As the trends columnist for SCT (I Spy with Emily), I get to hunt down all the latest trends in scrapbooking. Three years ago, I was working in a booth at CHA and a cardmaker approached me asking if the company I was working for had paper pads. I looked at her blankly. She kindly helped me out, "they are the same papers, just miniaturized for cardmakers." "AH!" I said, "No, we don't have them."
"You should seriously consider them, I know they'd do well with our demographic," she suggested.
Well, three years later, someone listened because almost every company out there now has a paper pad for each line. The same exact patterns as their 12x12 papers, only in a 6x6 or 8x8 version. They go by the name of Wee Bundles, Petite Paper Pads, Mini Papers, and 6x6 Paper Pads to name just a few. Here are some examples that are available right now...
Sassafras Lass
BasicGrey
Jillibean Soup
Bo Bunny
Being more of a scrapbooker than a cardmaker, I didn't know if I'd use the pads very much. I'm here to tell you I was very wrong. I LOVE working with the small little sheets of paper. For some reason, they are easier to cut into for me, and the patterns are so very sweet all miniaturized. I know there are some who feel like I did and I encourage you to try a pad out, play with them and see how versatile they are.
To help you out, I'm challenging you to make some mini cards this week. Mine are 3x3 and perfect for slipping in a gift bag. They are quick, personal, and easy, so nice to have around when you need to give a gift at the last minute. Wednesday, I'll have a project to share that uses the mini paper on a layout to show you just how simple it is to use these pads!
~ Emily Pitts
You know I love mini anything and I always look forward to your trend spotting. I might just have been convince to purchase items at your suggestion! ; )
Posted by: Monika Wright | August 08, 2011 at 08:48 AM
i'm mostly a card maker and I love the pads of paper - mostly because it keeps matching stock together in one place making it easier for me! looking forward to seeing the layouts!
Posted by: Michele V | August 08, 2011 at 08:54 AM
I love the 6x6 paper packs! I'm so glad that someone listened. They are my biggest obsession right now! Your mini's are awesome!
Posted by: Tammy Lever | August 08, 2011 at 09:20 AM
Have always used mini's when making cards. Sccraps are more manageable, and the patterns are just right for what I want to do. I only buy full size if I'm altering something larger, or if I happen to be scrapping, which is rare for me, or if it's good cardstock and I use the full size for card fronts or full cards.
Posted by: Elizabeth P | August 08, 2011 at 09:42 AM
Super cute cards Emily!
Thank you ~
Posted by: alexandra s.m. | August 08, 2011 at 09:44 AM
Great cards! I don't usually make gift cards, I'm into b-day, anniversary....I have a large family and I enjoy creating cards to match personalities and hobbies:) I just LOVE the paper pads. My gf and I share them all the time!! Greatest thing for us card-makers!!
Posted by: Sandy | August 08, 2011 at 10:16 AM
I agree ... I love the mini pads of paper the best for scrapbooking, card making and mixed media. I love that the patterns are smaller and that you get all of the matching papers but the best part is that the smaller pads are not as expensive as the 12x12 collection packages and you usually end up using every single piece of paper.
Posted by: Lorrie Everitt | August 08, 2011 at 10:30 AM
I do both cards and scrap booking. Great idea for the small pad which I will use with both.
Thanks for the ideas.
Posted by: Donna Rawbone | August 08, 2011 at 10:31 AM
I love 6X6 paper pads! I participate in an online Scripture Challenge and all my layouts are 6X6! They're the perfect size! :o)
Posted by: Nancy | August 08, 2011 at 12:22 PM
I have quite a few mini pads. I can't wait to see how you use the smaller pages on your sb layouts!
Posted by: Lorraine M. | August 08, 2011 at 01:52 PM
I love these 6 x 6 pads, but cannot find them where I live. Nobody even knows what I am talking about! The patterns work so much better for cards.
Posted by: Christine Cox | August 08, 2011 at 03:38 PM
I'm a cardmaker and I love these! So very glad they listened!
Posted by: Carrie P | August 08, 2011 at 04:46 PM
I am addicted to these smaller paper pads. Love them for card making and also for scrapping. Some patterns are overpowering on a lo but these patterns are not as large and are well suited for scrapbooking too.
Posted by: Andrea R | August 08, 2011 at 07:39 PM
If I get a 12x12 paper collection, I like to get a matching 6x6. I like to make most of my own embellishments, and it is really hard to cut into a new sheet of 12x12 for just a couple of flowers or a tag. I also make cards and mini albums so a 6x6 never goes to waste !
Posted by: S. Patterson | August 09, 2011 at 07:24 AM