6 file
Small projects look better with smaller motifs. Our 6 x 6 mini PDF prints each design scaled down, with crop marks, which suits tags, bookmarks and labels better than the full-size pattern. See paper sizes explained.
