October 20, 2022

Artist Paper

 

Artist Paper & Cardstock



Let’s Talk Paper

In an increasingly paperless world, paper crafters will never truly go paperless. In fact, a paper crafter will tell you we never have enough paper! 

There is always a pattern, a texture, a color or a size, that we need, or want. I mean seriously, we will even buy paper, not always because we need it, but just because it’s on sale, or we have a coupon. Am I right? 

My paper addiction started at a very young age. Over my many years of drawing, painting, sketching, and coloring, I have learned the types of paper I like to use, and what is more suitable for my project at hand. 

Sorting It Out

I don’t have to tell you that there are innumerous types of paper, by equally innumerous paper companies. There are specific types of paper for every style of medium you can imagine. And, I am discovering new ones all the time.

So with that said, I am, obviously not here to name them all. I will, however, help you sort out the paper types I use most often for my various projects. Hopefully this may help you make your own decision on which types of paper will work best for you. 

Tip: Always try to buy the best affordable paper for your needs. Good quality paper looks and feels amazing, and it will make your projects look more attractive.

Acid Free and Lignin Free

It is very important for a paper crafter, and scrapbooker, to use Acid Free and Lignin Free, or Archival Safe, paper. It costs a little more money, but you will be happy you made the investment.

Acid Free paper is paper that was made without the use of acids during manufacturing. 

Lignin is a chemical which comes from plants that is used to help strengthen paper. Unfortunately, it can also cause the paper to deteriorate. Paper that is not Lignin Free will start to yellow and become brittle. 

Other causes of paper deterioration to keep in mind is:

  • Humidity
  • Pollution
  • Air Temperature
  • Oils found in Fingerprints

Better Safe than Sorry

Not to worry…most paper produced today is safe. However, when buying paper, be sure it is indicated that it is Acid Free and Lignin Free.

Card Stock

Cardstock is heavier than copy paper but not as thick as card board. It is durable enough to withstand reasonable wear and tear. 

Cardstock comes in various different sizes, weights, and textures. It is often used for the base of many paper crafting projects. This is important to note because it can make or break your project.

Cardstock comes in many different colors and several different finishes. Each one can be more suitable for different projects. Let’s take a look:

  • Smooth – during processing, smooth cardstock is rolled several times to create a smooth finish. It is one of the brightest whites. Perfect for stamping, embossing, die cutting etc… A perfect example of smooth cardstock is Neenah Cardstock, My Colors Cardstock, and Bazzill Basics Smooth
  • Textured – textured paper is usually pressed with a texture mold during manufacturing. A perfect example is Bazzill Basics Paper
  • Glossy – glossy finish has a smooth sheen that will make your colors POP. It’s great for printing photos. Drying times vary depending on printer and ink type. 
  • Matte – a matte finish is dull. It is usually smooth and absorbs ink well…it also absorbs fingerprints and other smudges. Great for printing or stamping.
  • Linen-the beauty of linen paper is it looks and feels like linen fabric. Most often used for an elegant or classic look.
  • Embossed– 
  • Coated
  • Uncoated – uncoated paper is simply paper without coating

Here’s a few Paper products worth a mention for your cardmaking projects:

Please keep in mind these only a few of many. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find your favorites.

Vellum and Parchment Paper

Vellum looks very delicate, but its actually strong and durable. Vellum Paper is available in different weights and can be produced thin enough to be able to see through it. 

This translucent paper has a very smooth finish, and cuts like butter, making it very easy to work with and score. Just be sure to use a heavier weight Vellum when creating by heat embossing.

Paper crafters produce stunning effects with Vellum:

  • Stamping 
  • Die Cutting 
  • Printing
  • Painting
  • Embossing 
  • Creating Vellum Paper Flowers
  • and more

Looking to create with Vellum:

  • Lawn Fawn Vellum – this vellum is translucent with a smooth finish…so pretty!
  • Lawn Fawn Pearlescent Vellum – this vellum is translucent with a pearlescent finish…beautiful!
  • Canson Vellum – this vellum is non-yellowing and has an extra smooth finish. It also comes in several different size pads

Parchment paper it is more coarse, and thicker than vellum. Typically, Parchment paper is comes in white and natural shades, but it is also available in a few select refined color shades.

Known for a sophisticated presentation, paper crafters use Parchment paper for making greeting cards, paper flowers, and other classy embellishments, etc…

Bienfang Parchment Paper is available in several different appealing colors. 

Acetate

Acetate is a durable sheet, or roll, of clear plastic available in varying weights and sizes. It is readily available and affordable. As you may already know, or will soon find out, is without a doubt enjoyable to work with. 

Tip: Acetate can scratch easily, depending on acetate quality. Scratches can enhance, or harm, your project depending on your needs.

Acetate is very commonly used to create super fun Shaker Cards, but it has so many other uses for a crafter as well. These are just a few ideas to spark your creative juices:

  • Die Cutting
  • Embossing
  • Card Base
  • Painted
  • Card Framing
  • Stamping
  • Heat Embossing (not all acetate accepts heat without melting)
  • and more…

Here’s a few Acetate Products worth a mention:

  • Hero Arts Acetate – Crystal clear acetate in a few different size sheets, packs and panels
  • Lawn Fawn – 8.5×11 Clear sheets are heat resistant and cuts easily
  • Crafter’s Companion – high quality acetate for specifically meant for heat foiling

Mixed Media Paper

Mixed Media Paper is a paper whereby more than one type of medium can be used. It usually comes in pads of paper and can be used for a number of different mediums such as:

  • Pen
  • Ink
  • Pencils
  • Markers
  • Acrylic Paint
  • Watercolors

Tip: Keep in mind that while mixed media paper accepts wet and dry mediums, it is not specific for any one of them. For example:

  • While Mixed Media accepts watercolors, it will not have the texture that watercolor paper has
  • Coloring with Markers on Mixed Media paper is acceptable as well, but, depending on the paper quality, it may bleed slightly if using multiple color layers, or not blend as well as marker specific paper

Overall, mixed media paper is highly versatile and a great option for many artists/designers. Commonly, a good quality, heavy weight paper of 90 – 184lb paper available in sheets, pads, and book bound. Mixed Media Paper is readily available and affordable.

Please keep in mind, there are many Mixed Media Paper options. A few quality Mixed Media Paper that I use are worth trying:

Marker Paper

Marker paper is my new favorite! Probably because, more often than not, I color with markers for all my card making projects lately.

If you are new to coloring with markers, try to keep in mind that your paper selection makes a difference. Your markers will perform much better on paper designed specifically for surface saturation and blendability.

Tip: Marker paper can be a little pricey, however, low quality marker paper will absorb too much ink, and has a tendency to bleed through the paper resulting in an unwanted mess. 

You will notice that there are many different marker paper options available. They may be similar weight and color, but surface finish and blendability are important when coloring with markers. The ones I mention below, I use myself and enjoy.

Watercolor Paper

Although there are numerous Watercolor Paper products available, it is vital to your project/painting to choose the correct paper.

It’s no secret that water and paper don’t get along well together. However, watercolor paper is much thicker than other paper. 

Unlike other paper which is made from wood, watercolor paper is made from cotton fibers. It is designed not to warp with the appropriate amount of water application. A recommended watercolor paper weight is 140lb or 300gsm.

There are two distinct paper texture classifications:

  1. Hot Press –Hot Press watercolor paper has a smooth texture to the touch. It is similar to mixed media paper, only much thicker. You might prefer to use Hot Press paper when inking, or painting fine details. The smoother texture of Hot Press Paper won’t interfere with your with your detail work. Hot Press paper also won’t absorb water too quickly, giving you a chance to move your paint around more. 
  2. Cold Press – Cold Press paper texture is more rough than Hot Press paper. It has a raised, bumpy texture. It is more like a sponge and absorbs water quickly and dries faster than Hot Press paper.

Ultimately, the type of paper you use should depend on your needs, and art style. 

Tip: “Student Grade” paper is a lower quality paper used for learning and practicing. “Artist Grade” is a high quality paper for producing professional results.

Water color paper comes in paper pads and watercolor blocks

Yupo Watercolor Paper

Yupo watercolor paper is an exciting alternative to traditional artist paper. It’s made of a polymer resin that has been used in fabrics and synthetic molds. 

  • Bright White – applied pigments retain their true color and vibrancy
  • Extremely Strong – resists tearing and buckling
  • Durable
  • Waterproof
  • Stain Resistant – does not smudge easily from fingerprints
  • Accepts many mediums – 
    • watercolors 
    • acrylic paint
    • ink
    • alcohol inks 
    • and more…

I could about paper categories, but I think you get the idea. If not, please feel free to contact me.

Kraft Paper

Kraft Paper is natural paper, or cardboard. It’s fairly economical so, aside from packing materials, and wrapping paper, many use it for arts and craft projects. 

I really like the natural look and feel of Kraft paper, so I like to work with it in my projects as a card base, or a tag. Strong, and versatile, this paper comes in many weights, sizes, color variations, and rolls, which makes it a fabulous option for a multitude of creative uses, such as:

  • Boxes
  • Cards
  • Scrapbooking
  • Tags and Gift Tags
  • Wrapping paper
  • Background Paper
  • Embellishments
  • Journal covers
  • Book Covers
  • Envelopes
  • Gift Bags
  • and so much more

Kraft paper is readily available. Here are a few of my favorite go-to Kraft paper products:

IMHO

I hope I may have helped you in some way in considering the ideal paper to use for your fabulous crafty, and artistic, projects.

I’ve only attempted to help you learn a little more about the paper I use, and why they are my favorite must-haves. 

Tip: Some things shouldn’t be skimped on. In order to achieve the best results, try to choose quality paper, over price, whenever possible. After all, you work hard on your projects, right? 

Happy crafting…

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