Even if you've been a paper crafter as long as I've been (over 17 years now) deciding what type of paper to use can be confusing and intimidating. Bazzill is one of the top brands of cardstock at 12x12 Cardstock Shop partly because it is so versatile. The Bazzill cardstock line has so many different types of cardstock and whatever project you are working on, there is a Bazzill paper weight and texture for you!

If you are going to put in the time to make a project, you want to ensure that it will stand the test of time and, of course, be beautiful!

When considering Bazzill paper weight and determining which is best for your project, it’s important to know a bit of terminology and what it all means.  Here's some of the basics you should know:

PAPER WEIGHT:  Paper comes in weight (lbs)  The higher the weight, the thicker the paper.  80 lb paper is great for die-cutting and machine cutting and is great for layering on your cards and scrapbook pages.  You can use 80 lb paper for a card base, but it is not as sturdy as other options.  100lb card stock is ideal for card bases, and also does well for die-cutting and machine cutting.  It's sturdy enough to hold up to all kinds of techniques. 

PAPER GSM: (grams per square meter) This is just another measurement of paper weight. The higher the GSM, the thicker the paper. GSM and lb are used interchangeably depending on the country you are buying from and the brand of the paper.

PAPER FINISH:  This is basically the finish of the paper, or the texture.  Some paper is smooth, others are grasscloth or canvas finish (linen fabric like) and others are just generally textured. 12x12 Cardstock Shop even carries "calendar" finish, which has a smooth finish with a super smooth surface. Finish is important when it comes to your project, because if you are stamping or painting on the paper, for instance, you do not want a textured surface, as your image will appear bumpy.  But for layering or die-cutting, you may want a textured finish to give your project some extra dimension.

There are 4 main types of Bazzill cardstock that we carry.  

Each Bazzill paper option is: 

• 12 x 12 inch size
• Solid core (meaning the inside of the paper matches the outside  - important when cutting or tearing the paper)
• Acid and lignin free (safe for scrapbooking)

Bazzill Mono Paper Weight:

80 lb weight with a canvas finish on one side, smooth on the reverse. 

This cardstock is great for die-cutting sentiments, layering, paper piecing and machine cutting larger images.  This paper is a great choice when you want the added dimension of textured paper. It tears and folds nicely.

Bazzill Fourz Paper Weight:

80 lb weight with a grasscloth texture on one side, smooth on the other.

A step up in the texture department from Bazzill Mono and still great for die-cutting, layering, and machine cutting less intricate images. It tears and folds nicely. Both Bazzill Fourz and Bazzill Mono are favorites of scrapbookers because they have such a pretty texture. 

Bazzill Smoothies Paper Weight:

80lb weight with a smooth texture.

Holds up to stamping and die-cutting well, and is great for machine cutting too.  Can be heat embossed with very minimal warping. 

Bazzill Card Shoppe Paper Weight:

100lb weight with a smooth calendar finish.

This paper is by far, my favorite.  It is super sturdy for card bases and is perfect for a one layer card, as it can stand up to heat embossing, stamping, die-cutting, copic coloring and inking techniques. This is good paper for cake topper backings as well as handmade banners because it is sturdy and durable. I do recommend scoring before folding as it can crack when folded free hand. 

Additional Specialty Bazzill Papers: 

Beyond the four main types of Bazzill paper, we carry Bazzill specialty cardstock as well, to add that something extra to your projects. 

• Bazzill Bling: 80lb with a shimmery mica coating (pearlized look) on a canvas texture.

• Bazzill Dotted Swiss:  80 lb with a raised embossed dot on one side, slight debossing on the reverse.

• Bazzill Mylar: A colored acetate-like paper, great for shaker cards and layering on cake toppers.

• Bazzill Trends: 100lb smooth cardstock with a monochromatic pattern in marble or plaid. Also comes with monochromatic foil dots.

Whatever project you are dreaming up, there is a Bazzill paper weight and texture perfect for your project! 

-Kate