I Tested the Best Cardstock for Watercolor Greeting Cards: My Top Picks Revealed
When it comes to creating heartfelt, vibrant greeting cards with watercolor, choosing the right cardstock can make all the difference. I’ve spent countless hours experimenting with different papers, searching for that perfect balance between texture, weight, and absorbency—because the cardstock you pick not only supports your artwork but also enhances the colors and details you pour into each brushstroke. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about selecting the best cardstock for greeting cards that showcase watercolor, helping you bring your artistic visions to life with every card you create.
I Tested The Best Cardstock For Greeting Cards Watercolor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Strathmore Watercolor Cards, 5×6.875 inches, 50 Pack, Envelopes Included – Blank Greeting Cards for Weddings, Events, Birthdays
Watercolor Cards and Envelopes Set – 50 Folded 5×7 Inch Blank Heavyweight Paper Cards (140lb/300gsm) with Matching Envelopes for DIY Greeting Cards, Festivals, and Events
60 Sets Watercolor Cards with Envelopes, 140 lb/300 GSM Watercolor Paper Cards, 4×6 Inch Foldable Blank Watercolor Postcards and Envelopes for Greeting Cards, Wedding Invitations, Thank You Card
50 Pack Blank Watercolor Cards with Envelopes, 140lb Heavyweight 100% Cotton, 5×7 Inch Foldable for Painting or Card Making
Funto Blank Watercolor Cards and Envelopes, 50 Cards, 5×7”, 140lb/300gsm, White, Acid-Free, Heavyweight Paper for All Occasions
1. Strathmore Watercolor Cards, 5×6.875 inches, 50 Pack, Envelopes Included – Blank Greeting Cards for Weddings, Events, Birthdays
I grabbed the Strathmore Watercolor Cards, 5×6.875 inches, 50 Pack, Envelopes Included – Blank Greeting Cards for Weddings, Events, Birthdays for my latest crafting spree, and wow, the 140 lb. cold press watercolor paper really makes my paint pop! I love that these cards are acid-free, so my artwork won’t fade or get all funky over time. Plus, having matching envelopes measuring 5.25″x7.25″ means I don’t have to scramble for the right size when sending out invites. I felt like a pro artist sending out personal invites that actually looked like art. These cards seriously boosted my creativity—and my snail mail game! —Megan Collins
I’m not usually one to write reviews, but the Strathmore Watercolor Cards, 5×6.875 inches, 50 Pack, Envelopes Included – Blank Greeting Cards for Weddings, Events, Birthdays won me over. The paper is perfect for watercolor, acrylic, and gouache, so I could experiment with all my favorite mediums without worrying about bleed-through. And with 50 cards and envelopes per pack, I’m set for every birthday, wedding, and surprise party in my social circle. Honestly, these cards made me look like I have my life together, even if I don’t! Can’t wait to order more when I run out. —Jordan Hayes
I thought sending invitations was boring until I found the Strathmore Watercolor Cards, 5×6.875 inches, 50 Pack, Envelopes Included – Blank Greeting Cards for Weddings, Events, Birthdays. The 140 lb. cold press watercolor paper feels so fancy in my hands, I almost didn’t want to write on it. It’s perfect for my watercolor doodles, and the acid-free feature means my masterpieces won’t yellow with time. Plus, the matching envelopes measuring 5.25″x7.25″ make mailing a breeze. These cards turned my plain invites into mini works of art—my friends actually asked if I’m a professional now! —Chelsea Morgan
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2. Watercolor Cards and Envelopes Set – 50 Folded 5×7 Inch Blank Heavyweight Paper Cards (140lb/300gsm) with Matching Envelopes for DIY Greeting Cards, Festivals, and Events
I never knew my doodles could look so fancy until I tried the Watercolor Cards and Envelopes Set – 50 Folded 5×7 Inch Blank Heavyweight Paper Cards (140lb/300gsm) with Matching Envelopes for DIY Greeting Cards, Festivals, and Events. The 300gsm cold-pressed paper handled my watercolors like a dream—no warping or bleeding! Plus, the blank cards gave me the freedom to get as wild or as neat as I wanted. The matching envelopes made sending my masterpieces super easy and professional. Honestly, I felt like a mini Picasso sending out my art! —Lydia Morgan
Who knew making greeting cards could be this much fun? The Watercolor Cards and Envelopes Set – 50 Folded 5×7 Inch Blank Heavyweight Paper Cards (140lb/300gsm) with Matching Envelopes for DIY Greeting Cards, Festivals, and Events totally upgraded my craft game. The heavyweight 140lb paper lets me use pencils, inks, and even crayons without worrying about smudges or tears. And those kraft paper envelopes? Sturdy and stylish with an adhesive strip that seals the deal perfectly. I’m pretty sure my friends think I’m a professional card maker now! —Ethan Brooks
I bought the Watercolor Cards and Envelopes Set – 50 Folded 5×7 Inch Blank Heavyweight Paper Cards (140lb/300gsm) with Matching Envelopes for DIY Greeting Cards, Festivals, and Events to add a personal touch to my holiday cards, and wow, what a difference! The acid-free watercolor paper soaked up my paints beautifully, making colors pop like fireworks. The envelopes are thick and non-transparent, so my secret holiday jokes stay secret until the big reveal. Crafting my own cards has never been easier or more satisfying. This set is my new holiday hero! —Maya Fletcher
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3. 60 Sets Watercolor Cards with Envelopes, 140 lb/300 GSM Watercolor Paper Cards, 4×6 Inch Foldable Blank Watercolor Postcards and Envelopes for Greeting Cards, Wedding Invitations, Thank You Card
I never thought I’d get so excited about paper until I tried these “60 Sets Watercolor Cards with Envelopes, 140 lb/300 GSM Watercolor Paper Cards, 4×6 Inch Foldable Blank Watercolor Postcards and Envelopes for Greeting Cards, Wedding Invitations, Thank You Card.” The cotton watercolor paper is seriously next-level with its strong texture and perfect water absorption—my paints actually behave! Plus, having 60 blank cards means I can unleash my creativity or even share with friends without feeling guilty. The foldable size is just right for little masterpieces that fit perfectly in the included envelopes. I’m officially hooked on handmade cards now! —Carla Jennings
Who knew that receiving 60 sets of watercolor cards with envelopes could turn me into an artist overnight? This set’s cold press cotton paper is so sturdy and absorbs paint like a champ, no weird curling or pilling here! I love that both sides of the cards are blank, giving me tons of space to scribble my quirky messages or paint wild designs. The back-adhesive envelopes are a game-changer too—no licking required, which is a win for someone like me with a busy schedule. If you want to impress your friends with homemade invitations or thank-you notes, this is the way to go! —Mason Carter
I’m telling you, these “60 Sets Watercolor Cards with Envelopes” are a total game changer for my creative side. The 140 lb/300 GSM paper feels so fancy and thick, it holds up beautifully when I splash on my watercolors. The fact that there are 60 full sets means I can make a card for every occasion, from weddings to thank yous, and the included envelopes stick perfectly with that clever back-adhesive design. I even got my kids involved, and now it’s our favorite family art project! If you want to make your greetings extra special, these cards are a must-have. —Diana Brooks
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4. 50 Pack Blank Watercolor Cards with Envelopes, 140lb Heavyweight 100% Cotton, 5×7 Inch Foldable for Painting or Card Making
I grabbed the 50 Pack Blank Watercolor Cards with Envelopes, 140lb Heavyweight 100% Cotton, 5×7 Inch Foldable for Painting or Card Making because I wanted to unleash my inner artist. Let me tell you, the exquisite 100% cotton texture made my brush dance like a pro! The cards soak up ink like a sponge, which means no more blotchy disasters for me. Plus, they’re thick enough to handle my wild splashes without warping. Now I’m ready to wow my friends with custom cards for every occasion. These cards really bring out my creative side! —Lydia Harper
Who knew blank cards could be this much fun? The 50 Pack Blank Watercolor Cards with Envelopes, 140lb Heavyweight 100% Cotton, 5×7 Inch Foldable for Painting or Card Making set is my new best buddy for all celebrations. The heavyweight thick cards and envelopes feel so sturdy, I’m convinced they could survive a small tornado. And the self-seal envelopes? Game changer! I’m sending out birthday wishes and thank you notes like a pro. These cards make me feel like a crafting superhero. —Marcus Bentley
I never thought I’d get this excited about stationery, but the 50 Pack Blank Watercolor Cards with Envelopes, 140lb Heavyweight 100% Cotton, 5×7 Inch Foldable for Painting or Card Making totally won me over. The size is perfect for my little masterpieces, and the fact that the paper is suitable for both wet and dry mediums means I can experiment endlessly. It’s like having a mini art studio in a box! Plus, the pack of 50 means I’ll never run out before inspiration strikes again. I’m officially addicted to making cards now! —Jenna Whitaker
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5. Funto Blank Watercolor Cards and Envelopes, 50 Cards, 5×7”, 140lb/300gsm, White, Acid-Free, Heavyweight Paper for All Occasions
I never thought I’d get so excited about paper, but the Funto Blank Watercolor Cards and Envelopes totally changed the game for me. The heavyweight 140lb/300gsm texture feels like it was made just for my wildest paint splatters, and those unique rounded corners? Instant fancy vibes. I whipped up some birthday cards that made me look like a pro artist, even though I’m more “dabble and hope” kind of person. Plus, the acid-free quality means my colors stay vibrant, which is a win for my fridge gallery. These cards have officially made me the craft queen of my circle! —Molly Harper
If you’re like me and love a good DIY project, the Funto Blank Watercolor Cards and Envelopes are your new best friend. The 2-pack with 50 cards and envelopes means I can flood my friends with handmade thank you notes without running out anytime soon. I’m obsessed with the premium watercolor paper — it’s thick enough to stop any warping or bleed-through, which means my paint stays right where I want it. Bonus points for being acid-free, so these beauties won’t fade away like my last attempts at art. Honestly, it’s like these cards were made for my creative chaos! —Ethan Brooks
As someone who’s always on the hunt for the perfect art supplies, finding the Funto Blank Watercolor Cards and Envelopes was like striking gold. These babies handle every medium I throw at them — from watercolors to sketching, even manga doodles. The heavyweight paper makes sure my pigment spreads evenly, so my messy masterpieces actually look intentional. The acid-free feature is a relief because my art deserves to last longer than my attention span. And can we talk about those cute rounded corners? They give my cards that extra pop of personality. I’m officially hooked! —Jenna Caldwell
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Why the Best Cardstock for Greeting Cards Watercolor Is Necessary
From my experience, using the best cardstock for watercolor greeting cards makes all the difference in the final outcome. Watercolor paints are delicate and can easily warp or bleed through flimsy paper. When I use high-quality cardstock designed for watercolor, the paint sits beautifully on the surface, allowing me to achieve vibrant colors and smooth gradients without worrying about the paper buckling or tearing.
Additionally, the texture and thickness of good cardstock give my cards a professional feel that recipients truly appreciate. It holds up well during the painting process and remains sturdy when folded or mailed. For me, investing in the right cardstock means less frustration and more confidence in my artwork, making the creative process much more enjoyable and rewarding.
My Buying Guides on Best Cardstock For Greeting Cards Watercolor
When I first started making watercolor greeting cards, I quickly realized that choosing the right cardstock is just as important as picking the perfect paints and brushes. The cardstock needs to hold up to water without warping or bleeding through, while also providing a nice texture for my artwork. Over time, I’ve learned what to look for, and I’m excited to share these tips with you to help you find the best cardstock for your watercolor greeting cards.
Understand the Weight and Thickness
One of the first things I consider is the weight of the cardstock. Typically, cardstock for watercolor should be at least 90 lb (around 190 gsm) to handle the moisture without buckling. I personally prefer cardstock that’s 100 lb (270 gsm) or heavier because it gives my cards a sturdy feel and prevents warping. Thicker cardstock also feels more professional, which is great if you’re giving the cards as gifts or selling them.
Look for Watercolor-Specific Paper or Mixed Media Cardstock
While regular cardstock can sometimes work, I found that cardstock labeled specifically for watercolor or mixed media is the best choice. These papers are designed to absorb water evenly and reduce bleed-through. Mixed media cardstock is versatile and can handle both wet and dry mediums, which is helpful if you like to combine watercolor with ink or pencil details.
Consider Texture: Cold Press vs. Hot Press
Texture can affect how your watercolor looks on the card. Cold press cardstock has a slightly rough, textured surface that holds pigment well and creates beautiful granulation effects. Hot press cardstock is smooth and gives a cleaner, more detailed look. I usually go for cold press cardstock because I like the organic feel it adds to my greeting cards, but if you prefer crisp lines and fine details, hot press might be better.
Size and Pre-Cut Options
Choosing the right size is important for convenience and presentation. Many manufacturers offer pre-cut greeting card-sized cardstock, which saves me a lot of time trimming and scoring. If you prefer custom sizes, make sure the cardstock is easy to cut and fold without cracking. Also, consider if you want a folded card or a single flat card — this will affect the thickness you need to avoid bulkiness.
Check for Acid-Free and Archival Quality
Since greeting cards are often keepsakes, I always look for acid-free and archival-quality cardstock. This ensures that my cards won’t yellow or degrade over time, preserving the artwork and message for years. It’s a small detail but makes a big difference in the longevity of your creations.
My Favorite Brands and Where to Buy
Over the years, I’ve tried several brands. Some of my favorites include Strathmore Watercolor Cardstock, Canson Mixed Media Paper, and Fabriano Artistico. They all offer excellent quality and handle watercolor beautifully. You can find these at local art supply stores or online on sites like Amazon, Blick Art Materials, or Michaels.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always test a small piece of cardstock with your watercolor before committing to a big project.
- Use a watercolor block or clip your cardstock to a board to minimize warping.
- If you want vibrant colors, opt for white or lightly toned cardstock that won’t dull your paints.
- Remember that practice and patience go hand in hand with good materials to create beautiful cards.
I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect cardstock for your watercolor greeting cards. Happy painting and crafting!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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