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I am driving myself nuts trying to figure out the best way to purchase paper. I have some PTI which I like, but I do not love the shipping minimum. I only have Michael's, AC Moore, and Hobby Lobby close but they all sell 80lb or under and I'm not a fan. So who has the best pricing for card stock that is thicker and if it was 12x12 that would be even better.
I don't know about minimum shipping, but the Bazzill "Card Shoppe" card stock is definitely a fantastic find if you like a thick card base. For me, the card base is as important as the design. It comes in many colors and sizes.
If you are able to purchase enough paper to met the free shipping minimum then you will have the best of all worlds..... LOTS of heavy paper in a multitude of colors without paying tax or shipping. I have not purchased from PTI (see previous sentence) so I have no idea what their minimum free shipping purchase is now. It seems as though some of my favorite places to shop have raised their minimums recently.
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I LOVE Gina K's Pure Luxury base weight - her Ivory and White are 120 lb and I've had non-crafty people notice the sturdiness of it The minimum for free shipping is $50, the customer service is awesome, what's not to love?
Michaels has new packs of 100 lb paper. It sells for 12.99 for 250 sheets. Recollections brand.
I get it with 50 or 40 % off coupons. I love it. Only comes in white and cream right now. I also purchase the Recollections single sheet 100 lb. paper as well. Only have a few colors though. It is very good for die cutting.
I also got a pack of Hobby Lobby Heavy Weight cardstock to try out this weekend. I like the cream weight for card bases. The white is good for layering.
I am also a fan of Papertrey. I love their Kraft, white and vintage cream. I get the color packs as well.
Another vote for the Recollections line at Michaels. It is very nice cardstock and well priced. I love that I can just go to the store and get it when I need it, and not have to pay shipping and wait for my package!
And, I know I may be in the minority here, but my cards are for my creative enjoyment and to send to friends and family. I don't sell my work, and don't think I have to have the "best" or "most expensive" card stock to create nice cards.
Some of my family members may keep them, but most of them will be enjoyed for a few days and then?.... They accomplish their purpose if I had fun making them, and if someone knew I thought enough of them to send them a card.
__________________ Bugga in OK
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A vote here for Gina K. Products are great as is the service. I also like My Favorite Things cardstock. I usually wait until I have enough that I want or need to order to meet the minimum, but even doing that it is still not that bad. I also like SU, but the shipping and all of that can get pricey.
I used to use all PTI cardstock too. Then I found I really liked the color/white combination of A Muse Studio, Hero Arts and Memory Box cardstock. I got used to the lighter weight again and really loved the smooth saturated colors and automatic white interiors for my cards.
But when I do want something with a little more weight, I have found Bazzill Card Shoppe to be a fantastic cardstock. The colors are gorgeous. I have found it by the sheet at the LSS and also at Joann's, and I'm adjusting to buying cardstock by the sheet.
I've only used the Gina K white but I'm sure the colors are just as nice.
I'm curious about the Recollections (even though it's an hour to Michael's for me). I see that those who mention it like it for the weight for card bases, but how is it for various coloring mediums? Does it take alcohol markers, colored pencils, watercolor well?
Check cutcardstock.com. My friends and I do a group buy to get free shipping but the shipping is about $6, I think. We love the Courious Metallic Cryogen a shimmer white like SU!'s, galvanized for silver shimmer, and the gold. Cougar super smooth is available in various weights. There is a nice kraft and cyan colored linen, too.
Also check Amazon - minimum for free shipping is $35, for Bazzill 8.5 x 11 canvas textured paper. (the last I checked) However, I think it is 80 and not the heavy kind like Gina K or PTI. I could be wrong; I have not purchased this from Amazon.
edited to add: don't forget to check your area for paper warehouses, the kind that caters to businesses rather than crafts (like Michaels etc.).
...I'm curious about the Recollections (even though it's an hour to Michael's for me). I see that those who mention it like it for the weight for card bases, but how is it for various coloring mediums? Does it take alcohol markers, colored pencils, watercolor well?
I tried using some of the Recollections with Copics this past weekend and it wasn't a great success. It didn't blend very well, although it didn't bleed through to the back as much as regular cardstock. It is very nice for card bases and regular stamping and colouring with coloured pencils and oms. I haven't had a chance to cut any with my Zing yet or with any of the dies I have. I haven't tried the 100lb coloured carstock yet either, but I do use the regular 65lb a lot since I like the colours and it cuts like butter in my CraftRobo. Its great for layers too. It will work as a card base, but not with anything that has a lot of layers and heavy embellishments.
Gina K's cardstock is great! The 120# white can't be beat. And the colors are fantastic. She also has a new incentive where if you buy $75.00 No shipping(depends on where you live I'm guessing)no tax, but you also get 3 free mini stamp sets! :p Pretty good deal!!
Last edited by BroncoFan60; 11-04-2013 at 06:21 PM..
Reason: add
Just wanted to say THANK YOU to those who suggested the Recollection 110 lb from Michaels. I just stopped and picked up a pack today, and I am smitten! It might be just a smidge less substantial than the Gina K base weight, but it's pretty darn close! For $8.00 (after coupon) for 100 sheets, it can't be beat for card bases. And the white is a nice, bright, true white.
Cardstock Question
