Ultimate Guide to Cardstock

Hey crafty friends! Many of you have asked about the best papers to use for my pop-up card designs, so I’ve put together a handy guide based on my experiences. From choosing acid-free paper for longevity to selecting the perfect cardstock weight for sturdy projects, I've got you covered. I'll share my love for textured paper, the best glitter cardstock that doesn't shed, and tips on using vellum for an elegant touch. Plus, discover the top brands like Cricut, Recollections, and Lawn Fawn, and learn where to find the best deals, whether at Michaels, Joann’s, or online at Scrapbook.com. Ready to elevate your paper crafting game? Click the link below to read the full guide and get inspired!

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.

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. 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.

Where to Buy Cardstock

Scrapbook.com (http://Scrapbook.com) is a dedicated online store specializing in scrapbooking and paper crafting supplies. They offer a broad selection of high-quality cardstock, including popular brands and exclusive collections. Their focus on paper crafting and the wealth of resources, such as tutorials and project ideas, make them a preferred choice for serious crafters.

For crafters looking to buy high-quality paper crafting cardstock at the best prices in the US, here are some of my favorite sources: Michaels is a popular craft store that carries cardstock by Recollections and Cricut. They are everywhere (at least for me) and always offer some coupons that I just HAVE to use. I LOVE the buy online and pick up in-store option. To me, this is the best of both worlds: the convenience of online shopping, and still supporting my local craft shop. Joann Fabric and Craft Stores (https://www.joann.com) offers a great selection of cardstock and often have sales and coupons available. Their website also has a wide range of options, and you can order online for home delivery or in-store pickup.

Where to Buy in Europe

In Europe, three of the most popular sources for buying cardstock for paper crafting are:

Craftelier (https://www.craftelier.com) is highly regarded for its extensive selection of crafting supplies, including high-quality cardstock. They offer a variety of colors, textures, and weights, making it a favorite among crafters. Their competitive prices and frequent promotions add to their appeal. Papermill Direct (https://www.papermilldirect.co.uk/paper-card) is a UK-based supplier known for its top-notch cardstock. They offer a broad range of colors and textures, suitable for various crafting projects. They also have bulk buying options, which are great for saving money on larger purchases. Their quality and customer service have earned them a strong reputation among European crafters. Hobbycraft (https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/papercraft/) is a well-known chain in the UK with both physical stores and an extensive online shop. They offer a wide range of cardstock and other crafting materials, making it a convenient one-stop shop for crafters. Their frequent promotions, loyalty program, and comprehensive product range make them a go-to source for many paper crafters.

Tips for Finding the Best Deals

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

Sign Up for Newsletters: Many craft stores offer discounts to subscribers of their newsletters. 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

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