Using Up Your Paper Stash Part 1 - 6 x 6 Papers Part 1

Hi Crafters

Here we are with a new series of ideas on how to use your paper stashes. Although this is all about using what is in the cupboard, hopefully it will also give you project ideas, so even if you do not have 8 x8 pads or 12 x 12 pads to use up keep stopping by for paper projects over the next month.

We all buy papers that catch our eye, some because they are on offer some we love so much we take out look at and put back in the cupboard for those special projects, and the result in the end is a lot of paper pads in the craft room waiting to be used. I have recently tried some new companies and so have tried to use up the old pads to make room for the new.

I will start with the smallest and work up.

To use up 6 x 6 pads I love to make the pages into envelopes, put the envelopes together and then add a stack to a board outer cover to make into a box file. I posted this item on 27th May if you want to check this out.

Next I want to share with you a lovely little gift/swap project I saw from the Posh Paper Lady, on YouTube.  

This is a very cute little gift bag made from 6 x 6 papers 

Inside using papers from the same pad so they match, there are 4 little notelets 3 x 3 and I have made the envelopes from copy paper on my envelope maker. and then another piece of 3 x 6 to which you add copy paper cut to 2.75" x 5.75" fold in half and place inside the cover. I have stapled the pages in but if your staple does not have room to reach the middle of the booklet you could always stitch the middle.

The bag is made by scoring the pages at 1&3/8" on 3 sides and 3/4" on the fourth side. If your papers have a directional print, the 3/4" score line needs to be at the top of the paper.

On sheet 1 cut all 4 corners off 

On sheet 2 cut up to the score line on each corner but do not cut off 

fold all your scored lines 

At the top of each page fold over the middle section (3/4") and glue down

On the bottom of the page put the centre pieces over each other and glue down

Glue the square flaps and fold in and then glue the side flaps down to make the little bag

The last pieces to glue down are the 2 little top flaps. 

You can use more 6 x 6 papers for your envelopes or copy paper as I did. Either use a die or if you are using an envelope maker cut the papers to 5 3/8" square and score at 2 3/4". 

I used garden papered wires that come on a mini reel to make the handles and these are attached using hot glue gun, you could use cord, ribbon or handles off  store bags (recycled) 

If you need clearer instructions check out the video on YouTube. 

These make lovely little Thank you gifts or swaps with crafty friends or why not give them to friends and family when you can visit. 

I will definately be making these for Christmas stocking fillers and no doubt will post my Christmas versions later in the year. I have bought some 6 x 6 First Edition Christmas pads while they were on sale.

Back later in the week with a tiny hexagonal box that you can use for favours or little gifts made from one sheet of 6 x 6, also a lovely little mini book.

Dee