Using 8.5X11 paper on a 12 X 12 layout

Thank all of you for the wonderful suggestions! Now I have several excellent ideas for using all that paper I recently purchased during Hobby Lobby's sale!

Kim

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To teach a child is to touch a life forever.

I use 8/12x11" papers on my 12x12" pages often. I often use the same basic formula for using the smaller paper on my larger pages:

1) I select 2 sheets of patterned paper in the small size that matches colors in my photos. Then I select either a complimentary solid color background page or a white background page.

2) I mat some or all of my photos using one sheet of the patterned smaller paper. If there are more photos, I mat them on a solid color that matches a color in the patterned paper.

3) On the second sheet of patterned paper, I cut off a long border strip and cut it into several large blocks. I place those in a line, leaving spaces between each block either across the bottom, side, or in each corner of the page. Sometimes I cut additional white paper blocks a little smaller than the patterned blocks and mount the white blocks on top of the patterned blocks. Then I can add journaling, stickers, diecuts, etc. Sometiems I just make a big border strip and use it whole, placing solid paper on top of it for my title or jouranling (a big rectangular border)

4) With the remaining paper, I cut small 1 1/2" squares to use as lettering cubes. I mount a solid smaller cube a top each patterened cube and them place either ABC stickers on each cube for my title or hand draw the title letters.

5) If I am using a paper doll in the layout, I sometimes use some scraps to make an outfit for the paper doll.

i've done several things-i've taken the whole sheet and centered it vertically or horizontally on the 12 x 12 sheet and then put writing on the 12 x 12 paper edge and the pictures on the 8 1/2 x 11 part. i've also cut the 8 1/2 into strips and made a window-like border, or you can cut it into halves and do 2 rectangular-like strips centered on either side. or just use the paper for matting! you just have to really play around with it awhile.

Well, I have to beg to differ, Linda! You can get several different looks using a whole sheet of 8.5x11 on a 12x12 page. You can lay it horizontally and move it to the top or bottom, and put your title or a border in the leftover space. Or you can put it on the layout vertically and move it to the left or right and use that leftover space, again, for a title or border. Don't be afraid to let your photos overlap a bit into that leftover space as well. I've also seen the 8.5x11 sheet laid out diagonally on the page...that's not my cup of tea (I like straight lines) but that would also be an option.

Sometimes patterned paper looks better in small doses, though...you could cut title letters out of it with an alphabet template, or use it as the base for a border. You could also use it as a second mat for a focal point photo or a title or journaling box.

If the paper has a big design on it, you could cut out individual images and arrange them like stickers or diecuts on your page. HTH some, and Linda, I wasn't dissing you at all! Just wanted to point out some options!

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Janelle :-)

one word MATTING!!

(some people call is framing or mounting...but put your pictures on more that just cardstock. I have and use TONS of 8 1/2 x 11 paper, and I do 12x12 books.)

I agree with her. You really need to play around with it. Your best bet, I think, is to cut the paper up either into triangles to use in the corners or the sides, or frame your pictures using the paper. There's really not a lot you can do with it creatively by keeping it whole.

I've got a quick question for all the "seasoned" scrappers here. How do you incorporate 8.5 X 11 papers on a 12 X 12 layout? I have some of the cutest papers but I use only 12 X 12 layouts. (They were cute and on sale...need I say more?)

Kim

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To teach a child is to touch a life forever.