The Ultimate Top 5 Cardstocks for Card Makers

Hello!  Not all cardstocks are created equal.  I’ve tried tons of different brands, quality, the cheap stuff, the expensive stuff, and the in-between stuff.  I’ve tried different textures and finishes.  Let’s just say that I’ve tried a TON of different cardstocks.  As a card maker, you really want the best of both worlds: a decent price and good quality.  That’s how I picked my favorite cardstocks and some of my picks may shock you!

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Top 5 Cardstocks for Card Makers

Starting with my fifth pick…

5.  Stampin’ Up! Cardstocks – When I first started as a cardmaker, I started with Stampin’ Up products.  I still have a ton of cardstock in all the colors and the cardstock matches the ink.  The cost per sheet is extremely low and the company offers a wide variety of colors.  The paper is around a 65 lb cardstock.  It is a little thinner than I like but for the price per sheet and the available colors, it’s a great option.  To purchase Stampin’ Up! cardstock, contact an independent consultant near you!  You can search for one on the Stampin’ Up! website.

4.  My Favorite Things Cardstocks – MFT has a wide selection of cardstocks that match their inks.  Their price per sheet is a little higher than Stampin’ Up!.  The cardstock is 100 lb smooth cardstock.  I LOVE they various grey colors MFT offers and I keep plenty of that on hand.

3.  Papertrey Ink Cardstocks – I bought a sample pack of Papertrey Ink’s cardstocks and seriously loved the quality of the paper and the price point.  Their papers are about 100 lb and match their inks too.  Papertrey Ink offers slightly different colors than everyone else which is one reason that I really like the paper.  The reds and browns are really rich colors.

2. Bazzill Cardstocks – Bazzill cardstock has been around for a long time and it’s available pretty much everywhere online and in major retail stores.  It’s generally sold in 12 x 12 sheets and by the sheet.  It’s my number two pick because you can buy just what you need for a specific project.  Bazzill has so many textures, colors, and specialty finishes.  It just rocks my crafty world.  I have tons of Bazzill paper I’ve purchased over the years.  The paper’s weight runs from 65 lb to 110 lb.

And Finally my Top Cardstock Pick…

1. Gina K. Designs Cardstocks – Gina K. Designs cardstocks bring me to my ultimate happy place!  She offers a wide range of colors (with matching inks of course).  And the price point per sheet is GREAT!  The cardstock is 100 lb and it die cuts beautifully!  I use a lot of black cardstock for die cut sentiments and I’ve had trouble with other brand’s black cardstock tearing.  Not Gina K. Designs black cardstock!  The other thing I’ve really noticed is how well it creases.  You know how sometimes when you’re working with a heavier weight cardstock it will crack or buckle when you crease the paper?  This doesn’t!  It’s just an amazing paper.

Cardstocks are the foundation of your card.  Don’t waste your hard earned dollar on cardstock that won’t look good or hold up.  There are so many options to cardstock out there.  This information will help you pick the right one for  you!

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