Ever wonder what cardstock weights mean? Paper weight doesn’t refer to the individual sheets of cut paper or even the package of paper. Paper weight is determined by how much a ream of uncut paper weighs. A ream is 500 sheets of paper, and it is weighed before being cut down to smaller sizes. A ream of 17” x 22” paper would usually be cut down to 8.5” x 11” sheets.
Higher weights are thicker sheets of paper or cardstock. I can put 65 lb and 80 lb cardstock through my inkjet printer, which is very handy. If you are looking for a good weight for mats for your cards, go with 60/65 lb. I like to use 80 lb for the perfect card base. It will easily handle glue and embellishments, plus your finished card will stand up for display. It’s also easy to score and fold 80 lb cardstock.
My absolute favourite cardstock is Neenah Classic Crest 80 lb Coverstock (Smooth Finish; Solar White). I started using it after a search for the perfect cardstock for colouring with my Copic markers. I soon discovered that it was also the perfect card base. It comes in 8.5” x 11” size. This easily cuts in half to make two 4.25” x 5.5” cards, which will fit into an A2 envelope. Neenah is definitely worth considering as you make your way through the world of paper weights.
•Paper Palooza is a series of posts for those who Rest•Relax•Restore by playing with paper. Whether you are into cardmaking, scrapbooking, origami or creating your own handmade journals, Paper Palooza is for you. It's the journey.
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