What Paper Source Sells and Where to Find It
Paper Source is a retail chain that sells specialty papers, cardstock, and scrapbooking supplies both in physical stores and online. If you're building a scrapbook, you'll find cardstock in different weights and finishes, patterned papers designed for layouts, solid-colored sheets, and specialty papers like vellum and metallic stock. They also carry coordinating embellishments — stickers, die-cuts, and border strips — that match their paper collections.
Paper Source operates brick-and-mortar locations in select cities and runs an e-commerce site where you can browse and order from home. Their inventory changes seasonally, so holiday-themed papers and collections rotate in and out. If you're looking for a specific color palette or pattern style, checking their website first tells you whether they have it in stock before you visit a store or place an order.
Key Takeaways
- Paper Source carries cardstock, patterned papers, and specialty sheets in weights and finishes suited to different scrapbooking styles and techniques.
- You can shop in person at their physical locations or order online through their website for home delivery.
- Their paper collections are organized by theme and color, making it easier to find coordinating sheets for a single layout or project.
- Prices vary by paper type and weight, with specialty papers like metallic or textured stock costing more than standard cardstock.
Types of Paper You'll Find There
Paper Source stocks several categories of paper for scrapbooking. Cardstock is their core offering — it comes in standard 8.5" × 11" and 12" × 12" sizes, in weights ranging from 80 lb to 110 lb, which affects how stiff and durable the sheet feels. Heavier cardstock holds up better to layering and embellishments without bending.
They carry patterned papers designed specifically for scrapbooking, usually sold in coordinated collections where multiple sheets share a color scheme or theme. These papers have prints, textures, or designs already on them, so you don't have to add as much decoration yourself. Specialty papers like vellum (translucent), metallic, and textured cardstock are available but typically cost more per sheet than solid or printed cardstock.
Paper Source also stocks solid-colored cardstock in a wide range of hues, which serves as a neutral base or accent layer in layouts. Having a selection of solids on hand lets you build custom color combinations without depending on pre-made collections.
How Paper Weight and Finish Affect Your Project
The weight of cardstock matters because it determines how the paper handles when you cut, fold, or layer it. Paper weight is measured in pounds (lb) — the higher the number, the thicker and stiffer the sheet. Standard cardstock for scrapbooking is usually 80 lb to 110 lb. Lighter cardstock (80 lb) is easier to cut and fold but may bend if you load it with heavy embellishments. Heavier cardstock (110 lb) resists bending and holds its shape better in a finished album.
Finish refers to the surface texture — whether the paper is smooth, matte, glossy, or textured. A smooth finish is easiest to write on with pen or marker. Matte finishes reduce glare and give a softer look. Glossy finishes are shiny and reflective, which can make colors appear more vibrant but can also show fingerprints. Textured papers add visual interest but may be harder to write on cleanly.
Shopping in Store vs. Online
If you visit a Paper Source location in person, you can see and feel the paper before buying — you'll know the exact weight, finish, and color match. Staff can also point you toward coordinating collections or suggest papers that work well together. The downside is that inventory varies by location, and you're limited to what that store has in stock on the day you visit.
Shopping online through their website gives you access to their full catalog and the ability to order from home. You can read product descriptions, see color swatches, and check stock status before adding items to your cart. Shipping times vary, so if you need paper for a project due soon, ordering online may take longer than a same-day store visit. Many locations also offer in-store pickup for online orders, which combines the speed of a store visit with the selection of their full inventory.
Pricing and Budget Planning
Paper Source prices vary by paper type and quality. Standard cardstock typically costs less per sheet than specialty papers like metallic or handmade stock. Patterned papers in coordinated collections are usually priced per sheet or per pad (a bundle of multiple sheets). Buying a full collection pad is often more economical than buying individual sheets if you plan to use most of the designs.
If you're working with a budget, buying solid-colored cardstock in bulk and mixing it with a smaller number of patterned sheets stretches your money further. Many scrapbooking layouts use one or two patterned papers as focal points and fill the rest with solids. Paper Source occasionally runs sales or promotions, particularly around holidays, so checking their website or signing up for their mailing list can alert you to discounts.
Comparing Paper Source to Other Retailers
Paper Source competes with other specialty paper retailers like Michaels, Joann, and online-only shops. Michaels and Joann carry scrapbooking paper but often have a smaller selection of specialty or designer papers. Paper Source tends to focus more heavily on high-end and designer collections, which means their inventory skews toward premium papers and coordinated theme sets. This makes them a better choice if you're looking for specific designer brands or curated collections, but potentially more expensive if you're buying basic cardstock.
Online retailers like Amazon and specialty paper sites may offer different brands or lower prices on bulk orders, but Paper Source's advantage is the ability to see paper in person at their stores and the option to pick up online orders same-day. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize selection, price, or convenience.
How to Use Paper Source Papers in Your Layouts
Most scrapbooking layouts start with a base layer of cardstock — usually 12" × 12" — which becomes the background of your page. You then layer patterned papers, photos, and embellishments on top. Paper Source's coordinated collections make this easier because the papers are designed to work together, so you can pull sheets from the same collection and know they'll complement each other in color and style.
Heavier cardstock works best as a base layer because it supports the weight of photos and embellishments without warping. Lighter cardstock or specialty papers like vellum work well as accent layers or overlays. If you're new to scrapbooking, starting with a coordinated collection from Paper Source — which includes multiple patterned sheets plus solid colors — gives you everything you need for several layouts without having to hunt for matching papers elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size cardstock does Paper Source carry?
Paper Source stocks cardstock in 8.5" × 11" and 12" × 12" sizes. The 12" × 12" size is standard for most scrapbooking layouts and fits in standard scrapbook albums. They also carry specialty sizes and pre-cut shapes, though availability varies by location and season.
Can I return paper if the color doesn't match my project?
Paper Source has a return policy, but it typically requires a receipt and the paper to be in unused, resalable condition. Check their website or ask in-store for their current return window and conditions. If you're ordering online and worried about color match, ordering a small quantity first or visiting a store to see the paper in person reduces the risk of mismatch.
Does Paper Source sell paper in bulk?
They sell paper in pads (bundles of multiple sheets) and individual sheets. Pads are usually more economical per sheet than buying individual sheets, especially for coordinated collections. Bulk pricing on large orders varies, so contacting them directly about wholesale or bulk discounts is worth doing if you're buying for a group or organization.
What's the difference between cardstock and regular printer paper?
Cardstock is much thicker and stiffer than printer paper, which makes it durable enough to hold photos, embellishments, and layering without tearing or bending. Printer paper is too thin and flimsy for scrapbooking. Cardstock is measured in pounds (80 lb to 110 lb for scrapbooking), while printer paper is typically 20 lb.
Do they carry eco-friendly or recycled paper options?
Paper Source carries some papers made from recycled or sustainable materials, though the selection varies. Check their website or ask staff in-store about environmentally conscious options if that's important to your project.