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I've been meaning to ask this for weeks but only seem to remember when I'm actually in a hurried flurry of cardmaking, not when I'm in front of a computer to ask.
I've almost exclusively used Stampin Up cardstock for all my solid-color papers my entire cardmaking history. However, I keep being drawn into the color stories offered in other companies' paper lines, such as Spellbinders, Gina K, Simon Says Stamp, etc, and now is the time for me to try one. I have a few colors of my SU paper that are "out" and need replenishing, but some of those are colors SU no longer makes - and, I see colors from some of these other companies that look like they'd be close enough for my tastes.
So, my question for you is: What brand(s) of cardstock do you use for your solid-color papers?
Tell me about it - what you like (or don't), if you'd recommend, where you prefer to buy it, etc. Spill your guts! I'm leaning on you guys to convince me to be brave and try one or more papers from other companies, with price point being a major/final determining factor for me.
(Full disclosure: I do own a couple packs of Fog cardstock by Simon Says Stamp because I wanted a light gray and SU has never had one that's the right color and/or tone - I like it! Is it worth the price?)
Thank you in advance for your time! I'll read and reply when I can but I can't wait to hear what you have to share!
Have a blessed and crafty end to your week,
Chrissy
__________________ Hugs & blessings, ~Chrissy
Jeremiah 29:11 Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni | Proud FanClub member since 2017
My Gallery | My Blog "The wind of Heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears."
I am very interested to hear what others say as I have been toying with switching brands.
A friend gave me a pack of Vintage Cream from PaperTreyInk and it was lovely! Plus, they sell packs of 50 sheets for a very good price and there are no shipping fees at $85 (I think that is the order minimum).
I don't really pay attention to brand. If I like it, and I think it will work for my scrapbook layouts and/or cards, I buy it. Sometimes I'll get the coordinating cardstock for paper collections that I buy, if I really like them. That being said, I have bought packs of Gina K's cardstock, and they are very high quality.
I am very interested to hear what others say as I have been toying with switching brands.
A friend gave me a pack of Vintage Cream from PaperTreyInk and it was lovely! Plus, they sell packs of 50 sheets for a very good price and there are no shipping fees at $85 (I think that is the order minimum).
Interesting! I didn’t even know they made cardstock! I have several of their stamps and have appreciated the quality of them. What kind of cardstock do you currently use? How does it compare in weight? And is the PTI colored all the way through or just the faces?
__________________ Hugs & blessings, ~Chrissy
Jeremiah 29:11 Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni | Proud FanClub member since 2017
My Gallery | My Blog "The wind of Heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears."
I have purchased high quality cardstock from several different companies over the years, to include PTI, The Stamps of Life, GinaKDesigns, Taylored Expressions, and Bazzill. All of the companies I named other than Bazzill also have matching ink. I’m interested in Spellbinders and Concord & 9th, but I have not brought myself to spend the money when I already have all the colors of the rainbow and then some. I have found several very close colors and sometimes exact matches across different lines from different companies. I have purchased from TE for a couple of years. Their premium cardstock is excellent quality, there are approximately 90 colors, and more being added, one per month for the remainder of this year, and probably more next year, and the next, etc.
Edited to add this suggestion: You might consider purchasing a sampler pack of multiple colors from whichever company you choose, or from several companies, and compare colors, weights, quality, etc.
Last edited by ozarkstamper; 08-21-2025 at 05:43 PM..
Reason: To add a suggestion
Most of my cardstock is from Taylored Expressions, PTI, and Gina K Designs, with a few colors from Lawn Fawn and Simon Says Stamps. All are good quality and I buy mostly by the colors I like. My favorites are PTI for quality, price and color selection, and few or no retired colors, Gina K for the same as well as lots of sales and I like her inks. I buy direct from each company
To fill in a few colors I “needed” that SU! doesn’t have I got a few packs of PhotoPlay cs from scrapbook.com. Good selection, nice weight, quite satisfied.
Mary Beth
Interesting! I didn’t even know they made cardstock! I have several of their stamps and have appreciated the quality of them. What kind of cardstock do you currently use? How does it compare in weight? And is the PTI colored all the way through or just the faces?
I use Stampin' Up! cardstock but it has gotten thinner over the years (I can tell because my mom gave me all her stuff from when she stamped in the mid-2000s and the cardstock is noticeably thicker from then). I also do not care for the price or the shipping fees, so I am taking the plunge and switching. Pretty tough since I've bought exclusively from them since 2000. I've only used Vintage Cream from PTI so I don't know if it's colored all the way through.
__________________ Nicole
The following 2 users liked this post by cnsteele:
Like the many cardstocks mentioned, I have used a variety. I have a drawer of Gina K Designs and I really like it. I have a lot of SU in many colors spanning several years. I agree with Nicole in the older cardstock being better quality. I have used The Stamps of life, My Favorite Things, Hobby Lobby brand thick, Spellbinders before their refresh. They all work, fold easily and give good results. I have a Glimmer system from Spellbinders. Not all cardstocks work well in the machine with the foil. I have found that Hammermill works well and Gina K's cardstock works well.
I did a lot of sampling years ago.
First of all-what weight are we talking about? Most companies work in 100# and not 110#. I find that extra 10 makes a difference.
Second many companies duplicate color and call it something else. I was told a long time ago this is bc there are only so many mfgs. I certainly see duplicates.
Elizabeth Craft is a white core/back although maybe that has changed since.
Having said all that
To me, as regards 100#, Altenew, EC, Gina K, Lawn Fawn, MFT, PTI, SSS, and TE all feel the same but I may not be as discriminating. I have heard a lot of people say they love Gina K
I use a lot of Michaels 110 lb for bases, sampling, indexing, etc. in white. (assuming I am not doing marker coloring but laying down a layer over the base) Also if I want to make friend simple single note cards (one layer-like a postcard).
So I would say look at their color ranges and consider how much matching matters to you. If you have the ink you can ink the border to match a layer or even swipe a whole layer. Depends on how you work. If you have the inks of a company, then look at their paper. What I like about Michaels is they do mixed packs of colors-for me neutrals which seems to be a bit of a void for a lot of companies. (shades of grey for example) Also many companies work in 8 1/2 x 11 not 12 x 12 for solids. If you are used to the big one...consider it.
__________________ Margot
I am a proud fan club member
I've been meaning to ask this for weeks but only seem to remember when I'm actually in a hurried flurry of cardmaking, not when I'm in front of a computer to ask.
I've almost exclusively used Stampin Up cardstock for all my solid-color papers my entire cardmaking history. However, I keep being drawn into the color stories offered in other companies' paper lines, such as Spellbinders, Gina K, Simon Says Stamp, etc, and now is the time for me to try one. I have a few colors of my SU paper that are "out" and need replenishing, but some of those are colors SU no longer makes - and, I see colors from some of these other companies that look like they'd be close enough for my tastes.
So, my question for you is: What brand(s) of cardstock do you use for your solid-color papers?
Tell me about it - what you like (or don't), if you'd recommend, where you prefer to buy it, etc. Spill your guts! I'm leaning on you guys to convince me to be brave and try one or more papers from other companies, with price point being a major/final determining factor for me.
(Full disclosure: I do own a couple packs of Fog cardstock by Simon Says Stamp because I wanted a light gray and SU has never had one that's the right color and/or tone - I like it! Is it worth the price?)
Thank you in advance for your time! I'll read and reply when I can but I can't wait to hear what you have to share!
Have a blessed and crafty end to your week,
Chrissy
I use PaperTreyInk because I LOVE their white and so I have over time bought all of their colors. I love the weight of it. The colors match their inks.
FWIW - I used Gina K's Bubblegum Pink cardstock when SU didn't have the pink I needed. I used her matching ink on her cardstock and the cardstock was like a sponge, absorbing all the color of the ink overnight. My stamping was invisible! I had done a similar thing with SU cardstock many times, so I was surprised and disappointed that I had to re-do everything. I did like the feel of the Gina K cardstock, though.
FWIW - I used Gina K's Bubblegum Pink cardstock when SU didn't have the pink I needed. I used her matching ink on her cardstock and the cardstock was like a sponge, absorbing all the color of the ink overnight. My stamping was invisible! I had done a similar thing with SU cardstock many times, so I was surprised and disappointed that I had to re-do everything. I did like the feel of the Gina K cardstock, though.
I've used GKD paper and inks for years, but I've never stamped with the same color of ink on the cardstock. But, I have never done that with SU either. If I want the same color, I know I have used Versamark and let it dry, then it eas easy to see what was stamped. Thanks for sharing. I have never thought of doing this.
I've been experimenting with different cardstocks and really like Gina K's, Concord & 9th and Lawn Fawn. For Lawn Fawn, I really like their 'Vanilla Malt'. To me its a perfect shade of cream and they are a nice weight.
I used to think I'd be a 'lifer' when it came to SU cardstock, but honestly, the bloom is off the rose there. There are so many other companies that have better cardstock at comparable prices that I felt why should I limit myself? I have no trouble with finding matching inks.
I say purchase what you can afford and try different companies out. Once companies shade of colors ie. Sea Glass is different from another's. I've had a lot of fun trying different ones out.
__________________ "I have cats, but they don't smoke or associate with dogs...."
I use Stampin' Up! cardstock but it has gotten thinner over the years (I can tell because my mom gave me all her stuff from when she stamped in the mid-2000s and the cardstock is noticeably thicker from then). I also do not care for the price or the shipping fees, so I am taking the plunge and switching. Pretty tough since I've bought exclusively from them since 2000. I've only used Vintage Cream from PTI so I don't know if it's colored all the way through.
I have bought exclusively from SU since the mid 1990s and have noticed the same thing about the thickness of their colored cardstock. When they were discontinuing their colors, I bought 3 packs of the colors I liked and continued to do so through the years. I even started to buy their In Colors at first and stopped except to buy Soft Succulent which is an all time favorite of mine. I like that the ink and markers (that they have recently stopped making) match. I have enough cardstock to last the rest of my lifetime, so will not be buying any more from SU, unless they bring back Soft Succulent). I have also purchased reinkers for all the pads and new brush ends that I can put into old markers, so will have markers for all my cardstock. I could never do well with the SU alcohol markers, so gave them away (there was a bundle of money gone!) and am now trying to match OLO alcohol markers to SU colors. The OLO markers are heaven to work with, reasonably priced and you can buy them singly. I have been a loyal SU customer all these years, so it is very difficult for me to pull away, but the most recent catalog had nothing for me. I will continue to buy my black white and cream from Michael's (Reflections 110 #) as it is nice and heavy for card bases. Like I said, I have such a stockpile of cardstock I will never use it up before I die, so I most likely won't need to investigate other companies and have nothing to suggest except that Neena Solar White is lovely for alcohol inks.
The following 3 users liked this post by jeanne3579:
Gosh, I wish I could remember the year, but I bought a case (the box that reams of paper come in) filled with SU solid card stock from someone on here, I want to say 2010-ish but not at all sure. It was the first time SU made huge sweeping changes to their colors. She was an SU demo and needed to clear out her inventory for the new card (which so many then complained was thinner). Anyway, I remain thankful I did that to this day because I still have so much of that card stock, but certain colors are getting low. The SU card stock I bought is nice and thick and very slightly textured, makes perfect card bases. I have also found that Michael's Recollections 110# weight card is fabulous and they have several colors to choose from. I use the white and black for bases.
For layers on cards, anything I have is fair game, lol. And I have enough stuff for my hubby to open a store when I'm gone, so right now I am trying NOT to shop around for even more card stock. This entails unconvincing myself that I need this or that exact color, lol.
I even use my colored construction paper for layers. I'm not picky about it because I do love to layer up a card and I play the sketches here so many of them require layers.
I am exclusive to Concord & 9th and Spellbinders Colorwheel. My color-loving heart is happy.
Just checked out Concord & 9th! Wish I was just starting out, as the color wheel program would please me, but I have enough cardstock that I wouldn't need to buy another sheet (except maybe Black, White, Cream and Crumb Cake) for the rest of my lif and I would still have left overs.
I don't think anyone has mentioned this, so I wanted to add a note about cardstock weight. Concord & 9th cardstock is 80lb. I don't think they mention this on their website, but I recall J McGuire talking about it. Altenew is also a lighter weight - 80/88/90 depending on color. PTI is mostly 100 lb, except for Vintage Cream and Kraft, which are 110 lb. I think PTI has the best prices, but they have a somewhat limited color range, and haven't added any new colors in years, plus, they can be slow to restock. Bonus for PTI, they have matching 100% wool felt to match several of their cardstock colors. If you want matching cardstock & envelopes, Altenew and Taylored Expressions have got you covered.
I don't think anyone has mentioned this, so I wanted to add a note about cardstock weight. Concord & 9th cardstock is 80lb. I don't think they mention this on their website, but I recall J McGuire talking about it. Altenew is also a lighter weight - 80/88/90 depending on color. PTI is mostly 100 lb, except for Vintage Cream and Kraft, which are 110 lb. I think PTI has the best prices, but they have a somewhat limited color range, and haven't added any new colors in years, plus, they can be slow to restock. Bonus for PTI, they have matching 100% wool felt to match several of their cardstock colors. If you want matching cardstock & envelopes, Altenew and Taylored Expressions have got you covered.
Thanks for this. I think 80# rather light for a card base. I guess you could always layer it onto a heavier neutral base. I often layer even with a colored base. However, as I said earlier. I have lots of cardstock to last for the rest of my life.
I don't think anyone has mentioned this, so I wanted to add a note about cardstock weight. Concord & 9th cardstock is 80lb. I don't think they mention this on their website, but I recall J McGuire talking about it. Altenew is also a lighter weight - 80/88/90 depending on color. PTI is mostly 100 lb, except for Vintage Cream and Kraft, which are 110 lb. I think PTI has the best prices, but they have a somewhat limited color range, and haven't added any new colors in years, plus, they can be slow to restock. Bonus for PTI, they have matching 100% wool felt to match several of their cardstock colors. If you want matching cardstock & envelopes, Altenew and Taylored Expressions have got you covered.
This is a very good point.
Several companies carry multiple weight-but might only have the heavier in basic colors like white, ivory and black.
Michaels does for example so be careful if ordering online which weight you are getting. I should think the 65 and 80 are good for an edge layer. Building up layers with 110 could make a card "front heavy" and cost more in postage. But again...one could just color the edge of 65 lb white to match since that is usually only 1/16 to 1/4 inch showing. Some people have cut out the middle of a panel and then use the remaining "frame" for that layer to save on paper. Then use the cut out panel for another card.
Also the lighter weights are good for inside layers on colored CS bases for your writing space. Or you could use 80# if you used 80# as your base card to have an overall stronger card.
I personally have found I do not like textured paper. I prefer smooth finish. This is where I did not like Bazzill (sp) but a bunch of people do and I think it comes in 12 x 12 but not in 110? Don't know. I think Kristina Werner liked their black.
We have also not mentioned sourcing non card company places
Marco's Papers (they come to stamp shows)
Cardstock Warehouse
Cut cardstock
for mulberry lovers Mulberry paper and more
The Paper Cut (I think this is the one my LSS used to have make packs and then put their own label on it)
__________________ Margot
I am a proud fan club member
well, I live in the boondocks. and we used to have several LSS and I taught in all of them. So, I have a huge I am talking 24" wide x 4' tall paper holder things for 12" square paper that is mostly solid colored bazzill ( textured ) in 12X12 and I mean the old Bazzill before it was sold to American crafts. ( they changed the paper when that happened) and I mostly use this for bases or die cutting as the paper contains some plastic and it is hard to get some things to stick to it.
for smooth cardstocks I mainly buy 8.5x11" and like you I own all the SU colors... but, I did branch out sooner and I own paper in some colors from PTI, Gina K. Simon Says Stamp ( specifically I like the school house red and one of the blues) ( I own a ton of SU cardstock and I don't buy every color these stores make just filling holes ) Taylored Expressions, MFT, I have quite a bit of Neenah cardstock as well. (They call cardstock Coversheet)
if you like Shimmer Stardream does theirs in that size and you can get it as 110# (some of their pre-made folded cards are lighter and I end up cutting that up in dies as its flimsy so watch the weights)
the last few years I have found my self using watercolor paper. mainly cold pressed and just painting it for all the layers and then doing Bazzill for the bases. I figure I have a lifetime supply here but, I am planning on buying some of the Spellbinders to try it. ( its made in Europe some where I forgot)
Micheal's does have one "paper bag looking textured colored Kraft" that is interesting and they even sell it in chopped up stacks too. which is handy for die cutting and layers.
I've tried some Die Cuts with a view, (its textured) its also feels a little plastic-y to the touch, and it is a thinner weight I think. so is the "American Crafts" new style Bazzill. the weight is flimsy for card bases so you have to line the inside with cardstock. ( which I tend to do no matter what so I have white space to write the note but, for that you have to or the card will wilt before you shoot it haha)
I have a lot I mean almost as much lace (mostly vintage) and ribbons ( a lot of May Arts and Offray) so, I have bought quite a bit of the ribbon SU has put out but, I don't really do the whole match the ink to the paper and all the frills so, that part is not something I worry about when I buy paper its more of a color thing for me. I try it, if I like it I buy more because, some of these places stop making colors when you find one you like. ( I still miss MFT Insulation Pink and I have not found something similar yet) If its kinda Eh, when it arrives then I have a life time supply of that color ;)
Stacy,
I used to really live in the boondocks of S. Oregon---a little (unincorporated) town called Keno. Would you care to reveal where you live? I miss Oregon and all my friends, but got tired of shoveling 3' of snow off my roofs and none of our kids stayed around, so we moved to the high desert of Arizona. Still not used to Monsoon.
OK, then we were neighbors! We were always going to the "big city" of Klamath Falls. I started teaching at Mills School when my hubby was music teacher at Merrill and Malin. Then after 17 years to raise our 3 kids taught at the Keno School and Altamont School when it first reopened, before going back to Keno. We went to Bly when my hubby first became a principal at the Gearhart School and then I was Principal at Bonanza and Curriculum Director for KCSD at the end of my career. Small world! We moved here because it was high dessert, and at 4600 feet usually 10 degrees cooler than Tucson and Phoenix. If you move to this area, let me know. I will take you to our stamping club (60+ members) and you can be overwhelmed, overjoyed and overcome with stamping talent, ideas, activities and fun. Check us out at Huachuca Mountain Stamping Club on Facebook. We have a public and private page. Sorry to go on and on, but it is just so unusual to find someone that is familiar with where we lived for 45 years.
Let's talk solid-color cardstock
