If you've ever picked up a gorgeous 6x6 paper pad and wondered "what do I actually do with this?" — you're not alone. These compact pads are one of the most versatile tools in a crafter's stash, and they're especially perfect for cardmaking. Here's how to get started with five easy projects.
Why 6x6 Paper Pads Are Perfect for Cardmaking
A standard greeting card is 4.25" x 5.5" when folded, which means a single 6x6 sheet gives you more than enough paper for a card front, a mat layer, or a decorative strip — with scraps left over for embellishments. No trimming a big 12x12 sheet down to size. Just cut, layer, and go.
What You'll Need
- A 6x6 patterned paper pad (we love the Colorbok 6x6 Paper Pads — the color coordination is already done for you)
- White or kraft cardstock for your card base
- A tape runner or adhesive (the EZ Runner Duo Pack is a crafter favorite)
- Scissors or a paper trimmer
- Optional: sequins, stamps, or dies for finishing touches
Project 1: The Simple Layered Card
Cut a 4.25" x 5.5" piece of solid cardstock that matches or compliments a chosen pattern paper. Add this to the card base front using adhesive tape runner. Cut a 4" x 5.25" patterned paper and adhere it to the card front on top of the cardstock leaving an even .25 inch border all around it. Cut a 2.5" by 2.5" piece of the cardstock color used for the base. Add a sentiment stamp in the center. Add this to the center of that card front along with 3 sequins-one at the top left of the sentiment and two at the bottom right. Done — and it looks like you spent an hour on it.
Project 2: The Patterned Strip Card
Cut three 1.5" x 5.25" strips from different patterns in the same pad. Adhere them side by side on your card front for a graphic, modern look. This works beautifully with geometric prints like the Carnival Colorbok 6x6 Paper Pad. Cut another 1.5"x 4.25" strip from a coordinating or complimentary cardstock. Add a sentimet and add it to the card front about 1/3 of the way up from the bottom. Add 3 sequins in a complimentary color two in the top left area of the card and one in the bottom right area.
Project 3: The Diagonal Design
Cut a square of patterned paper diagonally and adhere one triangle to the bottom corner of your card. Layer a second contrasting triangle from another sheet in the opposite corner. Add a die-cut or stamped image in the center along with a sentiment and a few offset sequins for accent embellishments.
Project 4: The Pocket Card
Cut a 4.25" x 5.25" piece of solid cardstock that matches a pattern paper you have chosen and add it to your card front. Cut a 4" x 5.25" piece of pattern paper and add it on top of the solid cardstock leaving and even border of cardstock showing all around it. Cut a 2.75" x 7" piece of cardstock fold it in half so it creates a 2.75" x 3.5" pocket. Add tape runner on both sides to seal the "pocket". Add this to the card front. Stamp a sentiment on it and embellish with a few sequin embellishments. Add a piece of ribbon to the top of a gift card with adhesive to pull the card out of the pocket.
Project 5: The Collage Card
Cut your 6x6 sheets into small irregular pieces and layer them across your card front in a collage style. Seal with a light coat of Mod Podge if desired. This is a great way to use up scraps from other projects. Once it is dry add a sentiment stamped on a coordinating color cardstock in the bottom right corner with a few sequins for accent color embellishment.
Tips for Getting the Most from Your Paper Pad
- Work through the pad in order — the designer already coordinated the patterns to work together.
- Keep your scraps! Even a 1" strip can become a border or a mat.
- Pair your paper pad with a coordinating stamp set for a polished, cohesive look.