Skip to main content

Paper Basics-Tips And Ideas

Cardstock is the basis of most paper projects



There are all kinds of paper for your papercraft needs. It can be confusing, especially for beginners. Even if you are an experienced paper crafter, using the wrong paper for your projects can cause frustration, failure, and waste.

Taking a few minutes to learn about paper, will in the long run help you create more successful projects, So here is everything you need to know about paper!

Paper Sizes

Paper sizes are based on an international standard as well as a Canadian/American standard.

More Paper Size Standards




Basic Paper Guide




 Acid-Free Paper-Used for preservation projects like scrapbooks, This paper is acid and lignin-free paper that has a low PH. This paper will not yellow over time

Archival Paper-Permanent and durable paper that is acid-free. Used for publications

Bristol Paper-  This is a paper that would be considered drawing paper.
Weight-125 lb., -225 lb.
Uses-drawing and industrial use

Cardboard-Common term for a wide range of paper thicknesses. Refers to papers from a thin to corrugated papers. . It can be just one thick paper or several papers glued together.
Weight-80 lbs.
Uses-Dimensional projects or anything that requires structure

Card stock-Colors and finishes including iridescent, glossy, textured, matte, glittered, printed, and more. Some are acid and lignin-free.
Weight- 50-110 lbs.
Uses-Most often used in card making, handmade boxes, collages, die-cutting, bags, 3D projects, and scrapbooking.

Construction Paper-Course colored paper used in a variety of papercrafts. Used a lot for kids' crafts. It can be difficult to fold. Color can fade, and the paper will not last for a long time.
 It is an inexpensive general use paper used for paper mache, decoupage, and scrapbooking.

Cardboard-This paper can be a single paper or many papers glued together.
Weight-Similar to tissue paper with a crinkled surface It can be stretched which makes it perfect for paper flowers. Usually sold in rolls. Make sure to use a well-made crepe paper when you are making paper flowers so that the paper will hold up.

 Crepe Paper-Like tissue with crinkles but lighter.
Weight-15-72 lbs (60-180 gsm)
Uses-Paper flowers, pompoms, butterflies, wreaths and bouquets

 Decoupage Paper- Comes in a variety of weights and finishes. It most often comes in patterns that are used specifically for decoupage projects. Some of these papers are fine for fussy cutting  ( the cutting of specific images.)  Other papers are often pre-cut into images that are ready to use.

Kraft Paper -Strong paper that is most often brown, sometimes bleached. Can be bought in sheets or rolls.
Weight-80-100 lbs. (218-271gsm)

Metallic Paper-Has a fine metallic finish with a sheen and shimmer.
Weight-80-115 lbs. (210-280 gsm)
Uses-rolled paper flowers
.
Mulberry Paper- This paper has a distinct rough look with defined fibers running through it. Generally has a medium weight in a variety of colors. Good for making paper flowers, scrapbooking, decoupage, gift tags, and more. The easiest way to cut this paper is to wet it and tear. You will get a nice fuzzy edge.

Origami Paper- A thin paper that is made so that it can be easily folded. Primarily used for origami but is also used in scrapbooking and card making.

Paper Board-Thick paper in a wide range of colors. Heavy-duty paper that is easy to cut. Used for book covers and journal covers.

Printer Paper- A higher quality paper over copy paper. Weighs about 24bs and holds ink well.

Recycled Paper-This is paper that is made from paper waste that has been reformed into new paper.

Rice Paper- This paper has a rough translucent finish usually in a color.

 Scrapbook Paper-Made specifically for scrapbooks, it comes in literally thousands of designs and colors. It comes in different weights. Some patterns are printed on one side while others are printed on both sides. Typically sold as 8 1/2 " by 11" or 12" by 12" in singles Sc, packs or pads. Mostly used for scrapbooks but can be used for other paper projects.
Uses-scrapbooks, garlands,

Tissue Paper- One of the thinnest papers. It is similar to tissue paper, but has a smooth finish rather than a crinkled finish. It can be used for paper flowers or used in paper mache. It is sold in rolls or sheets. Generally not colorfast.
Notes-Spray adhesive is the best for this
Uses-pompoms, tassels, lanterns and some 3D crafts

Vellum/Parchment Paper-Thin but tough translucent paper. Comes in colors and patterns. Tends to be thin paper.
Weight-17-48lbs (60-118 gsm)
Uses-You can stamp, emboss and print on it.

Washi Paper- This is a handmade thick paper with long fibers. It has a very uneven surface. It is similar to mulberry paper, but thicker.
Uses- Flower making, scrapbooks,  decoupage, and paper mache.

Water Color Paper- A very thick paper or board with a rough surface. Usually white and used for painting projects. Paper crafters use it to create stamping and watercolor projects.
Weight-90-300 lbs. (245 plus gsm)
Uses- pinwheels, paper flowers and plants, lanterns
















Here are some of our favorite papers. These products may have affiliate earnings that are used to enhance this community at no cost to you. We appreciate your support. These are selected for you as the same products we use in our paper crafts!




shop now

Comments

Post a Comment

We would love to hear your thoughts, ideas, or just say hello. We appreciate your time here today. Thank you for stopping by!

Popular posts from this blog

Beyond Basic Backgrounds

Today we are exploring back grounds for greeting cards using stamps and coordinating dies with embossing powders to create a totally different look. Welcome to another community tutorial as I take my journey through the Altenew Educator Class. I have to say that I love the soft look of these greeting cards.  For this technique you will need a stamp set with the coordinating dies. You will actually create a stencil using the dies for the image that you are using on your background. To create this stencil, you will want to use a heavy white cardstock, at least 90 Lbs. or more. That way, you will be able to use the stencil again. You also will want to make the stencil a bit larger than the actual card base. Overlapping will give you the best results. Creating The Stencil Supplies White cardstock at least 90 lbs. in weight Coordinating die for the stamp you are using. Low tack tape Die cutting machine and plates. Cut the piece of cardstock slightly bigger than the card base you will be...
1 comment
Read more

What It Takes To Create An Advanced Ink Layering Technique

Today we are sharing with you some advanced ideas and techniques in ink layering. We are also sharing some additional ideas to help you take your greeting cards to the next level. We are featuring a new tutorial as part of my Level Three accreditation in the AECP (Altenew Educator Certification Program). This is a program that I have been working through for some time. My goal has been to be able to learn and share with you the best ideas and techniques to help you be the best paper crafter you can be.  There are actually 5 levels of layering classes in this program. The project that I am focusing on is a more intricate stamp set called. Climbing Clematis.  There are actually 6 layers to the main flowers and several layers to each of the coordinating flowers. The coordinating flowers add a natural touch to the design.  Here are some of the techniques that I am focusing on for this tutorial: All About Layering 1-5 All About Layering Dies Edition Layering Guides Layering gu...
1 comment
Read more

Create Metallic Stripped Card-Everything You Need To Know

  Have you ever considered using metallic embossing powders in an entirely different way to create a custom card that will long be treasured by the recipient of this wonderful art form? I was super impressed by this technique in a recent class that I took at Altenew on Progressive Card Making. I have always enjoyed using embossing powders. Using them has been a passion of mine. As you see the powder heat up, and the magic happen, it brings joy to your papercrafts. I made three thinking of you cards and one thanks card. But honestly, you could use any large sentiment die that you have for this technique.   One Note Before We Get Started It is often said that "quality matters!" In this particular technique, it actually does! I tried different metallic embossing powders from different sources. and the one that worked the best was from Altenew. I did get better results with the antique metallic powders than I did from others in my stash, The closest to quality was the Wow embossi...
Post a Comment
Read more