Cardstocks & Watercolor Papers: My favorites & when to use them

[@kwernerdesign]

So pull up a comfy chair and let's talk paper. This video is lengthy but I show a lot and go into a lot of detail. If you want to skip to my "essentials for every crafter," go to the 16:30 mark. :)

[@kwernerdesign]

Toshino Akaitako Ooo! I'm going to have to check those out! Thank you!

[@kwernerdesign]

Grace Oo I really like Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers. They have a large color range, but I am content with the 48-color set. :)

[@anngabel5504]

Jennifer Maguire

[@CraftynotShiftyblog]

Thank you so much for all of this information! I was busy getting such paper envy but then when you gave your top three for beginners I realised it's what I have already so I'm feeling happy and my purse isn't empty!

[@sophietennyson4103]

I am grateful for all your tutorials....I spent so much money on Copic markers and then just shelved them because my results were not great. Finally, after watching tutorials and taking some of the online classes you and Jennifer offer, I switched to Neenah solar white paper. Bingo!! Finally, I can appreciate why Copics are so popular...blending on the Neenah paper is a whole different experience....what a joy to feel that my investment in Copic markers was worthwhile.

[@barbararoe1824]

Reviewed this video and it answered a lot of questions I have. I have taught card making for several years starting with beginners and never felt I had the correct answer for which paper to use. Because I am an avid copic person that is the paper I use most often. So I just wanted to thank you for enlightening me and now I know exactly what to tell my fellow card makers.

[@handmadeseal]

A few months ago I started looking for (and loving) techniques and products, so I could learn and try to get into the world of card making, and paper is something I'm always having questions about. But this is the BEST video I've encounter so far! Thank you! You just made it easier, less confusing and with specific examples. I LOVED it! Now the difficult part will be for me to find some of these products in Spain, but your video was extremely helpful. Thank you so much for sharing! -.Ana.-

[@cindyveteran]

Thank You Kristina for taking your time, the effort and all your vast knowledge for this video. It is truly appreciated.

[@sherriejohnson9250]

Kristina...this is one of the most informative videos you have ever made. I've watched you for awhile now. Love your work. You are such a creative artist and I believe that's why we all respect your opinion in matters such as the cardstock and watercolor papers you use! I have really enjoyed reading the comments below here. So, so much "chatter" to help me understand this stuff even more. I will be ordering from the sources you list in your description section. Thank you, thank you! Trust me...I can't even begin to tell you of the disasters I've created because I've used the WRONG paper! I guess I never realized how very important it is.

[@lovesexyla]

When you have time would you consider doing a favorite things video for inks,adhesives, stamps and that sort of thing? I would love to know because I adore your videos.

[@44hopeful]

Thank you so much Kristina for taking you time and showing all the videos along with what you are talking about. This has helped me so much!!!!

[@tiffanyfelkner8995]

Thank you for doing this! This was a tremendous help to me. I am a beginner with watercoloring and am intimidated by all the choices when I go down the paper aisle. I never even thought about cutting down the size to get more sheets. It seems so obvious now that you said it. I am definitely going to access the professional cutting services at the copy center to have my papers cut to size with their guillotine. Thanks for that tip, too!

[@rosemarybryson1589]

I really love the mixed media strathmore paper for my watercoloring. I started buying it when I got my zig real brush markers. And they blend amazing on it. I haven't used my Bristol paper much. I didn't like that it beaded up with water. The mixed media paper doesn't do that and still blends amazing! Loved your video. I'll have to try the fancy paper one day. I would be afraid I'd mess up on it and waste the paper lol.

[@sacconner]

Thanks so much for sharing all of these different types of papers with us and pointing out which ones we should start with. Great video, Kristina!

[@camillewalling6793]

I have always wondered which paper and what works best for each...tfs...this video has clearly defined the differences. I enjoy your water coloring and have recently dabbled a little into it. You make it look so easy...

[@unbroken1221]

This video was so helpful! I am new at watercoloring and stamping and never really knew what to get. I would love to see another video on your favorite inks, adhesives, and watercolors! Thanks :)

[@sunnee63]

great tips. also important to note the bristol SMOOTH for watercolor markers. I mistakenly bought bristol VELLUM (they look almost identical) and there is a difference. fortunately the bristol vellum finish is great for colored pencils. :) thanks again for the video

[@MMGARC]

This was extremely helpful to me - I am a beginner watercolor painter and Ironically enough, I purchased the Strathmore Bristol Smooth paper as well as the Canson XL 140 lb cold press that I got on sale at JoAnn's in Dec of 2017. I'm just now dipping into them and I love them both! This was an amazing video, Kristina. Would love to see a video on your favorite things (paint's, adhesives, ink's, etc.) BTW, your nails are so pretty - such beautiful hands too! Thanks again!

[@WhereWhoMe]

I'm not sure how easy to fix, or if it will bug you, but around 11:35, you talk about Arches hot press paper, but the bubble mentions Strathmore 500 hot press paper. Thank you for distilling all of the information to the essentials. I started to play with the Bristol smooth paper and will try ink blending on it one of these days, since I'm still having trouble keeping things light with that. I really appreciate all that you share with us.

[@CraftsandTrueCrimeTracy]

Thank you for such an informative video! I'm new to paper crafting & I've tried to buy what I've seen being used by various artists which thankfully were the ones you've suggested. You have such great talent & I appreciate that you're willing to share it & your knowledge to newbies like myself 😊

[@chrisharman4399]

Thanks, Kristina for this very concise and informative video on paper. what to use and when to use it. I'm a paperaholic so this has been helpful in being able to sort through my existing stash. other than the Arches paper I seem to have those other papers you described. Now I have a better understanding of the best use of them.

[@carolpearce7755]

I would have NEVER thought there would be SO many different papers for card making. LOL I loved this video. Thanks so much!!!! PS I LOVE ALL your videos!!!!

[@craftereverafter]

Thank you so much for this comprehensive video on all things paper! I have been following you and paper crafting for a few years now, yet, I still learned quite a bit from this informative video. Thank you so much for sharing and clearing up a lot of my questions!!

[@charylhodges470]

Thank you Kristina I really think this video helps take some of the mystery out which paper to use or buy.

[@alyce5565]

Thank you for the very informative video. I took pictures of my laptop screen when you had the information of each paper showing on the video. I made a file labeled "Paper recommendation from Kristina Werner" in my "notes" on my phone and added the pictures. Now when I'm shopping, I'll have the information with me!

[@trudievick2359]

Thanks a lot for this video. I have several of these and never really know which will work best for what medium. Thank you for clarifying that. Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge and experiences with the various papers.

[@jackieprice7800]

Thanks for taking the time to do this topic. It answered a lot of questions I had. Thanks for being willing to share your knowledge with us.

[@karensoltero8497]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I recently discovered Zig Clear Color markers and I love them. I just wish I was better using them. Now I know what paper to use, I think it will be a whole lot better. This video is something I will refer to often. By the way, I look forward to your videos, you inspire me. Thanks again.

[@cindym9851]

Love love love this video!! I have found watercolour paper soooooo confusing!! This is brilliant! A million thanks for sorting out the differences as it applies to paper crafters ♥️

[@ghlmk5931]

Great video! If I could add a quick recommendation for your readers, sometimes you can find these papers being sold as single poster sized sheets for a few dollars. The price depends on the paper of course, but that's how I tried out Bristol and Strathmore 140 lb years ago. The sheets are large enough that you can get several card fronts out of them, and you can decide if it works for you before you invest in a full size paper pad. Thanks for all the info. Your nails are looking fab, by the way.

[@mariahultander2102]

Dear dear Kristina! Thank you so much for your great paper video! 💖 This was just what I needed. Love it!!! Because I have been going back and forth over what to buy, especially when it comes to watercolour paper. Now I know what to get. So a HUGE thank you!!! Only left to decide what watercolours to get. 😉😄

[@pwhalersfan]

What an incredible video!!! I wish I would have had such a great summary when I was getting started years ago! The one thing that makes me smile is that there is still some personal preference involved. Try as I might, I can't get Canson XL to produce god results for me, so my basic paper is Strathmore 400. Thanks for continuing to inspire me with your talent and creativity!

[@janets132003]

I just bought the Canson 140# watercolor paper at Wal-Mart Saturday! Haven't used it yet but can't wait to try.

[@pattydevoux1143]

I am learning that good paper does make such a difference. Thank you so much for sharing the great information

[@ClearlyCards]

This is the very BEST video on cardstock and paper!!!!!

[@iamtbee]

I would love to see you work on a piece of 100% cotton paper. I got a handmade 100% cotton watercolor sketch book from hobby lobby and the paper is soooo think! I'm scared to use it lol

[@TravelsByTARDIS]

This was super helpful, thank you! I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge. I also really like how you inserted clips from previous videos as examples, as you were explaining which paper worked best with what for you. I can't wait to get started using watercolors!

[@robincooper9323]

Great tutorial on paper! Thank you for explaining when and why you use each paper. Although I've got most of the types of paper you showed, it was still helpful for me to look at them in a new way. Thank you!

[@jessicastull6013]

Thank you for this very informative video. I find it very helpful, because when I look at the watercolor papers available I get very confused. Thank you for educating me on paper.

[@AlysonWhite]

Thanks for the review on watercolour pads. I always just buy sheets of Arches and Acquerello's portofino cold and hot press watercolour papers in the 22"x30" size and cut down to size when needed as I paint watercolours, but this would definitely be more convenient for card making.

[@anitaalbert1836]

Staples in Canada sell this for around $20 and I use it too for card bases. I like the weight. Thanks for the videos

[@GailWhimsy]

Kristina: Excellent tutorial! You have impressed me with your knowledge and skill over many years, and I have learned so much from you! Thank you.

[@EyesOnAllison]

I bought the Strathmore 5x7 hotpress on your recommendation and I LOVE IT!! I always have a couple packs on hand and it makes watercolor card making a breeze. I've also cut them in half to make mini panels for the front of an A2 card. The paper is awesome! I need to try watercoloring on bristol, too. I have a pad of it, I just haven't used it for that yet. If someone doesn't want to buy the huge pack of Neenah 110lb paper, Simon Says Stamp sells a 25 sheet pack and I bought that to get me through until I feel like investing in the big pack. I have the big pack of the 80 lb and love it so much - if I want to use it as a card base, I double up the back panel to make it thicker. Now that I have the 110 lb paper I don't have to do that, though. :)

[@marywalker2305]

Great information. I've also wondered about tent fold. In the days when I bought cards they were more often the side fold.

[@sooseshooty]

Great video--very helpful! Pulling in video examples from past projects really helped to explain the differences in papers. Thank you for making this and sharing it! And your nails look beautiful as always!

[@iamtbee]

I love using Bristol paper for watercolor! And not just markers, paints as well! You should give it a try (even though I'm sure you have lol). Like you said the water sits on the paper a little longer and it gives a beautiful watery effect. I think I like using Bristol paper for water color more than watercolor paper.

[@amys.pincoc7582]

I love, love, love your videos, Kristina. I was hoping you might do one on your favorite watercolor sets. I notice you use your Kuretake and mission gold sets most often in your videos, but would love to see a similar video to this one with favorite watercolors. Thanks so much

[@gayle1055]

Kristina, thanks for sharing this video! Lots of useful info. I am loving my Zigs and just beginning to watercolor. I know getting the right paper makes a difference. I have the Strathmore Bristol Smooth and the Canson XL cold press. Just got the Strathmore and cant wait to see the differences. Love your awesome videos. Again thanks for sharing 👩‍🎨 Gayle

[@gayle1055]

I found the brush you used for the wash on your blog 😊. Thanks again ❤️

[@CarolinasCreationsHandmade]

Thank you for doing this kind of videos, Kristina! It may be lengthy, but so informative. Your videos are always worth watching, no matter how long! ;)

[@jcgaboury]

Loved this, and how in depth it was. Happily I have many of these same papers, which I could get in Canada, including the Fabriano. Thank you!

[@three2onemum]

thank you that was so very helpful. I am in Australia and though i wouldn't call myself a beginner I have not really known what is a good paper to use for water colouring. I can get the canson xl at my local craft store (spotlight) but the others would be an online purchase that at this stage of my crafting life is a bit more costly! But the reasons you gave for your choices are so very helpful for me in my crafting decisions I make. I love the inexpensive projects you show they are so very inspiring and helpful. Keep up the great work!!! :) xo

[@deniseferguson8589]

Thanks so much for educating me on watercolor paper! I found that very helpful!

[@jennifersmith9344]

Thanks so much for this video. I took notes. Amy R also recommends the Canson and Jennifer McGuire uses the Bristol. So, all my favorites recommend the same!!!

[@barbarachmura2695]

It's always great to hear your recommendations. Thank you.

[@TrinaFlynn]

Fabulous and very helpful information on the different papers Kristina :)

[@ElinT13]

Thanks a lot for this great video! Bristol smooth and Canson XL Watercolor finally are papers that I can get a hold of here in Germany! And I love the Canson LX Mixed Media as well, works great! Only the Neenah is not so easy to get a hold of, unfortunately.

[@sachetfm]

I love Arches, but another outstanding paper that equals or maybe even exceeds it is Canson's L'Aquarelle Heritage. It's not cheap but you can get a pad of 12 sheets for under $15. I love both the hot and cold pressed.

[@lornaholliday54]

why do you use the tent fold over the book fold? It produces the same shape card but the book fold usually stands up better doesn't it? Is it to go into embossing folders or..... ? Love your videos. I feel you are teaching not just talking :) Keep up the good work :)

[@jackiejohnson7158]

lornaholliday54 I'd like to know this also

[@kwernerdesign]

Just personal preference, I think. :)

[@corkyking0301]

Hi Lorna: I've begun using the tent fold almost exclusively. If I use a sturdy card base, like the Neenah 110 lb, the cards stand up on their own nicely. Book fold cards with lots of layers on the front tend to topple over. Recently, I bought some very inexpensive, clear plastic business card stands from an office supply store, and gave one to my MIL. She stands her cards on the windowsill and mantle, and loves the tent versions better.

[@karenkirkman4723]

I recently started doing the tent fold most of the time because like someone said if there is alot on the front of the card with book fold they don't stay upright. I use 80 lb Neenah.

[@ledajustiniani]

Hi Kristina! Loved the video. It was an enlightening explanation. Do you have a similar video for stamps and dies?

[@pamelasertich9850]

This helped me a great deal. I was just buying paper today. Thank you so much

[@suzanneO6924]

One of my biggest questions answered. Great information. Thank you!

[@pattibaileydesigns]

Hi Kristina....great video and lots of wonderful information. I recently began using Strathmore Bristol and you are so right. I can FINALLY blend my inks with my ink blending tool, whereas before I was a complete failure! Can you explain the difference between hot press and cold press? Thanks so much!

[@pamelacunningham7196]

Great video very informative I've been looking for a good paper for my card bases thanks for sharing.

[@TheKlh54]

Super informative, Kristina! Thank you so much for this comparison...

[@theramblincrafter]

Thanks, Kristina! This helped A LOT!

[@carolmassey9177]

Fantastic video. This is something that I struggle with. Thank you.

[@teresadoyle1396]

This is a very informative video Kristina. Thank you for doing it as I know it takes quite a while to do. I have pinned for reference in the future.

[@karenpang8273]

Also, if people are looking for economical, I have been able to get Bristol and chanson xl at my local Aaron brothers when they have sales on pads of paper.

[@Lillian.M.]

Excellent information, thank you so very much ! Can you please make a video on embossing powders, which are the best, which ones give you a better details and how to best use them, etc. As you know, sometimes, you lose the detail of the words when you finish embossing something ...

[@lindajamme5459]

Love you informative videos. I must try more water coloring.

[@roxannewall2585]

Kristina, Thank you for this video. It was excellent!

[@jalh3]

Priceless, thank you Kristina!

[@NancyLynn]

Excellent info Kristina....thank you so so much!

[@carolscott3631]

Hi Kristina, am I correct, if you use a creamy coloured water colour paper you cut it to completely cover the card base, or make the card from water colour paper?

[@daiseyze]

Wow, super helpful. Thanks for breaking it down so clearly!

[@zammymille]

Thanks so much for this run-through!! Need to track down the Bristol smooth 😊

[@jacquelynnbond8906]

the saunders paper is very vint-agy... love it

[@BarbieBarbieto19]

Thank you for the information, Kristina. :) I finally found bristol cardstock on your recommendation many months ago. May I please ask, though, about GSM and how it relates to the lb measure for paper thickness? It's so confusing. :(

[@AngelHandmadePapercraft]

Barbie Barbieto me too.. I'm in Australia we go by gsm too

[@UnderstandBlue]

This calculator might help - although they are referencing cardstock, not necessarily watercolor paper, but you can see that different types of cardstock will convert differently: okpaper.com/calculators/lbs-to-gsm

[@babsrnurse]

Barbie Barbieto The strathmore yellow series watercolour paper is 300 g/m2. I'm Canadian so I get the metric struggles. 😊

[@BarbieBarbieto19]

Thank you for the replies, ladies! :)

[@dabuzzard2]

Think of it as pounds vs kilograms. GSM is Grams per Square Meter. In the US we use Basis Weight which is pounds. GSM is a more accurate way to measure and is used more in the printing industry where I worked for many years. For crafting in the US using the pounds weight and cardstock will work for you.

[@P3Nails]

Have you ever tried the Canson Bristol paper? I use it with my ZIG markers and it works just as well as the strathmore, but you get more sheets for less of a price. I'm just wondering if you've ever tried it and if not, could you please do a comparison of that vs strathmore because I really do think they perform just the same, but it's been so long since I've used strathmore and it wasn't a side by side comparison that I did. Thanks! 😊

[@sharmilachakraverty6439]

A very good information. I love your nail color.

[@cheriewheatley8442]

Thanks so much for all the info on the different papers! I really appreciate it! Hugs~

[@barbaraburgess5022]

I have been wondering how to blend distress inks without getting the circles. I thought that the Neenah card stock was the one to use and I ordered a 250 pack of the 110#. I was disappointed to find that it really didn't work. I will now have to buy the Bristol smooth to get the blending right. Thank you for your informative video (as always)! Barb B. CZT

[@kwernerdesign]

Don't give up on blending on the Solar White! It takes a bit of practice and a very light hand, but it can be done. :)

[@barbaraburgess5022]

Thanks...I will keep trying! 🙂

[@Angelchakra]

Great video thank you! Really helpful, I have just bought some Canson XL and already have Bristol Board so will give those a go. Is the Bristol Board good for copic blending too? Blessings, Kate x

[@euvid1]

What terrific advice. Thank you so much.

[@kimschannel1911]

Thanks for the info! I've been wanting to start doing some with a aqua pen and ink.

[@chelseagirlatheart]

Super helpful video. Thanks, Kristina

[@diaung71]

thank you so much for the information, BTW I love your furry babies ❤❤❤

[@sammywinter4204]

I bought a pad of Canson XL Mixed Media paper and I wonder if you can give me some suggestions what I can do with them ? Thanks :)

[@danielapagliaro8025]

After making a watercolored card would you attach the card to a watercolor paper base or a regular Neenah cardstock base? Thank you.

[@lindaruschmeyer5298]

Wow! That's a lot of information! Thanks so much.

[@simplychristal6526]

The gridded mat that we see you working on top of - is that to protect your desk from ink and such or do you actually use it for your crafting? Is it a self healing mat like what is used in sewing?

[@kwernerdesign]

Yes, it's a self healing mat. I use the grid lines often for lining things up.

[@RNLULU1]

So pretty. Love them

[@barbaraprentki1352]

Kristina, thank you so much! This was a huge help❣

[@leeswifey85]

Hi Kristina, Can you recommend some water color brushes and paints for someone for beginners? Thank you. ❤

[@nhutaluashford4543]

I’m a newbie and Confused like others what I like to know the lbs of paper to use inside my journal to write not sure if 24 lbs or 28 lbs ? I hope this is not a dumb question ! I heard you mention text paper so that would be something that I probably would be interested right because I want to use it for journal writing .but don’t know what to purchase Thank you in advance

[@erinmckenzie-christensen6975]

+K Werner Design Thank you SO much for this video I have just starting using distress and distress oxide inks and needed some watercolour paper but did not know the difference between hot and cold press or what one to buy!!! I am also considering getting some zig clean colour real brush markers sometime in the future simply because i first happened to stumble on the zig brushables I LOVE these markers they have the same brush tip and (i think) these came out earlier than the clean colour ones but anyways there are hundreds of videos on the clean colour markers but only a tiny few on the brushables have you heard of these markers??? Anyways one of the issues i have with them is how to get skin tones because there is not really any extremely pale colours for this and when you colour in characters for cards u have to do their face i have recently discovered strathmore bristol smooth and it made a big difference with the brushables because i had difficulty blending them on regular cardstock (any weight) but recently tried on the strathmore and it was SO much easier! So that is definitely my go to paper for my markers! But the difference (that i know of) between the clean colour and the brushables is the first is dye ink the second is pigment ink so you can actually colour in stamps and stamp and heat emboss with them and you can also do the colouring over silk microfine glitter technique thats done with copics with these markers that is what started me on them....but i am assuming that i could mix the pens possibly or possibly do parts with the brushables and part with the clean colour eg since i dont have the skin tone colours cos they dont exist and blending light pink yellow and brown is SUPER hard! But over time i practised and managed to get that to work. So i just wanted to say a huge thank you because this video was exactly what i was looking for!!

[@pats4779]

Thank you so much for the info. I have a number of pads here, but none real good quality. I may invest in one of the upper end ones soon. Love your video's.

[@michellev5725]

Thank you Kristina, what a great video.. I have a quick question on the stathmore watercolor paper.. is the difference between the 500 series and the 300 series really that noticeable?

[@kwernerdesign]

I can't really say since I haven't tried the 300 series. I would suspect that the 500 series can hold up to more water, but I can't be sure having not used the 300.

[@arleencheetham2611]

Great easy to follow information.Thanks

[@jenniferangell2630]

Got a lot of still-timely advice from this. As a graphic designer, I always loved and most often used Neenah papers for stationery projects. What do you recommend for envelopes for greeting cards? I know Neenah has matching ones, but will appreciate a source recommendation. Thank you!

[@kwernerdesign]

Most of my envelopes are from papersource.com. They have beautiful envelopes and in a variety of sizes, too. :)

[@jenniferangell2630]

K Werner Design thank you for replying so quickly!

[@momvarden]

Thank you Kristina you have such amazing talent! I really enjoy your videos! I do have question you mentioned you make the water color envelopes, but do you make regular paper envelopes and if you do what weight paper do you use to make them? Thank you in advance Heidi

[@kwernerdesign]

I use store bought envelopes if I don't need a watercolor one. The envelopes from Simon Says Stamp are good--they have a big color range.

[@tjw1972]

I've found using 70# text weight (make sure it's text) is great for making envelopes (60# works but isn't quite as heavy).

[@MrsTiffanyGrey]

Thank you for watercolor paper tips!