Let's Talk Paper

For as long as I can remember I have loved paper. And I mean all kinds of paper. Handmade paper, mulberry paper, onion skin, vellum, watercolor, tissue paper and construction paper. I just love paper.

Best friend, hubby, and I went to Dublin this past September and I got a chance to see the Book of Kells.

The Book of Kells is a handwritten Illuminated manuscript in Latin of the four Gospels of the New Testament. While the drawings and illustrations are beautiful, the fact that the book is constructed from Calf Vellum astounds me.  Think of it, Calf Vellum! The work it must have taken just to prepare the pages to write on, makes me appreciate all the wonderful types of paper that are available.

Ok, moving on…. let’s talk about the basics for just a minute or two.  Cardstock, that solid colored paper we use to form the base of our cards, if you make cards, or the base of whatever you may be cutting and paper piecing. Good, sturdy, cardstock can be so confusing. Why you may ask, well I’ll tell you.

First, there is cardstock weight. Heavy weight cardstock, watercolor, even copy paper has a weight. I would suggest a good basic cardstock should range between 60 and 80 lbs. The thing you need to know and remember about paper weight for crafting is this one simple rule. The more stuff you are going to put on your cardstock, ink, spray stain, watercolor, paste etc. The heavier the weight should be.

Next topic Texture!  To have smooth or textured paper is the question. Well that my friends is really a matter of preference.  I like textured paper. I like it for a background, first layer, or if I’m die cutting animals or objects that would have some texture. I like to use textured paper and then shade a little with some ink. If I’m using colored pencils, a smooth finish is a better way to go.

Paper core. Say again? Core? Well yes, sometimes when you tear your cardstock you will find that the layers underneath is white.  Sometimes, they are the same color as the top of your paper or colored all the way through.  If you really want that tearing technique to stand out, white core is the way to go. If you only want the feel of torn paper use colored core cardstock.

And lastly, Single sided paper or double-sided paper. Now we all know that paper has two sides, right? Well, what’s on the other side is worth discussing.  Some double-sided papers have one design on one side and a fresh design on the other. Very versatile. But did you know, hold on to your hats, that Close to my Heart has a double-sided cardstock that is oh so lovely. Let me explain, it is two-tone. You have a darked shade on one side and just a shade lighter on the other. Why is this exciting? How is that useful? Well, if you make flowers from dies or really lots of things that are layered, having just a hint of color difference can give you depth. Not to mention it saves you having to buy two sheets of cardstock. One sheet, two different colors. I love this paper for Spellbinders floral dies, just as an example.

So here is my list of favorites for cardstock. Leave me a comment, if you like, and talk paper with me.

Bazzil – comes in 8.5 x 11 or 12x12 and I get mine at a local big box store, American craft, Close to my Heart – find a maker on their website, Stampin UP – find a demonstrator on their website or watch a YouTube video, Neenah Solar White, Hero Arts (great colors and quality paper) and Spellbinders.

Lastly, let me just say. There is no right or wrong. There is no perfect paper that you absolutely need to buy and use.  Use what you have, use what you can find easily, use what you can afford, just grab a sheet and go! Creativity is personal. If you love it, it’s a work of art!!!