The Great Paper Size Debate
 When I was first introduced to scrapbooking almost 4 years ago, I was handed a 12x12 piece of paper and instructed to create a layout. And I did. I did not even discover that there was any other paper size until almost a year later. Now I scrapbook almost exclusively in the smaller 8-1/2x11 format.
Personally I found the 12x12 format to be a bit stifling to my creativity. I was overwhelmed by the size of the paper. I felt my layouts looked blah and unimaginative. They always seemed to be missing something. And it would take me forever to finish a layout.
Then I gave into temptation and tried an 8-1/2x11 layout. I was instantly hooked. The smaller size of the paper seemed less daunting to me. I began experimenting with new techniques. It was also the perfect size for those 1 or 2 special photos that would get lost on a 12x12 layout. Also, my photography skills have greatly improved and combined with the use of a digital camera, I find I have less but better quality photos to scrap. However, everyone is different so that is why I compiled this list of pros and cons about each size.
8-1/2x11 Pros
- single photo on a layout does not get lost
- can turn it on its side for a landscape look (see figure 1)
- albums, paper and cardstock cost less
- easier to scan layouts for the web
- can make color copies at any copy or office supply store
- can print your journaling directly onto cardstock
- complete layouts faster
8-1/2x11 Cons
- most patterned papers only come in 12x12 (so they have to be cut down)
- cannot fit several photos on one layout without sacrificing the design
- not a lot of room for large embellishments such as tags or shaker boxes
12x12 Pros
- can get many photos on one layout without it looking cluttered
- manufacturers and magazines are geared toward 12x12
- lots of extra space to add large embellishments
- more album design options available
12x12 Cons
- albums, papers and cardstock cost more
- one photo on a layout may look lost
- always have to work with a square
- have to "stitch" layouts when scanning for the web
- cannot print directly onto your 12 x 12 cardstock
 There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing the size of the layouts you want to create. You do what feels right for you. You can even mix it up and create several different size albums. Why not try a gift album in the different size and decide for yourself which works best.
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