Craft Paper Guide

business envelopes

This free craft paper arrives at your home or office almost daily.

butcher paper

cheap, comes in large rolls, brown or white

candy wrappers

this paper comes free with your favorite treat

Candy wrappers, either stick gum wrappers, candy bar wrappers or individual piece wrappers, are great for the final layer on a project. They allow you to promote your favorite brands. The wrappers from individual chocolate bon-bons are sometimes useful for texture as well as color and shine. Just be sure to remove the residue of the contents before using or storing this paper, to avoid the unwanted attention of bugs. Let your friends know you are collecting these papers and your stockpile will increase dramatically, as will the strange looks you get and the whispered conversations behind your back. But that's OK, they probably talk about you already. This is no time to be shy.

card stock

slightly stiffer, hold creases

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 material 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.

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.

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.

catalog pages

Like magazine pages, this is a "found" craft paper. The glossy variety can be used like magazine pages: slick colorful pieces to use as needed. The catalog pages like newsprint should be used as such. Some very pricey catalogs are printed on thicker paper. All are subject to water ripples and spots if too much water-based glue is used.

Here again, paper beads are easy to make from this material. If the last inch of the strip is a photograph, then the bead will be colorful regardless of what the rest of the strip contains. Or use a tapered strip to make a long bead with a fatter middle. Only the edges of the strip will show. Experiment with cutting your strips to see what patterns are formed as the bead is rolled.

Not acid-free, the better glossy catalog pages should still have a reasonable life span in your paper crafts.

colored envelopes

free with birthday or Christmas cards

The colored envelopes that some greeting cards come is can be a good source of "found" color paper. With a finer grain than construction paper, they have the same matte finish and come in some of the same strong colors. There are also medium tints and pastels in the mail. If you do not want any writing on the project, use the inside of the envelope as the side that shows.

Discard the gummed parts of the envelope to ensure consistency in the way the paper behaves. Plan your project with the paper in hand as finding the same envelope again may be a problem.

Not acid-free, this paper is better about aging than some other in this guide. As always, use a light hand with water-based glues to prevent waterspots and ripples. This paper takes a nice crease and holds it.

construction paper

a schoolroom staple, comes in basic colors, but fades

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 coating on it, so paper glue leaves rings and ripples if applied too liberally. It is usually available in the basic rainbow colors, black, brown, tan and white.

Totally subject to degradation over time, this paper loses color and becomes brittle. Projects intended to last for more than a year should be constructed using some other material, but for fun on a rainy day (and no electricity), this paper, magazines, scissors, glue, staples, pompoms and small paper cups can provide some amusement.

This is also a good, cheap paper for working out project ideas before you commit to the better materials. Creases are somewhat problematic and cannot be reversed due to the graininess of the paper.

corrugated cardboard

basic box material, stiff, does not fold readily

(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 is usually brown, and the smooth sheets brown or white.

Corrugated cardboard is used extensively for packaging, but that does not mean it cannot be used in craft projects. Printed corrugated cardboard can be used for the colors it provides as well as the stiffness it brings to a project. Furniture made from corrugated cardboard is often a design project in art classes, and has been produced commercially. A number of artists have explored the use of this material for serious art.

Markers or poster paint can be used to color the edges of corrugated cardboard. Because the paper sides may be relatively thin, water based glues may leave rings or ripples on the smooth sides of the cardboard. This material is rarely acid-free and will stain anything it is in contact with over time.

Folding this board usually take specialized machinery in order to get the fold where you want it. Folding or cutting parallel to the ripples is much easier than perpendicular to them. This is a good material to explore for sculpture, but keep the sculpture inside and away from humidity and sources of flame.

crepe paper

thin, colorful, sold as streamers, stains

Crepe paper is that stuff that comes in a roll about two inches wide and however long. The colors are strong, and you usually use two colors twisted together to make streamers to decorate the upper portion of the gym for high school dances. Or you can anchor one end to a balcony railing or tree limb and let the crepe paper float on the wind.

This paper is relatively light weight, and has a definite texture and body. It comes in about a dozen strong colors like the basic box of crayons (forgive the trademark infringement, please). Plus white and black.

Paper flowers can be made from this paper by using one or more 24 inch lengths of paper. Gather one long edge and tie it off, creating a carnation like effect. This would be interesting with two colors or more. You may need to experiment with the length of each piece to get the effect you want.

ONE CAVEAT: The dye in this paper is very strong and if the paper gets wet, it will STAIN anything it comes into contact with. Remember this if you use crepe paper to decorate someone's car. A little rain and the reminder of your "fun" will never go away. And in removing the wet paper, hands and clothes will also be stained.

This does lead to one use of this paper that I read about: put a little crepe paper in a cup of water. Once the water has picked up the dye, carefully remove the paper with tongs and use the resulting liquid to dye Easter eggs. Make sure to use the spoon method to dip the eggs, and not your fingers. This would only be economical if you needed MANY cups of each color, like for a mass dyeing exercise at school or church. Adequate adult supervision and/or reminders for everyone to wear disposable clothes would be necessary. Taking this activity outdoors would also be advisable. Better to buy washable Easter egg colors.

If you do need something permanently dyed, this paper may be the answer.

hand-made paper

make your own paper, then craft from it

How could this guide be complete without an entry about hand-made paper?

You can make your own or buy it from others. Paper making pulp is available for crafters who want to give making their own paper a try.

The hallmark of hand-made paper is texture. These papers will have a lot of it. And they will vary a lot from one sheet to the next. You should consider each sheet a one-of-a-kind resource, and plan accordingly.

Personally, I like smooth, consistent craft paper as I am more in tune with color and pattern. So, I seldom use hand-made paper. But there are people who love it and plan their projects around the paper they have or make.

Try it and see where you fall in the hand-made/machine-made paper scale.

Kraft paper

brown paper bags

Kraft paper is brown paper bag paper. It would seem to be relatively useless as craft paper, but it has a good body and interesting texture. It is not acid-free and 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 With A Paper Bag" by Judith Cressey and published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 2001. There is also an electronic version of"The Bag Hatter," and article from Arts & Activities. Lunch size brown paper bags can be used to produce hats for dolls, teddy bears and other stuffed animals.

And, of course, Kraft paper makes a good table cover to protect you table from glue and paints and other craft components.

magazine pages

all that color should be useable somewhere

The pages of a magazine are "found" paper for crafts. The pictures can by used for school projects. I keep images of interesting products or interiors for reference.

Photo, ad or print pages can be used to make beads: cut into thin strips, roll around bar straws (small, available at liquor stores) cut to the width of the paper strip, glue outside end. The glossy finish and strong colors can make nice beads. The print makes gray beads from a distance, with the black and white providing more detailed interest up close. Cut print pages on an angle to prevent readability, or end each bead in an interesting word and make a word necklace.

For other crafts, magazine pages provide a smooth surface and reasonable creasability. Water based glue will create ripples and spots, so use sparingly. Not acid-fee, so there is some danger of time affecting this material in paper crafts.

mat board

used in framing, good for stiffness, does not fold

Mat board is a thick paper, usually of 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 shows and serves as a boundary to each color. This also prevents the pigment from bleeding onto the artwork.

Mat board is used in framing art or photographs to provide a little distance between the glass and the image being framed. This will, hopefully, keep the image from sticking to the glass and separating from the paper on which it originally was created. Artwork of value should be matted with acid-free mat boards to prevent the paper body of the mat from discoloring the art.

Mat board also serves to provide a way to highlight specific colors in the image either by using the same color or a contrasting color. Mats of several colors are often used to bring out the colors of the image and to provide a professional look to the framed piece.

Mat board with a black interior is available. Cut on a slant like regular mats, a black line separates the colors of the stacked mats.

Folding mat board is difficult to control and leaves the white (or black) body showing. There are bound to be projects for which this is a plus, but I cannot think of any just now.

Shapes cut from mat board, overlapped and fixed together with foam adhesive will provide a nice 3-D effect. If the white edge is bothersome, it can be colored with markers or poster paint, etc.

newsprint

cheap, slick, absorbs liquid like a sponge

This paper is that on which newspapers and telephone books are printed. It is often the first, with charcoal sticks, used in drawing class. It has a smooth surface, and can be creased, but will not hold a good crease.

It is also a great base paper for paper mache, as it is inexpensive. It is a good practice paper for brush stroke practice for tole painting or watercolors. An old telephone book, used with water based paints or plain water, is similar in surface and absorption rates to bisque ceramics and this is a good stroke practice forum.

Origami paper

takes a crease, nice colors and patterns

This paper is of a similar weight and smoothness as wrapping paper. It creases nicely and golds a crease, obviously. It is normally sold as a 2, 3, 4, 6 or 7 inch square. Other sizes are also available. Originally only in solid colors with a white back, patterned papers, including animal and amphibian, have become available. There are papers resembling stained glass, and really pretty squares with Japanese motifs printed on a small scale so the pattern is still visible once the origami figure is complete. Double-sided paper, with different colors on each side, are usually found in any display of origami paper of any variety. This makes the origami figure more interesting as well.

Origami paper can be used in any craft where wrapping paper can be used, and are good source of strong colors. Origami paper would also be interesting as the last layer of papier mache. I have no experience with the color or pattern running if it gets wet, so decoupage is also a possibility. The patterned paper or alternating elements of different solid colors would make a nice tea-bag folding project. Figures cut from origami paper would be good additions to craft projects.

If you find and purchase a supply of the figured paper, I think you will find them inspirational in your paper crafts.

Go to Wikipedia and search for washi paper for technical details of how this paper is different from wood pulp paper.

paper doilies

lots of lace for very little expense

paper lace

a new form of lace available now

paper plates

round shapes ready for use

Paper plates are useful as paint palettes and brush rests during your crafting sessions. But they can also form the body of your project. Use them to create masks or sun visors for children or stuffed animals. Add a stick and you have a fan. Use as the back and frame for a small collage.

Make a (thankfully) soundless accordion by alternating paper plates front to back. Staple rims together, and glue center backs. Cut end plates in half for hands. Decorate and play.

Paper plates are not intended to last, so they are not acid-free. They can be purchased in large packages and are cost-effective. They should stand up to water-based glue and paint.

Add felt, pompoms, glitter, tissue and other papers, pipe cleaners, glue and wiggle eyes for a rainy-day craft kit for your favorite play buddies.

papier mache

use for three-dimensional objects

Papier mache is strips of paper soaked in a water/glue solution and formed into the shape desired. For example, paper wads or a inflated balloon can provide round shapes on which papier mache is layed. When enough layers are applied and the object has dried, the papier mache becomes rigid.

Allow to air dry.

Once the figure has dried, you can sand the surface to make it smooth. Paint or material can be applied to decorate the surface. A final couple of layers of waterproofing (clear coat finish, etc.) can help the figure last longer.

If larger, self-supporting objects are desired, provide a skeleton by creating an armature out of wire, chicken wire or hardware cloth. Allow layers to dry as you craft the figure to avoid collapse.

Papier mache can last a long time if treated with respect. Protect it from humidity, and keep away from open flames or sources of heat.

This form of paper can be used to form fantastic creatures like dragons, orcs, gremlins, etc. Because of the relatively light weight, these can be hung on walls or from ceilings with the proper hardware (molly bolts, etc.). Image a dragon head mounted over the fireplace. Or a row of elves scampering along the ceiling, up-side down.

Papier mache can be the source of a lot of imagination and fun with very little cost. It is one of the easiest ways to transform a two-dimension material into three-dimensional forms. Give it a try.

perforated paper

designed for counted cross stitch

plain white paper

copier paper makes a great white platform for your crafts

By plain white paper, I mean printer or copier paper. White 8 1/2 by 11 inch smooth paper.

"Craft paper?" you say.

Yes, craft paper. Some beautiful white on white sculptures have been created using this paper, scissors and glue. Using stilts to separate the layers and provide shadows to give the forms depth, scenery and figures can be created. These are sometimes used in magazine advertisements, so watch for them.

This is also a cheap and readily available paper for paper cuts. The plain white gives the paper cut an elegant air not afforded by using colored paper.

Search for paper artists online and see how many of them use white paper, and what they can make with it.

playing cards

not having a full deck is not a problem

A deck of cards, but it is not all there. What to do? Add it to your craft stash. If the back is interesting, you can use it, and you can always use the face cards and the jokers. Actually, many of the cards may be used for their suit and value. And your craft project may be in need of other playing cards, like tarot or Go Fish cards. Addition or spelling flash cards (remember those?) could be just the touch your project needs, or you can design a projects around the cards. Dollar stores usually have decks of cards of one type or another that can be sacrificed to the cause. You will have to work with them if you need them in any shape except flat, but it can be done.

poster board

some stiffness, basic colors, subject to water marks

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 can be attached to the back of poster board to provide easel-like stand up support and to keep the corners from drooping.

Smooth and available in strong colors, poster board is frequently used for school projects and when presentations are necessary for extra-curricular activities. Other materials, like photographs, paper, sequins, glitter, doilies, paper flowers, etc. can beeasily attached to poster board using readily available glues, but water-based glue will leave rings and ripples if applied too thickly.

Poster board or card stock are nice papers to make paper dolls from. They will wear better than dolls made from lighter weight papers. Printed paper dolls can be carefully attached to the thicker board and then cut out.

quilling paper

narrow strips make great stripes on larger projects

Quilling paper is usually a nice-bodied, matte-finish, smooth craft paper sold in 12 inch strips. It is available in white and maybe 20 strong colors. It can be 1/8 inch or 1/4 inch wide, and there may be other widths available from specialty suppliers. You can cut your own from sheets of paper, but the strips must be consistent in width to achieve the proper effect.

Quilling has been around a long time. Its popularity waxes and wanes, so the availability of the paper also varies. If you enjoy this paper, stock up when it is available for the lean times.

The absolute consistency of the width of this paper makes it a superior stripe when used in craft projects. Glue to fiberboard boxes in a plaid or star pattern. The matte finish can be a nice counterpoint to satin ribbon or sequins on Christmas ornaments. For designs requiring a peice longer than 12 inches, carefully mate the ends of two strips in place on the project, rather than overlapping the ends and gluing them together before placing the strip on the project. Overlapping the ends will create a bump.

I use this paper to make beades. It can be the entire drum or cylinder bead, to which other decoration is added, or the stripes on a larger bead.

Having ready-made stripes available is the real value of this paper in craft projects. Get some and see where it leads you.

ream wrappers

paper wrapping for paper, but not plain

roll cores

ready made cyinders

The core of paper towel rolls and toilet paper can provide an excellent cylinders for craft project. Usually brown or gray, some brands use white cores. These can by used as the body for figures like toy soldiers or pilgrims for seasonal decorations.

These cores are not acid-free and will eventually deteriorate. If you make something fabulous using them, try spray acid neutralizer to offset this problem.

Cores are pretty sturdy and can be used for gift boxes. Decorate, place gift inside, then pinch ends off and seal.

Some cores are just the right size to hold golf balls. Cut into halves or thirds and glue side-to-side to make a display for your golf ball collection. Or display small collectibles in a painted honey-comb of cores hung on the wall.

If you need something round for your project, a paper roll core may be the answer.

scrapbooking paper

readily available now, stockpile this beautiful paper

sketch paper

usually bound, good for recording ideas for future projects

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.

Having a sketch book available to record your project ideas is a good practice, as then they are all together in one place and less likely to get lost. Your sketch book will serve as inspiration when you are ready to start a new project, or if you get stuck in the process.

teabag folding paper

Once done using actual teabags, now special paper is printed for this craft.

tissue paper

thin, colorful, easy to manipulate, but won't hold a crease

Tissue paper is a lightweight, smooth paper. It comes in many solid colors and in prints. Sometimes one side is coated to give it a slick surface.

Tissue paper is customarily used for wrapping clothes or breakable items inside of a storage box, gift box or gift bag. For long-term storage of anything, make sure to use acid-free tissue paper, as ordinary tissue paper will turn yellow and may mar the wrapped item(s).

Tissue paper is also commonly used to create paper flowers for parties and dances. Using several square pieces of paper, pinch the center point of the stack and fasten tightly. Separate and crinkle each piece to create a 3-dimensional effect. You may also trim the corners a bit if desired. Using different colors of tissue paper within a single flower can create man variations on the basic form.

Tissue paper is also used in collage and decoupage. Tearing the paper instead of using scissors gives the edges a feathered effect. Remember to brush the glue from the center outwards to preserve the torn edges.

Tissue paper can be used as the final layers of papier mache to give it color. It is probably better applied dry and the glue/water liquid bushed over it to adhere the paper to the item than soaking the paper in the liquid. Scrunched wet tissue paper will tear and fall apart before it can be smoothed out to apply it to the papier mache. Papier mache using the tissue paper with the slick coating would be an interesting experiment, to see what effect the coating has on the finished project.

wall paper

make cut outs, watch out for effects of glue on back

Wall paper can be used in craft projects 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 paper can be decoupaged to furniture or sturdy containers. Decorate old luggage and lay flat in stacks for side tables and extra storage. Cover hanging shelves with the same wall paper used in the room where they will be hung to diminish the visual impact of the shelves. Use wall paper to make book covers for school books or 3-ring notebooks. Cover a visitors log with your own wall paper to personalize the log to your residence.

Because you probably will not need much of any one style, check the sale bins at your local do-it-yourself stores for remnants or border papers.

One thing: I do not know how the glue that usually comes on wall paper reacts to other glues. Can the wall paper glue be used to adhere the wall paper to things other than walls (other wall paper, paint or wall board)?

watercolor paper

for watercolors, but can also be used in crafts

Watercolor paper comes in a number of textures and weights. It is usually more expensive than a lot of 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. (Photo shows deckled edges.)

Watercolor paper is usually made acid-free in order to resist the effects of time. Because of the variety of watercolor papers available from art supply houses, record your preferences so you can get the same paper when you reorder. You will need to know the manufacturer as well as the name of the paper (as used by the manufacturer), weight, color and surface type.

Watercolor paper is expensive, but using it will ensure that your project is as safe from the ravages of time as is possible.

Before investing in watercolor paper, do some research about manufacturers and the kinds of papers they offer. Consult a local art supply store (like Asel Art Supplies) for help in determining what paper(s) will do what you want. National craft supply stores (Hobby Lobby, Micheal's) will also have pads of watercolor paper in reasonable sizes (and prices) for you to experiment with.

One on-line source of watercolor paper is www.dickblick.com. I am sure there are others, but that is usually where I start when looking for art supplies or information about what is available.

wrapping paper

good for cut out figures, holds creases

Wrapping paper is a good source of colors and patterns for craft projects. It light-medium weight, and needs some delicacy of touch to prevent unintentional tears. It is usually smooth and easy to work with. It creases well and holds a crease well. It normally does not have any special coatings.

Printed patterns can be cut out to adhere to another surface. This is also, obviously, a good paper to wrap a box in for a craft project. Tea bag folding can utilize the pattern on the paper to create the repeating elements so intrinsic to this craft. The paper can be used for decoupage on hard surfaces like wood or glass. This paper can be used to make a folded fan, but only for show as it is not stiff enough to use to fan with.

Christmas wrapping paper can be used in conjunction with a stiffer paper to create Victorian gift cones to hand on the tree. Cut a 1/4 to 1/3 circle out of the wrapping paper and regular copy paper. Bach to back, form a cone and, overlapping the edges, glue together. Add a little lace around the opening, and some string to hang it by. Fill with candy or a gift, and voila!

More Information By Other Authors