Welcome to the second post in my new blog series, “My Favorite Products”.  Today I’m going to focus on cardstock.  I will go over my favorite choices for card bases as well as scrapbooking and die cutting.  I will cover cardstock for copic coloring in another post later on in this series.

Cardstock for Card Bases

I have several different favorite brands of cardstock, depending on what I’ using it for.  For example, for card making, I prefer (and use) Papertrey Ink, as well as Stampin’ Up.  They both have a large color selection and other accessory products that match but I stick to just the cardstock (and inks from Stampin’ Up).

Papertrey Ink Cardstock

The paper I use at Papertrey Ink is called “Color Match” Cardstock.   It is 110lb cardstock which makes it thick and sturdy, perfect for card bases, yet still cuts like butter in your die cutting machines. (with the correct settings)  PTI cardstock only comes in one size however, 8 1/2″x11″ which is a bummer for scrapbookers who love their cardstock.

The cost is:

• 12 sheets – $3.00
• 24 sheets – $5.00
• 50 sheets – $9.00

Or you can get a sampler pack with 74 sheets for $15.00.

It currently comes in the following colors:

Papertrey Ink also offers the following products in these matching colors:

• Ink
• Ribbon
• Buttons

I also use PTI’s white cardstock for most of my stamping unless I’m coloring with my copics, and then I use another brand which I will share with you in an upcoming post on copic coloring.

I have only used one of PTI’s inks (Fresh Snow), and it’s excellent.  I have also purchased and used their buttons, (which I love) but have yet to use their ribbon before so I have no opinion on that product.  (I have enough ribbon to last a lifetime!)

Stampin’ Up Cardstock

This is my 2nd favorite cardstock for card making/card basics.  It is 80lb cardstock so it is not quite as thick and sturdy as Papertrey Ink’s but it’s very, very close.  And as you know, Stampin’ Up has a unique color palette which I happen to love so I now use cardstock from both companies.  Here are the current color choices from Stampin’ Up. (they change often)  I should mention that one of the things I love about SU’s cardstock is that they offer it in both 8 1/2″x11″ and 12″ x 12″ and PTI only offers 8 1/2″x11″.

The cost is:

• 24 sheets of 8 1/2″ x 11″ – $6.95
• 12 sheets of 12″ x 12″ – $5.95

So as you can see, SU is a little less thick and costs more than PTI but they do have a nice color palette to choose from and they do offer the two different sizes.  With that being said, I personally do not purchase the 12×12 paper myself, because of the cost.

12×12 Cardstock for Scrapbooking and Die Cutting

I use mainly two different brands of cardstock for my backgrounds when scrapbooking.  They would be American Crafts Textured cardstock as well as Core’dinations cardstock.

I usually purchase the AC cardstock online from Joann.com when it is 40% off.  I prefer the textured cardstock and it comes in packs with multiple colors such as the in the photo below.  (Winter, spring, summer, tropical, etc.)  It is regularly $19.99 for 48 sheets, but I never buy it full price, I wait until it’s 40-50% off and then I stock up!

I also buy Core’dinations cardstock by the single sheet when it’s on sale at my local Joann store.  This allows me to choose specific colors and textures in person.  But I NEVER buy it full price unless it’s a scrapbooking emergency! (which means I’m working on a project and am stuck lol)

This cardstock is especially great for die cutting in my Silhouette Cameo because it has a colored core.  That means no more white edges when you die cut.

The last type of cardstock I will use is Recollections colored cardstock.  I buy it in the multi-packs when it is on sale or when I have a coupon. I do not use this cardstock very often, but if I’m doing something that doesn’t require thick, heavy duty weight cardstock, I will use it because it’s less expensive.  It’s also smooth and almost all of the AC and Core’dinations cardstock I buy is textured.

There are many other brands of cardstock available, but these are the brands I purchase and use on a regular basis.  I hope this helps you if you are looking to try a new brand or expand your selection of cardstock for card making, scrapbooking or die cutting purposes.  If you have any questions about this post, or any of the products I mentioned, please feel free to contact me.