Use Your Patterned Paper Scraps with This Easy Rubber Stamping Technique

Images copyright 1990–2026 Stampin’ Up!®

Do you have a collection of patterned paper scraps that are simply too pretty to throw away? Paper piecing is a fun rubber stamping technique that lets you turn those little scraps into colorful stamped images without pulling out your markers or other coloring tools.

For this week’s Stamp with Me Tuesday, I created three handmade cards using the paper piecing technique. I also snuck in a peek at several new products from the 2026 September–December Stampin’ Up!® Catalog, which begins September 1!
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Read on to see how to do this easy cardmaking technique and get a closer look at all three cards.

Paper Piecing Video Tutorial

If you missed the live video, you can watch it right here. I’ll show you how to do the paper piecing technique step-by-step while creating one of these cards.

Get the FREE Project Sheet for this Technique

What Is the Paper Piecing Technique?

Paper piecing is a simple technique that uses patterned paper to “color” a stamped image.
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Start by stamping your complete image on Basic White cardstock. Then, stamp the same image on one or more pieces of patterned paper. Cut out the sections you want to use and adhere them over the matching areas of the image stamped on white.

You can use one pattern for the entire image or combine several coordinating prints, as I did on these cards.
When cutting the patterned-paper pieces, cut directly on, or slightly inside, the stamped lines. This is different from traditional fussy cutting, where you might leave a small border around the image. Cutting on the line helps each piece fit neatly inside the original stamped outline.

This technique works especially well with line-art stamps that have larger open areas. It’s also a fabulous way to use some of those Designer Series Paper scraps you’ve been saving!

Supply List for this Pumpkin Card

Painted Pumpkins Paper Piecing Card

The first card features the new Painted Pumpkins Bundle and coordinating Painted Patch Designer Series Paper. Both are part of the Painted Patch Suite, available beginning September 1.

Instead of using a traditional orange-and-green fall color palette, I combined Pool Party, Secret Sea, and Cajun Craze. The unexpected colors give this pumpkin card a fresh look while still feeling warm and perfect for fall.

I stamped the pumpkin in Secret Sea on Basic White cardstock and cut it out with the Painted Pumpkins Dies. Then, I stamped the pumpkin again on three different patterns from the Painted Patch Designer Series Paper.

I cut individual sections from each patterned pumpkin and adhered them over the corresponding sections on the Basic White pumpkin. Combining the three prints created a colorful patchwork design that makes this little pumpkin the star of the card.

The Cajun Craze layer was embossed with the Textured Tree Ring 3D Embossing Folder. I cut the Basic White circle with the Stylish Shapes Dies and stamped the sentiment in Pool Party and Secret Sea.

I love using a lighter ink for a large, bold word because the heavy font already helps it stand out. The smaller, more delicate lettering needs a darker color to remain easy to read.
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A Stampin’ Dimensional lifts the finished paper-pieced pumpkin from the card front, while Linen Thread adds a little more texture.

Christmas Crew Paper-Pieced Bear Card

The second card may be a winter card, but I used the new Sunflower Fields Designer Series Paper to make it! It’s a great reminder that patterned paper doesn’t have to be used only for the theme suggested by its name.

The Christmas Crew stamp set includes a collection of adorable animals and a snowman holding signs. You can add different sentiments to the signs, making it easy to customize your card for the recipient. For this one, I chose the super-cute “Will Carol for Cocoa” greeting.

I stamped the complete bear on Basic White cardstock. Then, I stamped him again on several pieces of the Sunflower Fields Designer Series Paper.

Instead of paper piecing the entire image, I left the sign Basic White and added patterned-paper pieces to the bear’s body, face, muzzle, nose, and paws. The different prints add just enough variation to bring the bear to life while keeping the sentiment crisp and easy to read.
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I also added some of the new jute that will be available September 1. The jute contains three strands, which can feel a little thick for a card front. Try separating the strands and using just one. The single strand has a soft, fuzzy texture and is much easier to tie around your paper layers.

Complete Supply List for this Bear Card

Complete Supply List for this Sunflower Card

Radiant Sunflowers Fall Card

The final card is a fall friendship card made with the Radiant Sunflowers Bundle and Sunflower Fields Designer Series Paper. The “Hello, friend” sentiment makes it perfect for sending a quick note to let someone know you’re thinking about her.

For this card, I stamped the complete flower bouquet on Basic White cardstock. I stamped it again on several different patterns from the Designer Series Paper and cut out individual petals, flower centers, and leaves.

This image has smaller sections than the pumpkin or bear, so it takes a little more cutting, but I love the finished effect! Using several patterns adds variation to the flowers and leaves while allowing all the colors to coordinate beautifully.
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A strip of the Sunflower Fields Designer Series Paper carries the pattern across the card front. I finished the design with jute tucked behind the sentiment and a few new Radiant Gems for a little sparkle. Because, as always, I can’t resist adding a few embellishments!

New September–December Catalog Products

All three cards feature products from the new 2026 September–December Stampin’ Up! Catalog. The new catalog begins September 1, and it is packed with products for fall, Halloween, Christmas, winter, and more.

Here are some of the new products I used:

• Painted Pumpkins Bundle
• Painted Patch Designer Series Paper
• Christmas Crew stamp set
• Radiant Sunflowers Bundle
• Sunflower Fields Designer Series Paper
• Radiant Gems
• New jute

​These products will be available to order beginning September 1. If you’ve been waiting for new fall and holiday paper crafting supplies, you won’t have to wait much longer!

Get the Free Paper Piecing Project Sheet

Would you like the cutting dimensions and supply information for these cards? Download the free project sheet below so you’ll have everything ready when you want to try this rubber stamping technique.

Try Paper Piecing on Your Next Handmade Card

Paper piecing is easy to customize with the stamps and papers you already own. Try it on pumpkins, flowers, clothing, animals, balloons, gifts, or any other line-art image with open spaces.

You can keep it simple by using one patterned paper or create a patchwork effect by combining several prints. Either way, it’s a fun way to add color and pattern to your handmade cards while using up those scraps you couldn’t bear to throw away.

Which of these paper-pieced cards is your favorite: the pumpkin, the bear, or the sunflowers? Let me know in the comments!

Shop for Stampin’ Up!® products with me beginning September 1, and don’t forget to check out all the new products in the 2026 September–December Catalog.

With a qualifying $50 Stampin’ Up!® order through me, you can also receive the current Creativity Made Simple tutorial bundle for even more cardmaking inspiration.

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