8x8 Scrapbook Paper

The Appeal of a Mini Album

The 12x12 paper size may be a scrapbooking staple, but 8x8 paper is often an attractive alternative for creating smaller themed albums. If you want to showcase photos from your most recent vacation or pictures of your best friend’s new baby, an album of 8x8 layouts is a quick and easy project. This size is also great for scrapbooks with creative journaling themes, such as an ABC album or an album of favorite song lyrics.

Why Buy 8x8 Scrapbook Paper?

Although it’s certainly possible to cut your 12x12 or 8 ½ x 11 scrapbooking paper into the 8x8 size, it’s often a time-consuming task. For the scrapbooker in a hurry, buying 8x8 paper is a worthwhile investment. You’ll create your layouts faster and avoid the hassle of dealing with excess paper scraps. As an added benefit, 8x8 scrapbook paper is typically less expensive than larger sized paper.

When you’re looking for paper in the 8x8 size, check out the following options:

• Bazzill Basics offers its popular monochromatic textured cardstock packs in the 8x8 paper size.
• Die Cuts with a View sells many of its poplar paper stacks in the 8x8 size. You can find white core cardstock, as well as pearlescent, metallic, and glitter embellished patterned paper for your mini albums.
• Paper Pizazz has a variety of 8x8 scrapbook paper kits for scrapbookers. Kits are available in school, baby, travel, friendship, heritage, birthday, Christmas, and wedding themes. Each kit includes an assortment of coordinating 8x8 patterned paper and cardstock, as well as matching borders, tags, alphabet tiles, and embellishments.
• 7 Gypsies has a number of designs available in the 8x8 size, including an “Outback” variety pack that contains papers with a funky feel.
• Daisy D’s offers scaled down versions of many 12x12 paper collections, include an 8x8 “Beacon Hill” line that features distressed paisley and floral print patterned papers with coordinating die cuts.

Creating an 8x8 Layout

If you’re used to scrapbooking in a larger size, the process of creating an 8x8 layout can take some getting used to. For many crafters, the initial temptation is to simply scale down a concept for a 12x12 layout. However, this can result in a page crowded with elements that are simply too small to be effective. When designing an 8x8 layout, simplicity is key. Let your photos shine with understated papers and minimal embellishments.

If you’re looking for 8x8 page design ideas, visit the Simple Scrapbooks website to see a selection of simple schemes that work well for many different types of mini albums.

Finding an 8x8 Scrapbook Album

Once you’ve created your mini scrapbook, you’ll need to find a suitable album for your project. Fortunately, scrapbook manufacturers are well aware that crafters love the 8x8 scrapbook paper size.

The following companies have 8x8 albums that are perfect for showcasing your smaller layouts:

• Chatterbox has an 8x8 version of its popular suede album available in colors such as chocolate, denim, scarlet, spruce, and violet. Refills are also quite reasonably priced.
• All My Memories has a line of “Urban Chic” 8x8 albums featuring a stitched leather-like finish and a photo window for personalization. Available colors include black, charcoal, chocolate brown, bisque, pink, currant, and red.
• KI Memories has fresh and funky 8x8 felt albums that coordinate well with the company’s distinctive patterned paper lines. Available in a number of bold colors, these albums are a wonderful option for contemporary scrapbookers.
• EK Success has a number of themed 8x8 albums for children’s scrapbooks. The selection includes Disney princess, Mickey Mouse, Elmo, and Marvel Heroes albums.