Subject: Paper and Cardstock

Whether it’s for a birthday party, a graduation announcement, or back to school signs, there are a multitude of ways that cut-out letters can enhance your DIY crafting. Simply drawing the words is always an option, but why not take the wow factor to the next level? Cut-out lettering can enhance all types of decor to create something truly unique and memorable.

How To Cut Cardstock Letters

The simplest way to cut out cardstock letters is by printing the words of your choice directly onto your cardstock paper. Depending on the size of the lettering you want, you may need multiple sheets of cardstock paper to fit the words required for your project. When you have finished printing, it’s time to take a pair of scissors to begin cutting out each individual letter.

If your cardstock paper is lighter to medium weight, an average pair of scissors should suffice to cut out the letters. If you are using a heavier weight cardstock paper, you will need a professional pair of scissors with very sharp blades. Perhaps even better, a razor blade will be able to easily cut through even the most heavyweight cardstock paper. If you choose to use a razor blade, be very careful as you work and make sure to have an extremely thick cardboard layer underneath your cutting area so as not to damage the actual tabletop.

Take your time as you carefully cut out each letter. It’s very easy to slip up and mistakenly cut too far and ruin one of your letters. Should that happen, simply reprint that particular letter and start cutting again. Remember that the best projects can take time and patience. Once you can enjoy your finished masterpiece, it will have all been worth it.

Cutting Cardstock Letters On Cricut

If your particular project requires hundreds of cut-out letters, cutting out each letter by yourself may not be a feasible option. In such cases, a cricut machine would be your best bet. Extremely popular in the DIY crafting world, cricut machines are electronic cutting machines that can cut out lettering and shapes from all types of materials, most significantly in our case, cardstock paper.

To begin, make sure that you have the necessary supplies. You will need a cricut cutting machine, a cricut cutting mat, cardstock paper in the color of your choice, and the Cricut Design Space software. You are now ready to start cutting out your cardstock lettering.

The first step will be opening up the Cricut Design Space software. Once you have done so, select “New Project”. Choose the “Text” option and type the letter or letters you wish to create. Make sure to adjust the size and font of your selected lettering as needed for your particular project. Next, place your cardstock paper onto the cricut cutting mat and load them into the cricut machine. Make sure to adjust the blade depth of the machine according to the thickness of the cardstock paper you are using.

It is important to note that there are a couple of other adjustments you may need to make before allowing the cricut machine to begin cutting. For example, if you are using a lightweight to medium weight cardstock paper, you should choose “Cardstock” as your selected material. However, if you decide to use a heavyweight cardstock paper, you should select “Posterboard” as your material.

Additionally, if the cardstock you have chosen for your project is textured in its design, you need to make sure to use the “Textured” setting on your cricut cutting machine. In a similar vein, if you are using glitter cardstock paper for your letter cut-outs, be sure to select the “Glitter Cardstock” option.

Lastly, there are two primary blade options when it comes to cutting cardstock paper, the fine point blade and the deep cut blade. The fine point blade is best suited for lighter weight cardstock paper. Medium weight and heavyweight cardstock paper will be cut more cleanly and precisely with the deep cut blade.

Once you have ensured that all of the settings have been adjusted correctly according to your unique project specifications, you are ready to begin cutting. For the final step, select “Make It” in Cricut Design Space and press the “Go” button on the machine. Now, simply stand back and watch the cricut machine cut out your cardstock lettering for you. When it has finished, carefully remove the cut-outs from the cricut cutting mat. Depending on how many cut-out letters your project demands, simply repeat the process as needed.

How To Make 3D Letters Out Of Cardstock

While cut-out letters will make a statement all on their own, three-dimensional cut-out letters will truly create a wow factor like no other. While the process may not be the simplest and the work may seem daunting, the end result will be vastly rewarding.

To begin, you will have to upload your template into Cricut Design Space. If you are a design pro, you can create your own templates for each letter as needed. Otherwise, you can simply purchase letter templates that have already been designed for you. Once the design has been uploaded, make sure that all of the inner lines are set to “Score”. Those will be folded and do not need to be cut.

Adjust the size of the letter design as needed depending on your project needs. Once you have made the proper adjustments, you can have your cricut machine begin cutting and scoring your design. If you don’t own a cutting machine, you can simply print the design directly onto your desired cardstock paper and use a pair of scissors to do the cutting and a scoring tool to score the scoring lines.

Once your design has been cut, you can begin folding all of the tabs along the scoring lines. Next, glue the tabs to the bottom of each letter to begin creating the three-dimensional look. Continue to carefully glue each section to each other to complete each 3D letter. This process requires careful and painstaking work, but your precision will pay off when you see the final product. Once each letter has been fully assembled, decorate them as you wish.

When it comes to cutting cardstock letters, the options are truly limitless in terms of what you can create. If it’s a small project, it may be simpler to simply do it all by hand. For larger and more complicated projects, a cricut machine will probably serve you best.

Whichever method you decide to use, remember that there is no right or wrong when it comes to arts and crafts. Personal creativity is not bound by any scientific rules. Just remember to have fun and that Rome wasn’t built in a day. It may take numerous tries for your envisioned project to come to fruition, but all that effort will just make it all the more worth it!

There are so many different ways to decorate cardstock paper. The more common everyday methods include coloring, painting, and embossing. However, as technology continues to advance, so does the ability to decorate cardstock paper with more nontraditional methods. Cricut infusible ink is one such method. It introduces a brand new way to add your own personal style to any sheet of cardstock paper.

What Is Infusible Ink?

The average layman may never have even heard the term “infusible ink”. Infusible ink is an entirely new ink transfer product introduced by Cricut. What it does is transfer ink onto your chosen base material. It doesn’t merely place the ink on top of the base material, it infuses the ink into it. This is different from ironing on a design using the heat transfer method because that method simply transfers the design on top of your base material. When a design sits on top of something, it is prone to peeling, fading, and cracking. However, when a design is infused into a material, it becomes one with it. This means that the designs can stretch and move without becoming distorted. Infusible ink allows you to create permanent designs that will withstand the test of time and the wear and tear of everyday life.

How Does Infusible Ink Work?

The concept of infusing a design directly into the base material is a genius one. It’s easy to comprehend why it is a superior method with which to transfer designs. However, it’s a little harder to understand how infusible ink even works. How do you get the ink to infuse into the material? What type of sorcery is used to achieve this?

Although very different from the iron-on method, the infusible ink method is similar in the way that it also uses heat to transfer your design onto the base material. When high heat is applied to a Cricut infusible ink transfer sheet or to a laser paper colored with infusible ink pens, the ink will transform from a solid into a gas.

The iron-on method will use heat to turn the ink into a liquid which settles onto the base material and dries to form a layer that sits on top. Because the infusible ink turns into a gas, it has the ability to permeate the material before it turns back into a solid. This is how infusible ink is able to penetrate and become part of the base material versus simply sitting on top of it.

Is Infusible Ink The Same As Sublimation?

A common question asked once the infusible ink method was introduced was whether it’s just another fancy name for sublimation. To answer this, we must first understand what sublimation is. What is sublimation? The definition of sublimation is the process in which a substance transitions from a solid to a gas, without passing through the liquid state first.

This is exactly what infusible ink does. This is why infusible ink is the same thing as sublimation. Infusible ink is simply a type of sublimation that utilizes the Cricut machine. Ordinary sublimation requires a sublimation printer, sublimation ink, and sublimation paper. Most people do not have these supplies at home. The infusible ink process allows you to achieve the same results in a more simplified manner.

Can You Use Infusible Ink On Cardstock?

The unique benefits of infusible ink are clear. It is a superior method with which to transfer designs onto your base material. However, what can be used as your base material? While t-shirts are an obvious choice, there may be times you wish to infuse ink onto other materials. Can this be done and how does cardstock play a role in this? In order to understand the process, we must first explain how it can be done.

How To Use Cricut Infusible Ink On Cardstock

There are two ways with which to infuse ink onto a base material. The first is Cricut infusible ink transfer sheets and the second is Cricut infusible ink pens. Each is slightly different in the way they perform.

Cricut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets

To use Cricut infusible ink transfer sheets, begin by using Cricut Design Space to draw your design. Depending on the type of design or pattern you choose, you may need to mirror the design so that it shows up correctly when transferred onto your desired base material. For example, a buffalo check design would not need to be mirrored but lettering would need to be mirrored.

Once you have your design ready to go in Cricut Design Space, make sure to select infusible ink transfer sheets as your material. After it has been printed, trim the design as needed in order to fit your desired base material, in this case, the cardstock paper. Cover the cardstock paper with butcher paper and use the Cricut EasyPress to heat it up. Once it is preheated, place the infusible ink transfer sheet on top of the cardstock paper, cover it with another sheet of cardstock paper and butcher paper and press down using your Cricut EasyPress machine. Once it has cooled, remove the infusible ink transfer sheet to view your infused design.

Cricut Infusible Ink Pens

To use Cricut infusible ink pens, begin by using Cricut Design Space to draw your design. If you are creating your own design and not choosing a pre-existing template, remember to mirror your design so it shows up correctly on your final product. Load your infusible ink pen into your Cricut machine and allow it to begin drawing your design for you onto laser paper. Alternatively, you can forgo the machine and use the infusible ink pens to draw by hand. If you choose to draw by hand, make sure that you can handle drawing the design backward so that the end product shows up correctly.

Next, you must cover your desired base material, in this case, the cardstock paper, with butcher paper. Use the Cricut EasyPress to heat it up. Now that it is preheated, you can place the laser paper with your infusible ink image on top of the cardstock paper, cover it with another sheet of cardstock paper and butcher paper and press down using your Cricut EasyPress machine. Carefully remove the paper as it will be hot and enjoy your infusible ink design.

It is important to remember that regardless of which base material you choose to infuse your design on, it needs to be white or light in color. If it isn’t, the color will not be clearly visible when it has been infused. Otherwise, the sky is truly the limit when it comes to using infusible ink on cardstock. Get creative and have fun.

Embossing cardstock sounds fancy and complicated. It may seem like something you’d have to hire a professional to do for you, perhaps at a local print shop or stationery store. However, it’s possible to achieve that elevated look right at home. From the comfort of your dining room table or crafts room, you can create sophisticated cards, invitations, and more.

What Is Embossing?

The art of embossing is creating a raised image on any type of material. In this case, embossing on cardstock paper means imprinting a raised image, text, or design onto your paper. You may wonder how this is different from engraving. Engraving means to carve out grooves, while embossing is achieved by pressing an object against the cardstock paper in order to generate a raised image.

How To Emboss Cardstock By Hand

You may think that fancy machinery would be required in order to emboss cardstock. The good news is that you can emboss cardstock by hand, without a machine. There are several different techniques for doing so.

It is important to note that these methods of embossing cardstock by hand are extremely useful for smaller projects. If you are looking to emboss hundreds of invitations, a machine would be better suited for the job.

Dry Emboss

One common technique for embossing cardstock by hand is using the dry emboss method. Dry embossing, also known as hand embossing, is done by using a stylus tool to trace a stencil. The result will be a raised design on the cardstock paper you are embossing.

To begin, you will need the stencil design you wish to emboss, cardstock paper to emboss the image onto, and a stylus tool to trace the stencil with. If you don’t have a stylus tool, any object with a fine pointed metal edge will also do the trick. Lastly, you will need either a lightbox or a well-lit window.

Start by using masking tape or painter’s tape to tape your stencil onto your lightbox or window. The side of the stencil that is facing outwards, towards the window or lightbox, should be the reverse of what you want to emboss. This is particularly important for embossing text, unless you want the lettering to come out backwards.

Once your stencil is secured, attach a piece of white cardstock paper over the stencil using the same painter’s tape or masking tape. Make sure to use enough tape so that your paper is firmly attached and won’t move once you begin tracing the stencil. Now you are ready to take your stylus tool and begin tracing. Trace slowly and precisely in order to get a perfect emboss. If you rush too quickly, you risk potentially tearing the paper and having a messy design. When you are finished, carefully remove the tape, lift the paper, and enjoy your perfectly embossed print.

Heat Emboss

Another common technique used when embossing by hand is the heat emboss method. Heat embossing means adding a raised design to your cardstock paper by using stamps, ink, embossing powder, and a heating element. To start, you will need a stamp, an ink pad with sticky slow-drying ink, a heat gun, embossing powder, cardstock paper, and a used dryer sheet.

Begin by rubbing the used dryer sheet across your cardstock paper. This will eliminate any static and stop the embossing powder from sticking to unwanted places. Then, take the stamp with your desired image or text and press it onto the embossing-friendly inkpad. Firmly stamp your design onto the cardstock paper and sprinkle a generous amount of embossing powder over it. Make sure that the entirety of the inked area is covered.

Turn over the cardstock paper and gently tap off the excess powder onto a scrap piece of paper. Do this a few times until all of the unused powder is gone and only the stamped design is covered with the embossing powder. Now you can use your heating gun to warm up the embossing powder until it is fully melted. Be careful not to overheat your design as you can discolor the paper and cause the powder to evaporate. Once the powder is fully melted, you will be left with a beautifully embossed design.

How To Emboss Cardstock With Cricut

If you have a bigger project that requires a lot of embossing, a cricut maker can be particularly useful. It is important to note the difference between embossing and debossing. While embossing means creating a raised three-dimensional image, debossing means creating an engraved recessed image. While the steps may be a touch confusing, once you get the hang of it, you can produce embossed materials at a much faster rate than with embossing by hand.

1. Open a new project in Cricut Design Space.
2. Select the upload image icon to import your embossing design stencil. Once you have uploaded your design, it will appear in your design space.
3. By default, the image will automatically be set to “Cut”. Make sure to change this setting to “Deboss”. You will know you have changed the default setting when you see the lines change from standard lines to extra thick ones.
4. Place your embossing design onto a piece of lightweight to medium weight cardstock paper. Once complete, simply click “Make It”.
5. When your cricut maker is ready to begin, it will instruct you to insert the debossing tool into the machine. Since you want to emboss and not deboss, simply ignore the instruction and put the emboss-it pen into the machine instead.
6. The cricut maker will now draw your design instead of debossing it. Repeat this step for a second layer of ink on your design.
7. Immediately remove your cardstock paper and cover your entire design with embossing powder. Shake off the excess powder and use a heat gun to melt the powder and complete your embossing design.

Debossing With Cricut

If you would like to create a recessed image, you can use the debossing method with your cricut machine. Since a cricut maker can only press down from above, it is actually easier to create a debossed image than it is to create an embossed one. Simply follow steps 1 – 4 from the cricut embossing method. Then, insert the debossing tool into the machine and watch your debossed image come to life.

If you are using a lighter weight paper, it is actually possible to use this debossing method in reverse – simply flip over your design stencil to create an embossed image. This will not work with thicker paper because the debossing tool will not score deeply enough to raise the image on the opposite side of the paper.

Whichever method you choose to use, remember that it may take a few trial runs to get your embossed or debossed image to be perfectly precise. As with any new experience, don’t despair. Once you have the process down pat, you will be able to replicate and use the technique whenever you want. Prepare to elevate your level of sophistication with cards and invitations that will rival any professional printing house.

Whether you’re creating wedding invitations or printing important documents for work, you need to make sure you get the correct size of paper or cardstock. If you’ve spent any time shopping for paper, you know that there is a lot of terminology related to common sizes, most of which adhere to industry-wide standards. However, since these standards can vary from one region to the next, it can make it more difficult to ensure that you’re getting the right size paper to meet your needs.

In today’s guide, we’re going to discuss all of the most common (and a few uncommon) paper sizes, including names, dimensions, and popular uses. And remember, if you’re currently in the market for high-quality paper or cardstock, be sure to check out our products at Fine Cardstock today!

Standard Paper Sizes

While international standards include greater variations (which we will cover a little later on), there are a select few sizes that are most commonly used throughout North America and many parts of Latin America. The table below shows the correct dimensions for some of the most popular sizes, but continue reading to learn more about all of the sizes commonly used in the United States, Canada, and Mexico:

Name	Width/Height (in)	Width/Height (mm)
Letter	8.5 x 11	216 x 279
Legal	8.5 x 14	216 x 356
Tabloid	11 x 17	279 x 432
Ledger	17 x 11	432 x 279
Junior Legal	5 x 8	127 x 203
Half Letter	5.5 x 8.5	140 x 216

 

Letter Letter or US Letter is one of the most common paper sizes in North America. Measuring 8.5 inches wide and 11 inches tall, Letter-sized paper is widely used for printed or written letters (hence the name), as well as standard documents and forms. While similar to the A4 size, Letter paper is slightly taller and a little less wide, making it easier to fold into most envelopes.

Legal As the name implies, Legal paper is most often used for legal documents, including contracts, witness reports, affidavits, and other official forms and paperwork used in a court of law. Measuring 8.5 inches wide and 14 inches tall, Legal-sized paper offers more room for additional text and intricate formatting. However, since some legal paperwork requires highly-specific formatting, it is important to note that paper used for legal documents may use sizes that adhere to the requirements of the particular form. These sizes can differ from the standardized dimensions listed here.

Tabloid Tabloid paper measures 11 inches wide and 17 inches tall. In the past, this paper was traditionally used for “tabloid” newspapers, which were smaller than standard newspapers. In addition to certain kinds of newspapers, Tabloid paper can also be used for larger documents, posters, and booklets. It is especially good for documents that include images, illustrations, or large layouts.

Ledger While technically its own size, Ledger paper is the same size as Tabloid paper. Rather than being a “tall” size, Ledger is wide. It essentially takes the Tabloid paper and simply turns it on its side, measuring 17 inches wide and 11 inches tall. The name comes from this paper’s original use for financial ledgers. The wider dimensions make it ideal for accounting spreadsheets and similar documents that need to record multiple columns of data in a row.

Half Letter While the name might imply that Half Letter is exactly half the size of standard Letter paper, this is not the case. Measuring 5.5 inches wide and 8.5 inches tall, Half Letter (also known as Statement size) is significantly smaller than Letter paper. Due to its small size, Half Letter paper is ideal for small brochures, notepads, and other documents designed for optimal portability.

Junior Legal Though Junior Legal and Half Letter are often used interchangeably, they are technically different sizes. Junior Legal is slightly smaller, measuring 5 inches wide and 8 inches tall. Despite this difference, Junior Legal and Half Letter are often used for similar purposes, including brochures, brief memos, notepads, and compact documents.

ANSI Paper Sizes

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) sets specific paper sizes that are almost exclusively used in the United States and Canada. These sizes are based on the aforementioned Letter, Ledger, and Tabloid sizes, as well as a few larger sizes. ANSI also utilizes a more comprehensive system based on designated letters: A, B, C, D, and E. You can find the dimensions for each size in the table below:

Name	Width/Height (in)	Width/Height (mm)
ANSI A	8.5 x 11	216 x 279
ANSI B	11 x 17	279 x 432
ANSI C	17 x 22	432 x 559
ANSI D	22 x 34	559 x 864
ANSI E	34 x 44	864 x 1118

Additionally, here are some of the most common uses for each ANSI size:

• ANSI A – Since its dimensions are the same as Letter paper, this size is most often used for letters and other documents that can be easily folded into a standard envelope.
• ANSI B – Just like the Ledger and Tabloid sizes, ANSI B can be used for large-format documents, small posters, and spreadsheets.
• ANSI C – This size is much larger than most standard documents, making it ideal for charts, diagrams, or even maps.
• ANSI D – ANSI D is particularly useful for engineering purposes, as its large size works well for technical drawings and large charts.
• ANSI E – Lastly, ANSI E is the largest size within this system, and it can also be put to use for engineering or architectural purposes.

Arch Paper Sizes

Arch paper size, which is short for “Architectural” paper size, refers to a series of standardized dimensions typically reserved for use by architects, engineers, and other technical professionals. Unlike ANSI sizes which all have distinct aspect ratios, Arch sizes all have a ratio of 4:3. This makes it easier for professionals to scale up or down in size. You can find the precise dimensions for each Arch paper size in the table below:

Name	Width/Height (in)	Width/Height (mm)
Arch A	9 x 12	229 x 305
Arch B	12 x 18	305 x 457
Arch C	18 x 24	457 x 610
Arch D	24 x 36	610 x 914
Arch E	36 x 48	914 x 1219
Arch E1	30 x 42	762 x 1067
Arch E2	26 x 38	660 x 965
Arch E3	27 x 39	686 x 991

Here are some of the most common uses for each Arch size:

• Arch A – This is the smallest of the Arch paper sizes and is typically used for small drawings and sketches.
• Arch B – Arch B is larger than Letter paper and makes a good fit for standard documents or diagrams.
• Arch C – Arch C represents a significant step up in size and it works well for larger site plans and layouts.
• Arch D – This size is commonly used for full-scale engineering or architectural drawings.
• Arch E – Arch E is even larger than Arch D and can be used for large-format maps or drawings.
• Arch E1 – This variation of Arch E is a little smaller, but is equally useful for large architectural plans.
• Arch E2 – Arch E2 falls between Arch D and Arch E1 and may be chosen for technical documents that require very specific dimensions.
• Arch E3 – Like Arch E2, Arch E3 is a smaller variation that works well for a wide range of professional drawings.

A Paper Sizes

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) develops standards for a wide variety of products, including paper. Since many of the sizes previously mentioned in this guide are almost exclusively used in North America, it is important to note standard paper sizes that are used worldwide.

The ISO 216 A series standardizes paper sizes internationally using the metric system. Rather than developing sizes based on functional purposes (Letter, Ledger, Tabloid, etc.), “A” paper sizes use an aspect ratio of the square root of 2, which is approximately 1.41. You can find the dimensions for the most common ISO 216 A paper sizes in the table below:

Name	Width/Height (in)	Width/Height (mm)
A0	33.1 x 46.8	841 x 1189
A1	23.4 x 33.1	594 x 841
A2	16.5 x 23.4	420 x 594
A3	11.7 x 16.5	297 x 420
A4	8.3 x 11.7	210 x 297
A5	5.8 x 8.3	148 x 210
A6	4.1 x 5.8	105 x 148
A7	2.9 x 4.1	74 x 105

A0

As the largest of the ISO 216 A paper sizes, A0 is frequently used for large posters and technical drawings. Measuring 33.1 inches wide and 46.8 inches tall, its size is only a little smaller than the size of Arch E. This makes A0 paper a good fit for many engineering and architectural projects.

A1

A1 is a significant step down in size from A0. Consequently, it is often reserved for medium posters or charts for small presentations. Measuring 23.4 inches wide and 33.1 inches tall, the A1 size is most similar to the ANSI D and Arch D sizes.

A2

A2 is still much larger than standard Letter paper, which means it is a good fit for posters and large-format documents. Measuring 16.5 inches wide and 23.4 inches tall, A2 is close to the ANSI C. A2 paper is also commonly used to make calendars.

A3

A3 paper is very similar to Tabloid or Ledger paper. Depending on how it is oriented, A3 can be used for standard documents, magazine pages, or spreadsheets. Internationally, A3 is one of the most common sizes, second only to A4.

A4

A4 is the most common paper size in the world and is often used for standard letters, documents, and forms. Measuring 8.3 inches wide and 11.7 inches tall, A4 is very close to the standard North American “Letter” size, albeit slightly shorter and wider. A4 is frequently used in offices, schools, and other professional settings. It is also one of the most versatile sizes within the ISO 216 A series, as it can be used for written or typed paperwork, photocopying, business reports, and much more.

A5

A5 is the largest size among the “A” series that is still smaller than most other standardized paper sizes. Measuring 5.8 inches wide and 8.3 inches tall, A5 is closest in appearance to the Half Letter. As a result, it is most often used for small flyers, booklets, and notepads.

A6

A6 is 4.1 inches wide and 5.8 inches tall, making it too small for standard letters or forms. However, A6 is commonly used for postcards, notepads, or invitations. Due to its size, A6 is often seen in cardstock, as opposed to regular printer paper.

A7

A7 is the smallest size in the common “A” series. Measuring 2.9 inches wide and 4.1 inches tall, A7 often has highly specific uses in commercial settings. For example, A7 paper or cardstock can work for very small notepads, tickets, or product labels.

Additional A Sizes

It’s important to note that A0 through A7 are not the only sizes in the ISO 216 A series; they just happen to be the most common. However, you can also find sizes that are smaller than A7, larger than A0, as well as sizes that do not fit within ISO’s standard sizes, but are used and referenced nonetheless. You can find the dimensions for these additional “A” sizes in the tables below:

Smaller Sizes

Name	Width/Height (in)	Width/Height (mm)
A8	2.05 x 2.91	52 x 74
A9	1.46 x 2.05	37 x 52
A10	1.02 x 1.46	26 x 37
A11	0.7 x 1.00	18 x 26
A12	0.5 x 0.7	13 x 18
A13	0.4 x 0.5	9 x 13

Larger Sizes

Name	Width/Height (in)	Width/Height (mm)
2A0	46.8 x 66.2	1189 x 1682
4A0	66.2 x 93.6	1682 x 2378

*Non-Standard Sizes

Name	Width/Height (in)	Width/Height (mm)
A0+	33.2 x 46.9	843 x 1191
A1+	23.5 x 33.2	597 x 843
A3+	11.8 x 16.6	299 x 421

*The “+” sign denotes sizes that are not standardized but may be slightly larger due to uneven trimmings or differences between manufacturers. The measurements listed are approximations.

B Paper Sizes

The ISO 216 B series falls between the respective sizes in the “A” series, offering more options to meet certain layout requirements or document specifications. You can find the dimensions for each of the “B” paper sizes, including standard B0 to B10, as well as less common and non-standard alternatives like B11 to B13 and “+” sizes in the sections below:

Common B Sizes

Name	Width/Height (in)	Width/Height (mm)
B0	39.4 x 55.7	1000 x 1414
B1	27.8 x 39.4	707 x 1000
B2	19.7 x 27.8	500 x 707
B3	13.9 x 19.7	353 x 500
B4	9.8 x 13.9	250 x 353
B5	6.9 x 9.8	176 x 250
B6	4.9 x 6.9	125 x 176
B7	3.5 x 4.9	88 x 125
B8	2.4 x 3.5	62 x 88
B9	1.7 x 2.4	44 x 62
B10	1.2 x 1.7	31 x 44

Non-Standard Sizes

Name	Width/Height (in)	Width/Height (mm)
B11	0.9 x 1.2	22 x 31
B12	0.6 x 0.9	15 x 22
B13	0.4 x 0.6	11 x 15
*B0+	39.5 x 55.8	1003 x 1417
*B1+	27.9 x 39.5	708 x 1003
*B2+	19.8 x 27.9	502 x 708

*The “+” sign denotes sizes that are not standardized but may be slightly larger due to uneven trimmings or differences between manufacturers. The measurements listed are approximations.

Ready to start your next project? Check out our high-quality cardstock today, and let us know how you put our cardstock to good use!

Cricut machines have completely changed the way people think about arts and crafts. Rather than depending on dangerous paper cutters or the steadiness of your own hand, you can now see amazing cardstock creations come to life with just the press of a button! That said, you can’t just start loading your cardstock into your Cricut machine without knowing a few things first. Most importantly, you’ll need to learn how to use a Cricut mat.

These mats are an integral part of cutting with a Cricut machine. While some people may try to load their cardstock into the machine and start cutting without a mat, this is definitely not the best method. In fact, it could cause harm to your cardstock and your Cricut machine.

But what even is a Cricut mat? What purpose does it serve? What do the different colors of Cricut mats mean? What color Cricut mat should you use for cardstock? How do put cardstock on a Cricut mat and take it back off again? Finally, where can you get high-quality cardstock for your next Cricut project?

In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more. So, let’s get started!

What Is a Cricut Mat?

A Cricut mat is a cutting mat specifically designed for Cricut machines. The mat has a sticky surface that holds the material in place while the machine does the actual cutting. Various materials work with Cricut mats, including printer paper, vinyl, fabric, and cardstock.

Cricut mats come in different sizes and adhesive strengths to accommodate a wide range of materials and project types. The most common sizes are 12×12 inches and 12×24 inches. The adhesive strength varies depending on the type of mat:

• LightGrip Mat (Blue) – This is designed for lightweight materials such as copy paper, vellum, light cardstock, and some thin vinyl. The LightGrip mat has a low-tack adhesive that holds materials in place without causing damage when they are removed.
• StandardGrip Mat (Green) – This is suitable for medium-weight materials such as cardstock, patterned paper, adhesive vinyl, and iron-on materials. The StandardGrip mat has a medium-tack adhesive to hold these materials securely during the cutting process.
• StrongGrip Mat (Purple) – The purple grip mat is designed for heavyweight materials such as thick cardstock, chipboard, certain fabrics, and leather. It has a high-tack adhesive to keep thicker, heavier materials from moving around.
• FabricGrip Mat (Pink) – This mat is specifically designed for working with fabrics, such as cotton, felt, and denim. The FabricGrip mat has a specially formulated adhesive to hold fabrics in place without leaving residue on the material or damaging the fibers.

Can You Cut Cardstock On A Cricut Without A Mat?

While it is technically possible to cut cardstock on a Cricut without a mat, it is not recommended. The mat is designed to hold the material securely in place while the machine cuts, ensuring precision and preventing the material from slipping out of place. Cutting without a mat increases the risk of damaging the cardstock, ruining your project, or causing potential harm to your machine.

If you attempt to cut cardstock without a mat, be aware that you do so at your own risk. The results may not be as precise or clean as they would be with a mat. Additionally, cutting without a mat may void your Cricut machine’s warranty, so it is essential to consider the consequences before proceeding. Most expert crafters recommend always using a mat, regardless of the material you intend to cut. Not only does this result in a better cut, but it also avoids any potential problems with your machine.

Which Cricut Mat Is Best For Cardstock?

The best Cricut mat for cardstock is the StandardGrip mat (Green). As the name implies, the StandardGrip is the most common Cricut mat and works well with a wide range of materials. However, if you need to cut a particularly thick piece of cardstock (80 lbs and above), you’ll probably want to upgrade to the StrongGrip mat. This will prevent any slippage as the cardstock and mat pass through the machine.

How To Place Cardstock On Cricut Mats

Understanding how Cricut mats work is just the first step. Now it’s time to see how to put cardstock on Cricut mats and then get the cardstock off again. For the best results, simply follow these steps:

1. Clean the Mat – Make sure the mat’s surface does not have any dust or debris on it before you get started. If necessary, gently clean it with a baby wipe or a damp cloth and let it air dry.
2. Remove the Protective Cover – Peel off the clear protective cover from the mat, exposing the adhesive surface. Set the cover aside, as you’ll need to use it again later.
3. Position the Cardstock – Place the cardstock on the mat, aligning it with the top left corner. Ensure the mat and cardstock remain straight and smooth, with no wrinkles or bubbles.
4. Press Down Firmly – Use your hand or a brayer tool to press the cardstock onto the mat, making sure it adheres evenly to the surface. Pay special attention to the edges and corners to ensure they stay securely in place.
5. Load the Mat – Insert the mat into the Cricut machine, aligning it with the guides on either side of the machine’s opening. Press the Load/Unload button (or the flashing arrow button, depending on the model) to load the mat into the machine.
6. Cut Your Design – Once the mat is loaded, proceed with cutting your design according to the Cricut machine’s instructions.

How To Remove Cardstock From Cricut Mats

Once you’re done cutting, you’ll need to carefully remove the cardstock from the Cricut mat and put the protective cover back over the mat. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:

1. Prepare the Mat – After pressing the Load/Unload button again, gently place the mat on a flat surface with the cardstock facing up.
2. Peel the Mat Off – Instead of peeling the cardstock off the mat, bend the mat slightly and carefully peel it away from the cardstock. This will help prevent the cardstock from curling or tearing. Start at one corner and work your way across the mat, keeping the mat as close to the table surface as possible.
3. Try a Spatula – It is not uncommon for the cardstock to get stuck to the Cricut mat. If your cardstock is sticking to the Cricut mat or you have intricate cuts, use a Cricut spatula tool to gently lift the cardstock from the mat. Slide the spatula under the cardstock, but be careful not to damage the cardstock or the mat’s adhesive surface.
4. Remove Remaining Pieces – Once you have transferred the main piece cardstock from the Cricut mat, use the spatula or a pair of tweezers to remove any remaining cutouts or negative pieces.
5. Clean the Mat – Check the mat again for any debris or leftover paper pieces. If necessary, use a scraper tool to gently remove them.
6. Replace the Protective Cover – Place the clear protective cover back onto the mat, making sure it is smooth and free of wrinkles or bubbles. This will help preserve the adhesive and keep the mat clean for future use.

Ready to start your next project? Check out our high-quality cardstock today, and let us know how you put our cardstock to good use!

Whenever you use ink for arts and crafts, you’re bound to have a few spills here and there. Unfortunately, if you spill ink on cardstock paper, it can be pretty difficult to fix. There’s no magic ink remover that will wash the ink off in seconds. That said, a little spilled ink doesn’t have to spell disaster for your project. There are various ways to reduce or eliminate an unwanted ink stain without damaging your cardstock.

In today’s guide, we will teach you how to get ink off cardstock and discuss some of the best methods for dealing with ink stains in general. So, let’s get started!

Types Of Ink Stains

Most people assume that the best method for cleaning ink depends on the material that needs cleaning. While this is partially true, it does not factor in the different types of ink. Certain types of ink are more receptive to specific cleaning practices than others. We will get into these practices a little later on, but first, let’s take a look at some of the most common types of ink:

• Ballpoint Ink – This ink is oil-based and most commonly used in ballpoint pens. It is less prone to smudging than most other types of ink, but it can still cause unwanted stains.
• Gel Ink – Gel ink is water-based and often used in gel pens. It provides a smoother writing experience and richer colors, but the ink can be more challenging to remove from surfaces.
• Rollerball Ink – This type of ink is water-based and used in rollerball pens. Rollerball ink has a higher water content, which makes it flow more smoothly, but it can also result in more prominent stains.
• Fountain Pen Ink – Fountain pen ink is water-based and typically contains more liquid than other types of ink. This can lead to potential smudging and staining, but it also means the ink can be easier to remove from certain materials.
• Permanent Ink – As the name implies, permanent ink is designed to resist water and other solvents, making it very difficult to remove. Permanent ink is often used in markers and can bond with surfaces quickly and effectively.
• India Ink – India ink is a waterproof, carbon-based ink that has been used for centuries. Nowadays, it is primarily used in calligraphy and drawing and can be very difficult to remove once it dries.
• Printer Ink – Printer ink, both inkjet and laser, can cause stains if spilled or if a printed item comes into contact with water. Inkjet ink is generally water-based and may be easier to remove, while laser printer toner is a fine powder that can be more challenging to clean.

Tools & Materials Needed For Ink Removal

Whenever you’re working with ink and cardstock together, you should try to have certain tools and materials on hand just in case. You never know when an unexpected spill or an erroneous stroke of the pen could happen. While the exact materials you’ll need may vary based on the type of ink you’re using, it’s generally a good idea to keep some or all of the following items nearby:

• White Eraser
• Cotton Balls
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Tissue Paper
• Nail Polish Remover
• Clear Adhesive Tape
• Sandpaper
• Box Cutter
• White Correction Fluid

When attempting to remove ink stains from cardstock, always test any cleaning methods on an inconspicuous area first, as cardstock can be easily damaged. Keep in mind that completely removing an ink stain from cardstock may not be possible, and it might be necessary to accept some level of damage.

How To Remove Ink From Cardstock

Now that you know a little bit more about different types of ink and the kinds of tools you should have on hand, let’s examine the best ways to actually remove ink from your cardstock:

Erasing Pen Ink From Cardstock

Using an eraser is one of the best methods to use with ballpoint ink (oil-based ink). However, it’s important to note that this method may be more effective for light ink stains. While you may not be able to get rid of all of the ink, this is still one of the best ways to minimize the damage. To erase pen ink from your cardstock, simply follow these steps:

1. Find a clean, white eraser for the pen ink. Avoid using colored erasers or hard rubber erasers, as they may leave smudges on the cardstock.
2. Test the eraser on an area of the cardstock to see how well it works with the material. If it causes substantial discoloration, you’ll want to try a different method.
3. Gently rub the eraser over the ink stain. Be careful not to press too hard, as this may damage the cardstock.
4. Make sure to brush away the eraser residue as you erase. Any excess residue could cause unwanted smearing.
5. Repeat the process as needed.

Removing Gel Pen Ink From Cardstock

Gel pen (water-based) ink can, at times, be a little easier to remove from cardstock than oil-based ink. This is especially true if the ink has yet to dry. Oil-based inks often dry very quickly, making it virtually impossible to blot up any stains. On the other hand, gel pen ink can take up to 30 seconds or longer to dry, giving you more time to actually remove large portions of the stain from your cardstock before it can set in. Here are a few different ways to remove gel pen ink (and most water-based inks) from cardstock:

• Blot the Ink – If the ink is still wet, gently blot it with a white cloth, cotton ball, or tissue to absorb as much ink as possible. Avoid rubbing or smearing the ink, as this can cause it to spread or set further into the cardstock.
• Use Rubbing Alcohol – If the ink is already dry (or mostly dry), dampen a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and gently dab the ink stain. Be very careful not to over-saturate the cardstock. Rubbing alcohol can help break down the ink and lift it from the paper fibers. Allow the cardstock to dry completely before handling it further.
• Try Clear Adhesive Tape – Press a piece of clear adhesive tape onto the ink stain and carefully lift it away. This method may help remove some ink from the surface of the cardstock, but it may not work on stains that have already set in.
• Sand or Cut the Stain – If the ink is already completely dry, you still might be able to sand or chip away at a small ink stain with sandpaper or a box cutter. Use extreme caution though, as this method can easily damage the paper if not done carefully. This method works best on thicker cardstock.
• Cover the Stain – When all else fails, you can simply try to cover the stain with white correction fluid.

Remove Printer Ink From Cardstock

Many of the same methods that work for gel pen ink also work for printer ink, as most printer ink is also water-based. This means you should try to blot up the ink stain as quickly as possible. If the ink is dry, you can also try some of the other methods outlined above. If you don’t have any rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover is a great substitute when treating printer ink stains on cardstock.

Ready to start your next project? Check out our high-quality cardstock today, and let us know how you put our cardstock to good use!

Creating cardstock cutouts is a great way for children and adults alike to express their creativity and explore the wonderful world of art. It is a simple, easy, and fun activity that requires only a few supplies, like cardstock paper, scissors, and glue. That said, if you want to make a lot of cutouts or you simply don’t want to risk making mistakes, you should probably use a Cricut machine. Not only will this ensure that your cutouts are uniform in size and shape, but it will also make it easier to create a wide range of custom cardstock cutouts in a matter of minutes!

In today’s guide, we’re going to look at how to make cardstock cutouts using different shapes and cutting materials. So, let’s get started!

Cricut Cardstock Cutouts

Cricut is a brand of electronic cutting machines used for a variety of DIY projects. Cardstock cutouts are one popular way to make use of the Cricut machine’s fast, uniform cutting capabilities.

To create cardstock cutouts with a Cricut machine, you will need the following:

• Cricut machine
• Cardstock paper
• Cricut cutting mat
• Design software (Cricut’s Design Space works well)

Once you have all the necessary materials, follow these steps to create cardstock cutouts with your Cricut machine:

1. Choose a design – Select a design from Cricut’s Design Space or create your own using the software.
2. Load the cardstock paper – Place the cardstock paper on the cutting mat and load it into the Cricut machine.
3. Set the blade depth – Adjust the blade depth according to the thickness of the cardstock paper you are using.
4. Cut the design – Press the “Go” button on the Cricut machine and let it cut out the design.
5. Remove the cutout – Once the design is cut out, carefully remove the cardstock cutout from the cutting mat.
6. Repeat – If you need to create multiple cardstock cutouts, repeat the process with new cardstock paper and the same design.

With a Cricut machine, you can create a variety of cardstock cutouts for different projects, including greeting cards, party decorations, scrapbooking, and more. However, if you don’t have a Cricut machine or you prefer to create your cardstock cutouts entirely by hand, you should get a craft or X-acto knife. These tools allow you to cut intricate shapes or make delicate cuts, making them perfect for creating detailed decorations or cards. When using X-acto or crafting knives, remember to always use a cutting mat or a self-healing cutting board to protect your workspace and keep the blade sharp.

Cardstock Heart Cutouts

Creating heart-shaped cutouts from cardstock paper is a popular DIY project for occasions such as Valentine’s Day, weddings, or anniversaries. To create heart cutouts with Cricut, simply follow these steps:

Open Cricut Design Space software and select the “New Project” option. Select the heart shape from the “Shapes” option. Adjust the size of the heart to your desired dimensions. Load the cardstock paper onto the Cricut cutting mat. Connect the Cricut machine to your computer and click the “Make It” button in Cricut Design Space. Press the “Go” button.

Cardstock Circle Cutouts

You can use cardstock circle cutouts for a variety of DIY projects, such as creating confetti, decorating party favors, or adding accents to scrapbook pages. Follow these steps to create your own cardstock circle cutouts:

Open Cricut Design Space software and select the “New Project” option. Select the circle shape from the “Shapes” option. Adjust the size of the circle to your desired dimensions. Load the cardstock paper onto the Cricut cutting mat. Connect the Cricut machine to your computer and click the “Make It” button in Cricut Design Space. Press the “Go” button.

Cardstock Animal Cutouts

You can use cardstock animal cutouts to create a baby mobile, decorate for a party, or make a zoo-themed scrapbook page. You can also use different colors and patterns of cardstock paper to create a unique look for each animal cutout. Here are the steps to make animal cutouts with Cricut:

Open Cricut Design Space software and select the “New Project” option. Select the animal shape from the “Images” option. You can search for a specific animal or browse through the available options. Adjust the size of the animal shape to your desired dimensions. Load the cardstock paper onto the Cricut cutting mat. Connect the Cricut machine to your computer and click the “Make It” button in Cricut Design Space. Press the “Go” button.

Cardstock Flower Cutouts

Flower cutouts are great for creating a bouquet or floral wreath. You can also layer multiple cutouts of the same shape to create a three-dimensional flower. Here are the steps to follow with Cricut:

Open Cricut Design Space software and select the “New Project” option. Select the flower shape from the “Images” option. You can search for a specific flower or browse through the available options. Adjust the size of the flower shape to your desired dimensions. Load the cardstock paper onto the Cricut cutting mat. Connect the Cricut machine to your computer and click the “Make It” button in Cricut Design Space. Press the “Go” button.

Cardstock Letter & Number Cutouts

Letter and number cutouts work well when you want to create personalized banners, decorate party tables, or design custom signs. You can also use letter and number cutouts for educational activities, like teaching younger children how to spell and count. Here are the steps you need to follow to make letter and number cutouts on Cricut:

Open Cricut Design Space software and select the “New Project” option. Select the letter or number shape from the “Text” option. Type the letter or number that you want to cut out. Adjust the size and font of the letter or number to your desired dimensions and style. Load the cardstock paper onto the Cricut cutting mat. Connect the Cricut machine to your computer and click the “Make It” button in Cricut Design Space. Press the “Go” button.

Cardstock Star Cutouts

Star cutouts are perfect for starry backdrops and even glow-in-the-dark ceiling stickers. Here’s how you can make cardstock card cutouts with Cricut:

Open Cricut Design Space software and select the “New Project” option. Select the star shape from the “Images” option. You can search for a specific star or browse through the available options. Adjust the size of the star shape to your desired dimensions. Load the cardstock paper onto the Cricut cutting mat. Connect the Cricut machine to your computer and click the “Make It” button in Cricut Design Space. Press the “Go” button.

Cardstock Cutouts For Freshies

Fortunately, making cutouts for freshies is just as easy as making cutouts for any other DIY project. Typically, freshies are circular, but you can really use whatever shape you like. Here are the steps you should follow using Cricut:

Open Cricut Design Space software and select the “New Project” option. Select the shape you want from the “Images” option. You can search for a specific shape or browse through the available options. Adjust the size of the star shape to your desired dimensions. Load the cardstock paper onto the Cricut cutting mat. Connect the Cricut machine to your computer and click the “Make It” button in Cricut Design Space. Press the “Go” button.

Cardstock Leaf Cutouts

You can use cardstock leaf cutouts to create a leaf garland or a holiday wreath. Follow these steps to make leaf cutouts with a Cricut machine:

Open Cricut Design Space software and select the “New Project” option. Select the leaf shape from the “Images” option. You can search for a specific leaf or browse through the available options. Adjust the size of the leaf shape to your desired dimensions. Load the cardstock paper onto the Cricut cutting mat. Connect the Cricut machine to your computer and click the “Make It” button in Cricut Design Space. Press the “Go” button.

Remember that for all of the shapes and designs outlined above, you don’t necessarily need a Cricut machine. If you prefer to do things by hand, you can simply draw the shape freehand or with a stencil design. Then, trace the shape and cut the cardstock using a good pair of scissors or a crafting knife. Just keep in mind that this method will take more time and could result in more errors!

Ready to start your next project? Check out our high-quality cardstock today, and let us know how you put our cardstock to good use!

Alcohol markers, also known as permanent markers, are a staple tool of illustrators, graphic artists, and even casual arts and crafts enthusiasts. However, this doesn’t mean that alcohol-based markers are the best solution for every art project. In fact, there are many situations where alcohol markers are inferior to other options, like water-based markers. And more often than not, issues can arise with alcohol markers based on the type of paper being used.

For this reason, people who prefer alcohol markers need to find the best kinds of paper and surfaces to draw on. Otherwise, the chemicals used in permanent markers can bleed through the paper and force you to start your project from scratch. So, whether you’re simply drawing a picture or creating custom wedding invitations, you’ll need to make sure you’re using the right paper or cardstock.

Naturally, this begs a couple of important questions. For instance, what are the differences between water-based markers and alcohol-based markers? What makes alcohol markers superior? Why do alcohol markers bleed through thin paper? What kind of paper or cardstock is best to use with alcohol markers? Finally, where can you acquire high-quality cardstock to finish your next project? In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, so let’s get started!

The Challenge Of Alcohol Markers & Paper

Do you remember the markers you used when you were in school? Most of the time, they were water-based markers that would not produce very strong colors. Moreover, if you left the cap off for even a few minutes, the marker would quickly dry up and become useless. These are just a few of the reasons that serious artists and crafters try to avoid water-based markers.

Alternatively, alcohol markers are known for their strong colors. Additionally, they do not dry up as quickly as water-based markers, though you still need to put the cap back on to avoid drying. However, this is not to say that alcohol markers are perfect in every way. In fact, one way that water-based markers typically improve upon alcohol markers is their relationship with paper. Water-based markers do not release as much liquid, which means they are easier to use with most kinds of papers.

While water-based markers will still bleed through very thin paper, they will not bleed through even the thinnest cardstock. This is not the case with alcohol markers. Alcohol markers create darker, more prominent colors by releasing more liquid and using stronger chemicals than water-based markers. More specifically, permanent markers tend to use chemicals like xylene, toluene, and urethane resin. And though these chemicals are perfectly safe to use, they have the unintended side effect of bleeding through thick and thin paper products alike.

This is why it is best to opt for cardstock when using alcohol-based markers. Cardstock is naturally thicker and sturdier than most kinds of standard writing paper. That said, not all cardstock will work well with alcohol markers. You will need to ensure that you get high-quality cardstock that is thick enough to absorb alcohol marker ink without allowing it to bleed through to the opposite side.

The Challenge Of Alcohol Markers & Paper

Selecting The Best Alcohol Markers For Cardstock

Choosing the best material to use in tandem with alcohol markers is important. You will need to think about the kind of project you want to do and how the materials will help you achieve your vision. Additionally, you’ll have to consider which types of cardstock work best with alcohol markers. That said, finding the best cardstock is not all about the cardstock itself. You’ll also need to consider what kind of alcohol markers you intend to use. We’ll go over some of the most popular brands of alcohol-based markers below:

Copic Markers

Copic Markers are high-quality markers that are well-regarded by many visual and graphic artists. These alcohol markers tend to have a very smooth application that reduces unintentional blotting. Additionally, each marker is filled with a reservoir of non-toxic, alcohol-based ink. Like many high-quality alcohol markers, Copic Markers have ink comprised of both ethanol and isopropanol alcohol. While Copic Markers are known for their quality, they can still bleed through many different types of paper. For example, Copic Markers often bleed through marker paper and watercolor paper. This is why it is best to use Copic Markers in tandem with very thick, bleed-proof paper or cardstock.

Ohuhu Markers

Ohuhu Markers are another brand of permanent markers that compete with Copic as some of the best products on the market. However, these markers distinguish themselves from other brands through their longevity. If you invest in a set of Ohuhu Markers, you can expect to use them for years without a significant deterioration in quality. Moreover, the tips of Ohuhu Markers are specifically designed to meet a wide range of needs. Whether you need to fill in large spaces or address tiny details, you can do so with Ohuhu Markers. Unfortunately, Ohuhu Markers have a high degree of pigmentation, which also makes them bleed through many types of paper and cardstock. You can expect the colors to be strong and vibrant, but this comes at the cost of limited compatibility with paper products. In fact, the manufacturers recommend using very heavy cardstock with Ohuhu Markers to reduce or eliminate bleeding entirely.

Prismacolor Markers

Prismacolor Markers are some of the best alcohol-based markers for beginners. They provide great coloration, but they do not allow you to replace the marker tips or ink. Consequently, they do not have a very long lifespan like other high-quality markers. Moreover, Prismacolor Markers also bleed through most kinds of writing paper and can even produce uneven lines if the user is not careful. When choosing the right drawing or writing material for Prismacolor Markers, it is best to go with thick cardstock. This way, you don’t have to worry about any of the ink bleeding through. Plus, you are less likely to experience issues with uneven amounts of ink, as the cardstock does a better job absorbing the ink evenly. That said, you will still have to be careful and use a gentle touch to avoid any unsightly errors.

The Best Cardstock For Alcohol Markers

In general, cardstock is the best material for alcohol markers. It is thick and durable enough to withstand multiple layers of ink without showing any signs of bleeding, blotting, or tearing. However, not all cardstock is the same. For example, if you choose a light cardstock of 65 lbs, you could still end up with ink bleeding through to the wrong side. The chances only increase if you ink over the same area multiple times.

Fortunately, you can find many of the best cardstock products for alcohol markers at Fine Cardstock. We offer dozens of cardstock products that are compatible with all of the most popular brands of alcohol markers. If you want to get the best outcome with your markers and cardstock, we recommend using heavier cardstock like our 80, 100, 120, or 130 lbs products. Heavy cardstock is thicker and extremely bleed-resistant, making it the best drawing or writing material for alcohol or water-based markers. By choosing heavy cardstock, you can avoid issues with ink bleeding and create beautiful arts and crafts projects with your alcohol-based markers!

Ready to start your next project? Check out our high-quality cardstock today, and let us know how you put our cardstock to good use!

The Silhouette Cameo Cutting Machine is one of the best tools that a crafter or artisan can have in their arsenal. Like a Cricut or similar crafting machines, the Silhouette Cameo takes some practice to use properly. Additionally, you’ll need to make sure that you really know how to use it to avoid any safety issues, as the Silhouette Cameo 4 blades are capable of cutting through thick materials like cotton, felt, leather, and — you guessed it — cardstock.

But getting accustomed to your Silhouette Cameo machine will take time. You have to learn how to program the machine to cut through different materials and make the final products match your desired image. Fortunately, the Silhouette Cameo comes with various built-in templates and settings to make most arts and crafts projects a breeze.

But what exactly can you do with a Silhouette Cameo 4? What is the correct Silhouette blade for cardstock? What are the right Silhouette cardstock settings? How can you ensure that your Silhouette machine will cut cardstock cleanly? Finally, what is the best cardstock paper for Silhouette Cameo machines? In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more. Plus, we will teach you how to cut different types of cardstock with your Silhouette Cameo, including glitter cardstock and thick cardstock. So, let’s get started!

Cutting Cardstock With Silhouette Cameo

The Silhouette Design Store offers even more templates if you are not satisfied with the options available on your machine from the outset. To access these templates, you can simply purchase and import them to your Silhouette Cameo. Then, all you have to do is double-check the size and cut settings. This will ensure that your machine is prepared to cut cardstock to your specifications.

However, you will still need to get things prepared before you can actually start the cutting process. First and foremost, you should make sure that you’re using high-quality cardstock. While your Silhouette Cameo can still cut low-quality cardstock, it will only hurt your project to use subpar materials. Moreover, low-quality cardstock fibers have a tendency to tear, which can prevent you from making clean cuts with your machine. If you repeatedly use bad cardstock, it could even clog up your machine and damage the blades. So, always opt for the good stuff!

Next, run a practice cut on your cardstock to see if the settings are working well. If not, you may need to adjust certain variables like the speed and pressure. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula when it comes to cutting cardstock, but you can generally set the speed between 6 and 10 in the Cut Settings window. Then, you can set your thickness somewhere between 20 and 25.

Once you’ve done a practice cut, check to make sure that you’re getting clean cuts. If not, you can set your machine to double-cut the cardstock by default. Alternatively, you can just keep the mat in the machine and select “Send to Silhouette” a second time. This will all but guarantee that your Silhouette Cameo will fully cut through your cardstock and leave a very clean cut.

 

Cutting Glitter Cardstock With Silhouette Cameo

Cutting glitter cardstock works much the same as cutting regular cardstock. However, the pieces of glitter can make it harder to cut with the preset cut settings. Instead, you may need to ensure that the machine is set to double-cut the cardstock. You may also want to increase the thickness and reduce the speed. However, these factors will also depend on the intricacy of the design. It is often best to stick to the standard settings for very intricate cutting templates.

That said, using double-cut is often the best way to avoid any issues with glitter cardstock. Once the machine has cut the cardstock two times, do not remove the mat until you have manually checked the cardstock yourself. You’ll just need to use one finger to lift a part of the cardstock upward. This will show you if the blade was able to cut through the cardstock cleanly. This method also works well for thick cardstock.

If you make the mistake of removing the mat before the machine has been able to make a clean cut, you’ll likely have to start your entire project from scratch with new cardstock. Why? Because you won’t be able to put the mat back in the right position. You will almost certainly put it in a slightly different position. This will cause the machine to make cuts in the wrong places. Therefore, it is always best to test your cuts first, even when using the double-cut setting.

Cutting Thick Cardstock With Silhouette Cameo

When cutting thick cardstock, you’ll want to make sure that your Silhouette Cameo is prepared to make clean cuts. This can be difficult, as thick fibers are more difficult to cut in general. Fortunately, a Silhouette Cameo is still fully capable of cutting thicker cardstock.

In general, you’ll want to follow the same guidelines as you would use for glitter cardstock. This means that you may need to increase the thickness setting and reduce the speed setting. For both thick and textured cardstock, consider reducing your speed to 4 and turning double-cut on. Just make sure that you keep a close eye on your machine and the results. If you repeatedly try to cut thick cardstock using the wrong settings, you could dull your blades and ruin your cardstock paper.

Which Blade To Use When Cutting Cardstock

The AutoBlade is great for most materials, but if you’re trying to cut thicker cardstock, you might need something a little more heavy-duty. Most experts recommend using the 2mm Silhouette blade for cardstock. This is double the thickness of the AutoBlade (1mm) and provides a better cutting experience with most kinds of cardstock. If you want to change blades frequently, you should also consider getting a CB09 blade holder, as it makes it much easier to switch between different blades as needed.

However, you shouldn’t need a blade any larger than 2mm to cut cardstock. For example, the 3mm blade is almost exclusively used for specialty materials like leather. Using a blade that is too thick for cardstock will quickly wear the blade down. More than anything else, you want to make sure that you’re blade is sharp and clean, especially if you’re cutting intricate designs.

To clean your blade, first remove it from the machine. Then, set the blade depth to 10. From here, you can use a cloth to wipe down the blade and blade housing area, or simply blow air through it to remove any remaining pieces of paper or dust. You shouldn’t need to clean your blade very often, but try to clean it at least once every few cuts to avoid excessive dulling of the blade or blockage in the machine.

It is also important to consider the blade settings. You’ll need to set the depth of your blade before you start cutting. This can be done manually by removing the blade or through the settings window. In either case, it is usually recommended to keep your blade depth at 5 or 6 to get clean cuts with cardstock.

Ready to start your next project? Check out our high-quality cardstock today, and let us know how you put our cardstock to good use!

If you are familiar with Cricut smart cutting machines, you probably know that they have revolutionized home crafting. The same project that may have taken you a full day to finish can now be done in half the time thanks to Cricut’s advanced design and computer-controlled cutting capabilities. However, Cricut is still relatively new territory for a lot of crafters. If you just enjoy arts and crafts as a hobby, you may not be too familiar with how the Cricut Maker and similar Cricut machines work.

In today’s guide, we are going to teach you everything you need to know about using Cricut with cardstock. More specifically, we will discuss how to cut cardstock on Cricut, different factors to consider when cutting cardstock paper, and even the best blade to use on your Cricut machine. So, let’s get started!

Using Cardstock With Cricut Maker

While there is plenty of standardization in the world of cardstock, there is still plenty of variation to consider before you stick your cardstock in a Cricut Maker. Not only are there tons of different brands of cardstock on the market, but there are also different sizes, textures, as well as weights and thicknesses.

First, we will examine cardstock size. Cardstock usually comes in specific sizes based on how you plan to use it. For example, you can get letter-size cardstock (8.5” x 11”), cardstock for scrapbooking, (12” x 12”), and occasionally extra large cardstock (12” by 18”). While most cardstock sizes will fit in your Cricut Maker without any issues, you may need to get a bigger Cricut cutting mat for the largest pieces of cardstock.

Next, you will want to consider the weight of your cardstock. As you may already know, cardstock weight is measured in pounds, and the weight of cardstock is also a reflection of its thickness. Some common sizes include 65 lbs. (light cardstock) and 85 lbs. (medium cardstock). These are both manageable using most Cricut machines, as you will be able to choose “cardstock” as your material during the setup process. However, if you want to use a thicker cardstock, like 100 lbs. cardstock, you may need to do a bit more customizing. We will talk about how to cut thick cardstock on Cricut a little later on.

Finally, you must consider the texture of your cardstock when using it with the Cricut Maker. Smooth cardstock is the standard cardstock you might use for a birthday card or invitation. This can generally be used with a Cricut machine without any issues. Alternatively, textured cardstock has a surface that is not completely smooth, as it may have a grid design that forms ridges along the face of the material. To cut this material, you will need to use the “Textured” setting on your Cricut Maker.

Cutting Glitter Cardstock On Cricut

Glitter cardstock is very popular for birthday cards and other celebratory messages, but it does present a unique challenge when you need to cut and shape your cardstock. Fortunately, Cricut machines are able to handle glitter cardstock without any issues — as long as you use the right settings. If you are preparing to cut glitter cardstock on your Cricut machine, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Customize your design to fit your desired look
2. Look through the materials list on your Cricut machine and select glitter cardstock (note: you may need to turn the smart set dial to “Custom”)
3. Place your glitter cardstock onto the cutting mat as you would with any other material
4. Load the mat into the machine and press “Go”
5. Finally, take out the cut design

As you can see, it is not super complex to cut glitter cardstock. However, depending on the make and model of your machine, it may not have “glitter cardstock” as a preset material option right out of the box. Even if you can’t find glitter cardstock in the options, you can always turn the smart set dial to custom to let the Cricut machine know that you are using a material that is not listed. We will also address the right steps to create a custom material later in this guide.

Cutting Thick Cardstock With Cricut

Cricuts are designed to handle a wide range of materials, from extremely thin cuts of paper to much thicker, stronger materials. That said, if you don’t have the settings right, your machine may not be able to cut through very thick cardstock. For example, 100 lbs. cardstock is generally considered “heavy” and is therefore on the thicker end.

If you need to cut thick cardstock on your Cricut machine, you should not choose “cardstock” as your material. This is because the cardstock option is designed for light or medium-weight cardstock, not heavy cardstock. To make sure that the machine cuts your thick cardstock cleanly, you should select “posterboard” as your material. This way, your machine knows that it is cutting through a thicker material and will adjust its settings accordingly.

If you don’t see “posterboard” as an option, you will need to create a custom setting using the smart set dial. This is true for any cardstock that is heavier than 85 lbs. However, creating a custom material is one of the more complex processes related to Cricut machines. So, here are a few tips to help you create custom materials that match your needs:

• Check the settings for materials that are relatively close to your materials so you know roughly how much pressure to use and which multi-cut setting is needed for your cardstock
• Do not assume that thicker cardstock requires more pressure: it may just require a multi-cut setting
• Try to test out your custom materials settings before you use them on your best cardstock
• Cricut Makers can handle custom materials with a maximum thickness of 2.4 millimeters

Which Blade To Use When Cutting Cardstock

Thus far, everything has been pretty simple. Even though many Cricut owners get nervous when attempting to cut new materials, they often forget that Cricuts are specifically designed to handle hundreds of different materials with ease. However, things get a little trickier when choosing the blade type.

In many cases, your settings will help your Cricut machine pick the best blade for you. However, if you are using a custom setting or you are required to choose the blade for some other reason, you will need to know the best blade type for cutting cardstock. Generally speaking, the deep-point blade is recommended for thicker materials like chipboard, foam sheets, cardboard, and thick cardstock.

If you are using a very thin cardstock, you may be able to get by using the fine-point blade. However, you should be aware that it may not deliver a clean cut. Additionally, using the fine-point blade to cut thicker materials could wear down the blade, requiring replacement much sooner than expected.

The Bottom Line

Cutting cardstock with a Cricut machine is not rocket science, but using the wrong settings could also have disastrous results for your arts and crafts project. Therefore, it is vital that you understand how the size, weight, and texture of your cardstock can affect the final outcome. To ensure the best results, simply follow the steps in this guide or consult your Cricut manual for further guidance.

Ready to start your next project? Check out our high-quality cardstock today, and let us know how you put our cardstock to good use!