Different Types of Paper For Your Craft Projects

Looking for the best craft paper for your next craft project? We have you covered. We are sharing the different types of paper and what works best.

There are different types of paper that work better for certain craft projects than others. We are going to share all the types of paper and what makes it different.

Crafting makes us HAPPY! To help in making sure you are all set when crafting, we have put together a few other guides to help with crafting including 101+ Easy Craft Ideas for Kids, How to Pick the Best Craft Glue For Your Craft Project, Different Types of Glue, Different Types of Craft Paint , Different Types of Scissors, and 25+ Must Have Craft Supplies.

Craft Paper

There are four different features of paper products that make each paper different. There are many technical features that are part of how the paper is manufactured, manufacturing process, or mechanical properties. We will not get that detailed but can give our best thoughts. The four features include:

Weight - The weight of paper is measured in grams. The heavier paper results in the more paper thickness.
Opacity - This is another factor when thinking about paper. The thicker the paper, the more opaque it is.
Coating - Paper can be uncoated or coated. Uncoated paper is a raw material and tends to be rougher paper and more porous, so ink soaks and can spread more easily. I like to think of paperback book paper when I think of uncoated paper. Coated paper has a thin layer which gives it special properties like matte or glossy finish.
Brightness - Just like when you think of paint, there is a brightness scale for paper. The brighter the paper, the more high-quality the print.

Size of Paper

There is also the paper size to take into consideration when determining what sheet of paper you should use for which project. Paper can range in different sizes from small scrapbook pieces to larger rolls of Kraft paper.

Different Paper Types

Want to save this project?

Enter your email below, and then we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus get awesome new projects from us each week.

When it comes to paper and crafting there really is not a one size fits all type of paper. While there are some projects that could use a few different types of paper, there are some crafts that really should only be done with one specific paper.

We are breaking down all the different types of paper and sharing the best paper and the right paper and what types of crafts work best with that paper.

Printer Paper

Standard printer paper is the typical paper that you have hanging out in your printer throughout the year. Otherwise known as copier paper, copy paper, or bond paper. Printing paper is thin and lightweight.

There are slight nuances between different types of printer paper based on your printer including inkjet printers, laser printers, etc. Most printer paper is acid-free paper and has a coating making it a matte paper. The matte coating makes for the ink to absorb and dry quickly.

Projects with Printer Paper

Purchase: Printer Paper

Construction Paper

Construction paper is a kid crafting favorite. It is a popular choice for kids as it is inexpensive and comes in a ton of different colors.

It tends to be a rougher material; furthermore, it does not hold its color for extended lengths of time. Additionally, if you are looking for a keepsake project, then you may want to try another paper, as it is likely to fade.

The paper is light to medium thickness; however, due to its rough nature, it doesn't always fold very well.

Projects with Construction Paper

Purchase: Construction Paper

Cardstock

Cardstock paper is a thicker high quality paper in addition it comes in many different shades and textures.

Because it is a thicker paper, it is not always great for folding projects but is ideal for greeting cards, business cards, scrapbooking, and printer projects.

Given its vibrant colors, we often opt for this bright, glossy paper when engaging in crafting activities. We love that when going through the printer designs are crispy and ideal for long-lasting projects.

Projects with Card Stock

Purchase: Card Stock

Kraft Paper

Kraft paper is a thick coarse paper as well as most often made from recycled paper. It is typically brown in color but can be bleached and or dyed in additional colors.

Kraft paper is available in sheets or, for the most part in rolls. It can be used for wrapping packages, recycled projects, and any papercrafts that are in need of brown paper.

Purchase: Kraft Paper

Newsprint

Newsprint is an inexpensive, low-quality paper made from coarse wood pulp.

It was originally made for newspapers but has many uses within kid crafting. It is great for decoupage paper mache projects because it tears easily.

We also use it to protect the tables during certain projects. It is great to have kids practice their drawing or painting on it before they start on their final project.

Purchase: Newsprint

Crepe Paper

Crepe paper is a thicker crinkled type of paper that comes in all different colors and patterns.

You typically see it in the thin strips and it are used as streamers for parties. It also comes in larger sheets which are great for making fun flower projects or piñatas.

Projects with Crepe Paper

Purchase: Crepe Paper

Scrapbook Paper

Scrapbook paper in many cases is a patterned cardstock. It comes in thousands of colors, patterns, and textures.

Many scrapbook papers typically come double-sided and in pads that are 12 inches by 12 inches. This specialty paper

It is great for many projects including crafts, scrapbooking, bookmarks, and hundreds of other projects.

Projects with Scrapbook Paper

Purchase: Scrapbook Paper

Tissue Paper

Tissue paper is a thin soft delicate paper that comes in all different colors and patterns.

It is typically used for wrapping presents or in the store when wrapping delicate items.

Because it tears so easily, it is great for decoupage crafts, paper mache, and suncatcher crafts.

Projects with Tissue Paper

Purchase: Tissue Paper

Water Color Paper

Watercolor paper is a thicker mixed media type of paper. It is made from wood pulp and has coarse textures.

The surface of the watercolor paper has a layer that is great for watercolor paints and dyes.

If you have any budding artists, I recommend grabbing a pad of watercolor paper for their masterpieces.

Purchase: Watercolor Paper

Origami Paper

Origami paper is made with the art of origami in mind.

It is a thinner paper that is easily foldable. Origami paper comes in all kinds of different colors and patterns and is typically in a square size.

The patterns are quite ornate on some origami paper. One side is typically washi paper and the other is a plain color.

Sheets of origami paper are thin and can be used for many other projects including origami decoupage and paper puppets.

Projects with Origami Paper

Purchase: Origami Paper

Cardboard

The cardboard is thick and stiff. It is made of two thin outside layers and the inside is made of a fluted corrugated middle.

This is what boxes are made of and because it is so thick it is very hard to cut. We recommend using a box cutter or X-acto knife.

It's great when crafting more structures like forts, rocket ships, cars, and anything your imagination can create.

It is also great with scrapbooking and giving things a more 3D effect.

Projects with Cardboard

Purchase: Cardboard

Poster Board

A posterboard is a thick display board that can stand on its own. It is great for displaying projects (think science project board) or for signs (think lemonade stand)

Posterboard does come in various thicknesses. The thinner boards are great for costumes and other craft projects where you need something that can curve.

Projects with Poster Board

Purchase: Poster Board

Transfer Paper

Transfer paper is used in textile crafts. The paper is thin and comes in rolls. and is paper coated with wax and pigment? Heat transfer paper takes any image or design from an ink-jet printer and transfers it to a textile surface. Like T-shirts, canvas, etc.

Vinyl transfer paper is used on vinyl projects. It has one side that can be peeled back like a sticker and then the sticky side is placed on your vinyl project. You then can remove the sticky side of your vinyl project onto whatever surface you are transferring it and then remove.

I like using clear transfer tape (vinyl transfer paper) for our suncatcher projects. It makes for a great medium to stick tissue paper and other thin papers.

Project with Transfer Paper

EASY EASTER SUNCATCHER CRAFT

Purchase: Transfer Paper

Vinyl

While vinyl is not technically paper, it comes in sheets like paper and is a big craft niche with cutting machines like the Cricut or Silhouette.

It comes in all different colors, patterns, and textures. Vinyl is more of a flexible sticky material that makes labels, stencils, window clings, removable wall décor, and other temporary crafts.

Projects with Vinyl

Purchase: Vinyl

Paper Bag

Paper Bags are not always what you think of when you think of paper, but they are great to craft with.

Brown paper bags are made of thin kraft paper. They are great for kid's crafts including puppets and other kid's crafts.

Projects with Paper Bags

Purchase: Brown Paper Bag

Vellum

Vellum is a thin translucent paper with a rougher surface. It can go through the printer. You will typically see it in wedding invitations, scrapbooking, or a fancy greeting card.

Purchase: Vellum

Tracing Paper

Tracing paper is a semi-transparent paper with a smooth surface, widely used by artists and designers for overlaying sketches and transferring images with precision. Its translucency and compatibility with various drawing mediums make it a versatile tool for both traditional and digital creative processes.

Purchase: Tracing Paper

Lined Paper

Lined paper is your run-of-the-mill writing paper, also called ruled paper. It has straight lines used to guide your handwriting. The typical use is for schoolwork, notes, and writing.

Purchase: Lined Paper

Paper Plates

Believe it or not, paper plates are not only for your backyard BBQs. These babies have lots of different uses and there are lots of different paper plate crafts. It depends on the plate, but the simple white paper plates

Projects with Paper Plates

Purchase: Paper Plates

Additional Questions

Here are some questions you might have now that you have read through each type of paper.

How many types of paper are there?

We have identified 15+ types above. The main types of paper that are used in crafting the most, I would say fit in 7 of the types.

What is the best type of paper?

We get asked this question a lot, but it is sort of a loaded question. It truly depends on the craft that you are doing. For easy kid's crafts, we prefer construction paper or colored card stock.

What is craft paper called?

Cardstock is a great quality craft paper that can be used in most craft projects. It comes in many colors and is thicker allowing for sturdiness in your project.

Paper Crafts You Will Love

CONNECT WITH MADE WITH HAPPY!

Be sure to follow me on social media, so you never miss a post!

Facebook | Twitter | Youtube | Pinterest | Instagram

Looking for crafts to keep your child busy? Sign up for my 5 Ridiculous HAPPY Activities in under 30 minutes for your kids delivered directly to your inbox!

Find and shop my favorite products on my Amazon storefront here!