Archive for August, 2009

  • Sketching Paper

    Sketching paper usually comes in a pad or bound book form. The weight and surface of the paper varies, and it is usually white (more or less). I have not used it for anything but sketching, but it is available from most art or craft stores and not all that expensive. It might be a useful craft paper [...]

  • Watercolor Paper

    Watercolor paper comes in a number of textures and weights. It is usually more expensive than a lot of craft papers, but it does not have any surface coating and is usually somewhat stiff. It resists rippling when wet and usually resumes a flat state when it dries.  When torn, it usually provides a nice deckled edge, [...]

  • Kraft Paper

    Kraft paper is brown paper bag paper. It would seem to be relatively useless in paper crafts, but it has a good body and interesting texture. It is not acid-free and is therefore subject to deterioration with time. But, paper bags can become some interesting things. For some ideas, look up a book titled “What Can You Do [...]

  • Construction Paper

    Construction paper has been a school standard since it became commonly available. Normally sold in sheets slightly larger than the standard 8 1/2 x 11 inches, it is also made of a coarser pulp than writing paper and wood fibers are usually visible in it. The surface is not real smooth and does not have any [...]

  • Wall Paper

    Wall paper can be used in paper crafts where any patterned paper can be used, but it adds body due to its thickness. In addition, wall papers also often include texture that can add interest to a craft project. Wall paper can be used in collages or as coverings for paperboard boxes. Motifs cut out of wall [...]

  • Corrugated Cardboard

    aka corrugated fiberboard This form of paper is designed to be strong and relatively inflexible. One sheet of paper is rippled between two smooth sheets of paper and glue applied where the ripples touch each outside sheet. Sometimes only one flat sheet is used and the ripples are visible and available for crafting purposes. The rippled paper [...]

  • Mat Board

    Mat board is a thick pulp paper, usually white or off-white, with a pigment applied to one side. It comes in both pastel and strong colors in large sheets, which are cut to size as needed. When used in framing, mat board is usually cut on a slant so the white or off-white interior of the board [...]

  • Poster Board

    This paper is a lot like card stock, but comes in much larges sizes. It is heavier than regular writing paper so with a little work is will stand up on its own. A simple crease is sufficient to make it self supporting, but creases must be carefully planned and executed as they cannot be undone. Corrugated cardboard [...]

  • Card Stock

    Card stock is slightly thicker than regular writing or printing paper. It is used for greeting cards, index cards, playing cards, postcards, etc. Card stock is used anywhere the paper must stand up to time, a little more wear and tear or for a better presentation. It comes in several weights, so if you find a [...]

  • Perforated Paper

    This stiff craft paper is used as an alternative to Aida cloth for counted cross-stitch. Small holes are punched in rows across the entire sheet of paper. Available in 14-count cream or white paper, other colors and counts can be found on occasion. Perforated paper is the cross-stitch equivalent of plastic canvas for needlepoint. As a craft supplies paper, [...]

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