I'm starting a new feature on The Craft Sea today: highlighting essential products.  Everyone who crafts has their go-to items.  The essential supplies that I buy over and over again (or sometimes once if it is a tool).  I certainly have my own essential products.  I thought it would be a good idea to share those with readers.  I'll talk about the products, why I love them, and how to use them.  I might even do a bit of comparison with other products or brands other than what I use. So, let's dive in today with a huge essential product: Cardstock!

We all need paper, so let's discuss the different types and what I love to use.  For this post, we are only going to talk about solid colored cardstock and not printed or patterned cardstock.

Product Description: Paper of course.  Specifically, I'm talking about solid paper used for paper crafting (scrapbooking, greeting cards, 3D projects, etc).

Choices:

• Sizes -- Most paper stacks come in 12 x 12" or 8.5 x 11" options.  You can also buy select stacks in 8 x 8", 6 x 6", and 4.5 x 6.5" options.  I buy a variety of sizes for different products.  12 x 12" paper is great for traditional scrapbooking.  8.5 x 11" paper is perfect for cutting in half to use as greeting card bases.  Other sizes can be used as great layering options or as traditional backgrounds for different size scrapbooks.
• Texture options -- Most regular cardstock out there is sold in a smooth state.  This is perfect for stamping or writing.  You can find cardstock with various textures.  Some will have a combination with one side smooth and one side textured.  This paper is nice as the textured side can be great for layering or accents, while the smooth side is perfect for stamping and writing.
• Core options -- You have two option when it comes to core.  The paper can have a white core or the ink can be saturated throughout.  White core paper is great for sanding techniques.  If you want to create a jagged tear, solid core paper is probably your best bet.
• Weights -- Regular computer paper is usually 20lb weight.  It's flimsy and not great for paper crafting.  Recollections brand (sold at Michael's and other places) is mostly 65lb weight.  They also do have select solid cardstock in 80lb weight.  65lb paper is great for stamping and layering.  On it's own, 65lb weight paper won't stand up well.  For card bases, I prefer to buy 80lb weight paper.  Stampin' Up's basic cardstock is 80lb.  You can find heavier cardstock in 100 and 110lb weights, but those tend to bulk up projects once you start layering.
• Color -- Each brand of cardstock will have it's own distinct color choices.  I love using Stampin' Up's line as everything they make coordinates.  I have found Recollections paper to have similar colors as SU, but there is a difference.

My Choice Brand(s): I mainly buy my paper from one of two sources.  Specifically, I buy paper for different uses from these two sources.

• Stampin' Up -- Their basic cardstock is 80lb weight.  Perfect for standing up on its own.  You can feel the heft to this paper.  I love their paper for consistent color between batches and heavy weight.  I use SU paper for card bases and if I want to color coordinate my project.
• Recollections -- Most of their basic cardstock is 65lb weight.  And it's much cheaper per package than SU.  However, the lower weight does limit this paper to layering pieces.  And it can be hard to color coordinate with my SU inks and markers.

Where to Buy:

• Stampin' Up -- SU paper can only be bought from SU through a demonstrator.  You must choose a demonstrator (if you don't already have one) to complete an order.  There is an option to not be contacted if you desire.  If you are going to place an order, please use my name as a demonstrator: Tobe Buffenbarger  Sunnyvale, CA
• Michael's -- You can now order online or continue to frequent their brick and mortar stores.
• Hobby Lobby
• Joann's
• Other craft stores