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Paper Buying Guide

Paper is one of those mundane necessities to which little attention is paid--until it is gone. Running out of paper is one of the most awful things imaginable: when you need to take down a phone number--and your mobile has died--you're out of luck without your pen  and paper. And you're also out of heat and hot water since the "Remember to drop bills off at the post" note--which you would have seen when you opened the bag to get the paper to take the number--is still sitting on your desk. As if this isn't bad enough, let's not forget the uncomfortable situation that arises when you realise--last minute--that there is no more toilet tissue  in the loo. Talk about stranded.

Without paper, you're pretty much screwed. 

Note Paper

Notebook/Filler Paper 

Filler paper can come in various sizes, and widely or thinly ruled. 

Legal Pad 

These are the types of pads you always find in business settings. They are optionally perforated--for those who make a lot of mistakes.

Shorthand Notebook 

These little notebooks are great to just throw into your bag or trouser pocket. They are frequently used by journalists.

Post Its 

Post-its are those colourful little pads with the trademark adhesive line on the back. Perfect for people who need reminders in their face.

 Stationary

Stationery Sets 

Stationery sets usually come with some blank note cards,  note paper,  envelopes,  pens, or pencils --sometimes stamps,  stickers,  etc. They make great gifts. 

Blank Cards 

If you are the type of person who forgets birthdays, then keep these around as back up greeting cards.  

Custom Stationery 

Custom stationery is nice because it makes any note, business or private a little more memorable.

Office Machine Paper

Copy Paper 

For copiers. 

Fax Paper 

For faxes. 

Computer Paper 

For *shock* computers.

Laser/Colour Copier Paper 

For laser & colour printers /copiers.

All-In-One 

Can be used in most office machines.

Artist's Paper

Drawing 

Ideal for sketching, drawing, charcoal,  and coloured pencils. 

Painting 

Most paper labelled as painting paper can be used with any paint except watercolour and gouache (these mediums require special paper ).

Tracing 

Tracing paper is ideal for transferring images, and for practising drawing.

Construction (Coloured) Paper 

Ideal for charcoal, pastels,  and crayons. 

Graph Paper 

This paper is perfect for architectural blueprints, and for making graphs and charts.

Speciality Paper

Photo Paper 

Especially designed for printing photographs--high gloss finish available. 

For Business Cards 

Business card paper is made of sectioned squares for printing business cards--it is a good way to save money and make personalised cards. 

Carbon Paper 

Frequently used for receipts, surveys, and other instances where a quick dual copy is necessary. 

Recycling Tips

  • After children's drawings and paintings have been displayed for a while they can be used to wrap presents--this also makes the present special.
  • Discarded A4-sized paper can be cut and stapled together to make notepads. Alternatively, if you save five reams, it will cost you about $5 to get a print company to convert this paper into 'proper' notepads.
  • "Use the envelopes you receive in the mail a second time by placing a new address label over the last address. I call this the OMT System ("One more time system"). Old envelopes can also be used for scribbling down shopping lists, to-do lists, and notes."
  • Resealable envelopes can be reused many times: "My daughter takes one to school when she orders her lunch. The envelope has all details written in felt on the front and the money sealed inside. She brings the envelope home and we use it again until it gets too shabby."
  • Old calendars, colourful pictures, etc. can be used to make your own envelopes. You can unstick a used envelope and use it as a template for making envelopes.
  • Old rolls of wallpaper can be used for children's drawings.
  • Junk mail can be used as scrap paper, or as bedding for pets.
  • Cardboard cartons can be used to collect paper for recycling, instead of plastic bags (even breakfast cereal cartons are good).
  • The SPCA and pet shops appreciate old newspapers.
  • Toilet roll centres can be recycled--they're made of cardboard.
  • To fill in a rainy day, get a paper recycling kit and get the kids to rip up old used paper to make recycled paper; it can be great fun.
  • Old magazines are appreciated by:
    • Doctor and dentist offices
    • Motels
    • Friends

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