In paper crafting, paper is EVERYTHING. I’ve learned this through trial and error and much experimentation. The type of paper we use depends on the project we’re making. This page contains the names of papers I use and what I use them for.
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Paper Weight is Vital.
Before I get to the list, one thing I really want to emphasize and that is paper weight. When I was first getting into cardmaking, I didn’t understand weight vs. something called gsm. For example, a cardstock paper can be 85 lbs in weight but the gsm is really what determines how heavy that cardstock is.
The higher the gsm the heavier the cardstock is and that’s what we want in papercrafting. Most of us crafters are familiar with Neenah Solar White Crest 110 lb. cardstock because its gsm is 297, this makes an excellent choice for card bases. It can be pricey, so I also have another alternative below that I’ve been using for years and very happy with!
Let’s hop to the list now!
Accents Opaque White
This cardstock is very similar to Neenah’s 110 Solar White Cardstock that I used for years. I still use Neenah, but to save some $$, I started purchasing the Accents Opaque White cardstock. It is 8-1/2 x 11 cardstock and the weight is 100 lb./271 gsm which is perfect for card bases. Plus, you get so much more in a ream.
I use it for die cutting and card panels as well. It has a nice smooth surface and the price point is excellent! It comes in a ream of 200 sheets.
Where to Purchase
80 lb. White Cardstock
This cardstock is comparable to Neenah’s 80 lb. cardstock. This brand cardstock has a great price point and as you can see from the image above, the gsm is perfect for Copic coloring, die cutting and for card panels.
It’s a nice smooth paper and it comes in a ream of 50 sheets.
Where to Purchase
List of Other Cardstock Papers I Love to Use:
- Lawn Fawn Kraft Cardstock
- Hero Arts Colored Cardstock
- Simon Says Stamp Assorted Cardstock Pack
- Lawn Fawn Assorted Color “Rainbow” Cardstock
- Cardstock Warehouse “Pretty in Pastels” Assorted Colored Cardstock
- Scrapbook.com Smooth Cardstock packs (these are thinner and best for die cutting or for card fronts)
Specialty Papers:
- Heat Resistant Acetate – I use this to make shaker cards
- Simon Says Stamp Heavyweight Vellum – Love using these behind word dies
- Simon Says Stamp Metallic Cardstock – perfect for die cutting especially ornament dies
- Memory Box Glitter Cardstock – these packs are so beautiful for Holiday cards
- Waffleflower Crafts Pattern Papers 6 x 6 pack – perfect for everyday cards
- Lawn Fawn Pattern Paper 6 x 6 pack
- Simon Says Stamp 120 lb. white cardstock – perfect for die cutting but also for foiling
- Simon Says Stamp Fog cardstock – great for when you don’t want to use white for your card bases
- Ranger Yupo Paper (perfect for alcohol inking)
- Bristol Smooth Watercolor Paper – terrific for watercoloring with Zig clean color markers
- Tim Holtz Watercolor Paper – bright white cardstock for watercoloring
- Canson Watercolor Paper – my other favorite brand for watercolor
- Hammermill Cardstock – this has a smooth surface and wonderful for foiling. I used to use Hammermill papers back in the 90s for just about any kind of printing!
- Whimsy Stamps “Blurry Flurries” Pattern Paper Pack – this paper pack is beautiful for making winter or Christmas cards, the papers are heavyweight so perfect for die cutting, stamping and as card panels. I’ve used these papers a LOT in my cards!