Paper Types & Material Guide

Common Paper Types

Paper Type Weight Texture Best Use Cost per Sheet Cut Difficulty
Cardstock 65–110 lb Smooth or textured Cards, 3D crafts $0.10–$0.50 ⭐
Vellum Light Semi-transparent Overlays, invites $0.15–$1.00 ⭐⭐
Kraft Paper 60–100 lb Rough, brown tone Rustic tags, packaging $0.05–$0.25 ⭐
Patterned Scrapbook Paper 65–80 lb Pre-printed Layouts, embellishments $0.30–$1.00 ⭐⭐
Specialty (Glitter, Foil) Variable Decorative Accents, layering $0.50–$2.00 ⭐⭐⭐
Origami Paper Thin, square Crisp, coloured Folding crafts $0.05–$0.30 ⭐⭐

Choosing the Right Paper

Project Type Ideal Paper Why It Works
Greeting Cards 80 lb cardstock Sturdy, folds well
Shadow Boxes 100 lb textured cardstock Holds shape, adds dimension
Stickers Printable matte paper Easy to cut and write on
Journaling Patterned & kraft Texture and visual interest
Invitations Vellum overlay + cardstock Elegant layering

Essential Paper Crafting Tools

Tool Function Best For Price Range Skill Level
Paper Trimmer Straight, clean cuts Cards, journaling $15–$60 ⭐
Scoring Board Folds & creases Boxes, envelopes $10–$30 ⭐⭐
Bone Folder Crisp folds Origami, cards $5–$15 ⭐
Craft Knife Precision cuts Papercutting, detail $5–$25 ⭐⭐
Cutting Mat Surface protection Knife projects $10–$40 ⭐
Glue Tape/Runner Mess-free adhesion Layouts, layers $5–$15 ⭐
Die Cutting Machine Intricate shapes Cards, décor $100–$400 ⭐⭐⭐
Embossing Tools Add texture Cards, tags $10–$50 ⭐⭐

Project Ideas by Skill Level

Beginner Projects (30–90 minutes)

Project Tools Needed Paper Type Complexity Cost to Make
Handmade Cards Trimmer, tape Cardstock ⭐ <$2 each
Envelope Liners Scoring board, scissors Patterned paper ⭐ <$1 each
Bookmarks Glue, embellishments Kraft/cardstock ⭐ <$1 each
Origami Flowers None Origami paper ⭐⭐ <$0.50 each
Mini Paper Banners Hole punch, string Scrap paper ⭐ <$2 total

Intermediate Projects (1.5–4 hours)

Project Techniques Used Materials Profit Potential Sale Price
Scrapbook Pages Layering, embellishment Patterned & plain paper Medium $10–25
Mini Notebooks Staple/glue binding Cardstock + filler Medium $8–15
Papercut Wall Art Knife work, layering Thick cardstock High $20–50
Paper Flowers Rolling, shaping Cardstock/vellum Medium $3–8 per
Gift Boxes Scoring, folding Heavy cardstock High $5–10 each

Advanced Projects (4+ hours)

Project Required Skills Tools Sale Price Market Fit
Shadow Box Scenes 3D layering, design Die-cutter, glue $40–150 Décor, collector
Explosion Boxes Folding, embellishment Scoring board, knife $30–80 Gifts, romance
Journaling Kits Assembly, branding Mixed papers, packaging $15–50 Stationery lovers
Quilling Art Curling strips Quilling tool, glue $50–200 Wall art, framing
Papercut Portraits Precision cutting Knife, template $40–120 Custom gift niche

Embellishments & Add-ons

Embellishment Description Cost Where to Use
Washi Tape Decorative paper tape $1–5/roll Journals, tags
Brads & Eyelets Functional metal fasteners $3–10/pack Tags, moving parts
Stamps & Inks Visual elements $5–20 Cards, envelopes
Die Cuts Pre-cut designs Varies Scrapbooking
Stickers Decorative or functional $2–8/sheet Journals, gifts
Ribbon & Twine Adds texture $3–10/spool Cards, packaging

Business Applications

Product Type Material Cost Price Range Audience Seasonal Demand
Greeting Cards $1–2 $5–12 Gifting, markets High
Journaling Kits $4–8 $15–40 Stationery lovers Medium
Wedding Stationery $5–20 $50–200 Bridal market Seasonal
Wall Art (Papercut) $3–10 $20–100 Home décor buyers Steady
DIY Paper Kits $2–6 $10–25 Parents, teachers Back-to-school

Selling Platforms

Platform Best For Fees Notes
Etsy Handmade paper goods 6.5% + listing Great visibility
Instagram/Facebook Local sales Free Good for one-offs
Craft Markets Direct selling Booth fee High-margin sales
Shopify/Square Online store Monthly Full control
Local Stores Wholesale 40–60% cut Exposure and bulk orders

Paper Crafting Safety & Storage

Area Best Practice Why It Matters
Blade Tools Keep capped, store upright Prevent accidents
Glue Products Seal tightly, store upright Avoid drying
Paper Storage Flat, dry area Prevent warping
Child Safety Scissors, punches out of reach Safe crafting zones
Workspace Bright light, clear space Comfort and precision

Learning Resources

Platform Content Type Cost Best For
YouTube Tutorials, projects Free All levels
Skillshare Classes Monthly Advanced techniques
Pinterest Inspiration Free Design ideas
Craftsy Structured lessons Free/Paid Cardmaking, scrapbooking
Facebook Groups Peer support Free Tips, community

Paper may seem simple, but with the right hands, it’s magic waiting to happen.