All about Paper & Cardstock!
Build your collection of cardstock with different colours, weights and finishes.
One of the questions I get asked a lot is where to I get my Cardstock from and the truth is I get it from many places. One things regardless of where I shop, is that I always prioritise quality. Paying a little more will not only elevate your project but better quality materials are usually easier to cut and work with.
Most of the cardstock I use is from Amazon and you can find them linked on my Amazon Storefront. Some is from the U.S and sadly not available in the U.K (I know I am sorry) I also have some cardstock from The Range and Hobby Craft, but as I do not have these shops nearby, these are a smaller part of my collection.
The other question I get asked is what weights of paper/card do I use and what settings do I use on my machine. This is not a straight forward question but I will try my best to explain. A little disclaimer however, what works for me may not work for you. Many things influence how cardstock cuts including the sharpness/cleanliness of your blade and stickiness of your mat. If you are having issues with cutting I would suggest checking these two things.
The type of weight of cardstock and the settings you cut on, will vary.
Textured Cardstock- Is really great for all elements of cake toppers. I like to use it also for paper flowers which require manipulation so you need a lighter weight cardstock. I tend to use 216gsm textured cardstock for paper flowers and cut it poster board setting.
Pearlescent Cardstock- This is beautiful cardstock with a slight shimmer, the brand I mainly use is 300gsm and I use foil holographic Kraft board more setting. This weight is thicker so tend not to use it for intricate cuts. Sadly its hard to get hold of it in the U.K in 65lb weight pearlescent paper, that is perfect paper flowers. However I did recently find a 120gsm pearlescent cardstock, which is very thin, but does work well for paper flowers (I used it to make the blue flowers on my Easter Cake Topper) I cut this on medium cardstock setting.
Foil/Mirror Cardstock- Tends to be more sturdy around 210gsm, although less weight than the textured cardstock above, it has a white core and harder shell it is overall more durable. I cut this cardstock on poster board more setting. I do not find much of a difference in the quality of this type of cardstock in relation to price, even the cheaper options work well. If I am working with really small intricate text I may try intricate cardstock more setting.
Glitter Cardstock- Quality here is important, cheaper glitter cardstock tends to shed and is not very sturdy, the good stuff is around 250gsm. I again cut this on poster board more setting.
Kraft board Cardstock- Cricut do some plain Kraft board cards in black, white and brown as well as foil versions. The weight is not on the packaging but I use foil holographic Kraft board more setting.
Vellum Paper- This is a gorgeous translucent paper, similar to grease proof paper. Its very delicate at 120gsm. I either use vellum or vellum more setting.
Photo Paper- I use photo paper for print then cut and use the photo paper or photo paper more setting.
Some of this will be trial and error, the best advice is to do a test cut when working with a new type of cardstock. Again make sure your mat is sticky and your blade is sharp and clean, to ensure the best cut.
