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The Ultimate Guide to Cardstock for Cricut & 3D Papercraft

Many of you have asked about the best cardstock papers to use for my 3D paper craft designs, so I’ve put together a handy guide based on my experience. Choosing the right paper is one of the most important secrets to turning flat sheets into breathtaking pop-up cards, lanterns, and 3D papercraft projects. Today, we’re unpacking everything you need to know about paper selection so you can craft with total confidence! Whether you use a Cricut or a Silhouette, get ready to elevate your paper crafting game.

Acid-Free Paper

For longevity, use acid-free cardstock. Regular acidic paper contains lignin, which causes deterioration over time. Acid-free or "archival quality" paper prevents fading and yellowing, ensuring your cards last.

Weight and Durability Cardstock weights range from 65 lb to 110 lb (176 GSM to 308 GSM). For sturdy pop-up elements, use at least 80 lb (270 GSM) cardstock. Lighter weights like 65 lb are great for decorations to avoid bulk.

Specialty Paper

I love textured paper because it adds extra dimension to my designs. If you use textured cardstock with the grain parallel to folds, it even provides better resilience for the finished project. Patterned paper enhances visual interest. I use these sometimes for backgrounds, borders, accents, and more.

Glitter Cardstock: Over the years, I’ve learned to choose high-quality, smooth glitter that doesn’t shed. (I won’t go into my MANY mistakes here. LOL!) Because glitter cardstock can be damaging to blades, I use dedicated blades for this. Metallic Cardstock: I use this sparingly because I struggle to find metallic cardstock that photographs well. However, in small sections, high-quality gold or silver can really complement other papers in a card. Vellum: I find vellum to be indispensable in my paper stash. Its translucence adds unique crafting options as well as elegance and versatility for things like card overlays and lantern inserts. Keep in mind that vellum can curl VERY easily if exposed to moisture. So, when using adhesives, I go for dry (like tape runners) or solvent-based adhesives to keep the vellum nice and flat. I usually go with Recollections brand vellum, which has served me well over the years.

Cardstock Sizes

In the US, the two most common cardstock sizes for card making are 8.5 x 11-inch and 12 x 12-inch. However, I sometimes like to purchase European brands, which can be really good. These papers come in the following sizes: A4 (210 x 297 mm / 8.3 x 11.7 inches): This corresponds well to the standard US Letter size and is the most widely used size for a variety of paper crafting projects. A3 (297 x 420 mm / 11.7 x 16.5 inches): This size is used for larger projects like posters or large scrapbook pages. A3 is twice the size of A4 and can be cut down to smaller sizes if needed. 12 x 12 inches (305 x 305 mm): This size is extremely popular for scrapbooking.

Brands

Since Cricut machines are widely used for paper crafting, it makes sense to consider their own line of papers. Cricut offers a variety of cardstock packs in different colors and finishes, specifically designed to work well with their machines.

Recollections (https://recollections.biz/contact.html) is easy to find at most US craft stores like Michaels. Recollections offers a wide range of cardstock in various colors, weights, and finishes. Their cardstock is known for being sturdy and reliable for cutting with electronic cutting machines. Lawn Fawn (https://www.lawnfawn.com/collections/cardstock) is popular among paper crafters, Lawn Fawn is known for its cute and whimsical designs. They offer a selection of cardstock and patterned paper packs that are perfect for creating adorable greeting cards with your cutting machine.

Encore Textured Cardstock

Oh, my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute new favorite! Encore Textured Cardstock is manufactured specifically to cut beautifully on both Cricut and Silhouette machines. With its sturdy 80 lb weight and lovely weave texture, it features a solid-dyed core that prevents distracting white edges from showing when you make your folds. It completely takes the frustration out of building intricate pop-up structures, making your 3D crafting experience an absolute breeze. American Crafts (https://americancrafts.com/collections/american-crafts?page=1&rb_product_type=Paper%20Crafts) makes my go-to cardstock: Textured Precision 12 X 12-inch Carstock: Textured Precision 12 x 12-inch cardstock, high-quality cardstock in a wide array of colors and designs. Their cardstock cuts cleanly on my Cricut and my Silhouette machines. I prefer to use their 80-pound textured cardstock for my card bases and pop-up structures. They offer it in packs of 60 sheets, or you can buy packs of 15 sheets in one color. Bazzill Basics Paper (https://americancrafts.com/collections/bazzill), also by American Crafts, is known for its premium quality cardstock. They offer a diverse selection of colors and textures, including smooth, textured, and patterned cardstock. Bazzill cardstock is sturdy and works well with cutting machines.

Echo Park Paper Co (https://echoparkpaper.com/shop/) offers a wide range of patterned papers and cardstock packs suitable for card making. Their papers are of excellent quality and come in vibrant colors and fun designs.

Where to Buy Cardstock

United States:

Michaels: Super convenient store pickup & great coupons!

Paper Source: Touch fine artisan paper in 100+ stores.

Blick Art: Browse huge drawers of specialty cardstock!

United Kingdom

Hobbycraft: Your go-to UK haven for single cardstock sheets & 12x12 pads!

G.F Smith: Pure luxury paper! Order breathtaking Colorplan sheets delivered right to your door.

Continental Europe

Modulor (Germany): Berlin's paper paradise!

Fedrigoni (Italy): Luxury cover stocks and much more.

Vaessen Creative (Netherlands): Everyday craft cardstock delivered across the EU!

Online

12X12 Cardstock Shop: Has all the brands and colors of cardstock that I want and more! Plus, they have super fast shipping! It seems I’ve just made an order and the box is here just a day or two later!

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Tips for Finding the Best Deals

To get the best deals on paper and cardstock, here are a few ideas:

Use Coupons and Promo Codes: Look for online coupon codes or in-store coupons. Buy in Bulk: Purchasing larger quantities often reduces the price per sheet. Seasonal Sales: Take advantage of seasonal sales, such as back-to-school promotions, Black Friday, and after-holiday sales. I’ve learned to buy my Christmas papers in January.

Comparison Shop: Compare prices across different retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal. I realize that this all may be a bit much to take in, and you may already know some of these tips. However, I hope you found some new ideas and inspiration to keep you crafting for a while.

Your Paper-Buying Tips?

Let me know your best paper-buying tips and secrets: what you buy, where you buy it, and how to get it at the best price. Happy crafting! Laura Shirley laura@bellacartadesign.com bellacartadesign.com https://www.bellacartadesign.com