Using 6�x6� Pads on 12�x12� Layouts

Like many of us, my family has a budget we stick to every month, which means the amount of money I can spend on scrapbooking supplies is limited to my budget as well. With new things coming out every day, it seems, it would break the bank if I tried to get each and every thing I wanted.

For a long time, I had no idea why any company would bother making 6"x6" paper pads. How could you use them, I wondered, other than on cards?

But then I started to think about the possibilities. Each page in those little stacks are mini versions of the papers in the gorgeous paper packs I love, with the added benefit of often not being two-sided, so no need to ponder what to do if I liked both sides of the paper. And even better - I also didn't have anxiety attacks at the thought of cutting the little pieces of paper, the way I do sometimes with the gorgeous full 12"x12" pieces.

Another added benefit? While the big pieces of paper are simply gorgeous, it can sometimes be overwhelming to try to make the patterns work on a page. I was at a crop recently, using BoBunny's 6"x6" pad from the Zoology line, and another scrapbooker looked over my shoulder and gasped.

"I have those papers," she said. "But I've never used them. I couldn't get them to look right, they were so busy. But I love what you've done!"

We began chatting, and I learned that she'd never thought of using the 6"x6" pad on her layouts.

Using the 6"x6" pads means you have to be more creative in ways to use them on full-sized layouts, but just adding little touches here and there means you aren't relying on simply using the gorgeous papers. Anyone can do that - you're calling on your inner artist!

Here's a list of some ways you can use 6"x6" pads in your layouts, along with some examples!

1.       Making Banners or Pennants - These are very popular right now in scrapping and this trend is perfect for 6"x6" pads. You can use all of the same page or mix and match from the pad.

2.       Adding Strips - Smaller strips of paper, or even using a technique like weaving pieces of paper, works great.

3.       Blocking - This is a technique that's just made for a 6"x6" pad. Why cut a full size piece of paper for something like this?

4.       Layering - I often layer different-sized pieces of paper on my pages. Using a 6"x6" piece is obvious, but you can also use the same 6"x6" piece to give the illusion that you're using a bigger piece. One of the best penny-pinching techniques I've heard of people using to make their papers last longer is cutting any paper that's just going to be covered anyway so there's very little overlap. Think about cutting your 6"x6" piece so that only a ½" or so is underneath the paper you want to layer on top, essentially framing it.

5.       Joining - Cut your 6"x6" paper carefully, or use multiples of the same sheet, which are usually included in the 6"x6" stack, and place them beside each other to give the illusion of a longer piece of paper. Don't want to risk seeing the join? Simple - strategic placement of embellishments or photos can help there!

6.       Die-Cutting - Use the 6"x6" pads in titles or shapes (hearts, circles, stars, etc). Have a manual die-cutting machine? 6"x6" pads are a dream in something like my Cuttlebug! Perfect if you make your own embellishments, tags and flowers.

7.       Matting - seems obvious, but a little glimpse of paper under your photo can add a little extra pop!

8.       Coordinating - They coordinate perfectly with 12"x12" papers in the same line, or look great mixing and matching between lines. There are usually three to four copies of the same page, so you'll have many different options of using them on multiple pages.

9.       Framing - Try cutting the 6"x6" pages to frame the page.

Here are some examples:

Splish Splash - I used BoBunny's 6"x6" Barefoot Bliss papers and carefully cut one page in half, then matched the sides up to make one long strip. I also used more papers from the line to make a banner across the page. Another piece matted my picture. I finished off with some brads and twine. The letters were cut using Lifestyle Crafts Lollipop die.

Dad + Rob = Love - I can't take credit for this design - I spotted it on Pinterest, but unfortunately, it didn't link back to anything. I couldn't help but think what an awesome way it was to use a 6"x6" pad! In this case, I used BoBunny's On the Go 6"x6" pads and simply cut the pages into strips to form the heart. Then I used my Sew Easy and sewed them down, sewed around the page and added a few buttons for interest. The title was made using an old pack of Thickers.

Deer - Here's another perfect example of using a 6"x6" pad, this time BoBunny's Zoology line, perfect for a trip to the zoo. I simply cut some pieces and fitted them around my photos. I used a strip from another piece for the banner, which I attached with brads, and another piece as a mat behind my journaling.