Card Base

Yay! Welcome, welcome

I used to get pre-made bases because I thought they'd be more precise than cutting and folding my own, but they weren't - they always seemed to need a little trimming, or a lot of trimming, to get the edges neat and even (I'm a perfectionist!) so I started buying a ream of white cardstock and cutting it in half, scoring and folding my own. Worked out much cheaper and one less thing to keep buying.

I used to use Neenah Classic Crest 110lb cover weight cardstock which is very sturdy, and I'd use the 80lb for card panels and elements. But it got harder to get reasonably priced 110lb and the 80lb was a bit flimsy for bases. So recently I switched to Hammermill 100lb from Amazon which is sturdy enough for my needs for bases and not too heavy to use for panels or die cut elements, so I only have to get one ream for everything. It's about $20-25 and folks here often shout about it when it's on sale.

I don't use colored cardstock as often so if I want to make a card with a colored base I usually just add a panel on top of the white base, which has the added bonus of giving a white surface inside for writing. I know Shakti has recommended some colored bases that are white inside that sound very convenient.

I've purchased these card bases in bulk for some projects - www.clearbags.com/cards-envelopes/cards/basis
I've bought some base + envelope sets at Michaels or Joann's but be careful, some are not actually A2 size (if that matters to you).

I'm not too picky about my card bases, and I usually use 80-110 lb. cardstock. However, I will use thinner cardstock if I'm not doing too much to the front. I've also used heavy-weight patterned paper.

I won't buy any more pre-made card bases because they are usually too flimsy or aren't cut/folded straight.

Like some of the gals above, I use Neenah Classic Crest 110 lb. Every time I get a new ream, I take it to a local printing shop and have them cut half of it in half lengthwise and the other half cut in half horizontally. Then I have card bases that open both ways. All I have to do is score them.

Have fun making your cards!

I make my own from card stock.

I prefer to use Neenah Classic Crest 110 lb Solar White #04456 for bases. I only buy it on sale.

Otherwise I use the Recollections (Michael's) brand that is 110# / 300 g/m2. It is not as white as the Neenah but for the cost it's close enough. (and really who is going to compare!) Beware though, it is not a true 8.5x11. After attaching my card front (A2) it seems I always need to trim 1/16 or so off of one side, which drives me bananas!

If I'm only stamping or inking I sometimes use the Hammermill with the chameleon on it. But mostly I use it for layering or foiling.

I stocked up on ctmh card bases before they closed. When I'm out of those I will buy the 110lb from Michael's and have staples shack then in 1/2 for bases.

I love using colored card bases and prefer using 110lb over 100lb. My preferred brand is Papertrey Ink.

i buy them from spellbinders