Color, Texture & Quality: A Deep Dive into Today’s Top Cardstock Brands

Whether you’re a seasoned scrapbooker, a handmade card enthusiast, or just beginning your crafting journey, one thing is certain — the quality of your cardstock matters. The right cardstock brings your vision to life with rich color, clean cuts, and a beautiful finish. At 12 x 12 Cardstock Shop, we stock only the best, offering you a curated collection from the top brands in the industry.

In this blog, we’re exploring three of the most loved names in the paper crafting world — Neenah Cardstock, Bazzill Cardstock, and American Crafts Cardstock. These brands are trusted by crafters around the globe for their unique characteristics in color, texture, and performance.

What Makes a Great Cardstock?

Before diving into the brands, let’s break down what to look for in quality cardstock:

  • Color variety: A broad and rich color palette makes it easier to match any theme.
  • Texture options: From smooth to textured, surface feel adds dimension to your design.
  • Durability: The paper should handle folding, gluing, and cutting without tearing or cracking.
  • Cutting machine compatibility: Especially important for Cricut and Silhouette users.

Neenah Cardstock – Elegant, Smooth & Reliable

Neenah is well-known for its professional-grade cardstock, often used for luxury invitations and business materials. But it’s just as beloved by crafters who appreciate its weight, smoothness, and printing performance.

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Ideal for formal projects, letterpress, and crisp printing.
  • Strong, yet smooth — perfect for layering and die-cutting.
  • Comes in classic shades like bright white, ivory, and natural tones.

Bazzill Cardstock – Textured Beauty in Every Sheet

Texture lovers, rejoice – Bazzill cardstock is your dream paper. Known for its signature canvas-like texture and wide color range, Bazzill is a favorite among scrapbookers and cardmakers who want to add a tactile element to their crafts.

Why It’s a Crafter’s Favorite:

  • Dozens of colors in both textured and smooth finishes.
  • Holds up to embellishments, adhesives, and intricate cuts.
  • Great for layering, matting photos, and adding a handmade feel.

From soft pastels to bold brights, Bazzill cardstock gives your projects a rich, dimensional touch that stands out.

American Crafts Cardstock – The Colorful All-Rounder

If you’re looking for versatility, American Crafts cardstock is a must-have. This smooth-finish paper is designed with crafters in mind and performs beautifully in cutting machines like Cricut and Silhouette.

What Makes It Special:

  • Medium-weight and easy to cut, fold, and layer.
  • Comes in color-coordinated packs for convenient crafting.
  • Acid-free and archival safe — perfect for memory keeping.

Whether you’re making party décor, paper flowers, or colorful cards, American Crafts cardstock is a reliable choice for everyday creativity.

Where to Find the Best Cardstock?

We’re more than just a paper shop — we’re a crafter’s haven. At 12 x 12 Cardstock Shop, we bring you:

  • A wide range of 12 x 12 cardstock in different weights, finishes, and colors.
  • Curated collections from trusted brands like Neenah, Bazzill, and American Crafts.
  • Fast shipping and excellent customer service.
  • Specialty paper packs for holidays, events, and custom projects.

Pro Tips for Choosing the Right Cardstock:

  1. Use smooth cardstock like Neenah or American Crafts for clean printing and die-cutting.
  2. Choose textured cardstock like Bazzill to add dimension to your layers or background.
  3. Match weight to purpose — heavier for bases, lighter for layering.
  4. Pick acid-free cardstock for scrapbook pages or keepsake projects.

Ready to Create?

No matter what you’re making — a heartfelt card, a scrapbook page, or custom party decor — choosing the right card stock brand will make all the difference. Let Neenah, Bazzill, and American Crafts be the trusted foundation of your next project.

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