Scrapbook Paper Types

Scrapbooks are all about the paper you use in your layout. Paper creates the mood, effect, and eye-appeal of your page. Choosing the right type of scrapbook paper can seem overwhelming when you first begin, however here are some simple guidelines to get you started.

As stated through-out this site, everything that goes on or near your scrapbook page and photos should be acid-free and lignin-free. This holds especially true for the paper you use. Always look for these terms on the paper package. If you are purchasing individual sheets, be sure to get them from a reliable hobby store. They will sell only acid-free and lignin-free papers.

When buying paper, there are many factors to consider, such as size, weight, manufacturer, price, and type of paper. Let's review each one.

Size of paper: Scrapbooking paper comes in many different sizes. The most common sizes are 6 x 6, 8 x 8, 8 ½ x 11, and 12 x 12.

Weight: Some scrapbooking paper is very thin, such as the patterned paper you purchase in large multi-packs. Other paper, such as cardstock, is thicker and much more durable.

Manufacturer: Many scrapbookers will purchase paper of various manufacturers. By purchasing a single manufacturer's products you will have an easier time coordinating your layouts, but it is not a necessity.

Price: Scrapbooking paper can vary considerably in price. Patterned paper sold in multi-packs can be as cheap as $0.10 per sheet, while certainly specialty papers can be $1 or more per sheet. Wait for a sale. Check the Dollar Stores. Participate in a swap. Use coupons. You can often get 50% or more off. And most importantly....buy only the paper you need. Unwanted paper is money wasted. When in doubt, leave it at the store!

Paper Types:

Solid vs. Patterned Paper: Solid paper is generally used for backgrounds, photo mats, journaling, and embellishments. You will most likely run out of plain colors first. In general you will need more black and white than other colors. Rainbow packs are available at inexpensive prices. Supplement these with single sheets of black and white, as you need them. I have found packs of only black and white carried at many Dollar Stores. You get 5 sheets of each in a single package for $1.

Patterned paper can also be used as a base for creating your layout. Most often it is used as accents for pictures, documents, stamps, etc., to help create the theme of the layout. Patterned paper is used frequently as borders on a page.

Single vs. Double Sided Paper: Single sided paper has a pattern or color on one side and the other side is plain white. Double sided paper has a pattern on one side and generally a solid matching color on the other side. Some double sided papers also come with a pattern on each side. Double sided papers extend your scrapbook budget. A single sheet of 12 x 12 double sided paper can provide not only a solid color mat for a photo, as well as a coordinating patterned boarder for the page.

Smooth vs. Textured Paper: Scrapbook paper comes with a “normal” smooth surface where Cardstock can be purchased smooth or with a textured surface. The textured surface has a linen look to it. This provides extra dimension and gives your layout a professional look.

Cardstock: Cardstock is generally thicker than normal paper, and is good to use as a base for your scrapbooking pages. This is especially true if you add heavy embellishments to the layout. It is also good for matting pictures. Cardstock can be purchased in sizes to fit your album and it is also sold in smaller, pre-cut sizes to make photo matting easier.

Rice paper usually refers to paper made from parts of the rice plant, like rice straw or rice flour. However, the term is also loosely used for paper made from or containing other plants, like hemp, bamboo or mulberry.

Mulberry Paper: Mulberry paper is a fibrous paper made from bark of the mulberry tree. This paper will "feather" when it is ripped or torn. It is popular for making fuzzy embellishments like tear bears and other “tear” animals. Mulberry paper is available at most craft stores.

Papyrus Paper: Is a coarse almost wood like paper. It resembles tissue paper, however it is a heavier weight. Many paper lanterns are made from papyrus paper.

Note: Rice paper, Mulberry paper and Papyrus paper can be very difficult to work with. They break easily and do not always preserve well.

Vellum Paper: Vellum is translucent, has a smooth finish and is quite brittle. Vellum is often made of cotton and should be cut, scored, embossed and painted with care. i.e. Light can pass through it, although items underneath Vellum will appear softer and less clear. Vellum comes in many weights, colors and patterns. Heavier weight vellum tolerates heat embossing and painting better than lighter weight vellum. Lighter weight vellum are easier to cut, score and dry emboss. The smaller the number, the lighter the weight of the paper, and the more transparent the paper is. For example 17# is more transparent than 29#.

Transparencies: A transparency is a clear piece of paper. It is completely see-through. Transparencies can be purchased at office supply stores as well as craft and hobby stores. These are the same transparencies that are used with overhead projectors.

Self-adhesive (sticky backed) Paper: Sticky back scrapbook paper has an acid-free adhesive already affixed to the back of the paper. Sticky backed paper is great for small punched shapes, and die cut shapes and letters.

Self adhesive scrapbook paper is available in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. You can find self adhesive paper cut to mat 4 x 6 and 5 x 7 photos. 8 ½ x 11 sticky backed paper can also be used with your inkjet printer. Self adhesive vellum is also quite popular, since vellum can be tricky to adhere to your page.

You are now ready to purchase your first supply of Scrapbook Paper! Have Fun, shop thrifty, and start creating those pages!

Happy "Thrifty" Scrapbooking!

Be sure to visit The Thrifty Scrapbook Store for economical scrapbook products.

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