How to choose the best paper for your projects

Hasn’t happened to you that you see a beautiful creation and want to recreate it but don’t know how to find the correct materials?

Or, do you have a design ready with beautiful colors but don’t know which will be the best paper to combine and do the perfect match?

We see a lot of information over the Internet and sometimes is overwhelming, more if you don’t understand what they’re talking about, right?

I feel you! I hope this post can help you the next time you have to go to the store and know how to buy the best cardstock to make that amazing project. Read it to the end because there’s so much information in this post.

Most of the information of this post will be related to stores and shops in United States, but can help you to know all the types of paper that you can buy.

First of all, you need to know that paper comes in different weights, so, if you don’t understand when people talk about 65lb, 80lb, etc. That’s why, because is one of the ways to classify the paper.

Paper weight is measured in LBS (pounds) and GSM (grams per square meter).

Basically, the “weight” is the thickness of the paper. So, the 80lb paper will be thicker than the 65lb, and viceversa.

For example, fine business papers, printer papers and personal stationery range in weight from 20 lb. to 32 lb.

The photo paper is 50lb and when a material is more than 60lb is cardstock.

Oh yeah! Our favorite material, right?

Why is so important to know this? Because depending of the thickness of our material the use we’re going to give it. I’m going to deepen on this later.

Then, we have different types, and in most of the cases, will depend on the brand.

We have:

-65 lb and 8.5×11″ (or letter) size: plain, foil or shimmer.

-65lb and 12×12″ size with or without texture.

-80lb 12×12″ size: Shimmer, textured and shiny.

-110lb 12×12″ size: Glitter, plain, poster board and textured.

-110lb 8.5×11″ plain.

Ok, now, let’s see the different brands that I love (here in USA):

Recollections: Sells 8.5×11″ plain, foil and shimmer, and also 12×12″ shimmer and plain.

Where to buy it? At Michaels, click here.

Printworks: They sell awesome materials, specially cardstock. The colors are vibrant and the quality of the paper is awesome. You can buy their products here

Bazzil: Sells 12×12″ plain and textured cardstock, I have to say that is one of my favorites to decorate and give special touches to my creations because of the texture and colors. Check it out at Joann, and wait for the promotion every month they have them 10x$2. It’s a huge save. You can check their Weekly Ad to see when the promo will be on.

Michaels, Joann and Hobby Lobby sells amazing glitter cardstock that I sometimes like to add to my creations. They make the letters shine. Because of the price, I just use few pieces and just for little details.

Good options for plain 8.5×11″ size are Park Lane from Joann and Hobby Lobby.
Astrobrights sells 8.5×11″ plain too and is an amazing brand sold in so many places (Walmart, Amazon). I love the vibrant colors and the quality.
If you have a ton of work to do you can buy big quantities on Amazon, the price is so good when you buy the 250-300 ream on Amazon. Click here

Now that we know the brands, weights and places to buy, let’s talk about the uses, so important to know when use each one and why I recommend it:

65lb: I use this cardstock to assemble the letter or favor box itself. Yes, it sounds like it’s not hardy, but it definitely is. I like to use this weight because the letters will be able to stand by themselves, be hung on the wall, and it’s easier to assemble them. Also, you have the option of print the white cardstock for the favor boxes and give them a beautiful touch.
80-110lb glitter, shimmer, textured cardstock: I use these to do touches to my letters, favor boxes, banners, etc. I do the decorations, the layers with those.
I don’t use the 110lb or more, it’s to heavy and the machine takes so long to cut it.

Because we’re talking about paper, let’s talk about the photo paper, that is mostly used to print some images or additions that we need to put in our letters or favor boxes. It can be glossy or matte. Whichever you decide to use will be ok. It’s definitely up to you depending on what finish you like the most, one is shiny and the other matte. The brands I’ve tried and recommend are: HP, Epson and Pen+Gear.

How do I storage my cardstock?

I live in a tiny house (RV), so I need to use a small space. If you have a small place to work this container could work for you, because is good for both 8.5×11″ and 12×12″ cardstock. I buy them at Walmart and the price is so good.

If you have your craftroom in a space where you have plenty of room, these options are perfect for you

Finally, I want to share with you what I do with the scraps: I separate my paper from other trash because I recycle, so, I put the big pieces in a container 12×12″ that I bought at Michaels, here the link