Create cool backgrounds with the Tiny Squares technique. I learned this fun way to use scraps from my new crafty friend, Jennifer, on the Build Your Stash Holiday Card Makers Facebook Group. Lisa and I had a blast using up our scraps!
The finished size of each card below is 4.25x5.5", unless otherwise noted.
Tiny Squares Tutorial
Create Background
Gather paper scraps that are 1/2" wide. Their lengths can vary.
For this project, I used double-sided adhesive tape* and a cutting mat.
Tear off a 5.5" length of tape and position it onto your work surface, sticky side facing up.
Adhere paper strips to the tape, leaving a small space between each strip.
Continue to add strips in alternating colors and custom prints until the adhesive is covered completely. Learn more about how I make custom prints HERE.
Place the panel face down onto a Paper Trimmer. (Adhesive backing facing up.)
Remove the excess strips from the perimeter. Position the panel into the trimmer so the strips are oriented horizontally. (Mine measures approximately 5x4-3/4".)
Trim the panel at 1/2 inch intervals. In this case, cut at 4-1/2, 4, 3-1/2, 3, 2-1/2, 2, 1-1/2, 1, and 1/2".
Pro Tip: I like to keep the 1/2" strips in the same order they were trimmed to keep the patterns consistent during the next step.
Once the pattern has been determined, remove the backing paper from the first strip.
Position it onto a white panel.
Remove the backing from the second strip and position next to the first, leaving a small space in between the two. The pattern formed by the strips is totally up to the whim of the creator. There are so many patterns (think quilting) to choose from, let yourself get creative!
Continue adding strips in this fashion until the white panel is filled with strips. Once the panel is completely covered, trim it to remove any paper that extends beyond the edges.
Now your background panel is ready to adhere to the front of a card.
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Cards Featuring Tiny Squares Backgrounds
Freeway Card - Julie
Nest the background panel onto a mat and folded card base. Add a stamped sentiment and embellishments as desired.
Colorful Life Card - Julie
I also made a card featuring a background panel created from scraps left over from making my Colorful Life Interactive Waterfall Book.
Tunisian Tiles Card - Lisa
Lisa chose to make her sample with the Tunisian Tiles collection. I love how she adhered her strips to a red panel (instead of white). Adhering the strips at an angle gives the finished background a completely different look.
Are you inspired yet? Will you give the Tiny Squares Technique a try?
We invite you to share your finished artwork on our Facebook Chat Group. Not a member of the group yet? Simply answer a few questions and we'll get your request processed in no time!
Happy Scrappy Card Making!
Lisa and Julie 
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Tunisian Tiles Stamps
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Freeway Stamps
$19.25
Our premium clear photopolymer stamps are ready to use; no prep is required. The stamp sheet measures 6x8" and includes 26 individual images and phrases. Deeply etched for high-quality impressionsClear substrate for easy positioning and accurate stampingNon-yellowing and durableApply ink;… Read More
CS Hybrid Ink Pads
$6.35
Exclusively Club Scrap®, this hybrid craft ink combines the most exceptional ingredients of both pigments and dyes for a fine, crisp, fast-drying image! Don't forget to stock up on the coordinating re-inkers. Each ink pad sold separately. Please select the… Read More
