Question 1

What weight of paper should I use for handmade cards?

Accepted Answer

Use cardstock in the 80-110 lb (about 216-300 gsm) range for greeting cards and invitations so the base stands on its own and holds a clean fold. Lighter 65 lb stock works for layered die cuts and matting, while text-weight decorative paper is best glued on top rather than used as the card base. Score the fold line first to stop heavier cardstock from cracking.

Question 2

What's the difference between cardstock, kraft paper, and drawing paper?

Accepted Answer

Cardstock is heavy, rigid sheet stock (80 lb and up) for cards, invitations, and die cutting. Kraft paper is the brown, fibrous, slightly textured paper used for rustic cards, wrapping, and bookbinding, sold in sheets or rolls. Drawing paper is lighter art stock rated by tooth and weight (typically 50-80 lb) made to take graphite, ink, and colored pencil. Pick by the job: structure, wrapping, or mark-making.

Question 3

Is the paper acid-free and safe for scrapbooks and photos?

Accepted Answer

For scrapbooking and journaling, look for paper labeled acid-free and lignin-free, which resists yellowing and won't degrade photos over time. Most cardstock and decorative scrapbook sheets sold by makers state this in the listing. Construction paper and some colored kraft are not archival, so keep them out of long-term photo albums. If preservation matters, confirm the archival rating before ordering.

Question 4

What paper size do I need for my project?

Accepted Answer

Scrapbookers mostly buy 12x12 inch sheets; card-makers use 8.5x11 (US letter) or A4 cut down to A2 card size; origami comes in pre-cut squares from 3 to 10 inches. Check listed dimensions and whether you're buying single sheets, a pad, or a bundle of 25-100. Mixed paper sets often combine several sizes, so read the pack contents before assuming one size fits your project.

Question 5

How much does craft paper cost and how is it sold?

Accepted Answer

Small packs of cardstock, origami, or decorative sheets typically run $4-$15, while large mixed sets, handmade, or hand-marbled batches reach $15-$45. Paper is sold by sheet count (often 25, 50, or 100), by pad, or by roll for kraft. Specialty and artisan-made papers cost more per sheet because they're hand-dyed, marbled, or deckle-edged. Buy in bundles to lower the per-sheet cost on high-use stock.

Question 6

What makes a good paper gift for a crafter?

Accepted Answer

A curated mixed paper set, a stack of premium cardstock in coordinated colors, or a pack of decorative and origami sheets makes a practical, welcome gift for card-makers, scrapbookers, journalers, and bookbinders. Pair it with the recipient's craft: kraft and bookboard for a bookbinder, drawing paper for an artist, patterned 12x12 sheets for a scrapbooker. Most paper ships flat within a week, so it's easy to time for a birthday or the holidays.

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