Papercraft Supplies for Cards, Scrapbooking, and More

Beginners usually need paper or cardstock, scissors or a paper trimmer, a scoring tool, clear-drying adhesive, and a few simple decorations. Stamps, dies, and specialist tools can be added as you discover which techniques you use most often.

A practical starter kit includes:

• Paper or cardstock for the main project.
• Scissors or a paper trimmer.
• A ruler and scoring tool.
• Double-sided tape or clear-drying glue.
• A few stamps and ink pads.
• Simple stickers or embellishments.

Start with versatile products rather than buying every tool at once. A neutral cardstock pack, an everyday sentiment stamp, and a dependable adhesive can support birthday cards, scrapbook layouts, invitations, envelopes, and seasonal crafts.

Browse our paper and cardstock collection to find a suitable base for your next project.

Paper and Cardstock for Paper Crafting

The paper you choose affects how easily a project cuts, folds, holds glue, and keeps its finished shape.

Lightweight Paper for Folding and Layering

Lighter paper works well for origami, folded decorations, envelopes, layered details, and delicate paper flowers. It is easier to shape by hand and adds color without making cards or scrapbook pages too bulky.

Patterned paper can create an instant background. Pair one bold pattern with quieter prints or plain colors so photographs, sentiments, and decorative features remain easy to see.

Cardstock for Structure and Clean Cuts

Cardstock is better for card bases, boxes, album covers, dimensional flowers, and other projects that need strength. It also gives die-cut shapes and stamped panels a firmer finish.

Heavy, coated, glittered, or textured cardstock may require different cutting pressure or adhesive. Test an offcut before cutting an important sheet.

Choosing Cutting, Folding, and Gluing Tools

Accurate cuts and crisp folds can make a simple paper craft feel polished.

Use a paper trimmer for straight card panels, photo mats, and scrapbook borders. Scissors are useful for curved shapes and small hand-cut details. Score cardstock before folding to reduce cracking and create a cleaner edge.

Choose your adhesive according to the task:

• Tape runners or double-sided tape for fast card and scrapbook layers.
• Liquid glue when you need time to adjust the position.
• Glue pens for intricate die cuts and small details.
• Foam pads for raised sentiments and embellishments.
• Specialist adhesive for vellum, glitter, or heavier decorations.

Stamps, Stencils, Dies, and Embellishments for Papercraft

Once the main structure is complete, decorative supplies help bring the design together.

Stamps create repeatable images and sentiments for cards, tags, and scrapbook pages. Stencils add backgrounds, patterns, and texture when used with ink, paints, or other suitable mediums. Stickers, gems, ribbon, and paper embellishments provide quick finishing touches.

Dies are useful when you want clean, repeatable shapes. They can cut flowers, frames, borders, sentiments, and focal elements more consistently than cutting each piece by hand.

Choose one main decorative feature and support it with smaller details. Too many competing patterns, colors, or textures can make the finished project feel crowded.

Find reusable sentiments and images in our craft stamps collection, or explore die-cutting tools and designs for precise shapes.

Paper Craft Supplies for Card Making and Scrapbooking

Card making and scrapbooking use many of the same supplies, but each requires slightly different planning.

For handmade cards, focus on sturdy cardstock, clean folds, clear sentiments, and embellishments that will still fit inside an envelope.

For scrapbook pages, consider:

• The scale of the pattern behind each photograph
• Space for dates, names, and journaling
• Whether the paper is labeled acid-free or photo-safe
• How much dimension will fit inside the album
• Whether the adhesive may wrinkle lightweight paper

Place a quieter pattern or solid color directly behind photographs so faces and important details stay visible. Bolder prints can be used around the outer parts of the layout.

If the page will sit inside a protective sleeve, keep bulky paper flowers and foam-mounted decorations away from the binding edge. This helps the album close more easily and reduces pressure on neighboring pages.

Paper Craft Ideas for Every Occasion

A small selection of well-chosen supplies can support projects throughout the year.

Try creating:

• Birthday cards and handmade invitations.
• Scrapbook pages for friends and family.
• Folded gift boxes and envelopes.
• Paper flowers for weddings and table decorations.
• Seasonal cards and fall decorations.
• Journals, memory books, and photo albums.
• Gift tags and decorative packaging.

Changing the colors and main feature can give the same technique a completely different finish. A floral stamp could become a wedding card in soft blue, a holiday design in red and white, or a birthday project in bright colors.

Many Crafter’s Companion collections include complementary paper, stamps, dies, and embellishments, helping you create a coordinated design without searching through unrelated ranges. Check individual product listings to find matching items.

Shop Supplies for Paper Crafts for Your Next Project

Start with paper, a reliable adhesive, and one cutting tool, then add stamps, dies, stencils, or embellishments that suit the projects you love making.

Shop our papercraft supplies to build a toolkit you will use again and again for cards, scrapbook layouts, paper flowers, gifts, and decorations.