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 weight you particularly like, make note of it for future purchases.
Card stock may be coated heavily, as in playing cards, to strengthen it, or only lightly, as in postcards. Usually smooth on both sides, specialty card stock may have some texture or a metallic finish. It usually takes printing colors well, but if you have a special project in mind, you might want to consult a printer. In paper crafts, the stiffness of this paper is highly useful.
Card stock has been available in plain and perforated sheets to businesses and printing companies for many years. With the advent of scrapbooking, card stock of many colors and designs has become readily available. This is a good paper to create 3-D effects by using foam adhesives or small shims to lift successive layers away from the previous ones.
As a craft paper, card stock will not necessarily fold or crease cleanly. With increasing thickness, the fold will become more irregular. Also, with increasing thicknesses the inner color will show at edges, tears and folds. This is usually white or off-white.
* * * Card stock is perfect for place cards. Try Thanksgiving place cards next year, for a touch of elegance. * * *
Click to return to the top of the Craft Paper Guide.
