Finding Treasure in the Leftovers

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from block carving, it’s this: creativity doesn’t always come from a perfect, untouched block. Sometimes, it comes from the scraps — the odd little pieces we almost throw away.

And I don’t mean the tiny curls of shavings that cover the table when you’re carving. I’m talking about those small leftover sections from trimming a bigger block — the ones you look at and think, “There’s no way I can use this.”

I used to toss them without a second thought… until recently.

The Happy Accident

During Blocktober, while streaming on Twitch, I was carving a set of smaller blocks to save on supplies. By the end, I had a few random chunks that didn’t fit into any of my main projects. I glanced at one of the scraps, and before throwing it away, one of my viewers and I said at the same time, “That could be a star!”

We both laughed, but they were right — it totally could be. So, I carved it.

And just like that, this tiny little star came to life. It’s small, a bit rough around the edges, but it makes me smile every time I see it.

The Smiley Face Moment

A few nights later, I noticed another scrap on my desk — a little square that didn’t seem special at all. I almost threw it out, but then I thought, what if I carved a smiley face into it?

So I did.

And it worked.

Now it’s this happy, goofy little stamp I can use on cards, envelopes, or even on the back of my prints. It doesn’t have to be perfect — it’s just fun. And that’s kind of the point.   

The Lesson in the Leftovers

That’s the magic of creative reuse — seeing value in what you’d normally toss aside. Those printmaking scraps that seem too small or too awkward might actually be the start of something new.

Keeping a few extras around has taught me to slow down and look twice before throwing things away. Even the smallest piece can become a chance to play, experiment, or spark a new idea.

Not everything has to be polished or planned. Sometimes, art is just about following curiosity — letting yourself create something simply because it feels good.

If I had tossed those scraps, I never would’ve carved that little star or that silly smiley face. Now they sit on my desk, reminding me that:

✨ There’s beauty in imperfection.
✨ There’s value in what we overlook.
✨ And sometimes, the best ideas come from what’s left behind.

What about you — do you save your scraps, or have an idea for what I should carve next from my scrap pile? Tell me in the comments below — I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas!