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Best Paper Stock Sample Book Picks for Crafters and Artists

Explore a curated set of paper stock sample books that help you compare weights, textures, and finishes before committing to larger orders. The selection below focuses on color-rich swatches, watercolor-friendly pads, and durable textured cardstocks. Use these swatch books to find the perfect match for scrapbooks, cards, painting, and mixed-media projects.

Product Summary

Product Brand Key Feature Highlight
Limited Papers Paper Sampler, The Paper Selector Limited Papers Nearly 700 swatches arranged chromatically; QR codes link to items on the website
Swatch Book—12×12 Textured Cardstock Encore Paper All 100 colors in one convenient book; dyed through for seamless finishes
Hapikalor Watercolor Paper Pad, 9″x12″ Hapikalor 140 lb/300 gsm cold-pressed; versatile for watercolor and mixed media
WOW No-Shed Glitter Cardstock Swatch Book Encore Paper No shed glitter; 21 vibrant colors; compact 2″ x 5″ swatches
Watercolor Paper Pad, 5.5″x8.5″ Hapikalor Portable watercolor paper; 140 lb/300 gsm; suitable for various media

Limited Papers Paper Sampler, The Paper Selector


Limited Papers Paper Sampler cover

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Actual swatches of nearly 700 papers, arranged chromatically into 6 fan books. Each swatch includes other available weights, finishes and sizes, QR code printed on each swatch takes you directly to that item’s page on our website. This sampler is designed for comprehensive comparison and quick reference during project planning.

Swatch Book—12×12 Textured Cardstock


Encore Swatch Book cover

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See every color made in the line of Encore Textured Cardstock in this Swatch Book. The Encore Cardstock Swatch Book has All 100 colors in a convenient size with color names on each swatch. Find the exact color needed for scrapbooking. See all 100 vibrant and trendy colors of Encore Textured cardstock. The paper is dyed through, preventing white core exposure when cut or torn, ensuring a seamless finish for your projects.

Hapikalor Watercolor Paper Pad, 9″x12″


Hapikalor watercolor pad 9x12

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Premium Heavyweight Cold Pressed Watercolor Paper. 1 pack of 9″ x 12″ professional pads, 20 sheets per pad (total of 20 sheets). The 140 lb/300 gsm paper has a textured surface ideal for watercolor and mixed media techniques. The paper is versatile for dry media, watercolor, and mixed media, suitable for artists at all skill levels.

WOW No-Shed Glitter Cardstock Swatch Book


WOW glitter cardstock swatch book

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21 eye-catching colors in one swatch book, featuring the complete WOW No-Shed Glitter Cardstock collection by Encore Paper. Compact and portable at 2″ x 5″ per swatch, providing a space-saving way to store and compare colors. No mess glitter finish ensures a clean crafting experience while adding sparkle to projects.

Watercolor Paper Pad, 5.5″x8.5″


Hapikalor watercolor pad 5.5x8.5

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Watercolor Paper Pad, 5.5″ x 8.5″; 140 lb/300 gsm watercolor paper designed for artists and students. The pad is suitable for watercolor, painting, and mixed media, offering a portable option for quick studies and on-the-go art sessions.

Buying Guide

  • Purpose and media compatibility: Choose swatch books that cover your primary media (watercolor, ink, mixed media, cardmaking). For watercolor, prioritize 140 lb/300 gsm cold-pressed stock with a textured finish.
  • Weight, texture, and color range: A broad range of weights and textures helps you judge how the paper behaves when wet or dry. Look for dyed-through stock to avoid white cores showing on cut edges.
  • Color accuracy and naming: Swatch books that label each color help you match digital references to physical samples, reducing guesswork for scrapbooking or cardmaking.
  • Size and portability: Compact swatch books and 2″ x 5″ glitter swatches are convenient for travel and quick comparisons, but larger sheets suit in-depth color checks at home or in studio.
  • Durability and archival quality: For longevity, favor acid-free, archival-grade papers. This helps preserve colors and prevent yellowing over time, especially for keepsake projects.
  • Price-to-value balance: Consider the breadth of swatches and the presence of QR codes or direct links to product pages. QR-enabled swatches streamline finding exact matches online.
  • Brand and finish variety: Reputable brands with extensive color lines, like Encore, provide consistent finishes and better color matching across products.
  • Practical application: If you mainly craft cards, look for textured cardstock swatches with color names. For painting, select watercolor pads with robust weight and a suitable surface texture.
  • Storage and organization: Portable swatch books keep samples organized, while loose sheets require careful handling to avoid curling or creasing.
  • Environmental considerations: Prefer acid-free and lignin-free papers when possible, especially for archival or gift items that will be kept long-term.