Cardstock:
The Essential Scrapbook Paper

Cardstock is the sturdy paper that many scrapbookers use as the "backbone" of their scrapbook pages.It is thick, sometimes textured and holds up well even when adding the heaviest of embellishments. Any cardstock that you purchase at a scrapbook store is almost guaranteed to be acid-free, but if you are ever in doubt, ask someone to be sure or test it yourself with a pH testing pen.

When you go to buy scrapbook paper, you will find that cardstock is often reasonably priced and comes in a wide variety of colors and even a wide variety of textures. The sheer number of shades of any given color are unbelievable. One of the most well known cardstock manufacturers is Bazzill. They have a host of additional products on the market, but they are best known for their cardstock.

Bazzill Cardstock is Awesome

Cardstock is great because it can be coordinated with patterned paper, used with other colored cardstock or used alone.

When you have some pictures that you are going to be working on and want to use a color coordinated cardstock (or even patterned paper), it is best to take the photographs with you to the scrapbook store to ensure you get a good color match. If you are unsure about whether you have chosen the best option, ask someone at the store for a second opinion. You can even ask a fellow scrapbooker. Everyone loves to help someone else achieve a great scrapbook.

Don't forget, you can also alter the look of cardstock by using chalks (powdered and liquid), products like Walnut Ink, and even Rubber Stamps. There are a lot of possibilities when you give yourself the opportunity to experiment with something.

Cardstock is a staple item in scrapbooking. It is one of the essential items that no scrapbooker should be without. Having several solid color combinations on hand is always a good idea. You can use it for nearly anything.

Even knowing that cardstock is sturdy and heavy weight paper, it is still a good idea to use page protectors in your albums. Fingerprints and wear and tear can take a toll on even the best of papers, so keep your hard work safe.

Below are shown some great cardstock papers. Aren't they awesome?! This is just a tiny sampling, too.