The Best Paper

The paper of your scrapbook is like the paint colours on the walls of your house. They help add personality and continuity to your book. Patterned paper, solid colours, and card stock can all be used to achieve this result.

You can buy this paper at craft stores, scrapbook supply stores, and in some case, dollar stores. You can get themed paper to highlight certain aspects of your photos. For example, paper with snowmen on it could high light your Christmas photos.

Some money can be saved by getting solid coloured paper and then using free templates and stencils to paint your own pattern onto the paper. This will make it more personal and you can pick out specific colours you want to high light. Also, this will help you control how much paper you have of each theme and won’t leave you with tons of extras.

Card stock is a heavier weight of paper and can be another way to add colour. This type of paper is typically used for layering or matting as well as making punches or die cuts.

Vellum is also a popular paper used by scrapbookers. This is a translucent paper that comes in a large variety of weights and colours. The smaller the number (weight) the more translucent the paper. It can also be used by both a laser and ink jet printer which is another bonus.

When picking out paper, make sure that the paper doesn’t take away from your pictures. The paper is there to complement, not over power. Also, look for acid free paper; this helps preserve the photos. If possible, look for lignin free paper as well since this can make the paper turn yellow and become brittle.

For some ideas on how to play with paper and layer different colours, look here.

Scrapbookpaper.com sells themed and solid coloured paper at low prices and they also have an idea gallery.