A Simple Scrap Busting Bookmark for Cardmakers
- Rick Adkins
- Jun 24
- 5 min read
If you're anything like me, you probably have a growing collection of cardstock scraps and leftover pieces of patterned paper that feel too pretty to throw away but too small to use on a traditional card. Over time, those little bits can pile up and create clutter in your craft space. That's exactly what inspired today's project.
Instead of reaching for a standard card base, I challenged myself to create something useful, meaningful, and easy to personalize using supplies I already had on hand. The result was this encouraging bookmark featuring a cheerful lion, soft patterned paper, and a faith-inspired message that makes it perfect for gifting or slipping into your own favorite book.
I wanted to share the creative process in a video so you can see how everything comes together visually, but I also wanted to use this post to talk about the design choices behind the project and how you can adapt the idea to fit your own style and supplies.
Why Bookmarks Are Perfect Scrap Busters
When most cardmakers think about using scraps, they often focus on creating backgrounds, die cut sentiments, or layered embellishments. While those are all great options, bookmarks offer another practical solution.
Because bookmarks have a long, narrow shape, they naturally work well with leftover strips of cardstock and patterned paper that might not fit onto a card front. Even small scraps can become focal points, accents, or decorative layers.
Projects like this also help stretch your supplies further. Instead of saving every leftover piece for "someday," you can turn those scraps into finished projects that are useful and giftable.
The Design Choices Behind This Bookmark
One of the things I love about the Wizard Bookmark Die Set from Pixi Dust Designs is that it provides a strong foundation for the project without requiring a complicated design.
The bookmark shape itself creates structure, which means the focal image can do most of the visual work. In this case, the lion from the Be Strong and Courageous Die Set immediately communicates strength, courage, and encouragement.
Because the focal image is fairly detailed, I intentionally kept the background subtle. The soft pattern from the Bella Flowers 6x6 Pattern Paper Pack adds interest without competing for attention. This creates a cleaner finished look and helps the focal point remain the star of the design.
I also chose to ink blend around the edges of the die cuts. This simple step adds depth and definition while helping the individual layers stand out from one another. It's a small detail, but it can make die cut projects feel more polished and dimensional.
A Simple Way to Add More Meaning
One design decision that often gets overlooked is the back of the project.
For this bookmark, I stamped an encouraging sentiment on the reverse side and added a few coordinating floral die cuts. Not only does this finish the project nicely, but it also creates a more thoughtful experience for the recipient.
Whether you're creating bookmarks, tags, or cards, considering both sides of a project can elevate the final result without adding a lot of extra work.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When creating bookmark-style projects, one of the most common mistakes is trying to fit too many elements into a small space.
Because bookmarks are narrower than cards, it's important to let your focal image breathe. Choosing one strong focal point and supporting it with a simple background often creates a more successful design than layering multiple competing elements.
Another mistake is using highly detailed patterned papers behind detailed die cuts. If both elements demand attention, the design can feel busy. Pairing a bold focal image with a softer pattern usually creates better visual balance.
How to Adapt This Idea With Supplies You Already Own
One of my favorite things about this project is how easy it is to customize.
If you don't have these specific dies, look through your stash for images that communicate encouragement, friendship, faith, or inspiration. Animals, florals, butterflies, and even simple sentiment dies can work beautifully on a bookmark.
You can also change the theme completely:
Create Christmas bookmarks using holiday images and sentiments.
Make birthday bookmarks as party favors.
Design seasonal bookmarks for spring, summer, fall, or winter.
Use masculine-themed images for Father's Day gifts.
Create teacher appreciation bookmarks using school-themed supplies.
The basic concept remains the same even when the products change.
Why Projects Like This Matter
As cardmakers, it's easy to become focused on creating cards and overlook other ways to use our supplies. Small projects like bookmarks encourage us to think differently about the products we already own while helping us get more value from our stash.
They also make wonderful handmade gifts that can be mailed easily, tucked into a book, included with a card, or shared with a friend who could use a little encouragement.
Most importantly, they remind us that creativity doesn't always require new supplies. Sometimes the best projects come from looking at leftover pieces with fresh eyes.
Don't worry about making your bookmark look exactly like mine. Use what you have, experiment with different themes, and have fun exploring new ways to use your scraps.
If you create your own version, I'd love to hear how you adapted the idea. And if you haven't watched the video yet, you can see the project come together below.
Watch the Video
You can watch the process here and see how this encouragement bookmark comes together from a collection of cardstock scraps and patterned paper leftovers.
If you have problems watching the video here on my blog you can always watch it on my YouTube Channel by Clicking Here!
(Wondering what I used in this video? Everything is linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails at the end of this post, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible). As always I appreciate your support of my videos!
Supplies Used
Here you will find the list of supplies that I used to create today's card. All supplies are linked to supply sources below. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.
Happy Crafting,
Rick Adkins
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