How to Choose Card Stock Weight - Paper Weight of Cardstock Paper

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

One thing I forgot to mention. Michaels usually puts the 110# card base thickness on a DIFFERENT AISLE than the 65# pound packages. I don't know why, but maybe to help us notice the difference? The packages look nearly identical so read carefully and wander around.

[@geetikamom]

Thanks. I live in India, and we don't have that store here...( I DO have IKEA in my city, though...) :) :) :)

[@TodaysSpecialMinis]

I think the best way to gauge the thickness is to know what the gsm is. I looked it up online and tissue paper is 10-35 gsm while regular copy paper is between 70-100 gsm. Nice card paper is between 170 - 216 gsm. And 220 - 300 gsm paper is very thick and won't go through any home printers and are good for crad bases. 300 - 450 paper is basically like heavy cardstock or chip board.

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

GSM is the best way, but paper in the US isn’t typically labeled with GSM. Idk why we don’t use it. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@b.l70]

Thank you!! This was the best simplification I've seen so far.

[@aaronwinter447]

Thank you for holding the card out and showing droop! So many videos just give you specs.

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Happy to help! 💙💙💙

[@artonmark]

I just got hired at a printing shop, I found this helpful :) thanks

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Glad it was helpful! I would have SO much fun in there! Even the recycle bin would make my day because I would just see junk journals!! I hope you enjoy your work!! 💙💙💙

[@sedwards536]

Loved your demonstrations! When I was a lot younger we had a manager who was not helpful or very nice. Obviously it would be mean not to send Christmas Cards to him, but we all sent him that little tiny card, that didn't stand up, with a tree bauble on it. He would spend the week up to Christmas standing up floppy cards on his desk. We were mean but he was meaner!!!!?????? Of course I would do it now, I'm a grown up. Ha!!!

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

🤣😂🤣😂 saggy cards are sad! 😁 you’re so funny! 💙💙💙

[@CatherineSummerfield]

Brilliant to compare the cardstock by showing the bend !!! Thank you. It was just what I needed to see and hear. Merry Christmas !!!

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Glad it was helpful! I really try to show people that are learning some of the tricks. There is no perfect paper that you HAVE to use, but it's good to understand that some papers are better for other things. For example, thin paper is my favorite to make envelopes with because it folds so easy. :-) Merry Christmas! 🎄💙💙🎄🎄🎄

[@orangesslikealyssa]

Just recently came across your channel, BLESS you for making this video! So helpful 🥰

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

I’m so happy it was helpful! 😃💙👍

[@heatherhuang6404]

This was a good public service. Paper weight is confusing without seeing and feeling it.

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Thanks, Heather. I agree, not the most exciting topic, but good to learn about. TFW! 💙

[@sherribarry7143]

My go to for a card base is Michael’s 110lbs as well. They have also expanded the colors of the 110lbs. I have it in orange, blue, green, yellow, ivory, purple, gray and black. Haven’t found red in 110 lbs, however, I think you can find red in 110lbs during the holidays.

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

My Michael’s doesn’t have all the colors that I’ve heard other people talk about. I’ll will watch for more colors though, wow! 😊💙💙💙

[@carolstella6776]

There’s also a big difference between cover and index weight. For a card base always go for cover weight. A gsm of 271 and above is what you want. I rarely do a card with a colored base. I just put color on the top, so a lighter weight is fine for that, and saves a lot of money.

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Thanks for the tips about index and cover. 😊 I use white for bases too. 😊💙

[@AnnieCreates-hugs]

Thank you Sarah for all the great information. Hugs 🤗

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

I hope it was helpful, Annie! 💙💙💙

[@josephinefarkashazi2019]

the UK we weigh in gsm. As most cardmaking tutorials are probably from USA/ Canada?, then you are in lb's. So I have leaned a lot. Thank you again. This is my first visit to you. Best wishes Jo x

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

I’m still learning GSM. I have heard that GSM is a better, maybe more consistent measure. Thanks for watching and commenting! 💙

[@marionlepley2692]

That was really interesting, I usually buy my card bases ready made, but wanted to buy some coloured card to make some coloured card bases and now I know which weight to buy, many thanks 👏👏

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Sure, happy to share! It’s nice to be able to make them out of whatever color you like. 💙💙💙 Thanks for watching!

[@jessg691]

Extremely helpful, thank you!

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Happy to help!! 💙💙💙

[@lynnpritt4253]

Thank you, the information was very helpful!

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Glad it was helpful, Lynn! You're so welcome!! TFW! 💙💙💙

[@laurasstampinglegacystudio9225]

All other plain colored or white cardstock is 80# cover weight. The designer series papers vary from 70-100# text weight. The distinction between text and cover is important. and confusing for some.

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

It’s confusing for me 😁 Thanks so much for clarifying! 💙

[@rhymedelacruz8552]

THIS HELPS A LOT! THANK YOU!

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Happy to help! 😁💙

[@domdow2884]

What weight should I use to create my own happy planner sheets? Thank you for your help.

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Hmm, I'm not familiar with happy planner pages, but I would guess printer paper (20lb) is way too thin. Markers and stuff would show through. I'm thinking maybe a value priced card stock that isn't too thick would work (65lb?). I think the 110lb I use for card bases would be excessive and make it really stiff and maybe heavy as you add to it. If you go to a big box store you could select different colors of card stock off the open racks and feel them...see if you like the texture to write on. If you buy loose you could get diff colors for diff parts of your planner. You don't have to buy one big pack, but it might be cheaper. I gave you US based info because that's what I know, but you can look up conversions if you are elsewhere. Have fun with your planner! 💙💙💙

[@tybalfour]

Hi Sarah! Thank you for sharing this with us. I had to save ☺️.

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Happy to help. Sometimes I forget to start with the basics! We all get so happy about pretty things. 😂 Today I’m using more of the mixed media treasures you sent me. 💙💙💙

[@fishbarbeque8540]

This is so usefull! thanks ma' am.

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Glad it was helpful! Happy to help! 💙💙💙

[@khuetruong4767]

Very helpful, thanks

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Glad it was helpful! 😁

[@CaliG_]

Such a useful video tfs Sarah👍

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Thanks for watching, Cali! 💙💙💙

[@GinaLovestocraft]

Thank you Sarah 💕💕

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching, Gina! 💙💙💙

[@graciebeachbum137]

Hi sweet Sarah🖐🏻🌷🤚🏻Thank you for this info on card stock!! TFS💕😊🐚gracie hugs 🤗

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

You are so welcome! It's not the most exciting video, but I think people have questions.😁💙💙💙

[@p4radigm989]

which type of cardstock would I need to make a standup Din A4 Table Calendar with 30 pages? I assume 500gpm or 600gpm right? Would 2 300gpm glued together be weaker than a single 600gpm card?

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

I think you would need to make a triangle frame out of chipboard (grey cardboard comes as packaging sometimes). It will be heavy with 30 pages, then I would go thinner on paper to help the shape, maybe 65lb for pages? Depends on how you are binding the whole thing I think. I hope that helps! 😁💙

[@loriboyer4779]

Thank so much for your help We're can you get black paper 110lb

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

That might be tricky. Some large Joann stores carry a variety of colors? Mine doesn’t. I would try big craft stores (Joann or Michael’s) online or Amazon? I hope you find it, or at least 100lb. 👍😊💙

[@ArtsyAshley]

I’ve been looking forward to this video. I was so lost on what was good n what wasn’t for card bases now I must search Michelle’s to fine the other paper aisle lol 😂 tfs crafty hugs 🤗

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

It’s tricky because the packages look the same too! Usually different isle, just read very carefully. 😃💙💙💙

[@Gold_Bug]

very helpful thank you,

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

I'm glad it was helpful! 😊💙💙💙

[@staudingerk]

Thank you for the video! Can you recommend a printer that can handle the 110lb, 300 g/m2 cardstock?

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Common question this week! 😂 I don’t have a printer, but I asked my subs in this week video so read the comments and see what you think: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpypY4ybl5aeqc0 TFW! 💙💙💙

[@staudingerk]

Thank you so much!!! 😃

[@josephineserato7532]

What lb of cardstock to use in paper flower making? Where to buy it. What store and brand? Thank you for your reply.

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Paper flowers could use all sorts of paper. I would say 65lb down to tissue paper? If u in US 65lb is the basic cardstock Joanne and Michael’s sell in lots of colors. The thick cardstock we use for card bases (100-110lb) would probably be too thick and not fun to work with. I hope that helps!! 💙😊

[@michelebarcalow1815]

Thank you for the info ! I am having a hard time finding the right thickness of card stock for making cards.

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

I think to make cards that stand up nice you want to be around 100#. Read all the fine print. All the big craft stores in the US have one that will work, but it isn’t always in an obvious place/clearly labeled. 🤷🏻‍♀️😀💙

[@sarahribeiro2231]

I’m trying to create my own wedding invitations and I’m so confused which cardstock weight should I go for. Is 110 the nice sturdy paper?

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Yes, 100/110 is the kind people can hold in their hand and the invitation will stand up straight. 🙂💙 Congratulations!

[@feefee01daqueen]

Thank you for your advice

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

So happy to help! 💙💙💙

[@melodeeruley3809]

I bought Neenah 110 wt cardstock from Amazon thinking it would be really heavy and I was very disappointed ; it was so flimsy! I print up embellishments for my scrapbooking ! Today I bought Recollections 110 weight white cardstock and it was much sturdier!

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

That’s a bummer! I don’t think they sent you the right paper?? Neenah 110 is thick. I think you should follow up with seller? Was it in a sealed package from manufacturer? I have 80lb Neenah and it’s not even flimsy. Glad you found one that worked. 😁 TFW!

[@jukes243]

Melodee ... did you maybe buy Neenah's 110 wt "INDEX"? The INDEX is thinner.

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

jukes243 Thanks for the tip! 💙 Maybe that is what happened.

[@lous.6372]

@@jukes243 Yes! That's what happened to me once. I bought 110 lb paper and came home and it was flimsier than my 80 lb paper and after I did a little investigating I noticed the word "INDEX" on the label. In very small print, I may add.

[@cricutologist32820]

Awesome video!!! Great tips! I’m a new subbie! TFS

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Welcome, new friend!! So happy you joined us for crafting and relaxing!! 💙💙💙

[@smilez4us]

Which weight can be used for a light box at it's heaviest to trace through for painting with water color and framing ?

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

I don’t know about light boxes or water color. Water color paper is usually too thick to trace on, but maybe you can search for that technique specifically and someone will have details on it. Sorry I’m no help. 🤷🏻‍♀️💙

[@Steve60638]

What weight should i use for notebooks cover? Great video!

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

For the cover I would use the sturdiest paper you can...65 pound? 100# does t usually come decorated so you will have to decorate. I use a lot of 65 for covers because that’s what the brands of patterned paper I use come in. Every once in a while I glue two layers together to make it more sturdy. Have fun! 💙💙💙

[@SimplySteph]

HI! 👋 I HAVE A QUESTION. 🙏 I'm putting together a DIY Advent calendar and I need to make different size boxes to hold various cosmetics it doesn't need to be regular cardboard or to be super strong but somewhat durable. I'm having a very hard time figuring out what size or thickness cardstock I should use. Instead of just buying various size boxes which would be extremely expensive, I figured maybe I just make them (the boxes) myself. I originally was going to go with 110 lb cardstock but what poundage would YOU recommend for said boxes? Again I have to be careful I'm mailing this so I want to be mindful of the weight. It's going to be a 12 calendar. 25 days would just be extremely expensive 😱 ALSO, is there a set formula in knowing what size paper to start with in order to make a certain size boxes? I guess that's a whole bunch of different questions I'm sorry! I'm really struggling here! 🥺🙏🤞❤️ THANKS IN ADVANCE! 😊

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

I think I would do 110 lb, like you were thinking. Idk where you live, but Michael’s, Joanne or online should work. Boxes of diff size might be tricky, search online or pencil it out first. If I was making a 2” square box I would need 8” (2” long times 4 sided plus side tabs to cover). Sketch it out or test with a piece of notebook paper BEFORE you buy paper…in case you decide you need 12x12. Good luck! 💙💙💙

[@reginelopez5954]

Thanks so much for the helpful video! Do you have a recommendation for linen paper? Is 80 lb too flimsy? I am trying to print my wedding invitations on it and want them to hold up well. Also, if you have recommendations for where to buy the linen paper?

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Hmm, let me think. I don't know where you are, but maybe you have a Paper Source near you? They are not inexpensive, but have nice selection and might help you get ideas. When I did wedding invitations I've typically printed on a gorgeous paper, then layered it on another paper so they are sturdier (that requires assembly time though). 80 lb is a reasonable weight for a wedding invitation, you might like 100 better? I don't know much about linen paper though...think it's going to be much lighter weight probably. I hope that was somewhat helpful! Congratulations!! 💙💙💙

[@reginelopez5954]

@@CraftingandRelaxing I will look into it. Thank you so much!!!

[@christinedelossantos8333]

Hello I really appreciate your video I have subscribed to your channel and look forward to many more videos I was wondering if there is a video or if you would be making a video on, how to make a greeting card? I know it seems very simple lol but just knowing your tips and tricks will be such an amazing

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Welcome Christine! Have you checked out my Beginning CardMaker Videos? kzbin.info/aero/PLTRdeR3SRJMSV2yctfPZD3UDyxIU1Ia5T Choosing the paperweight is the first in the playlist, but I'm not sure if you saw the other choices too. Let me know if you have questions.😊💙💙💙

[@highac3s]

Hello Sarah I was wondering if you could help me with my cardstock printing endeavours. My laser printer manual says that the maximum weight of cardstock I can use is 58lb but I can't find any cardstock lower than 65lb online... Do you think 65 would still be safe to use for me?

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

58 is oddly specific! 😂 If it was my printer I would test a page of 65 through it. I wouldn’t run a big batch (too hot?), but I would see if I could do one now and then. I don’t have a printer, but I have asked viewers before and pinned some comments to try to help. If you want to be really careful it sounds like you shouldn’t put cardstock through that printer. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@WendysCraftDen]

Thank you for this I’m in the UK so I work with gsm. What weight would you use to wrap medium weight chip board for making an album please? Xx

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

I would use 65 pound cardstock, which Google says is 176. I would avoid 270 or more , if possible because they would be tougher to bend and work with. I say 65 pound/ 176 gsm because that is a common, inexpensive option in the US. Just use something near that range? A little higher is ok too. Good luck! There’s no perfect answer so if you have a color you love, try it! 🤣💙

[@WendysCraftDen]

@@CraftingandRelaxingHi and thank you. Xxx

[@jukes243]

If I choose to sell my handmade cards what weight would you suggest for a quality card, 110? Does it score well? Would Neenah be a good paper choice? I'm a newbie. Thank you for the info.

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Welcome!! Love to have newbies! I would use 110 lb for nice cards. The Recollections (Michael’s) one scores and cuts fine, but it isn’t a bright white like Neenah Solar White. It depends a bit on your card making style. I cover up most of the base so it doesn’t matter if not crisp white. Any 110 lb paper is going to be more tricky to score than thinner paper so go easy on it and it will score and fold nice. Don’t rush it when you fold. Happy to answer any questions you have. 😁💙💙💙

[@saffirechanning7286]

When it comes to basic typing/copy paper, I go for the 20-24 LB

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

me too, but that's no good for card bases 😃 TFW and commenting 💙

[@geetikamom]

Could you please share what pound card stock one must use to make albums. Thanks in advance. I have been wanting to make one with my Echo Paper. The uploads on youtube have not mentioned whether it should be 110 or 120 lb.

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Happy to help, but I need more specifics. 😀 Mini albums like Project 39 Mini Albums? She uses 110 for cover and pages I think. I use 65 in more areas than she she (cuz I have it). I think Echo Park is 65 and I use it for whatever I want! 😃 Sometimes for a journal cover glue two sheets of printed paper together before I make the cover. That makes it TOUGH. Don’t hesitate to ask again if I missed the question. 😊

[@geetikamom]

@@CraftingandRelaxing Thank you, this is really helpful!! :)

[@michellecastillo7576]

I am having a hard time finding the material used for the hard cover book, the real sturdy stock for the cover and where to find it? at a store or online too?

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Chipboard? Grey stuff like on back of a legal notepad? You can buy it, but I reuse things. If you want a hard book cover you can always part out an old or dollar tree book. There are LOTS of diff things you can use. I’ve glued two cereal or cracker boxes together too. 💙

[@lorim6330]

I'm new to using cardstock, and this video was perfect for me. I had a few packs that I bought that clearly cannot be used for card base. I found that many in the store don't have any indication of weight. How do you know what you are getting otherwise?

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

If they aren’t marked they are usually a budget priced item, not card base weight. If you are at Michael’s, Joann or an office supply store they should be marked. If you are lucky enough to have a papercrafting store don’t be shy to ask. The patterned papers are typically around 65lb so not ideal, but I’ve used them. I have used a variety of weights over the years. You can get by with a thinner, like 65 lb, if that’s all u have. Just cut she’s in half at 5 1/2 inches, don’t try to cut at 4 1/4 and make vertical cards the more modern way. (That might not make sense. I rambled about it in last week’s Updates video I think. 😂) You can make whatever you have work! 👍

[@lorim6330]

@@CraftingandRelaxing Thank you so much. I appreciate your time and suggestions.

[@maximwinner5326]

Hello. What paper should I use for a DVD cover? Thanks.

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Just an envelope to slip it in? If thin and doesn’t need structure I would say 65-100 lb would all be fine. There are lots of color options in 65 so if you have a certain color in mind that would be the way to go. I hope that helps! 💙

[@maximwinner5326]

@@CraftingandRelaxing thank you so much👍

[@maximwinner5326]

I have one more question please. For example if you go and take a standard movie DVD in a black plastic case and take the paper insert out of it, what type of paper would it be? I want to print my design of a movie cover and just swap the standard one for my own I'm just trying to find exactly the same paper quality. Would appreciate your answer, thank you.

[@swilson8194]

Which printer are you using for the 110 300GSM?

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

I don’t have a printer, but it probably would need to keep the paper fairly straight. That stuff doesn’t bend well.

[@AngelesGarcia-ty8ln]

thank you!

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

You're welcome! So happy to help! 💙😊

[@KaruSong]

Thank you for the info..

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Any time! 💙💙💙

[@melanierobles2501]

How do I know if my printer can print on 110lb?

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Does it say in the directions? I think the real question is how the paper goes through it. If there’s a really sharp bend as it goes through then 110 might jam it? If it goes fairly straight/flat then better I think. If it were me I would go for it, but I destroy A LOT of stuff so don’t follow my advice. 😂🤦‍♀️ (paper cutters, glue guns…think of me as a crash tester for products) 💙😊

[@laurasstampinglegacystudio9225]

Stampin Up Thick White Card Stock is 100#

[@laurasstampinglegacystudio9225]

Cover. Weight

[@anawhitty5524]

FYI Stampin Up card stock I believe is 80lbs weight.👍👌

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Thanks for the info! I've been wondering that! 💙💙💙

[@dafphtthedislikeupdater7836]

It infuriates me that gsms have a lbs equivalent

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

I get super confused when people ask me about gsm. 😂 💙

[@vaniagizzi4874]

Very useful. Thanks

[@CraftingandRelaxing]

Glad it was helpful! 💙💙💙

[@vaniagizzi4874]

@@CraftingandRelaxing