What Is the Definition of Card Stock?

Card stock comes in a wide variety of colors and textures.

Card stock, a heavy-weight paper, comes in almost every color imaginable. Paper crafters popularized card stock as most card stock is acid- and lignin-free. This means that the paper does not deteriorate over time, which can damage photos or other memorabilia.

Function

Paper crafters, students, teachers and others use card stock for projects where a heavier paper weight is required for durability. Scrapbookers use card stock for page layouts, card makers create their own cards, students use it for reports and teachers find dozens of uses for it in the classroom.

Types

In addition to covering all the colors of the rainbow, card stock comes in a wide variety of sizes and textures. Popular paper crafting sizes include 8.5 by 11 inches and 12 by 12 inches. Different textures or embossing add interest and depth to paper crafting projects.

Uses

Paper crafters often use card stock as a base or foundation for their projects. Its durability allows for stamping, tearing, gluing, inking and additional embellishing. Paper crimpers or embossers can impress unique designs into card stock. Paper crafters also may wet it, crumple it up and flatten it to dry for a rougher texture.