Cardstock and patterned paper; when it comes to selecting the foundation for scrapbook layouts, that’s about all most crafters have to work with. Fortunately, advances in the field of papermaking are opening new doors for scrappers when it comes to their essential supplies.
For example, BasicGrey offers a hybrid that is essentially lightweight cardstock. However, unlike traditional cardstock, which typically features one solid color on both sides, the new combo version is decorated on both sides of the paper.
If you are more comfortable working with cardstock there are different types you can experiment with that stray from the standard solids. For example, scrappers, who love the distressed look and often sand paper to achieve eye-popping effects, will have a field day with white core cardstock.
Personally, I am a huge fan of textured cardstock. The heavy-weight paper usually comes with a linen or canvas texture, and can be used to add a luxurious touch to a wedding, anniversary or First Communion layout. The downside to using this type of cardstock is that rubber stamp designs don’t show as well.
Recently, I’ve gotten into using glittered and metallic cardstock on a number of layouts, especially birthday-themed pages. However, you can use the blinged out paper to as a festive touch to any page. Metallic cardstock, which comes in gold, silver, and copper, is also great to use in graduation, prom and Christmas layouts.
As much as I love the look of cardstock, I also use a ton of patterned paper, as well as mulberry paper, and vellum. When shopping for the latter, it’s important to keep size in mind. The most common sizes of scrapbook paper are 6 x 6, 8 x 8, 8 1/2 x 11, and 12 x 12.
Do you prefer to scrap with cardstock or thinner patterned paper?
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