which scrapbook paper to use?
getting to know your scrapbooking papers

Choosing scrapbook paper can be a rather time-consuming task especially if you don't really know what you are looking for.

This is especially so when you walk into a scrapbooking store without a clue about what you want to scrap. There's a strong tendency that you'll be putting lots of scrapbooking paper you love to have and not what you need to buy into your shopping basket.

So how do you choose your scrapbook paper next time you hit the scrapbook store? Here are some information about the various types of cardstock, scrapbooking 12x12 paper, patterned papers as well as a few useful scrapbooking tips.

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Scrapbook paper are specifically made for scrapbooking and therefore are acid-free, lignin-free and of archival quality. Every scrapbooking store would have a whole section of colorful scrapbooking paper. At this paper section, you will be able to find colored cardstocks, patterned paper, as well as specialty papers.

Cardstock

I purchased lots of cardstocks and use these as my base or background for my layouts. Since cardstock are sturdier, many times I stamped, sponged or distressed them to create my own patterned scrapbook paper.

They either come in solid color or white core. Also feel the surface of the paper to see whether they are smooth or textured. Some also have adhesive backing which is good for punching out embellishments.

Click to read more about Cardstocks.

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Patterned Paper

Patterned paper are aplenty and is available in a variety of designs and themes that will help you to enhance your scrapbook pages and make them come alive in any theme you choose.

Some of the themes you'll need to have are Christmas, Birthdays, Baby, Valentines, and Weddings.

Click to read more about Patterned Paper.

Click here to read more about Christmas Patterned Paper

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Specialty Papers

Handmade paper, vellum, printed transparencies, embossed paper, and wood paper are some of the many innovative specialty paper products you can use in your scrapbook albums.

Click to read more about Specialty Paper.

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Scrapbook Paper Sizes

Paper for scrapbooking come in various sizes. Following are the standard sizes you will be able to find in your neighbourhood scrapbooking stores.

12" x 12"

Click to read about how you can maximise usage of 12x12 scrapbooking paper

8" x 8"

6" x 6"

Beside the above sizes, you might be able to see these sizes too.

4" x 8"

6.5" x 4.5"

These are mostly card stocks for punching and die-cutting and are great for matting photographs.