Colored cardstock paper is a medium that exhibits truly amazing versatility. It can be a practical tool for creating portfolios, itineraries, envelopes, packaging, and so much more - and it can also be a creative medium for crafting, decorating, and creating unique, novel accents.
While the ideas one can come up with are limited only by creativity and imagination, not all colored cardstock paper is created equal. Being able to identify quality in colored cardstock is a preliminary step in ensuring the same quality shows through in finished products.
Cardstock Warehouse has several decades of experience in this industry, and the team has developed quite a hold on quality and how to identify it. If the next project involves colored cardstock, here are some of the ways in which Cardstock Warehouse cardstock differentiates itself from the competition.
- Look for solid core coloring
Not all colored cardstock paper is created equally. Have you ever cut a piece of cardstock and a white center layer shows through the color? Many colored card stocks are produced by a process that only applies a thin layer of color to the surface, leaving most of the fiber underneath a bright white. While this is desirable in white cardstock, it's not desirable for colored paper.
Cardstock Warehouse's colored cardstock paper features what is called solid-core coloring, which means that the color is true throughout the entire sheet. Crafters can tear, cut, or fold Cardstock Warehouse colored cardstock without ever having to compromise on the vibrant color. No white will ever show through, because there is no white underneath! See the Paper 101 Guide on Paper Color for more information on buying colored cardstock paper as well as CMYK color-matching for all of the papers offered.
- Paper should not crack or tear when scored properly before folding
Paper and cardstock all vary in weight, which will affect how easily it can be folded. Light-weight text paper can normally be folded without scoring, while cover weight cardstock usually requires scoring before folding. The heavier the paper, the more this is true. Attempting to fold cardstock without proper scoring will result in the paper cracking or not producing a crisp clean fold. Visit the Paper 101 Guide - Score and Fold for additional guidance on simple tools and proper methods to score cardstock paper.
- Paper should be compatible with printers
If a paper project requires printing, Cardstock Warehouse has a paper for that! All papers offered are printer friendly; however, it is important to know what type of printing application a specific type of paper is compatible with. For example, some papers will print on both a laser and inkjet printer, while others will only print on laser, and still others only on inkjet. Paper weight and thickness is also a necessary consideration. Paper that is too thick for a printer can jam the printer, cause ink to smear or smudge, ruin the paper, or even damage the printer. Customers can learn more about the compatibility of Cardstock Warehouse cardstock and papers on the product listing pages. The Paper 101 Guide on Printing also contains a wealth of valuable information on the different types of printing, as well as some helpful tips.
- Versatility is key: you should be able to die-cut colored cardstock paper
Some useful cuts on cardstock can be made with scissors or shears, but to create beautiful, finely intricate patterns and decorations, the help of a die cutting tool is often preferred. Just like all of the paper offered is printer friendly, all paper from Cardstock Warehouse can be die cut using either a manual die-cutting machine and metal dies, or an electronic die-cutting machine. There are several brands on the market to choose from.
For those using an electronic die-cutting machine, Cardstock Warehouse recommends the use of brand-name blades made for the specific machine. Generic die cutter blades are not recommended as these lack the consistent edge geometry and overall quality to produce crisp, clean cuts that are necessary for creating clean, intricate patterns. It is also important to condition the mat prior to its first use to prevent paper from sticking to the mat too hard, which will cause the paper to tear, separate or curl when lifted off the mat. To condition the mat, place hands palm down all over the surface of the paper and repeat a few times. The natural oils from the hands will reduce the stickiness just enough to make the paper easier to remove from the mat. To learn more about conditioning the mat and other die cutting best practices to achieve amazing at-home results, visit the Paper 101 Die Cutting page.
- It should be able to receive some liquid adhesive
While it's nice to use a paper that can receive liquid adhesives, it's important to keep a couple of things in mind. First, while liquid adhesives can be used with Cardstock Warehouse paper and cardstock, it is important to use them sparingly and to use an effective glue pattern to prevent overuse.
If too much glue is used, the paper can absorb some of it, which can cause a variety of problems. Overuse of liquid adhesives can also cause issues like rippling and buckling, so it's best to use the minimum effective amount. Cardstock Warehouse recommends using "dry" adhesives for bonding larger pieces of paper together in order to avoid some of these issues. Foam squares and foam tape are used to both adhere elements and to provide height and dimension. Read more about adhesives on the Paper 101 - Adhesives page.
- It should be available in a wide range of weights and sizes
Finally, no two colors, styles or weights of paper will behave in exactly the same fashion, and not all paper or cardstocks are suitable for all projects. That's why Cardstock Warehouse offers such a wide range and variety of colored cardstock paper.
Whatever the project, Cardstock Warehouse has a color or a weight that will suit the need, ranging from light-weight papers that are more suitable for printing and flower-making, to heavy and extra-heavy cardstock that can be used for card-making, creating portfolios, gift tags, and even making custom gift boxes and packaging.
Better customer service comes from offering a wider selection of products, and Cardstock Warehouse carries the selection needed to complete any craft. Speaking of which, here are some creative uses for colored cardstock.
Creative Uses for Colored Cardstock Paper
Depending on the weight and thickness of the cardstock, it can be suitable for a wide range of creative crafting and functional applications, including but not limited to the following.
- Create invitations, greeting cards, birthday cards, thank you cards, and other seasonal and special occasion niceties
One of the greatest uses of colored cardstock is creating custom thank you cards and seasonal greeting cards for holidays, birthdays and so much more. For those looking to put a personalized touch on a special occasion or event, cardstock is ideal. Crafters can create personalized wedding invitations, programs, menus, place cards, and table markers with beautiful specialty cardstock, the right tools, and a little bit of inspiration.
- Paper crafts - paper quilling using colored cardstock paper!
Paper quilling is created using thin strips of paper, rolled into shapes to embellish cards, scrapbook pages and even make pictures and artistic pieces. Depending on the complexity of the project, not all weights of cardstock will be ideal. However, Cardstock Warehouse's high quality archival cardstock is ideal for most quilling endeavors, and with it crafters can create lasting designs and decorations that will last for years with proper care. Paper may be fragile, but with the right handling, care and protection, art made from paper can surprise with its beauty and durability.
- Create pinwheels, flowers, paper beads and other decorative accents
Paper flowers have become very popular as home decor as well as special occasion items. Cardstock Warehouse's 65 lb. colored cardstock and lighter text-weight papers are perfect for this. Cardstock can also be an amazingly effective medium for creating a wide array of decorative trinkets. It can be artistically folded and cut to create bright and beautiful pinwheels, trim and patterns, paper beads and even wreaths - the possibilities of what can be created are endless! Crafters just need to key into their creative side or take some inspiration. Need ideas? Check out the Cardstock Warehouse Blog for weekly how-to's and project ideas!
Paper is unique as a medium because it suggests delicacy but can still be crafted into beautiful items that can be used as accents for parties, holidays, and gatherings such as place cards, centerpieces, signage, banners, wreaths, garlands, and so much more. Not only can crafters create a perfectly themed event that can be as dressed up or down as desired, these items can be easily and affordably made, too.
- Add class and personality with custom envelopes
Looking for a way to add a personal touch to invitations for an upcoming event or party? Not only can the invitations themselves be printed or cut from colored cardstock paper, but Cardstock Warehouse paper can also be used to create the envelope liners and envelopes themselves. It's a great way to make a custom design that can't simply be bought, but can be made with care and attention.
At the very least, creating custom envelopes and liners will add a unique touch to invitations or thank you cards that can't simply be imitated and will leave a lasting impression on anyone with an appreciation for visual art! For occasions where ready-made envelopes are more appropriate, Cardstock Warehouse offers a complete line of envelopes in a wide selection of colors and popular sizes to match and coordinate with their colored cardstock paper.
- Make your own gift boxes or bags, gift tags and other paper accents
Cardstock paper can also be used to create a personalized touch for gifts and trimming. Instead of buying gift tags or paper accents, crafters can design, print and cut them from cardstock. With a Cricut or Silhouette and the many design options available, beautiful, original designs can be printed and cut that will impress recipients - great for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions. Paper has a lot of utility and enables unending artistic freedom when it comes to gifting, which is not limited to creating cards and tags. Custom gift bags and even gift boxes can be developed using card stock; remember that many gift boxes are made with paper as it is. With Cardstock Warehouse's beautiful heavyweight colored cardstock, crafters can make their own!
- Create business cards, tags, packaging and collateral for products and services
For business owners who utilize packaging for their products, presenting a quality presentation is essential. Cardstock Warehouse paper has been a popular choice for professionals who make their own packaged specialty goods. The paper has been used by jewelry designers to hold their gorgeous creations. Soap and candle makers have used it to create packaging to hold their products or as a backdrop when using clear packaging or clear lids. Cardstock Warehouse paper has also been used as a paper "wrap" around soft merchandise such as clothing or hand-made articles. Another must-have for any business is an impressive business card. Cardstock Warehouse papers are also popular with hotels, restaurants and any organization that utilizes collateral as part of their operations. Since all papers are printer compatible (see above), business cards, packaging and collateral can be imprinted with company and product information, as well as embossed, debossed, foiled and screen printed - just to name a few. For those who desire splashes of color, Cardstock Warehouse offers cardstock papers in every color of the rainbow. The many recycled and "green" papers are particularly popular with companies who choose natural and down-to-earth shades to convey "earth-friendly" messaging through their products. For products that need some shine or shimmer, Cardstock Warehouse's metallic papers are sure to provide just the right amount in the shade desired. With over 165 shades and finishes to choose from, the right cardstock paper for any business need is sure to be found.
- Get crafty with scrapbooking creativity
For scrapbooking enthusiasts, cardstock and creativity go hand in hand. Beautiful scrapbook page layouts, borders and embellishments can be made to preserve the most precious memories. Those little paper pop ups, lettering, accents and decorations are wildly expensive to buy; but with the right tools and ideas, custom designs can be created at home. Crafters can potentially save money and gain much satisfaction in creating completely custom paper decorations that reflect a truly unique style and can't be bought elsewhere.
- Let your creativity reign
Finally, the only limit on what can be made or done with cardstock comes from the imagination. If it can be purchased or made using paper, there's a good chance that with the right tools it can be replicated using Cardstock Warehouse cardstock. Those interested in exploring these ideas further are welcome to get in touch with the Cardstock Warehouse team for questions, tips, or recommendations.
The Cardstock Warehouse Difference
Whether a customer needs a bright white sheet of 8.5 x 11 inch paper for a basic printing job, or heavy weight cardstock in a hard-to-find color that reaches all the way through the medium, Cardstock Warehouse is the right place.
History and Experience
Cardstock Warehouse has over 40 years of experience putting customers in touch with high quality cardstock and paper for all of their commercial, recreational, and creative needs. Selection and customer service are defined by the team's experience. Whatever a customer is looking for, if it can't be found on the site, a quick call to the team can help!
A Commitment to Green Processes
Cardstock Warehouse products exhibit quality that won't be found in big-box stores that sell mass-produced low-quality products. Many of the products are produced using green energy and recycled materials, and all of them are free of chlorine, lignin and acid-free for long-lasting archival results.
Finally, customers in need of larger quantities can contact Cardstock Warehouse to inquire about wholesale pricing. For questions about pricing or products, customers can call 610-882-2071 or visit the About Us page to fill out a query form regarding wholesale pricing opportunities. Minimum order quantities apply. Cardstock Warehouse - Make Something Beautiful®.