8.5x11 or 12x12?

[afdish]

As a newbie card stamper who is NOT into scrapbooking, I am wondering whether to buy my solid color cardstock in 8.5x11 or 12x12. What are the pros and cons of each? What do you prefer and why?

Thanks for your advice and opinions!

[WarmIllumination]

If you are only going to do cards at this point I would go with the 8.5" x 11" card stock. When you cut in half you get the standard 4.25" x 5.5" inch card.

[shazsilverwolf]

I agree, its easier to start with the smaller size- although the 12 x12 is useful for mats/layers etc.

[Scrapjanny]

It all depends on your style. If you prefer to have a smaller canvas to work on, using fewer or smaller photos, then go with the 8 1/2 x 11. If you like more space to work in, and you plan to use larger or more photos, then go with the 12 x 12. You can always do your layouts on the smaller size and then mount them onto the larger size later on. I've done that with 9 x 9 layouts. Have fun!

[sharron246]

I like 12 by 12 even for cards.

If you measure any envelope and just cut you card to fit, the lesft over is great for matting and layering. Which just by using one more colour gives a great effect.

You know you can make any size layouts this way.

But the other thing is work out the cost.

8 by 11 at 10 cents
12 by 12 at 30 cents

So you could have 3 for one in this case so I would buy what is better value.

[Karen99]

Get the 8 1/2 x 11....much easier, so you won't have to do more cutting than you need to. It's great....cut it in half, you are good to go!! I love that size!!

[geogymnast82]

I tend to buy more 8.5x11 just because I tend to do more cards than scrapbook pages, but many times it's a cost factor. Since I don't mind cutting down the 12x12, I do a cost calculation of how much a particular color will cost me in 8.5x11 vs 12x12. Many times, the 8.5x11 is cheaper. Also, many sources don't offer particular colors in 12x12, so I have to get 8.5x11 by default. Other manufacturers only offer some colors in variety packs, and I may not want all the colors offered. If you're not into scrapbooking at all, then I would stick with the 8.5x11. It's readily available from lots of sources in that size and you'll probably end up using it more. It's also easier to find inexpensive storage containers for 8.5x11 in more places.

[Scrapjanny]

I'm sorry; I misunderstood your original post. I thought your were going to start scrapbooking. Tired eyes so early in the morning. If you're only going to make standard A2 cards, I would definitely go with the 8 1/2 x 11. If you plan to make 5 x 7 or larger, I would get the 12 x 12.

[RiverIsis]

In general I have both - I buy 8.5 x 11 when I have a choice however I don't limit myself if I'm looking at patterned cardstock as many brands only come in scrap sizes and I try to buy those on sale or with a coupon to keep the 12x12 cost down per piece.

I also use 3 pieces of 12 x 12 to create a corner (a bottom and 2 sides) to photograph my cards - I do big cards 8.5 x 11 folded.

[cork1035]

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarmIllumination

If you are only going to do cards at this point I would go with the 8.5" x 11" card stock. When you cut in half you get the standard 4.25" x 5.5" inch card.

I agree - I am also a card maker, not a scrap booker, I only buy my card stock colours in 8 1/2 X 11. Keep it simple since you are just starting out.

[kphorse]

As a card maker, I buy both! You can always cut your 12x12 down to size and use the left over for layers and accent die cuts...There is no *right or wrong* size, I say if you love the paper, the color, the finish, buy it! I have thousands of sheets of both!

[Cartermrc]

8 1/2 by 11 works great for cards and it's cheaper to buy. But I do like 12 by 12 for boxes, etc. I always make standard size cards so I don't have to add extra postage to them.
If SU hadn't decided to mess up their 12 by 12 cardstock packs I'd get more in that size, but that's another story!

[hollylogic]

Most of my stash is 8.5x11.

But it's nice to have some 12x12 on hand too--makes it easy to whip up 3x3 notecards for gift enclosures--so I like getting the color assortments.

[Mrs Noofy]

I don't scrapbook either so I find 8 1/2 x 11 perfect. The 12 x 12 leaves me too many bits and pieces that never seem to get used.

[indyemmert]

For cardstock, I prefer 8 1/2 X 11. But you can get 3 cards from a 12X12 sheet if you make your cards 4 X 5 1/2 (only 1/4" difference). 12X12 is good in patterned paper for layering since you can get 3 4" strips from one sheet.

[2CuteCats]

All of my stash is 8.5 x 11. Makes two cards. Not much measuring. ;)