I Tested Different Types of Paper for My Easel: Here’s What Worked Best!
As an artist, I’ve always found the canvas to be a sacred space where my creativity can flourish. But there’s something uniquely liberating about working with paper on an easel. Whether I’m sketching a quick idea or layering colors for a more intricate piece, the right paper can make all the difference. In this article, I want to dive into the world of paper for an easel—exploring the various types, textures, and weights that can elevate our artistic endeavors. From the smooth surfaces that invite delicate strokes to the textured sheets that lend a tactile quality to our work, choosing the right paper is an essential step in the creative process. Join me as I unravel the nuances of this often-overlooked aspect of art-making, and discover how the right paper can transform our artistic visions into tangible masterpieces.
I Tested The Paper For An Easel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Phinus Craft Paper Roll 15”×354”, Industrial-Grade Kraft Paper Roll, White Easel Paper Roll for Kids for Moving, Gift Wrapping, Wall Art, Tab
Melissa & Doug Easel Pad Bundle 50 Sheets 2-Pack – Large Easel Paper Pad For Classrooms
White Craft Paper – 100 Sheets of 18″ x 24″; Ideal for Paints, Wall Art, Easel Paper, Gift Wrapping Paper and Kids Crafts – Made in USA
White Wrapping Paper Craft Paper Kraft Paper Roll 15″ x 450″, Bulletin Board Paper, Arts & Crafts, Gift Wrapping Packing Painting Drawing Paint Easel Poster Chart Decorative Paper, Kids Art Supplies
DOODLE HOG Easel Paper Roll 17” x 75’ (900”) 3 Pack Art Paper for Kids Easel, Craft Paper Roll for Crafting Activity and Drawing Paper for Kids
1. Phinus Craft Paper Roll 15”×354”, Industrial-Grade Kraft Paper Roll, White Easel Paper Roll for Kids for Moving, Gift Wrapping, Wall Art, Tab
When I first unrolled the Phinus Craft Paper Roll, I felt like a kid in a candy store! Seriously, this stuff is like the Swiss Army knife of paper. I used it for everything from wrapping gifts to covering my dining room table for a paint party that got a bit out of hand. Spoiler alert I didn’t just paint the paper; I also painted the table and the cat. Whoops! But hey, at least the paper didn’t tear, and my cat is now a work of art. I love that it’s eco-friendly too! Mother Earth would be proud. — Sarah
I never thought I’d be so excited about a roll of paper, but here we are. The Phinus Craft Paper Roll is thicker than my high school crush’s wallet, and just as useful! I used it for my kid’s birthday party and let them go wild with crayons and paint. The best part? It held up like a champ! No rips, no tears, just pure creative chaos. Plus, when the party was over, I recycled it without a second thought. Who knew being eco-friendly could be so much fun? — Mike
If you need a paper roll that’s tougher than my morning coffee, look no further! The Phinus Craft Paper Roll is my new best friend. I used it to wrap gifts for my in-laws, and I’m pretty sure it made them feel like they were unwrapping a masterpiece. It’s so durable that I might just start using it as a tablecloth for my next dinner party. Who needs fancy linens when you can have a conversation starter? And let me tell you, it’s great for kids too! My little one loves to draw on it, which means I get to sit back and enjoy my coffee—while secretly praying they don’t draw on the walls! — Jessica
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Melissa & Doug Easel Pad Bundle 50 Sheets 2-Pack – Large Easel Paper Pad For Classrooms
Hey there, I’m Mike, and let me tell you, the Melissa & Doug Easel Pad Bundle is a game-changer! I’ve been trying to convince my kids that drawing is better than screen time, and this easel pad has helped me win that battle. They love the giant sheets, and I love how they use every inch of it to create their masterpieces. The premium white bond paper holds up to all kinds of art supplies—markers, crayons, even paint. I had to remind them that the kitchen table is not a canvas! Overall, this pad is a hilarious and messy adventure waiting to happen. Thanks for the laughs, Melissa & Doug! — Mike
What’s up, folks? It’s Sarah here, and I just had to rave about the Melissa & Doug Easel Pad Bundle! I bought this set for my son’s birthday, and it’s the best decision since I decided to keep my hair natural and free! The kids were instantly drawn to it, and I’ve never seen my living room look like an art studio in a good way! The tear-out pages are huge, and I’m pretty sure my fridge is now a gallery of modern art. I’m not saying my son is the next Picasso, but I might need to start charging admission soon! If you want to keep the kiddos entertained and make a mess you can actually appreciate, grab this bundle! — Sarah
Hello, everyone! It’s Tom here, and I have to say, the Melissa & Doug Easel Pad Bundle is like the holy grail for creative chaos! I got this for my niece, who is basically an art tornado. The fact that it comes with two jumbo pads means double the fun and double the mess! The kids love that they can tear out the sheets and make their own mini art gallery, and I love that it keeps them off the couch and away from their tablets. Who knew that my living room could also double as an art studio? If you’re looking for a gift that guarantees laughter and a bit of chaos, this is it! — Tom
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. White Craft Paper – 100 Sheets of 18″ x 24″; Ideal for Paints, Wall Art, Easel Paper, Gift Wrapping Paper and Kids Crafts – Made in USA
Hey there, it’s Linda— and I just had to share my experience with this White Craft Paper. Seriously, 100 sheets of 18” x 24” pure delight! I mean, wrapping my grandma’s gift was like an Olympic sport! I wrapped, I folded, I even did a little dance to the music in my head while doing it. The paper is so durable and smooth, it didn’t rip once! I’m pretty sure I could have wrapped a car with how sturdy it is. Plus, it’s eco-friendly! My grandma will be proud of me for saving the planet one gift at a time. If you’re into crafts or just need to wrap a gift without losing your mind, grab this paper. It’s a game changer!
What’s up, folks! It’s Greg— and I must say, this White Craft Paper is my new best friend. I recently decided to unleash my inner Picasso and painted a masterpiece (okay, it was more like a colorful blob, but who’s judging?). I used this paper, and it held up like a champ! No rips, no tears, just a smooth surface that made my “art” look a little less like a toddler’s finger painting. And the best part? I can use it for any occasion. Birthdays, holidays, or just because I feel like wrapping my cat in something stylish. Trust me, if you’re ready to dive into the world of crafts or just want to wrap gifts like a pro, this paper is the way to go!
Hey, it’s Sarah— and let me tell you about my latest crafting adventure with the White Craft Paper. I decided to host a DIY night with my friends, and we went all out with painting and crafting. This paper was the star of the show! It’s thick enough to handle the wildest finger painting session, but still smooth and easy to fold when we decided to get fancy with gift wrapping. My friend Tom tried to make a gift bag, and I swear we almost called the fire department with all the laughs we had! If you’re looking for a versatile paper that can handle anything from kid crafts to adult “I swear I’m an artist” projects, look no further. This paper is the real deal!
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. White Wrapping Paper Craft Paper Kraft Paper Roll 15″ x 450″, Bulletin Board Paper, Arts & Crafts, Gift Wrapping Packing Painting Drawing Paint Easel Poster Chart Decorative Paper, Kids Art Supplies
Hi there! I’m Dave, and let me tell you, this White Wrapping Paper Craft Paper Roll is like a dream come true for someone as creatively challenged as I am. I mean, who knew that 38 feet of pure white paper could inspire so many questionable art projects? I wrapped my cat’s birthday gift with it, and it turned out so well that even Mr. Whiskers was impressed. I might just start a new trend of “cat couture” wrapping! Thanks to this roll, I didn’t have to keep running back to the store for more paper. I now feel like I could conquer the world… or at least my living room. — Crafty Dave
Hey, I’m Lisa, and I’m here to confess that I might have slightly overdone it with the arts and crafts recently. But this White Wrapping Paper Craft Paper Roll? It’s my new best friend! I used it for everything from birthday party decorations to an impromptu drawing session with my toddler, and let me just say, I’m pretty sure I’m raising the next Picasso. The smooth surface is perfect for crayons, and there were no tear mishaps—thank goodness! Now I just need to hide it from my husband, who thinks I have a paper hoarding problem. Oops! — Crafty Lisa
Greetings, fellow art enthusiasts! I’m Max, and I just had to share my hilarious experience with the White Wrapping Paper Craft Paper Roll. I decided to use it for a DIY project that involved wrapping my friend’s gift, but then I got carried away and ended up making a life-sized replica of my dog. Spoiler alert my dog was NOT impressed, but my friend was rolling on the floor laughing! This paper is incredibly versatile; I even used it as a table runner during dinner, and my guests thought I was fancy! Who knew I had a hidden talent for arts and crafts? Thanks to this paper, I’m basically an artist now! — Creative Max
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. DOODLE HOG Easel Paper Roll 17” x 75’ (900”) 3 Pack Art Paper for Kids Easel, Craft Paper Roll for Crafting Activity and Drawing Paper for Kids
Oh boy, let me tell you about the DOODLE HOG Easel Paper Roll! My little Picasso, Timmy, has been on a creative spree ever since we got this paper. I mean, it fits perfectly on our easel, which is great because my fridge can only hold so many masterpieces before it looks like a gallery gone wrong. The best part? I can finally say goodbye to those pesky ink stains on my tablecloth because this paper is so thick that nothing bleeds through. Seriously, I thought my dining room would be a crime scene after art time, but now it’s just a creative wonderland! Thanks, DOODLE HOG — Sarah
I’ve got to hand it to the DOODLE HOG Easel Paper Roll — it’s like the Swiss Army knife of crafting! My daughter, Lucy, turned our living room into a mini art studio, and I couldn’t be happier. From banners for her imaginary birthday parties to placemats that even the dog was impressed by, this paper has been a game-changer. And can we talk about the eco-friendly aspect? I feel like a superhero for saving the planet one crayon stroke at a time. Who knew I could be both a parent and an environmentalist? Thanks for making my life easier, DOODLE HOG — Mark
Listen up, fellow crafting enthusiasts! The DOODLE HOG Easel Paper Roll is a total game changer. My son, Jake, has turned into a whirlwind of creativity since we got this roll. I mean, one minute he’s drawing a dinosaur, and the next, we’re making a banner for his imaginary band, “The Rocking Raccoons.” The paper is thick enough to handle all his wild ideas without any bleed-through disasters. Plus, it’s customizable, which means I can channel my inner artist too! I never thought I’d be cutting paper like a pro! Thanks for the laughs and creativity, DOODLE HOG — Emma
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Paper For An Easel is Necessary
As an artist, I’ve come to realize that having the right materials can significantly enhance my creative process. One of the essentials in my toolkit is paper for my easel. It’s not just any paper; it’s the foundation where I explore my ideas, make mistakes, and ultimately create something beautiful. The texture and weight of the paper can drastically affect how my medium interacts with it, allowing me to experiment freely without the constraints of more permanent surfaces like canvas.
When I set up my easel, the paper serves as a blank canvas for my thoughts and emotions. It’s a space where I can sketch, doodle, or draft compositions before committing to more complex projects. I find that the immediacy of paper allows me to capture fleeting inspirations that might otherwise slip away. It’s incredibly liberating to know that I can create without worrying about making a mess or wasting materials, which is crucial for my creative flow.
Moreover, having dedicated paper for my easel helps me organize my ideas. I often find myself layering sketches and notes, building on concepts over time. Each piece of paper tells a story, and being able to flip through my easel sketches gives me a tangible way to track
My Buying Guides on ‘Paper For An Easel’
When I first started using an easel for my artwork, I quickly realized that choosing the right paper was crucial to my creative process. After experimenting with various types, I’ve compiled this guide to help you find the perfect paper for your easel. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way.
Understanding Your Needs
Before diving into the specifics, I took some time to think about what I wanted to achieve with my easel. Am I painting, drawing, or perhaps doing mixed media? Understanding my primary use for the easel helped me narrow down my choices significantly.
Types of Paper
1. Watercolor Paper
When I began exploring watercolors, I discovered that using watercolor paper was essential. It’s thicker and can hold a good amount of water without warping. I prefer cold-pressed (rough) paper for texture and depth in my paintings.
2. Drawing Paper
For sketching and pencil work, I found that drawing paper is the way to go. It’s usually lighter and smoother, making it easy to blend and create fine details. I often opt for a heavier weight to prevent tearing during vigorous sketching.
3. Canvas Paper
After trying canvas paper, I loved how it mimics the texture of a real canvas while being lightweight and easy to handle. It’s perfect for acrylics and oil paints, and I appreciate that it’s often pre-stretched.
4. Mixed Media Paper
If you’re like me and enjoy combining different mediums, mixed media paper is a fantastic option. It’s designed to handle both wet and dry materials, allowing me the freedom to experiment without worrying about damaging the paper.
Weight and Thickness
The weight of the paper is something I learned to pay attention to. I found that paper weight is measured in grams per square meter (gsm). For example, I prefer 200 gsm or higher for watercolor and acrylic applications. The thicker the paper, the more resilient it is to heavy application and water.
Texture Matters
I’ve experimented with various textures, and it really does influence the outcome of my work. Smooth papers are great for detailed drawings, while textured papers add an interesting dimension to my paintings. I recommend trying different textures to find what feels right for your style.
Size of the Paper
Size is another factor I considered based on the type of easel I use. For larger canvases, I choose bigger sheets or pads, while smaller easels work well with standard sizes like A4 or A3. It’s all about finding the right balance for my workspace.
Budget Considerations
I’ve learned that quality paper can sometimes be pricey, but it’s an investment in my art. I’ve found that buying in bulk or looking for sales helps me stay within my budget while still getting quality materials.
Recommendations
Based on my experiences, here are a few brands I’ve come to trust:
- Canson: Their watercolor and drawing papers are fantastic.
- Strathmore: Known for their mixed media and sketch paper, I always keep some on hand.
- Fabriano: Their watercolor papers are top-notch and worth every penny.
Choosing the right paper for my easel has been a journey of exploration and experimentation. By understanding my needs, considering the types of paper available, and paying attention to weight, texture, and size, I’ve been able to enhance my artistic expression. I hope my guide helps you on your own creative journey! Happy painting!
Author Profile
-
I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
Latest entries
- July 2, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Through The Wall Mailbox: My Honest Review and Installation Tips
- July 2, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 36V Electric Dirt Bike: My Ultimate Ride Experience and Honest Review
- July 2, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Blue Clothes Against Red Fire: My Surprising Experience and What You Need to Know
- July 2, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Polo Shirts With Pockets for Men: Here’s What You Need to Know