It’s all about the paper.

QUICK TIPS

• Buy your paper in 8.5×11 sheets (standard size for most paper).  You can lay out your cards so several pieces fit onto one page.  Print it first, then cut to size.  If you cut the cards first, they may be difficult to feed through your printer (or if you’re sending them to the printing press, it will cost you more to print in separate pieces!).
• Get what you need + about 10% more for misprints & mistakes.   It’s no fun to realize you’re out of paper at midnight when you’re almost done with the project!
• Buy in bulk if possible.  This will save you money.
• Find your local wholesale distributor who sells to the public (Kelly Paper Store, Xpedx, JC Paper, Waste Not Paper…Paper Source’s wholesale division).  Some wholesalers require a minimum purchase.

PAPER WEIGHT

Paper is sold in #, or pounds.  The paper weight you choose should be compatible with the type of printing you choose.

• Anything under 80# should run through just about any inkjet or laser printer (or a Kinko’s/print shop).  The exception is the metallic paper, which does not print well with inkjet printers.  The ink tends to smear.  Although, the laser printers work like a dream with the metallic papers.
• Up to 100# should run through your laser printer if you change the settings to “cardstock.”  Most of the shimmery/metallic paper you see is this weight, and does work with the laser printers.
• Anything over 100# should be printed on a press.
• If your paper is highly textured or handmade, thermography printing may not turn out very well.  To achieve the best results on highly textured or handmade paper, send your job to a letterpress printer.

FOR THE BEST RESULTS WITH….

• thermography printing, use a smooth matte or metallic cardstock
• engraved printing, use a smooth matte or metallic cardstock
• letterpress printing, use a soft cotton or handmade cardstock (110# or higher)

Envelopes…where to buy them.

Paper.com has a bit of everything.

LCI Paper has a great selection of inner/outer envelope sets

Paper Source has a fabulous color selection, just about every envelope size, and a great eco-friendly line

Porridge Papers has amazing handmade envelopes, but handmade can also mean expensive!

Action Envelopes has low prices and a pretty good selection.

Here’s a little cheat sheet of my favorite papers & how they are best used…

Crane’s Lettra: Textured, heavy cardstock. Available in a heavy weight & super heavy weight (almost like a coaster weight).  There are many coordinating envelope options, including innner & outer envelopes. 100% cotton (tree free)

Colors: Bright White, Pearl White, Ecru

Best Results With: letterpress, thermography, engraved, offset

Buy it at: Paper.com, Legion Paper ($250 minimum order, but great prices!), JC Paper in Oakland, Keldon’s in LA.

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Arturo: Textured, heavy cardstock. Available in a nice cardstock and text weight.  Several coordinating envelope options, including inner & outer envelopes.

Colors: White, Softwhite, Buttercream, Pale Blue, Celadon, Pale Pink, Lavender, Stone Grey.  Coordinating envelopes available…envelopes and card sizes are not standard, so these cards will not work with other envelope lines.

Best Results With: letterpress, thermography, engraved, offset, laser

Buy it at: Paper.com, Legion Paper ($250 minimum order, but great prices!), Dick Blick, Paper-Papers.com

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Handmade & Seeded Papers: Highly Textured, heavy cardstock. Seeded paper has plant seeds embedded into the paper…plant it, and it will actually GROW!  Custom envelopes available.

Colors: Custom Colors

Best Results With: letterpress, engraved, offset

Buy it at: Porridge Papers, Twin Rocker

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Paper Source Collection: Smooth, matte finish.  Available in cardstock and text weight.  Fabulous color and envelope options!

Colors: So many!

Best Results With: letterpress, engraved, offset, thermography, inkjet, laser

Buy it at: Paper Source, Waste Not Paper

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Stardream (metallic): Shimmery finish.  Available in cardstock and text weight.  Available in text and cardstock weight.  Fabulous color and envelope options!

Colors: So many!

Best Results With: engraved, offset, thermography, laser

Buy it at: Paper.com, Legion Paper ($250 minimum order, but great prices!), Dick Blick, Paper-Papers.com, Paper Source

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Sundance Felt: Textured finish.  Available in cardstock and text weight.  The cardstock is a lighter weight than others.  Bright white only is available in a 110# cardstock (heavier).  Announcement & reply envelopes available.

Colors: Bright White, Natural White, Country Cream

Best Results With: offset, thermography, laser, inkjet (the 110# cardstock is also great with engraved & letterpress printing)

Buy it at: Paper.com, Action Envelope, letterpress, engraved, offset, thermography, inkjet, laser

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Classic Crest: Smooth matte finish.  Available in cardstock (88# and 110#) and text weight.  Announcement & reply envelopes available.

Colors: White, Natural White, Cream

Best Results With: letterpress, engraved, offset, thermography, inkjet, laser

Buy it at: Paper.com, Action Envelope, your local paper stores (including wholesale shops) will most likely carry this)

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Basis: Smooth matte finish.  Available in cardstock and text weight.  Fabulous color and envelope options!

Colors: So many!

Best Results With: letterpress, engraved, offset, thermography, inkjet, laser

Buy it at: Anchor Paper, Xpedx, Paper Papers, your local paper stores (including wholesale shops) will most likely carry this)

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