Get inspired by this list of Cricut cardstock projects with tutorials to up your paper crafting game to more than just cards!
The first few years of owning a Cricut, I only made cardstock projects. I was a little intimated about getting into the world of vinyl and heat transfer vinyl projects.
So I hoarded all types of cardstock! I would scan our local craft store ads for sales on cardstocks and then I would go and act like a little girl in a candy store and buy A LOT.
Ten years later I still have tons of paper cardstock packs in my craft room craft cabinet and I am always looking for the best ways to use them. Everytime I make something out of cardstock, I think “Why am I not making more paper projects??!!” They are so much fun!
That’s why I decided to round up some of my favorite Cricut cardstock projects from around the blogosphere to give me and you inpsiring ways to use card stock that maybe you haven’t thought of.
What is Cardstock?
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First off, let’s talk just a little bit about what cardstock is and how it differs from paper.
Cardstock is actually the same as paper it’s just a thicker paper material stock. The thicker materials allows for easier handling and less ripping of thinner regular paper. Which makes it ideal for crafting and card making!
We grew up using construction paper which is actually made of different materials and still thinner than cardstock.
Cardstock comes in different thicknesses, different weights, textures, colors, sizes, and more! 65 lb and 80lb cover weight are usually the most common weights for crafting purposes.
You can find all different types of cardstock including glitter cardstock at local craft stores, solid core cardstock and more at Cricut.com, and regular cardstock packs on Amazon.com.
You can use any Cricut to cut cardstock – the Cricut maker machine family, Cricut Explore Air family, and the Cricut Joy. You will need a clean green cutting mat to cut cardstock unless you are using new materials, Cricut Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock, and a Cricut Maker 3, Cricut Explore 3 or the Cricut Joy.
The new Cricut Joy Xtra is also great for cutting cardstock and insert cards, but it can only cut up to an 8.5×11 piece of cardstock on a specific Joy Xtra Cricut mat.
Ok, so let’s dive into these Cricut project ideas using cardstock! (If you don’t have a Cricut, make sure to check out our roundup of paper craft ideas here!)
40+ Cricut Cardstock Projects
Each blogger has the tutorial for the Cricut cardstock project over on their original post. Simply click on the title or Get Tutorial to hop on over to their step by step directions.
How to Make Cards with the Cricut Joy
Cards are probably the first thing you think of looking for cricut cardstock projects. It was definitely my first and one of the reasons I got my first Cricut cutting machine 10 years ago.
Cricuts have changed for the better and with some cardstock and the Cricut Joy you can whip up professional cards in minutes with Cricut Access. Or create your own designs for even more possibilities!
Cricut Paper Flowers
Flowers are another great way to use cardstock. You can make so many different types of rolled or 3D flowers to put on anything. I've used them to decorate cakes, make a flower shadow box, and put on signs.
3D Pumpkin Paper Lantern Tutorial
Paper lanterns are a fun and easy Cricut project especially this cute pumpkin lantern that requires no glue!
Coffee Cup Gift Card Holder Template FREE PDF and SVG File!
All you need is card stock to make a cute coffee gift card holder. (free PDF file or a SVG file). Perfect small gift for friends, teachers, mail carriers, etc.
How to Make a Cricut Gift Card Holder
Another quick and easy present gift card holder to make for any occasion!
How to Make Stained Glass Card with a Cricut
Use cardstock and some presentation or brochure paper to make beautiful stain glass looking cards.
Money Card Holder
There are so many different kinds of cards you can make with cardstock including an easy money holder card.
Making Party Favors
Make cute and cheap birthday or New Year's Eve party favors with cardstock, a FREE cut file, and the print then cut Cricut feature.
How to Make Stained Glass Shadow Box with Cricut
You can make a beautiful stained glass looking shadow box with only cardstock.
Use Cricut Watercolor Markers and Cards!
This is not typical cardstock, but watercolor cards with watercolor marks! Make beautiful cards!
DIY Astrology Art
I love the Cricut foil system because it pairs perfectly with cardstock or kraftboard. The possibilities of home decor are endless and no one will probably guess that it's just cardstock!
Unicorn Valentine Box
Make cheap and cute unicorn Valentine boxes with a Cricut, cardstock and Dollar Tree box.
Cricut Candy Holder with Dome Tutorial!
Make these adorable candy holders using a Cricut or other cutting machine! A perfect little gift for party favors or just because!
Snow Globe Christmas Card
Click your card making up a notch by making a shaker card. Learn how to make a unique Christmas card this year, with this snow globe photo card template!
Adorable Custom Party Invites!
Since there are so many different types of cardstock, you can make super cute and fun invitations using the Cricut pens.
Paper Cut Light Box DIY
Making a gorgeous intricate papercut lightbox is easier than you think! With a few craft supplies you can have a light up shadow box in no time.
Gift Tags with a Cricut Joy!
Unique and custom tags are another fun way to use up scrap card stock. Use a Cricut pen to personalize them!
Cricut Cake Toppers
You can make custom cake or cupcake toppers easily with cardstock or sparkle paper!
Cupcake Toppers with a Cricut
By combining a few images together in Cricut Design Space, you can cut out custom party cupcake toppers out of card stock in minutes!
DIY Photo Props
If you are hosting a party, then one of your paper projects might include photo props! Grab some free SVG files to make your own!
Cricut Bookmarks
Bookmarks can be made with cardstock and any Cricut cutting machine. Grab some free SVG files and learn how to make easy bookmarks in Cricut Design Space with foil, gel markers, and more!
Cricut Larger than Mat Tutorial!
Probably my favorite way to use plain cardstock! Learn how to make larger than mat characters in this tutorial.
Floating Ornaments with Glitter
Make a custom floating or spinning ornament using cardstock, some glitter, and Mod Podge.
How to Make 3D Letters with a Cricut
3D letters are a fun project to make out of cardstock and fairy lights!
Paper Lanterns
Making cute and festive paper lanterns is easier than you think! Get this free cut file in my subscriber section!
Gal-entine Heart Explosion Box
I've only made one explosion box before, but it is on my list to make more! They are gorgeous and so fun. A lot of different cardstock is used and the box takes a bit of time, but oh the sweet face you'll see when the recipient opens it up!
Easy Pop Up Flower Card Tutorial
Greeting cards don't just have to be flat. Learn how to make a pop up card!
Sunflowers
As I mentioned there are a ton of different kinds of flowers you can make with card stock, so I had to include a few more than a rose. I love these gorgeous sunflowers!
Paper Flower Covered Egg Ornament
Another way to use rolled flowers. Add them on to something to make an ornament!
Paper Flower Gift Toppers
You can even decorate presents with gorgeous 3d paper flowers!
Cricut Easter Basket
Did you know you can make baskets out of cardstock? Beautiful, cheap, and fun to make!
Tissue Paper Stained Glass Flower Craft
Using a simple cut-out cardstock you can make a beautiful stained glass looking craft.
Cricut Place Cards with a Free SVG
If you have a wedding or hosting a party, making personalized name cards is a breeze with your Cricut.
DIY Adorable Valentine’s Day Coloring Cards
A different type of card idea using the draw and cut function.
Make your own Mini Heart Pinata
Who knew you could make a cute little pinata out of cardstock!
Easy DIY Doormat for Under $10
This isn't necessarily a paper craft, but you can use cardstock as a stencil to make a door mat!
Harry Potter Inspired Birthday Card made with the Cricut
I'm a Harry Potter fan so I had to add a cute birthday card muggle style!
Twelve Days of Christmas Gift Bags
You can use smooth cardstock or textured cardstock to create your own mini gift bags.
Earthy Paper Feather Wall Decor
If you have patterned cardstock, these feathers would make a great first project.
Banner
Banners are easy Cricut projects that you can make for so many different occasions. For a beginner, you can start with a simple shape and move on to more intricate cuts as you figure your machine out.
Make a Dutch Paper Windmill
I have to admit, I have never made a 3d paper house but it's been on my list for a long time. I am so impressed by the crafters that make these templates and put together gorgeous creations!
Back to School Box Cards
3D paper crafts don't even need to be structured. You can make a 3d box card! Too cute!
St. Patrick’s Day Mickey Mouse Paper Craft
If you have kids or students, you can cut out a bunch of pieces and let them put together a fun Disney craft!
DIY Grinch Lantern
Paper lanterns are so fun and easy to make when you have the cut file.
DIY Sparkler Send Off Tags For Your Wedding Exit
A beautiful and budget-friendly wedding idea!
I hope you got some inspiration of what you can do with cardstock and some tips from the talented bloggers on getting the best results.
It really is truly amazing what you can make out of card stock! This is a purse file that is in Cricut Access that I made for my friend’s birthday.
If you’d like to save these great projects for later, simply hover over the image below and PIN It now!
Thanks for stopping by and have a creative day!
