Not every sheet of card needs to do the same job. Some projects need a sturdy base that holds its shape, while others call for lighter layers, decorative finishes or card that cuts cleanly through a die-cutting machine.
Our cardstock collection brings together a wide selection of paper and card stock for different makes, techniques and occasions. You can browse by size, colour, finish and style to narrow down the options and find the right card without overcomplicating your project.
If you are not sure where to start, think about what the card needs to do.
- Making a folded card base? Look for cardstock with enough weight to stand neatly.
- Adding decorative layers? Choose card or paper that gives you contrast without making the design too bulky.
- Die cutting a detailed shape? Pick card that works well with your chosen die and machine.
- Creating a scrapbook layout? Use stronger card stock for photo mats and lighter papers for layered decoration.
- Making a batch of invitations? Check the finished dimensions, envelope size and quantity before you buy.
What Cardstock Is Best for Card Making?
For everyday card making, a versatile cardstock that folds cleanly and holds embellishments is a useful place to start. Smooth card works well for many general projects, while specialist finishes can help individual elements stand out.
Pearl and shimmer cardstock can add a soft sheen to wedding cards, anniversary designs and invitations. Glitter or mirror finishes are ideal when you want a sentiment, frame or die-cut detail to catch the eye. Coloured cardstock is useful for building layers and coordinating designs around a theme.
There is no need to use several decorative finishes at once. A simple card base, a patterned paper layer and one contrasting piece of specialty card can create plenty of interest without making the finished card feel too busy.
For more supplies to complete your project, browse our card making collection.
Shop A4 Craft Card and A5 Craft Card
Choosing the right sheet size can save time and reduce unnecessary trimming, particularly when you make similar projects regularly.
A4 Craft Card for Flexible Makes
A4 craft card is a practical choice for card bases, larger panels, die-cut shapes and layered designs. A single sheet gives you plenty of room to plan your cuts, which can be helpful when a project uses several coordinating elements.
A4 card is also useful to keep in core colours such as white, black and neutrals, ready for birthdays, seasonal projects and last-minute handmade cards.
A5 Craft Card for Smaller Projects
A5 craft card is handy for compact projects, decorative layers and card fronts. If you regularly make smaller designs, using A5 sheets can mean less trimming and less leftover card.
It is also useful for batch crafting. If you are creating several thank-you cards or invitations, choose your colours and finishes first, cut all of the main pieces together, then move on to embossing, die cutting and assembly.
Explore Craft Card Stock by Colour and Finish
Colour might be the first thing you notice, but the finish can completely change the way a card looks.
Smooth card creates a clean, simple base and works across a wide variety of crafting projects. Pearlescent or shimmer card adds gentle shine, while glitter and mirror finishes can bring more contrast to celebration cards and decorative details.
When choosing craft card stock, try to give each material a purpose. For example:
- use stronger card stock for the main structure;
- add patterned paper for backgrounds or decorative panels;
- choose coloured cardstock for mats and layers;
- finish with pearl, glitter or mirror card for small details.
This approach works well for handmade cards, scrapbook pages and other paper crafts because it gives the project depth without relying on too many competing textures.
Use the collection filters to browse the range by colour, size or finish and find card that suits the look you have in mind.
Card Stock for Die Cutting and Embossing
Craft card is often used with die-cutting and embossing techniques, but the right choice depends on the effect you want to create.
Cardstock for Die Cutting
Smooth card stock is a useful option for many everyday die-cutting projects. Decorative finishes can then be used for feature shapes, frames, sentiments and toppers.
Detailed dies may behave differently depending on the thickness and surface of the card, so always check the individual product and die guidance before starting.
Explore our papercraft dies if you want to create layered shapes, decorative panels and detailed embellishments from your cardstock.
Craft Card for Embossing
Embossing folders press texture into card to give a plain sheet more detail. Card that holds the pattern clearly can work well for backgrounds, borders and feature panels.
Pearl and shimmer finishes are particularly useful when you want embossed detail to catch the light without adding more embellishments.
Browse our embossing collection to find folders and accessories for textured papercraft designs.
Paper and Card for Scrapbooking
Cardstock is also a useful part of a well-rounded collection of scrapbooking supplies.
For scrapbook layouts, card can be used to create:
- photo mats and frames;
- journalling panels;
- page titles;
- die-cut embellishments;
- layered borders;
- tags and pockets;
- backgrounds for smaller decorative sections.
A stronger card can help photographs and layered elements feel more structured, while patterned paper can add colour and detail without adding too much weight to the page.
If you are building a scrapbook from scratch, start with a few versatile colours that work across several layouts, then add patterned papers and decorative finishes as you need them. This can be more useful than buying a huge selection before you know which shades you reach for most.
You can also explore our scrapbooking collection for coordinating tools, papers and accessories.
How Do I Choose the Right Cardstock Weight?
Card and paper weights are often shown in GSM, which stands for grams per square metre. In general, heavier card feels more rigid, while lighter stock is more flexible.
The right weight depends on the project rather than there being one perfect option.
For example:
- inserts and decorative layers can usually be lighter;
- card bases need enough strength to stand and fold neatly;
- boxes and dimensional projects need more structure;
- detailed die cuts may work better with a different weight than a sturdy card base.
If you are using a die-cutting machine, printer, embossing folder or another piece of equipment, check the product guidance before selecting a particular weight.
Craft Card for Handmade Cards, Invitations and More
A good supply of card stock can be used across all kinds of projects and occasions.
Choose craft card for:
- birthday and celebration cards;
- wedding and party invitations;
- thank-you cards;
- gift tags;
- scrapbook layouts;
- paper decorations;
- small gift boxes;
- layered toppers;
- die-cut sentiments;
- keepsakes and seasonal crafts.
If you are making a matching set of invitations or cards, plan the whole project before placing your order. Check your card size, envelopes, colours and quantities together so you know everything will work as a set.
This is especially useful for larger batches, where running out of one particular colour or finish halfway through can slow down the project.
Why Choose Craft Card from Crafter's Companion?
The right craft materials should help you spend more time making and less time trying to work out whether you have bought the right thing.
At Crafter's Companion, you can explore an extensive range of cardstock, paper and card for different techniques, styles and occasions. Use the filters to narrow the collection, compare available products and select the sheets that suit your project.
Whether you want simple everyday cardstock, a particular colour for a scrapbook page or a decorative finish for handmade cards, the range gives you plenty of ways to find something that fits your idea.
If you are topping up your craft cupboard, it can help to keep a small collection of reliable core colours alongside a few specialty finishes. That way, you have a versatile card ready for quick projects while still having something decorative to bring a special design to life.
Find the Right Craft Card for Your Next Project
From quick birthday cards to detailed scrapbook layouts, the right cardstock gives you a reliable starting point for your ideas.
Browse our craft card collection, compare available colours, sizes, weights and finishes, and choose the card that suits your next make. Whether you need everyday stock for card making or a decorative finish for a special occasion, you can find paper and card ready for all kinds of creative projects.
Explore the collection and add your favourites to your basket when you are ready to start making.
Frequently Asked Questions About Craft Card
Is A4 or A5 craft card better for card making?
Both sizes can be useful. A4 craft card gives you more room for larger panels, card bases and multiple die cuts, while A5 craft card is convenient for smaller card fronts and layers. Choose the size that best matches the projects you make most often.
Can I use cardstock for scrapbooking?
Yes. Cardstock works particularly well for photo mats, page titles, journalling panels and layered embellishments. It can add structure to a scrapbook layout, while lighter paper can be used for decorative layers.
Can craft card be used with a die-cutting machine?
Many types of cardstock can be used for die cutting, but suitability depends on the card, die and machine. Check the individual product instructions, particularly when using very thick, textured or specialty card.
Which cardstock finish should I choose?
Smooth cardstock is a versatile choice for everyday projects. Pearl and shimmer finishes add subtle shine, while glitter or mirror card can be used for feature details. The best finish depends on the occasion and the look you want to create.
How many sheets of craft card should I buy?
Start by working out how many pieces you can cut from each sheet, then allow a few extras for test cuts, mistakes or last-minute changes. For invitations or batch card making, it is worth ordering enough card from the same range at the beginning so your colours and finishes remain consistent.
What is the difference between paper and cardstock?
Paper is generally lighter and more flexible, while cardstock is thicker and more structured. Paper is useful for inserts and decorative layers, while cardstock is often better suited to card bases, photo mats, boxes and die-cut pieces.
