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    Home » Crafts

    Different Types of Paper For Your Craft Projects

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    The best paper for your craft projects

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

    different types of paper

    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.

    Feature of 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 are not going to get that detailed but can give our best thoughts. The four features include:

    • Weight - The weight of the paper is measured in grams. The heavier the weight of the paper, the thicker it is.
    • 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 easier. I like to think of paper back 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 size can range from small scrapbook pieces to larger rolls of Kraft paper.

    Different Types of Paper

    different types of paper

    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 what types of crafts work best with that paper.

    Printer Paper

    printer paper in stacks

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

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

    Projects with Printer Paper

    • CHINESE DRAGON PUPPET KIDS CRAFT
    • CHRISTMAS LIGHT SCAVENGER HUNT
    • SUMMER BUCKET LIST

    Purchase: Printer Paper

    Construction Paper

    Construction Paper in multiple colors

    Construction paper is a kid crafting favorite. It is inexpensive and comes in a ton of different colors.

    It tends to be rougher material and does not hold its color for extended lengths of time. 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, but because of its rough nature, it doesn't always fold very great.

    Projects with Construction Paper

    • GIANT PAPER LANTERN DIY TUTORIAL
    • WITCH CRAFT FOR KIDS
    • TURKEY HANDPRINTS CRAFT

    Purchase: Construction Paper

    Cardstock

    colored cardstock in a spiral shape

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

    Due to its thickness, it is not always great for folding projects, but is ideal for greeting cards, business cards, scrapbooking and printer projects.

    We tend to use it as our go to craft paper as it is bright when going through the printer and ideal for long lasting projects.

    Projects with Card Stock

    • PAPER WEAVING
    • 3D PAPER CACTUS CRAFT
    • PAPER CHRISTMAS TREE CRAFT

    Purchase: Card Stock

    Kraft Paper

    kraft paper

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

    Kraft paper comes in sheets or more often 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 paper stack

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

    It is 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 hanging in multiple colors

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

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

    Projects with Crepe Paper

    • CHINESE DRAGON PUPPET KIDS CRAFT
    • INDIVIDUAL HEART PINATA
    • BIRTHDAY SURPRISE BALL

    Purchase: Crepe Paper

    Scrapbook 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.

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

    Projects with Scrapbook Paper

    • PAPER PINWHEEL DIY
    • SPRING PINWHEEL WREATH
    • DIY: “I LOVE YOU BECAUSE” BOARD

    Purchase: Scrapbook Paper

    Tissue 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

    • RAINBOW DIY TASSEL GARLAND TUTORIAL
    • MILK CARTON BIRD FEEDER
    • RAINBOW CRAFTS FOR KINDERGARTNERS

    Purchase: Tissue Paper

    Water Color Paper

    water color paper

    Watercolor paper is a thicker mixed media type 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 in your midst, I recommend grabbing a pad of watercolor paper for their masterpieces.

    Purchase: Watercolor Paper

    Origami Paper

    two hands making origami with 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 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 plan color.

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

    Projects with Origami Paper

    • ORIGAMI CAR
    • BUNNY ORIGAMI
    • HUGS AND KISSES ORIGAMI

    Purchase: Origami Paper

    Cardboard

    cardboard stack

    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

    • YARN CHRISTMAS TREE CRAFT
    • CHINESE DRUM

    Purchase: Cardboard

    Poster Board

    four poster boards on sticks

    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

    • DIY PUNCH PIÑATA ADVENT CALENDAR
    • DIY INSTANT POT HALLOWEEN COSTUMES
    • STARBUCKS UNICORN DRINK DIY COSTUME

    Purchase: Poster Board

    Transfer Paper

    transfer paper roll

    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 take 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

    rainbow colored 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

    • WATER GUN PAINTING ART PROJECT
    • HE HAS RISEN FLOWER POTS
    • OMBRE BURLAP BUNNY

    Purchase: Vinyl

    Paper Bag

    brown paper bags

    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

    • NEW YEARS EVE COUNTDOWN CLOCK
    • RAINBOW PUNCH PINATA
    • 4TH OF JULY PINATA

    Purchase: Brown Paper Bag

    Vellum

    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

    Lined 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

    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

    • PAPER PLATE PENGUIN CRAFT
    • BABY YODA CRAFT
    • PAPER PLATE WIND SOCK CRAFT

    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

    • 21 EASY PAPER CRAFTS FOR KIDS FOR VALENTINES DAY
    • HOW TO MAKE A PAPER CROWN
    • 15+ HALLOWEEN BAT CRAFTS
    • HOW TO MAKE A PAPER FOOTBALL

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    About Alli

    Alli is a lifestyle blogger with a love for making all things HAPPY.

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    About Alli

    alli ward

    Hi- I'm Alli Ward, the Maker behind Made with Happy. I'm a color-obsessed creative mom of two sharing easy crafts, printables, and home DIY projects that the whole family will love! 

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