Creative Ways to Reuse & Recycle Scrap Wrapping Paper: What to Do with Leftover Wrapping Paper

The narrow strip left beside a box or the illustrated corner too lovely to throw away can still be useful. If you are wondering what to do with leftover wrapping paper, this practical guide turns clean scraps into envelope liners, gift tags, drawer liners, origami and other small projects that allow the artwork to be enjoyed again.

Every Byard’s design begins as a hand-painted watercolour or detailed pencil sketch in our Derbyshire studio. Those little birds, gardening tools, books, cakes and countryside characters often look just as charming on a tag or card as they do across a full parcel.

What to Do with Leftover Wrapping Paper:

Start by Sorting It

Do not begin by forcing every scrap into a craft project. Keep pieces that are clean, dry and large enough to use, then deal responsibly with anything torn, heavily taped or damaged.

Remove what does not belong

Gently peel away clear tape, sticky labels, ribbon, twine and gift tags. If the tape will not lift without tearing the paper, trim around that section rather than weakening the useful scrap.

Paper with food, candle wax, damp marks or excessive adhesive is unlikely to make a satisfying project. Set it aside from the clean pieces and follow your local waste guidance.

Flatten the paper safely

Lay each scrap printed-side down beneath a few large books for a day or two. This relaxes rolled edges and old wrapping curves without applying heat to the matt coated surface.

Avoid ironing gift wrap. Heat and steam can affect inks, coatings and paper fibres, and a moment’s inattention can turn a useful offcut into a scorched one.

Sort scraps by shape, not only by size

A long narrow strip is excellent for a bookmark or paper band, even when its total area is small. A compact square may be more useful for origami than a much larger irregular piece.

Scrap shape or size	Good projects
Tiny pieces under 50mm	Collage details, cut-out motifs, confetti-style card decorations
Small pieces around 50–100mm	Gift tags, mini labels, paper flags and tiny origami shapes
A6 to A5-sized pieces	Envelope liners, cards, bookmarks and small folded envelopes
Long narrow strips	Paper chains, jar bands, bookmarks, ribbon-like wraps and bunting flags
Squares	Origami, folded decorations and small boxes
Large rectangles	Drawer lining, book covers, patchwork wrapping and framed paper panels

Keep the sorted pieces in a rigid folder, large envelope or clean box. Store longer strips loosely rolled so they do not acquire hard creases before their next job.

Project 1: Line an Envelope Flap

An envelope liner uses a surprisingly modest piece of paper and gives a handwritten card a small reveal as it is opened. It is one of the most useful forms of upcycling gift wrap scraps, particularly when the pattern relates to the occasion or recipient.

You will need

• A clean envelope

• A wrapping-paper offcut larger than the open flap

• Pencil

• Scissors or craft knife and cutting mat

• Glue stick or narrow double-sided tape

• A ruler or clean piece of card for pressing the crease

How to make an envelope-flap liner

1. Open the envelope and place the wrapping paper beneath the flap, printed-side facing you.

2. Trace around the flap shape lightly in pencil.

3. Draw a second line 2–3mm inside the traced edges so the liner does not protrude.

4. Cut along the inner line and place the liner inside the envelope to test the fit.

5. Slide it down until its lower edge sits just below the flap crease.

6. Fold the envelope closed once to transfer the crease position to the liner.

7. Apply adhesive to the back of the liner on the flap section only.

8. Press it into place, keeping clear of the envelope’s sealing strip.

Gluing only the flap allows the lower part of the liner to move naturally as the envelope opens and closes. It also reduces the chance of bubbles appearing across the paper.

Pattern-placement tip

Choose one complete motif for the centre of the flap rather than cutting at random. A robin, watering can, little house or painted flower appearing beneath the point of the envelope makes the project feel deliberate.

For directional designs, check that the image will be upright when the recipient opens the envelope. It is easy to rotate the template accidentally while tracing on the reverse.

Project 2: Make Custom Gift Tags

Gift tags are ideal for small illustrated pieces because only one recognisable motif is needed. They can match the original parcel, accompany a future gift or be kept together as a ready-made tag collection.

These handmade gift tag ideas work with both Byard’s paper weights. Sturdier 140gsm scraps can often be used on their own, while flexible 90gsm paper is best mounted onto reclaimed card when a firmer tag is wanted.

You will need

• Clean wrapping-paper scraps

• Plain card from a cereal box, delivery sleeve or old greeting card

• Pencil and ruler

• Scissors

• Glue stick or suitable paper adhesive

• Hole punch

• Twine, ribbon or cotton string

How to make a classic rectangular tag

1. Choose a motif and mark a rectangle around it on the reverse of the paper.

2. Cut the paper cleanly, leaving enough quiet space around the illustration.

3. Cut a matching rectangle from reclaimed card.

4. Glue the wrapping paper to the unprinted side of the card and smooth from the centre outwards.

5. Place the tag beneath a book until the adhesive is dry and the surface is flat.

6. Trim the top corners diagonally if you want a traditional luggage-tag shape.

7. Punch a hole at least 6–8mm from the edge.

8. Thread with saved ribbon or twine and write the message on the plain reverse.

Try several tag shapes

• Arch tag: Round the top corners and punch the hole centrally.

• Circle tag: Trace around a small jar lid before cutting.

• Flag tag: Cut a shallow V into the lower edge of a narrow rectangle.

• Motif tag: Cut around a large painted object, then mount it on card with a narrow border.

• Folded tag: Double the length, fold in half and write the message inside.

Do not cut so closely around a detailed motif that thin sections can bend or tear. A small border makes the shape stronger and keeps the hand-painted edge of the illustration readable.

Make a matching tag while wrapping

Before discarding the offcuts, cut one tag from the same paper and slip it beneath the ribbon. This creates a coordinated finish without introducing another colour or material.

Turn the tag over or mount it on plain card so the recipient’s name remains easy to read. The matching front feels decorative; the quiet reverse does the practical work.

Project 3: Line a Drawer

A broad leftover rectangle can add colour inside a bedside table, desk or craft drawer. Drawer lining is particularly effective with repeating patterns because the design still feels complete when viewed across a shallow flat space.

Wrapping paper is a decorative liner rather than a protective surface for wet, greasy or heavy items. Use it in clean, dry drawers and avoid permanent adhesive on valuable or delicate furniture.

You will need

• A large piece of wrapping paper

• Tape measure or ruler

• Pencil

• Scissors or craft knife and cutting mat

• Optional low-tack removable tape or photo corners

How to line a drawer without permanent glue

1. Empty and clean the drawer, then allow it to dry fully.

2. Measure the internal length and width at several points; older drawers are not always perfectly square.

3. Subtract 2–3mm from each measurement so the paper will lie flat without curling up the sides.

4. Mark the rectangle on the reverse of the wrapping paper.

5. Cut carefully and test the fit before adding any fixing.

6. Lay the paper loose beneath the drawer contents, or use small pieces of removable tape on the reverse if it shifts.

Keeping the liner removable allows it to be changed, cleaned around or taken out without leaving a large glued surface. Test any adhesive in a hidden area and follow the furniture maker’s care advice.

Joining smaller scraps for a larger drawer

If no single piece is wide enough, create a neat panel from two or more scraps. Align the pattern where possible, join the pieces with tape on the reverse and trim the completed panel as one rectangle.

A visible join is not necessarily a failure. Two related colourways or alternating strips can create an intentional patchwork, especially inside a craft drawer or children’s stationery box.

Other places to use a removable paper liner

• The base of a keepsake box

• A desk organiser

• A shallow jewellery tray

• The back panel of a small shelf

• A plain gift box that will be reused for storage

• The inside lid of a memory box

Avoid lining areas that become hot, damp or greasy. Wrapping paper is not suitable as a liner for food-contact surfaces, sinks, bathrooms or drawers containing warm electrical items.

Project 4: Fold Simple Origami

Origami transforms a flat pattern into something that can be held, hung or added to another parcel. Accurate squares and firm creases matter more than complicated instructions, so begin with a straightforward shape.

Which paper weight is best?

Flexible 90gsm wrapping paper is the easier choice for cranes, stars, hearts and designs with several layered folds. It bends into small corners without building too much thickness.

The heavier 140gsm option works for simple envelopes, open trays, bookmarks and sturdy shapes with fewer folds. It may become bulky in complex miniatures, so use a larger square and a simpler design.

Prepare an accurate square

1. Place the paper printed-side down.

2. Measure and mark an equal length on all four sides.

3. Cut with a ruler and craft knife, or use long, careful scissor strokes.

4. Check the square by folding one corner diagonally to its opposite corner.

5. Trim any tiny mismatch before beginning the model.

A true square prevents the final points from drifting out of alignment. If the pattern has an obvious direction, decide which motifs you want outside before making the first fold.

Beginner-friendly origami projects

• Heart: Add it to a card or write a tiny message on the plain side.

• Simple star: Hang several from cotton thread or attach one beneath gift ribbon.

• Corner bookmark: Fold a pocket that slips over a page without adhesive.

• Mini envelope: Hold a gift note, seed packet or treasure-hunt clue.

• Open paper tray: Use a larger 140gsm square for lightweight trinkets.

• Crane: Best attempted in 90gsm with a reasonably large square.

Use a thumbnail, clean ruler edge or bone folder to press each crease, taking care not to scuff the printed surface. Work slowly where several folds meet; forcing thick layers can split the paper.

Project 5: Create Patchwork Wrapping Paper

Several medium-sized scraps can become one new sheet. This is particularly useful when you have related designs, two colourways of the same pattern or clean pieces left after wrapping a group of gifts.

How to join the pieces

1. Trim each scrap into a clean rectangle.

2. Arrange the pieces printed-side up until the colours feel evenly distributed.

3. Turn them over while keeping the layout in order.

4. Place the edges together without a bulky overlap.

5. Join each seam with clear tape on the reverse.

6. Turn the sheet over and check that no sticky edge is exposed.

7. Wrap a small, regular box and position the neatest section on top.

For the strongest result, place joined seams on broad faces rather than directly over box corners. Use a ribbon across one seam if you want to make the patchwork structure look even more intentional.

This is one of the most satisfying scrap paper craft projects because the finished sheet immediately returns to its original purpose. The new parcel carries several little pieces of previous celebrations without looking like an emergency repair.

Project 6: Make a Paper Band for a Box or Jar

Long offcuts often remain when wrapping a narrow parcel. Rather than trimming them into tiny pieces, turn them into decorative bands for plain boxes, notebooks or dry storage jars.

How to make a paper band

1. Trim the strip to a consistent width.

2. Wrap it loosely around the object and allow a 20–30mm overlap.

3. Crease it gently at square edges if wrapping a box.

4. Secure the overlap to itself rather than taping directly onto the object.

5. Add twine or a small tag if wanted.

Only use bands around clean, dry containers and keep the paper away from food-contact areas. On a jar, position it well below the rim and remove it before washing.

Paper bands are useful for grouping a set of note cards, dressing a plain gift box or turning a simple notebook into part of a coordinated present. They use the full length of the scrap while leaving most of the original item visible.

Project 7: Make Bookmarks

The 594mm width of Byard’s paper often leaves slim strips beside a box, and those strips are naturally suited to bookmarks. Choose a section containing a vertical trail of motifs or one complete illustration near the top.

Simple mounted bookmark

1. Cut a paper strip approximately 45–55mm wide and 150–180mm long.

2. Cut a matching piece of reclaimed card.

3. Glue the paper to the card and press it flat beneath a book while drying.

4. Trim the edges and round the corners if preferred.

5. Punch a hole at the top and add a short piece of reused ribbon, or leave it plain.

Avoid thick knots or metal decorations that could mark book pages. A flat paper-and-card bookmark does the job while showing a satisfying slice of the original pattern.

For an avid reader, match the bookmark to book-themed wrapping paper used on their gift. It becomes a small practical extra rather than another piece of packaging.

Project 8: Decorate a Handmade Card

Wrapping-paper motifs can become card toppers, borders or full front panels. Watercolour and pencil artwork works particularly well because the printed texture still feels connected to the hand-written message inside.

Three simple card layouts

• Single motif: Cut around one illustration and mount it centrally on plain card.

• Pattern panel: Place a rectangle across the lower third of the card and add a handwritten greeting above.

• Paper strips: Arrange three narrow coordinating strips vertically or horizontally with small gaps between them.

Use adhesive sparingly so the paper does not ripple. Place the finished card beneath a clean book while it dries, then pair it with a matching envelope-flap liner.

If the paper contains Christmas characters, wildlife or seasonal garden scenes, cut several cards at once while the scraps are already sorted. Store them without wording so they can become thank-you cards, gift notes or greetings later.

Project 9: Fold Small Gift-Card Envelopes

A gift card can feel impersonal when passed over in its shop packaging. A little illustrated envelope gives it a sense of occasion and can be made from an A5-sized scrap.

A simple folded pocket

1. Place the gift card in the centre of the paper, printed-side down.

2. Fold the two long sides inward with a small overlap.

3. Remove the card and secure the overlap to form a sleeve.

4. Fold the lower edge upwards and secure the sides, leaving the top open.

5. Trim the top into a shallow point or rounded flap.

6. Replace the card and close with a small paper tab, twine or removable sticker.

Make sure adhesive cannot touch the gift card itself. A short handwritten note can be slipped into the pocket alongside it.

Project 10: Turn Favourite Motifs into Tiny Art

Some scraps are too beautiful for a practical fold. A complete animal, flower, greenhouse or illustrated object can be cut out and mounted in a small frame, card aperture or homemade paper window.

Group three related motifs in a row, or let one detailed pencil drawing sit alone with plenty of plain space around it. This works well for a nursery shelf, craft room, home office or the inside lid of a keepsake box.

Use acid-free mounting materials if you want the piece to last as artwork. Ordinary tape and scrap card are perfectly suitable for temporary seasonal displays, but they may discolour over a long period.

More Quick Uses for Small Scraps

Not every project needs a full afternoon. These smaller ideas can be completed while the scissors and offcuts are already on the table.

• Cut narrow flags for cocktail sticks or party food labels, keeping paper away from food itself.

• Wrap a strip around a plain pencil pot or dry craft container.

• Make tiny folded place cards for a dinner table.

• Cut initials and mount them onto plain gift tags.

• Create paper bunting for a shelf, card or celebration sign.

• Use motif cut-outs in a scrapbook or memory book.

• Fold a paper bow for a lightweight parcel.

• Cover the front of a small notebook.

• Make a chain from long strips for Christmas decorations.

• Keep one matching scrap inside a memory box with the card from the occasion.

The smaller the project, the more important clean cutting becomes. A neatly isolated motif feels purposeful; an uneven shape with tape still attached will continue to look like waste paper.

Choosing Projects for 90gsm and 140gsm Scraps

Both paper weights are useful, but they behave differently once the project becomes small or heavily folded.

Project	90gsm	140gsm
Envelope-flap liners	Excellent; flexible and easy to crease	Suitable, but check that the flap still closes neatly
Mounted gift tags	Excellent when backed with card	Often sturdy enough for simple tags
Drawer liners	Easy to cut and fit	Heavier feel and less likely to shift
Complex origami	Preferred	Can become bulky
Simple folded trays	May feel soft	Better structure
Patchwork wrapping	Easy to join and wrap	Best for simple square boxes; seams can feel thick
Bookmarks	Mount onto card	Suitable alone or mounted
Card decoration	Easy to glue in flat layers	Good for single raised panels

Paper weight is not a quality ranking. Choose the flexible sheet when the project needs several folds, and the heavier sheet when the finished piece benefits from structure.

How to Store Wrapping-Paper Scraps Without Creating Clutter

Saving every sliver is not the goal. A practical reuse system should make the next project easier rather than transferring a heap of untidy paper from the recycling area to a cupboard.

Use three storage groups

1. Large pieces: Store flat in a portfolio, under-bed box or large recycled envelope.

2. Long strips: Roll loosely around a clean cardboard tube and secure with a paper band.

3. Small motifs and tag pieces: Keep in a labelled A4 envelope or shallow box.

Set a minimum size that suits the crafts you actually enjoy. If you never make collage, there is little value in keeping hundreds of pieces smaller than a postage stamp.

Label personalised scraps

Offcuts containing faces, names or private messages should be stored carefully or disposed of appropriately. Keep them out of mixed community craft supplies unless the person shown is happy for the image to be shared.

When using personalised paper for a future family gift, trim the recognisable section neatly and store it in a closed envelope. A face or name can become a matching tag, but it should not be left loose where it may be lost or used unintentionally.

Reuse First, Then Recycle Responsibly

The most useful zero-waste habit is to cut accurately and reuse clean material while it still has a practical purpose. It is not necessary to turn damaged scraps into objects nobody needs simply to avoid putting anything in the bin.

Recycling rules for coated and printed gift wrap vary between local authorities and collection systems. Check your council or recycling provider rather than relying only on a “scrunch test” or a general claim printed online.

Before disposing of wrapping paper

• Remove tape, ribbons, twine, tags and decorative greenery.

• Separate paper from foil, plastic film, glitter and wired decorations.

• Keep food-stained, greasy or wet pieces out of clean paper recycling.

• Flatten acceptable paper so it takes up less space.

• Follow the guidance for your own household collection.

Byard’s wrapping paper has a matt coated finish, and we supply it rolled rather than folded. Whether a used piece is accepted for recycling still depends on the rules where you live, so reuse is the most dependable first step.

Planning Cuts to Create Better Offcuts

The easiest scrap to use is the one that was cut with its next job in mind. Before wrapping, look at the sheet and position the box so that the remaining paper forms a useful strip or rectangle rather than several jagged pieces.

Measure first, cut once and keep the factory-trimmed edge intact where possible. A clean 100mm-wide strip can become tags, bookmarks or paper bands with almost no further preparation.

If you know an envelope liner or card is planned, mark that section lightly on the reverse before cutting the main gift piece. This keeps the best motif away from a corner that would otherwise be trimmed into fragments.