Turning Discarded Prints and Ink Work into Beautiful Original Art Cards

We all have them—those leftover or discarded monotypes and ink studies that didn’t quite make the cut for framing but still have something beautiful within them. Rather than letting those pieces collect dust, I like to give them a second life by turning them into unique art cards. It’s a simple, rewarding process that transforms test prints, fragments, and experiments into something that feels finished and gift-worthy.

Materials You’ll Need

• A hard surface (I’m using a plastic cutting board)
• Parchment paper
• Catalyst 83-C Contour Tool
• Scotch Adhesive/Photo Mount (my preferred, but you can use other brands)
• Blank high-quality cardstock cards
• Your discarded or leftover prints/ink work
• A paper cutter or ruler and a tearing edge

Step 1: Setting Up Your Workspace

Start by creating an area where you can safely use a spray adhesive. It’s best to work in a protected space with good ventilation—or even better, outside. If you’re working indoors, consider wearing a mask to avoid inhaling fumes.

Keep in mind that spray adhesive creates overspray, so you’ll want to set up a situation that contains it and keeps your workspace clean. Place a piece of parchment paper or another sturdy covering on your surface to protect it from stray adhesive and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Sorting Through Prints

Take a look at your leftover monotypes or ink work. You can use either the front or the back of a print—sometimes the reverse side has interesting textures or ghost images that work beautifully.

Step 3: Cutting or Tearing Your Prints

Decide how you want to size your prints for the cards. You can either cut them precisely using a paper cutter or tear them by hand for a softer edge. As you work, pay attention to composition—where the image starts and stops will influence the overall look of the card.

Step 4: Arranging Your Layout

Before applying the adhesive, lay out your selected work on top of the blank card. Experiment with placement—centered, offset, vertical, or horizontal—all can work depending on the image. Take a moment to find a balance between color, texture, and negative space.

Step 5: Applying Adhesive

Place your prints face down on the parchment paper or a piece of cardboard. Lightly spray the back with Scotch Adhesive Photo Mount or other spray adhesive. Hold the can about 10–12 inches away to ensure an even coat.

Step 6: Mounting the Prints

Tip: If you’re working with delicate papers or thinner prints, a small brayer or the Catalyst 83-C Contour Tool can help smooth out air bubbles and create a clean bond once applied.

Carefully place your adhesive-coated print onto the front of the cardstock. Lay a sheet of parchment paper over the top of the print before applying pressure—this step is important to protect the surface of your artwork and prevent any ink or pigment from smearing.

Using the Catalyst 83C B Contour Tool or brayer to gently press over the parchment-covered surface, starting from the center and working outward. This helps secure the print evenly to the card while removing any trapped air bubbles. Avoid rolling directly on the artwork itself, as doing so can tear delicate paper or disturb surface texture.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Once your cards are dry, you can sign the back, add a personal message, or leave them blank. I often tuck mine into a clear sleeve or tie them with twine for a finished presentation.

Step 8: Enjoy and Share

You now have a beautiful way to repurpose leftover prints into something functional and meaningful. These cards make wonderful gifts, thank-you notes, or even small works of art to sell or include with orders.

Final Thoughts

This process is simple, meditative, and deeply satisfying. It reminds me that even the “imperfect” works can find new life and purpose. Every print tells a story—and sometimes, that story just needs to be folded in half and sent with love.