If you’re anything like me, you probably own a lot of cardstock. Different brands, different finishes, subtle colour differences… and yet when you sit down to make a card, you still find yourself pulling out half a pack just to check which white is which.
After trying a few approaches over the years, I’ve finally landed on a cardstock swatching system that’s simple, tidy, and — most importantly — easy to maintain. Today I’m sharing exactly how I swatch my cardstock and how I store it so everything is easy to find at a glance.
Why I Swatch My Cardstock
Swatching cardstock isn’t about being fancy or aesthetic (although it does look very satisfying). For me, it’s about:
- Seeing true colour without opening full packs
- Comparing similar shades across different brands
- Remembering which cardstock works best for stamping, colouring, or die-cutting
- Saving time when I sit down to create
Once you have a system in place, it becomes one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner?”
Step 1: Cutting My Swatches
For every cardstock colour I own, I cut a 4 × 4 inch square.
Why 4×4?
- Big enough to see the true colour
- Small enough to store efficiently
- Perfect for pocket page storage
I keep it consistent across all brands so everything looks uniform and easy to scan.
Step 2: Labelling Each Swatch
Every swatch is clearly labelled with:
- Brand name
- Cardstock name (or colour name)
I print my labels using a label printer with clear labels, which keeps things neat and unobtrusive. The clear labels don’t distract from the colour itself, and they hold up really well over time.
This step is key — once everything is labelled properly, you never have to guess again.
Step 3: Storing Everything in One Place
All of my swatches live together in my Kingston Crafts Everyday Stories folder, using 4×4 pocket inserts.
This setup works brilliantly because:
- Each swatch has its own pocket
- Colours stay flat and protected
- I can flick through it like a colour catalogue
- It’s easy to add new cardstock as my collection grows
I organise the swatches by brand, keeping each brand grouped together so comparisons are quick and logical.
If cardstock swatching has felt like one of those things you should do but never quite get around to — this is your sign to keep it simple.
You don’t need complicated charts or huge binders. A consistent size, clear labels, and a dedicated storage spot make all the difference.
Once it’s done, choosing cardstock becomes faster, easier, and far more enjoyable — which means more time actually making cards.
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