Inchies are tiny collages measuring a mere one-inch square. They're made from stamps, stickers, rub-ons, and a wide variety of other embellishments. These miniature pieces of art are beginning to show up on cards, tags, and altered objects of all sorts. Although there are no rules to follow (anything goes with inchies) each usually contains at least three components…the background, the text, and the main image or focal point.

Inchies are best known among mixed-media artists who use ink, paint, and watercolor paints to create gorgeous backgrounds for vintage images and words. Fiber artists have also discovered inchies, making their creations from fabrics and then embellishing with beads, sequins, and decorative stitching. Like ATCs (Artist Trading Cards), inchies have become a hot commodity for collectors and swappers.

Inchies’ popularity is now spreading among paper crafters as well, and for good reason. They provide an excellent opportunity to use leftover scraps of paper, miscellaneous stickers, and odd embellishments. Because they're so small, they're quick to make. You can make one batch at a time and put them aside until you need a quick accent to use on a card or tag. They can be as simple or as complicated as desired. Try incorporating a favorite technique like stitching, stamping, or doodling ... or substitute a canvas background for one made from paper. Working with inchies can get your creative juices flowing when you're stuck for ideas. They're fun to make, easy to assemble, and so adorable that they're hard to resist. Some might even find them addictive!

2 Prepare the Background
Backgrounds can be as simple as a square of cardstock or chipboard. Be sure to choose a sturdy material if heavy embellishments like metal charms are to be used. Decide how many inchies you'll need for your project, and cut that number of squares from cardstock or chipboard. Ink or paint the edges of each square, or cover the whole square in patterned or handmade paper. If you'd like to use lots of texture, cover a piece of cardstock with mesh or fabric before cutting out the squares.

3 Assembly
After you've gathered the necessary materials and prepared the squares, decide if you want to arrange the inchies in a square or rectangle, in a row or in a loose, informal grouping. Once you decide how you want things, decorate one inchie at a time. Begin by using your largest and most dominant images. The text comes next. Use word rub-ons, stickers, or words cut from patterned paper or magazines. Finish the inchie with the smallest embellishments like brads, eyelets, and beads. Remember to think outside the box. Allow a few embellishments to extend beyond the borders of the square. To add an unexpected twist, slip in a circle or other shape among the squares.