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Journaling used to be something relegated to young girls diligently sitting at carved desks in their bedrooms, jotting down all their childhood angst on the pages in front of them. As the world has evolved, people of all ages and genders have recognized the benefits of journaling. Whether you’re ten years old, in high school, in college, or middle-aged, expressing your thoughts in the written word is a cathartic and therapeutic process which has proven to be profoundly beneficial.

As part of the therapeutic process, people take great pride in the vehicle chosen to hold their words of self-expression. Some people prefer simple spiral bound notebooks, while others prefer hardcover books with a solid weight to them. When it comes to journal preferences, the sky is really the limit in terms of what your pen will be drawn to write in. Regardless of the type and size of journal you choose, one guaranteed way to make it your own is by creating your own DIY journal cover.

How To Make a Homemade Journal Cover

It is only fitting that a book holding our most personal thoughts and the essence of ourselves should also be covered with something that is a true expression of ourselves. Making your own diary cover is not as daunting as it may seem.

All you need to begin is a cardstock paper that is at least one to two inches larger on each side than your chosen journal. This extra space will allow you to fold the paper’s edges around the book’s cover for a seamless look. If a seamless look isn’t a priority to you, another option would be to select a cardstock paper that is either exactly the same size as your intended notebook, or cut to the same size as your notebook. You can then simply glue the cardstock paper onto the notebook cover for an easy no-fold option.

When selecting your cardstock paper, you should also make sure that it has a decent weight so that it can withstand any decorations you decide to use. At the same time, you don’t want a cardstock that is too heavy. If you decide to wrap the edges of the cardstock paper around your chosen notebook, you don’t want something that is so thick that it will be tough to fold neatly. Generally speaking, cardstock paper with a 67 pound to 80 pound weight should be perfect for this project.

If you would like to start with a truly blank slate, a white-colored cardstock paper would be a solid choice. However, if you want something a little brighter, choose your favorite color of paper and just like that, you’ve already begun your journey of self-expression.

Whether your chosen cardstock paper is white or colored, you can take watercolor or acrylic paints to begin adding your own artistic flair. If paintbrushes are not your thing, use the spokes of a plastic fork to decorate the page. If you want to take an even more abstract approach, you can use spray paint to add some color to your notebook cover.

When decorating your journal cover, it is important to think about what speaks to you personally. This is not a project you are making for someone else. This is something that is for your eyes only and should be something that speaks to your soul. It doesn’t need to be art according to anyone else’s standards. Any supposed rules or notions you have about color and creativity should be thrown out the window. Allow your inner self to create a handmade journal cover that speaks directly to you.

Journal Cover Design Ideas

It can be easier said than done when it comes to creating artwork that speaks to your soul. For some people, ideas just filter in naturally and they can simply sit down and let the creativity flow out of them. For other people, the idea of coming up with a unique journal cover design can seem daunting. It can paralyze you and make you procrastinate to the point that you just never even start. That doesn’t mean you don’t have it in you to create a journal cover. It just means you need an inspirational push, or simply put, DIY journal cover ideas to set you off in the right direction.

If your aesthetic is more simple and subtle, stick to neutral colors when it comes to painting your journal cover. For example, you can paint your cardstock a beige color. Then simply take a black dinner napkin and fold it into itself a bunch of times. With a scissor, you can then cut out little triangles, circles, and squares at the folded creases. Open the napkin and either paste the entire thing or smaller portions onto the cover of your notebook. Mod podge glue will be the best adhesive option for this project. Once the glue has dried, use white paint or a white-out pen to elegantly write your name in script over the napkin.

If bolder and brighter designs are more your speed, you can select more vibrant paint colors. Better yet, don’t just choose one color, create an abstract paint design filled with lots of color. You can even use tissue paper to add more color and texture to your journal cover. Glitter pens are another great option to doodle a favorite quote or two across your tissue paper decoupage.

Another great design option to include can be magazine or newspaper clippings. These are things most of us have at home and don’t require a trip to the store or any expensive arts and crafts supply purchases. Simply take a pair of scissors and cut out pictures, words, or phrases that speak to you. Paste them wherever you like as you work them into the other design elements on your journal cover.

Whatever your notebook cover design inclinations may be, it is important to remember one rule only – that there are no rules. Don’t compare your journal cover to others you see online or in stores. Definitely do not judge your creative ability or be harsh on yourself about your artistic capabilities. Once you allow yourself to take the stress out of it, you’d be surprised what you can actually create. The creation of DIY journal covers is meant to be a therapeutic process, one which foretells all the cathartic words which are bound to fill its pages.

So get creative with as many or as little art supplies as you deem fit and create your very own customized journal cover that will inspire you. Enjoy the process as much as the end result and you are guaranteed to discover that even if you aren’t typically a DIY person, there is joy to be had in the process of self-expression.

For centuries, paper used to create everything from books to newspapers retained the acid and lignin that occur naturally in the paper’s wood pulp. As humans would later come to find out, this was not the best way to preserve written words. In fact, it created a huge headache for archivists and scribes throughout history!

Why was this the case? Because over time, exposure to light and heat causes naturally acidic paper to wither, yellow, and eventually crumble into little more than dust. This meant that thousands of years of written history could have been lost forever if acid free paper had not been invented!

However, this still begs a few very important questions. How does acid free paper outperform older forms of paper for printing? What are the inherent benefits of acid free paper? Finally, why is it important to ensure that your acid free paper is also lignin free?

We will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s look at exactly what it means to buy and use acid free paper.

What Is Acid Free Paper?

The meaning of the term itself is relatively obvious, as acid free paper is simply paper that has had its natural acids removed by industry-standard treatment methods. Acid free paper came about in the mid-20th Century after various studies (as well as plenty of visual evidence) documented the deterioration of acidic paper used in most kinds of paper printing processes. By removing the natural wood-pulp acid from paper, manufacturers could create a much stronger, longer-lasting material. Thus, acid free paper was born.

Typically, acid free paper is made by treating standard (acidic) paper with a mild base of calcium or magnesium bicarbonate. This process neutralizes any acid in the paper and works as a buffer to prevent the future formation or accumulation of new acids. Excess amounts of bicarbonate allow the paper to maintain an alkaline reserve that, in theory, can allow paper to last for more than a century. In order to do so, the paper must have an alkaline reserve of at least 2 percent. However, other factors — like the presence of lignin — can also affect the formation of acid over time (more on that later).

Due to the frailty and meager shelf-life of acidic paper, most modern, commercially manufactured paper is free of acid. This ensures that consumers can purchase acid free paper for printing and know that it will last for a lifetime. However, there are still plenty of manufacturers that sell acidic paper because it is simply faster to produce. Since it does not require the extra step of calcium or magnesium bicarbonate treatment, it reduces the time needed to get the paper directly to market. For this reason, it is vitally important to check if your paper is acid free — especially if you intend to buy in bulk or wish to acquire acid free cardstock (which far outperforms the alternatives).

The Benefits Of Acid Free Paper

As you can see, acid free paper already has the benefit of being stronger against environmental elements, like heat and light. However, the benefits don’t end there. In fact, there are plenty of reasons to choose acid free paper over the alternatives, including the cost, longevity, and impact on the environment.

Low-Maintenance

Despite requiring extra steps to treat acid free paper, the long-term manufacturing costs are actually lower than most other alternatives. Fortunately, these savings are frequently passed on to the consumer. So, how is acid free paper cheaper to produce? The reasons lie in the lack of corrosive chemicals. When paper is treated and accumulates an alkaline reserve, it has fewer corrosive chemicals, which means that it causes less damage to production and printing machines. This, in turn, means manufacturers can expect lower maintenance costs and faster production over the long term. So, while skipping base treatment may seem like a pragmatic short-term solution for paper manufacturers, it actually ends up costing them — and consumers — even more.

Long-Lasting

As previously mentioned, the primary benefit of acid free paper is its ability to resist the elements and retain its look and feel for long periods of time. This is especially true of acid free paper with high alkaline reserves. Alkaline paper can theoretically last for more than 1,000 years! It’s also important to note that the long-lasting qualities of acid free paper also make it a great choice for archival needs. Whether you own a business or work at a local library, you’ll likely want to keep physical records on file for extended periods of time. Even if you just want to preserve special family mementos and documents, using acid free paper can ensure that your archives stay in peak condition for centuries to come!

Eco-Friendly

It goes without saying that a paper that lasts longer and contains fewer corrosive chemicals will be better for the environment. Not only does it have fewer harmful chemicals, but it also puts less paper into landfills. Even the byproducts of the acid free paper manufacturing process can be recycled! The energy required to create acid free paper is often lower than other forms of printing paper as well. As an added bonus, acid free paper with high alkaline contents can be more easily recycled. This means that energy can be saved on during both the production and recycling processes.

Fresh-Looking

While most consumers won’t need their cardstock or standard paper to last for 1,000 years, the longevity of non-acidic paper is a huge plus. When paper is made to last, it does not fade easily and is also less likely to deteriorate during your lifetime. So, if you want a sign, card, or important document to look brand new after decades of use, the removal of acids can certainly help. Fresh-looking documents are also a major benefit for presentations or special events, even if you plan to dispose of your paper materials immediately after. Acid free paper is extremely slow to deteriorate, which means that it will look like brand new whenever you are ready to use it. So, whether you plan to use it tomorrow or 5 years from now, acid free paper is a solid investment that will not lose its luster.

Why You Need Acid Free Paper To Be Lignin Free

If you’re looking for disadvantages of acid free paper, you won’t find very many. However, it’s important to note that the vast majority of paper products of this type are both acid and lignin free paper. This is an extremely important distinction. Acid and lignin are both naturally-occurring elements in wood pulp.

However, the removal of acid from paper does not necessitate the removal of lignin. If traces of lignin remain in acid free paper, it can lead to the formation of acid in the paper later on down the road. Subsequently, this can cause the paper to start deteriorating faster than anticipated. In short, if you want to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to cardstock or printing paper, it’s best to go with paper that is both acid free and lignin free.

Ready to start your next project? Check out our acid free paper for printing on Fine Card Stock today, and let us know how you put our card stock to good use!

Light bulbs are not the only items which have different levels of brightness. It may seem like a foreign concept, but cardstock paper does in fact have brightness levels as well. When choosing your cardstock paper, it is important to understand what paper brightness means and which brightness will best serve your individual needs.

The right paper can make all the difference when it comes to presenting your project the way you envision. It would be a waste to put in all that effort into the graphic design, the layout, the text, and the imagery, only to have it not be displayed in its optimal way. All paper was not created equally. It is imperative to choose the correct brightness level when printing your hard work onto paper. Continue reading for some important pointers to help you navigate the world of paper brightness.

What Is Brightness In Paper?

Paper brightness is measured on a number scale of zero to 100. The scale measures the amount of blue light reflected off the surface of the paper. The higher the number, the more light it is that is being reflected. Therefore, a paper brightness of 96 will reflect more light than a paper with a brightness level of 92. The higher the number, the brighter the paper will be.

The paper brightness scale is useful in that it easily helps determine how bright the paper will be. A brightness level of 94 will be slightly less bright than a level closer to a hundred. Sometimes the differences, especially when you are dealing with two numbers already in the nineties, can be minimal to the naked eye. However, when you compare the final print display on the two papers, the differences can be astounding, particularly depending on what your print job entails.

Does Paper Brightness Matter?

The obvious question is whether paper brightness really matters in the first place. The reason that paper brightness is actually significant is because it will affect the sharpness of the text and/or images that are printed on the paper.

Brighter paper will display a more vibrant image. If the quality of what you are looking to print is sharp and vibrant, then you want a paper with a brightness level that will translate that. However, if you are printing something that is more faded or washed out, a paper that is too bright will only make the faded quality stand out that much more. Therefore, when dealing with imagery or text of lesser quality, you are better off printing on paper with a lower brightness level.

Bright colored paper is also better suited when printing images or text with vibrant colors. The brighter the paper, the more vibrant the color will be. When printing simple black text, even a paper that is not as bright will still clearly show the text and be more than adequate.

There are two numbers that are particularly very well known when it comes to paper brightness. They are 92 and 96. What is the difference between 92 vs 96? The recommended brightness for standard everyday use is a level of 92. However, when dealing with making presentations, which generally involves more imagery and brighter colors, a minimum brightness level of 96 is recommended.

What Is The Best Paper Brightness?

With a clear understanding of why paper brightness matters, it is a common next step to wonder what the best paper brightness might be. However, we now know that there is no one answer to that question. There is no best paper brightness. The best printer paper brightness will depend on your specific project and what you are intending to print.

Bright copy paper will be better suited to more intricate printing jobs. If you are printing flyers, brochures, or any type of imagery that you want displayed in the best quality possible, the higher the brightness level the better. Vibrant colors will always show better on brighter paper. For eye-catching crispness and clean lines, a higher level of paper brightness will serve you best. It would be a waste to spend all that time creating your perfect design and then not have it present properly simply because the wrong paper was chosen.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you are printing a 50 page report with no imagery and just page after page of simple black text, a paper brightness in the low-nineties will be more than adequate. A higher brightness level would simply be a waste and not make a difference in how the black text presents on the paper.

Brightness Vs Whiteness Of Paper

It is a common misconception to think that brightness and whiteness mean the same thing. It’s an easy mistake to make. After all, a paper that has a high brightness level should be nice and white. However, when it comes to paper, brightness and whiteness levels are actually two completely different things to consider.

Paper brightness is measured by how much blue light is reflected off the paper. Paper whiteness is measured by the quality of light, or in other terms, the shade of the paper. Paper whiteness will measure the amount of red, blue and green light that is reflected off the paper. If there is more red reflected off the paper, that will present in a warmer toned white color. However, if there is more blue reflected off the paper, that will present itself in a cooler toned white color.

In more specific terms, paper brightness will measure the amount of blue light reflected off the paper while paper whiteness will measure the balance of all light reflected off the paper. Whereas paper brightness only measures itself across specific wavelengths of light, paper whiteness measures itself against all wavelengths of light. The paper whiteness therefore will refer to the tone of the white color as opposed to the actual brightness level of the white. It is because of this that bright white paper can still be warmer or cooler toned depending on your project and where it will be presented.

Who knew that something as simple as paper could have so many different specifications? While it may seem daunting to select the paper with the best brightness level suited to your project, just remember that brighter is usually better if you are printing anything more than simple black text. Again, the exceptions would be if you are printing something that is washed out or of lower quality. In that case, too bright of a paper is not ideal.

Simply put, while it definitely adds an extra step to your project to pause and consider which paper would best be suited for the printing job, it will ultimately be to your benefit. Something as simple as taking those extra few minutes to select the paper with the correct brightness level will make the world of a difference to the finished look.

If you’ve ever visited a brick-and-mortar business (as almost anyone has), then you have probably come across table tent cards at some point in your life. Though they can serve many purposes that don’t all revolve around business and promotional efforts, they are especially useful for companies of all sizes. Not only are they easy to mass-produce, but they are also cost-effective, attractive to the eye, and customizable to fit your needs.

So, what are table tent cards used for? What are some of the best and most popular table tent card sizes? Finally, where can you acquire high-quality table tent cards for your next project? We will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s look at what table tent cards are and how you can put them to good use.

What Are Table Tent Cards?

Sometimes known as “table tent signs,” table tent cards are aptly named, as they are essentially tent-shaped cards that can stand on a table without the need for a separate holder. Due to their tent shape, table tent cards can stand and draw the eye of customers or people just passing through. They often contain images and messages on both vertical sides, while the shorter bottom simply functions as a makeshift stand.

Typically, table tent cards are sold flat, with indentions for proper folding. This makes it easy to store them until you are ready to set them up in your home, office, place of business, or somewhere else entirely. When you are ready to set them up for display, you just have to fold them at the center of the card; this creates the “peak” of the tent. Then, you make two additional folds at the bottom. Some cards require adhesive like tape or glue to stay in place, while others can simply be folded and left to stand without any extra help!

Sample 1	Sample 2

Table Tent Uses

Table tent cards have a wide range of uses, from personal and casual to professional and formal. That said, you will see the vast majority of table tent cards at businesses or special events. In any case, let’s take a look at a few of the most common and popular uses for table tent cards:

• Table Tent Menu – While some restaurants are digitizing their menus, the vast majority of eateries still use table tent menus for food and drink information. Table tents for restaurants can give an entire booth or table a simple view of the restaurant’s main offerings, specials, desserts, and more. Since a table tent card is most often double-sided, the menu can display the same information or different parts of the menu on each side. In addition to descriptions and pricing information, table tent menus are also a great way to entice patrons with appetizing images of different food and drink items.
• Hotel Information – Rather than forcing visitors to ask hotel staff basic questions about check-in and hotel amenities on a regular basis, many hospitality businesses like hotels and resorts keep table tent cards at key points throughout the facility, particularly the front desk and individual rooms. These can provide maps of the grounds, information about nearby attractions, as well as basic guidance on acquiring different services like room service or spa care.
• Health & Safety Guidance – Whether it’s a mechanic shop or a grocery store, most businesses now have strict guidelines to help protect public health and safety in the wake of COVID-19. To prevent confusion about things like masks, maximum occupancy, vaccine requirements, or social distancing, businesses can use table tent cards to display information at every entrance and exit.
• App & WiFi Login – As previously mentioned, table tent cards offer a great way to save both customers and staff time on simple questions. Even in places like public libraries, a table tent card can display WiFi login information for patrons to quickly gain internet access without having to ask for assistance. Additionally, businesses can use these cards to display QR codes for logging into a company’s mobile application and accessing even more services online.
• Promotional Signs – If you are running a small booth to promote your business or even hosting an open house for the sale of a property, you can use table tent cards to display services, products, general promotional content, and contact information.
• Place Settings – When you’re throwing a birthday party, wedding, formal dinner, or even a small get-together, you may want to have individual place settings for each guest. This is where tented place cards or name cards can add the perfect touch to the occasion. Not only will these help people know where to sit, but they will also enhance the visual appeal of your dining table!
• Visual Displays and Projects – If you need to set up a booth for a science fair, book fair, or even a flea market, you will likely need ways to display information and catch people’s attention. Fortunately, table tent cards offer a simple, affordable way to showcase data or relevant information to passersby. Moreover, since they are three-dimensional, table tent cards are often more appealing and attractive than standard two-dimensional signs.

Popular Table Tent Card Sizes

As you can see, there are virtually limitless possibilities with the right kind of table tent cards, particularly if you run a business or wish to promote an endeavor on a budget. However, you’ll need to pick the right table tent sizes for your needs and audience to get the most out of your efforts. For most consumers, the standard size is 8.5” x 14”. However, you may want smaller or larger cards, depending on what type of content they will display.

For example, the standard size is ideal for smaller restaurant menus and WiFi information. However, if you want to draw more attention to your cards, you may want to go with larger 11” x 17” or 12” by 18” cards. These are generally best for welcoming signs that will need to be seen by larger groups of people at the same time. Alternatively, if you want place settings for an intimate dinner party, you will likely want to go with a smaller size, like 8.5” x 11”.

It’s important to note that these are just some of the most popular and common sizes. This doesn’t mean that you can’t find smaller or larger table tent cards at various retailers. That said, if you plan to upsize significantly, make sure that you have the space to accommodate larger signs and a budget to pay for the extra materials.

Looking For Table Tent Cards?

Are you an entrepreneur looking for low-cost promotional materials? Do you own a hospitality business in need of small signage? Or are you simply a host who wants to add a touch of elegance to your next dinner party? No matter what you are looking for, you could probably benefit from table tent cards!

Thankfully, Fine Card Stock has you covered for all of your table tent card needs. We offer printable tent cards, blank tent cards, and customizable table tent printing services for projects of any size or scope. Not only do we offer dozens of different colors and designs, but we also have various sizes to match your specifications.

Ready to start your next project? Check out our table tent card offerings today, and let us know

how you put our card stock to good use!

If you have ever looked into alternatives to standard, wood fiber paper, you’ve probably come across synthetic paper. However, there is a serious lack of quality information out there on synthetic paper, including what it is, its composition, its benefits, and its many uses. Most consumers are unsure if synthetic paper can offer the same printing solutions as regular paper and, as a result, they opt for wood fiber paper. Unfortunately, wood fiber paper is actually inferior in a number of ways, to say nothing of its negative impact on the planet as a whole.

So, in today’s synthetic paper guide, we are going to teach you everything you need to know about synthetic paper. This should help you make a decision if you’re considering purchasing synthetic paper in the future!

What Is Synthetic Paper?

Synthetic paper is made of polypropylene or polyethylene synthetic resin. In this way, synthetic paper’s composition resembles plastic more than it does paper. However, this doesn’t mean that synthetic paper looks or feels plastic. In fact, it is specifically designed to mimic the same physical qualities as paper, making most types of synthetic paper virtually indistinguishable from their wood fiber-based counterparts.

In addition to the fact that synthetic paper does not require trees or wood in its production, it is also made to be extremely durable. While you may not be able to tell the difference between synthetic paper and wood fiber paper at first glance, you can tell the difference when you start to work with both of them. More specifically, synthetic paper is made durable thanks to multiple layers of polyester film. These layers make it so that it is very difficult, perhaps even impossible, to tear synthetic paper by hand. Additionally, synthetic paper is resistant to water, unlike traditional wood fiber paper that immediately swells and disintegrates when exposed to moisture.

Benefits Of Synthetic Paper

As previously mentioned, synthetic paper is specifically designed to outperform traditional, wood fiber paper in a number of ways. Here, we will look at some of the most important and notable benefits of synthetic paper.

Environmental Sustainability

One of the main issues that people have with wood fiber paper is that it requires the consumption of Earth’s natural resources — specifically trees. In order to produce all the paper that the global population uses, paper manufacturers must decimate forests and jungles around the world. Consequently, the over-production of wood fiber paper is rapidly increasing the impact of global warming and more localized environmental decay. Fortunately, synthetic paper is far superior in this regard. Not only is synthetic paper manufactured without the use of trees, but it also has a much longer life for recycling. Typically, wood fiber paper can only be recycled two or three times (for lower-grade products), as it quickly degrades in quality. Alternatively, synthetic paper is far more durable and can be reused for the same products multiple times.

Durability

Synthetic paper is most notable for being waterproof and tearproof, which makes it an obvious step up from traditional forms of paper. With wood fiber paper, just holding it the wrong way can cause small tears and imperfections. On the other hand, synthetic paper is highly resistant to damage from physical objects, water, and even the sun. This means that you can use fade-resistant synthetic paper for years without it losing its luster. One additional benefit is the fact that you can wash waterproof paper. Having washable paper means that you never have to worry about spilling coffee on an important report right before your big meeting or accidentally ruining your Christmas cards before you can send them out. In short, synthetic paper is strong enough to withstand just about anything!

Versatility

Due to their physical weakness, wood fiber papers are often hidden or somehow protected from the elements for safekeeping. You may choose to keep an important document stored in a filing cabinet or even tucked away in your wallet. Either way, you have to be careful with documents printed on wood fiber paper, especially if you don’t have any kind of digital backup. With synthetic paper, you can take your important documents anywhere. Since they are UV resistant, waterproof, chemical resistant, and washable, there are very few things that could actually damage your documents! This makes synthetic paper far more versatile, as it can withstand a wide range of environments without showing any noticeable degradation.

How To Print With Synthetic Paper

While the process for printing documents with synthetic paper is slightly different, it is not overly complicated. Here is a step-by-step guide on synthetic paper printing:

First, whether you have a laser or an inkjet printer, you should refer to your printer’s manual for any specific instructions or settings related to synthetic paper printing. Test the paper with your equipment to ensure that it is the right size and material for your intended application. Consider having a technician adjust the settings before use (not required, but recommended). Make sure that the sheets of paper have been conditioned to the environment in which they will be printed for at least 24 hours. The best print results generally occur at temperatures between 20 – 25°C (68 – 77°F). Print your documents once you have confirmed all of the settings and conditions above (Steps 1 – 5). Consider laminating your synthetic paper prints to extend their print life even further, but make sure that the lamination film is compatible with your paper before applying this technique.

Common Synthetic Paper Uses

Synthetic paper is most often applied in situations where durable prints, tags, or documents are required. More specifically, its water resistance, UV resistance, and chemical resistance make it the ideal choice for a number of different commercial industries. For example, synthetic paper is frequently employed in horticultural environments, including plant nurseries, lumber mills, and similar environments that make use of tags and products for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Synthetic paper is also useful for any printed items that require a long shelf-life. For example, many restaurants use synthetic paper for menus (often in tandem with lamination), so that they can use the same menus for years on end. Additionally, pharmaceutical and food-processing companies also use synthetic paper to create long-lasting tags and documentation for medicine, food, and drink packaging.

However, synthetic paper is not just for commercial use. You can use synthetic paper for a wide range of domestic needs, from identifying tags in your home garden to important documentation that you want to keep safe from damage. Thus, there is virtually no shortage of ways you can use and benefit from synthetic paper!

Signage and Tags

Ready to Buy Synthetic Paper?

As you can see, synthetic paper offers an excellent alternative to traditional wood fiber paper. Not only does it have a much longer shelf life, but it can also be recycled many more times, which can help reduce the strain it puts on both forests and landfills. Additionally, synthetic paper comes with a number of inherent advantages, from water resistance to tear resistance. In short, synthetic paper is a great alternative to traditional wood fiber paper that comes with a mountain of amazing benefits!

Ready to start your next project? Check out our synthetic paper offerings today, and let us know how you put our synthetic paper to good use!

Decoupage is a crafting technique enjoyed by children and adults alike. The art that can be created with the decoupaging technique is so unique and personal, it’s no wonder why people of all ages dapple in it. There is no right or wrong, perfect or straight, when it comes to decoupage. In fact, the messier and more chaotic it is, the more awe inspiring and thought provoking the art becomes.

You may be wondering – can you decoupage with cardstock? The simple answer is yes. The beauty of decoupage is that you can literally use almost any material in existence.

What Is Decoupage?

Before beginning to explain how to decoupage, let’s first review what the meaning of the word actually is. Other than being a hard to pronounce word (pronounced ‘deco-paj’), decoupage is a crafting technique in which you decorate an object with paper cutouts, swatches of material, metallic embellishments, magazine clippings, and other decorative elements. The way in which you get these decorative elements to adhere to the object of your choice is with mod podge glue and a paintbrush.

What Do You Need For Decoupage?

In order to begin your decoupage craft, you must first gather the necessary supplies. Make sure to have an assortment of decorative elements. It can be a pile of magazine clippings, scrapbook paper, wallpaper swatches, or the like. Once you have a variety of materials, you will need mod podge glue. The beauty of mod podge glue is that it acts both as an adhesive and a sealant. The last of the decoupage supplies that you will need are a couple of paint brushes in varying sizes. With these decoupage materials in hand, you are ready to begin crafting.

Best Cardstock For Decoupage

You can decoupage in one of two ways:

Method One: You can use a sheet of cardstock paper and glue your decorative items onto it. This method works well if you are looking to create original signage or decorations to hang on a wall. This method is also great for creating unique personalized cards, whether it be birthday cards, holiday cards, or get-well cards.

Method Two: You can use smaller pieces of cardstock as some of your decorative elements and glue them onto an object of your choice, be it a vase, a plate, or the like.

Both methods provide endless opportunities for creativity, but the type of cardstock for each method should be different. With the first method, when you are gluing decorations onto the cardstock paper, you want a heavyweight cardstock. A thick cardstock paper will withstand whatever decorative elements you are gluing onto it.

However, when it comes to the second method, a heavy cardstock is actually a negative. Since you are gluing smaller pieces of cardstock onto an object, you want a lighter weight cardstock that has some give to it and will therefore adhere nicely to whichever surface you place it on.

How To Decoupage Cardstock

Now that the basics for decoupage have been covered, it’s time to unleash your creativity. Once you’ve got the decoupage method down pat, you can really apply the craft to almost anything.

Let’s use a birthday card as an example. Begin by selecting a heavyweight cardstock paper. As mentioned previously, if the cardstock will act as the base for the decoupage, it needs to have a significant weight. Fold the sheet of paper in half and start to decorate.

In order to begin decorating, make sure you have a variety of decorative elements on hand. Magazine clippings, ribbons, wallpaper swatches, and tissue paper all work wonderfully, but the sky is really the limit when it comes to choosing your styling elements. Clippings of letters in various font shapes, sizes, and colors are an amazing design element to use when wanting to write out words on the front of your card.

Once you have made your decor decisions, it’s time to start painting with mod podge glue. Use a large paintbrush to paint an even layer of glue over the front of the card. Then simply begin placing your decorations wherever you would like. Don’t worry about creating neat lines; the beauty of decoupage is the almost purposefully chaotic appearance of it.

When you are done filling the space, allow everything to dry for at least thirty minutes. Finally, carefully use a large paintbrush to paint another even layer of mod podge glue over your artwork. This will seal everything in place permanently. Allow everything to dry once more. When the front of the birthday card feels dry to the touch, you can open it up and write your birthday wishes inside.

Another great idea for a decoupage craft is decorating your very own candy dish. Begin by choosing a glass or hard plastic shallow dish. Dollar stores are a great place to find pieces like this. Make sure to wash out the dish and wipe it down thoroughly before beginning your project.

Once again, make sure that you have plenty of decorative elements on hand before you begin to paint your dish with a layer of mod podge glue. If you first do the glue and then go collect your styling elements, the glue will already be half dry and won’t be sticky enough.

Flip the dish upside down and paint an even layer of mod podge glue all around the sides and bottom of the dish. Begin decorating. If you would like to stick to the theme of it being a candy bowl, try to incorporate empty candy wrappers into your design. However, the creative liberties you wish to take are entirely up to you.

When you are finished decorating, allow for everything to dry before applying another layer of mod podge glue which will act as a permanent sealant. Allow to dry once more. Then simply collect your favorite candies and fill the dish.

Birthday cards and candy dishes are just two examples of what can be decorated with the decoupage technique. Once you understand the method, which is really quite simple, you can decorate any surface you like. The limits for creativity are really endless and the hours of fun it creates are priceless. So roll up your sleeves and start your decoupage project today.

Sometimes you need a cute little box. Home Depot and Lowes are no help in that department. You don’t need something the size of a moving box and smaller boxes are usually considered specialty items and cost a lot more than a small box ought to cost. The good news is that you can make your very own DIY box out of cardstock paper.

What Cardstock Is Used For Boxes

When making your own cardstock box, it is important to select the correct cardstock weight for the project. Logically, it might make sense to choose a cardstock that is very heavyweight. After all, you want your box to be strong and durable. However, too heavy of a cardstock can be a negative. When paper is very thick, it can break when it is folded.

Therefore, it is generally best to stay away from cardstock with a weight of over one hundred pounds. An eighty-pound weight is usually the best cardstock for making boxes. You can obviously play with the cardstock weight a little bit depending on what you plan to put inside the box. Something very light can even use a sixty-pound cardstock weight and something heavier might need a cardstock weight closer to one hundred pounds.

How To Make A Box From Cardstock

In order to make your DIY cardstock box, you must first think about what it is that you plan to put inside. With that knowledge, you can select the correct cardstock weight. You can also choose which color you would like your box to be. Once you have your selected 8.5 x 11 inch cardstock paper in hand, you can begin making your very own unique small box.

1. Place the sheet vertically on the table in front of you.
2. Draw a line the width of a ruler across the top and bottom of your cardstock paper.
3. Then draw a line the width of a ruler once more going down the right hand and left hand sides of the paper. These four lines determine the depth of your box.
4. Fold all four traced lines inwards. Use a scoring tool such as the back of a kitchen knife to ensure a neat and even fold.
5. Then fold the bottom folded section up to the edge of the fold near the top of the page. Once again, use a scoring tool to achieve a good fold.
6. Allow that fold to open up and trace a line across that folded line that you created.
7. Do the same thing at the top of the page – fold the top folded section down to the edge of the fold near the bottom of the page.
8. Allow the folded section to open again and trace another line across that folded line you created.
9. With a pair of scissors, cut into the short lines on the right hand and left hand sides of the paper. There should be a total of 4 short lines on each side.
10. Fold in the six small squares that you have created by cutting into the short lines.
11. Take a glue stick and place glue on each of the six folded-in squares.
12. Fold the bottom of the paper upward and start sticking the box together using the glue flaps as guides on how to assemble the box.
13. Do the same at the top of the paper to create the lid of the box.
14. Use binder clips to hold the glued parts together until they fully dry.

Fourteen steps may seem daunting in order to create one rectangular box, but you will whiz through each step pretty quickly. Once you have the method down pat, it will take you no more than a few minutes, if even, to create your very own cardstock box. If you would like a square box instead of a rectangular one, the above method works in exactly the same way. The only difference is that you would need to begin the project with an 8 x 8 inch sheet of cardstock paper.

How To Make A Gift Box Out Of Cardstock

Now that you know how to assemble your cardstock box, you can make your own small gift box from the comfort of your home. Depending on the theme of the occasion, be it birthday, wedding keepsakes, or graduation, you can decorate your cardstock paper accordingly before beginning the 14 steps.

The back of the cardstock paper is what will be the outside of the box so that is what you should decorate first. However, if you would like to get really creative, you can also decorate the front of the cardstock paper so that the inside of the box looks beautiful as well. Imagine a piece of jewelry sitting inside a decorated space, the visual would be stunning.

How To Make Cupcake Boxes Out Of Cardstock

You can even use your cardstock boxes for party favors. What party favor is more delicious than mini cupcakes? There’s no need to place them inside ugly sandwich bags. You can use the same 14 step method listed above, however, you will have to make adjustments to the initial four folds. Those four folds determine the depth of your single cupcake box and you obviously need a more significant depth for a cupcake. So instead of using the width of a ruler to create those folds, measure 3-inches worth of space for each of those folds. The remaining steps are all the same. When completed, you will have your very own party favor box.

As you can see, once you understand the fourteen steps needed to create your cardstock box, the sky is really the limit in terms of what types of boxes you can create. If you need a larger box, you can use an 8.5 x 14 inch sheet of paper, or even an 11 x 17 inch sheet of paper. If you want the box to be rectangular, you can keep the size of the paper as is. If you would like the box to be square-shaped, you can simply trim it down to create an even square before you begin.

As described above, you can also play with the depth of the box that you create. For shorter depths, you can use the width of a ruler for steps number two and three. If you need more depth, you can adjust the space of those folds accordingly. You can really create just about any size box you need depending on what you would like to place inside.

When it comes to design, the levels of creativity are endless. You can use watercolor or acrylic paints to decorate your cardstock paper before beginning the assembly process. You can use glitter, marker, metallic embellishments, you name it. You can decorate just the outside of the box or you can decorate the inside of the box as well. The personalization options are limitless so let those creative juices start flowing and make your masterpiece of a DIY cardstock box.