Cards from 6x6" Paper Pads

After the recent "Lowest Prices of the Season" sales and 50%-off coupons at Michaels (my main local craft store), I am now the proud owner of several 6x6" paper pads. At $3 for 180 sheets, I can't complain if the paper is not cardstock-weight (which it isn't). I enjoy the variety and the scaled-down designs for cardmaking.

I decided to play around with them and make basic cards using a card sketch and a simple sentiment - no image stamps. Today I'll share the first round with you.

This first set was made with My Favorite Things Weekly Sketch Challenge #180. 

The adhesive pearls are from Dollar Tree. I was thrilled to find them, since they're one of my favorite card decorations.

I recently learned about how much difference it makes to mat card elements, and I really liked the difference it made on these cards!

I didn't really use a sketch for this second set. I just worked with the scraps from some of the recent cards I've made and played around with them until I liked the placement.

I'm a huge fan of patterned paper, and this type of card (that highlights the pretty paper) resonates with me. I've seen quite a few people use gorgeous patterned papers and then hide them behind other card or album elements. To me, that's a waste of beautiful paper. (To each her own. It's just how my mind works.)

I'll share some more cards from my 6x6" paper pads next week.

Do you have a favorite paper size to work with for cardmaking? I'd love to hear your reasons for loving your favorite size.

P.S. For the actual card bases, 8-1/2 x 11" cardstock can't be beat. And if I'm wanting a card front (4 x 5-1/4" for a slight border), I prefer 12x12", since I can get six card fronts with some scraps leftover.