Using Large Scale Patterned Paper for Cards

If I've heard it once I've heard it a million times - "12 x 12 paper patterns are too large for card making." As someone who has a large stack of 12 x 12 paper with large patterns in her stash, I'm not willing to take that as an answer. Today's post is all about large-scale pattern paper.

Before we delve into the details of these cards, I want to talk about the old scrapbook paper in our stash.  If you're like me you've hoarded your faves for years, or maybe you've inherited someone else's stash by one road or another.  Regardless you probably still have a stash of papers gathering dust in your craft studio.  Two decades ago I really thought I wanted to be a scrapbooker.  I've tried the old school way and the pocket card way and, nope, not for me.  That's left me with a lot of supplies that I've spent good money on and am not willing to just toss.  Yes, you can donate it, and yes I have done that with some of the supplies, but I'd rather use it.  We bought these supplies to use, and I hope this post inspires you to do just that.  Ok, off the soapbox and onto the cards for today.

This was one sheet of 12 x 12 paper that I was able to get six fun cards out of this large pattern.  I kept the design really simple.  Using just the pattern paper, a black mat, and a simple shadowed die cut.  Here's a closer look at one of the cards.

These cards were really quick and easy to make.  I let the patterned paper do all of the work and matted it on black cardstock before adding it to a white card base.  The focal point becomes the thanks die cut with a black shadow.  Clean and simple at its best.