Create a Paper Swatch Sheet to Organize Your Print Samples
Wondering which paper is best for your printables? This fun and easy paper swatch sheet folio helps you test, track, and compare how different papers look when printed — so you always know what to use next.
If you’ve ever printed a junk journal page, held it up, and thought, “Hmm… this paper looks okay, but would it look better on something else?” — then this project is for you.
As crafters, we all have our favorite papers. But remembering which brand printed best, which cardstock was too stiff, or which vellum curled at the edges? That gets tricky fast — especially when you try something new and forget what worked and what didn’t. (Been there!)
That’s why I created this little printable swatch folio. It’s a place to test your papers side-by-side, jot down quick notes, and keep your favorites close at hand. No more guesswork. No more wasted prints. Just your own personal “paper library” — filled with real results from your own printer.
It’s simple to make, endlessly useful, and honestly… really fun to put together. And since we’re junk journalers, I added a few extra goodies to decorate your folio and make it feel like you — labels, ephemera, washi strips, and even a place to record your favorite paper suppliers.
This is part swatch book, part mini folio, part creative keepsake — and I can’t wait to show you how to make it. 💛 Let’s get started!
Video Tutorial
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What’s in the Swatch File?
Your swatch printable includes everything you need to test and compare your papers at a glance:
- Two swatch designs — one in full color and one in black & white
- A label area beneath each swatch to note down:
‣ Paper type or brand
‣ Paper weight (gsm + lb)
‣ Finish (matte, glossy, vellum, etc.)
‣ Printer used
‣ Notes (how it handled ink, if it curled, etc.) - Bonus goodies to cut and use! I added washi tape strips, mini tags, faux stamps, tickets, and more — so no space goes to waste on your page.
Print as many copies as you need, one per paper type. You can even come back and print more later as your paper collection grows!
Materials
- 110 lb white cardstock
- lace ribbon
- bards - I'm using these antique bronze brads from Tim Holtz.
- distress ink - I'm using the color "Vintage Photo" from Tim Holtz.
Tools
- scissors
- scoring board and bone folder
- hole punch
- ruler
Curious about the paper and printer I use? Check out these helpful guides for all the basics:
📄 Paper Guide – Find out the best paper for junk journaling.
🖨️ Printing Tips – Learn how to get the best prints from your printables.
🧴 Glue Guide – Discover the best adhesives for different materials.
🎨 Favorite Supplies – My go-to tools and materials for crafting.
📖 Beginner Guide – Start your junk journaling journey with confidence!
Instructions
This project has two parts: first, we’ll print the swatches — then we’ll make a cute little folio to store and organize them. Let’s walk through it together, step by step. 💛
1) Print the Swatch Sheet
Download the swatch printable and print it on the paper you want to test. You can use either the PDF or JPEG version — whatever works best for your printer.
Tip
If you’re testing thicker paper (like cardstock or specialty paper), feed it through your rear tray and only print one sheet at a time to avoid paper jams.
2) Fill Out the Labels
Once your page is printed and dry, cut out the swatches and the labels underneath them. Then write down your notes for each paper sample. You’ll be amazed how helpful these little details are later on — especially when you're prepping for a new project and trying to remember what paper worked best.
3) Build Your Swatch Folio
Now for the fun part — let’s make your swatch folio! This mini trifold is the perfect place to keep all your swatch pages tidy and easy to flip through.
- Print the Folio Base
Print the folio pages onto sturdy cardstock. I recommend 250 gsm / 92 lb Cover weight or heavier — anything strong enough to hold up to folding and flipping. - Cut and Ink (Optional)
Cut out each folio panel and pocket. You can ink the edges for a vintage look if you’d like — I usually do! - Assemble the Base
Fold the center and side panels along the lines to create a trifold. Then glue the two flaps to the center piece so they open like a little folder. - Attach the Pockets
Glue the pockets along the bottom edge of each flap. These are where your swatch sheets will slide in!
4) Prepare Your Swatch Sheets
Each swatch sheet can hold up to 4 paper samples. I like to pair the color and black-and-white swatches from the same type of paper side-by-side, so I can compare how designs look in both styles.
- Print the number of swatch sheets you need based on how many papers you're testing.
- Optionally, print a pattern on the back if you’d like a double-sided look.
- Cut them out.
Tip
Each sheet has space at the top to label what kinds of papers are stored there — for example: “Photo Paper,” “Sticker Sheets,” or “Vellum Swatches.”
5) Attach the Swatches
Here’s how I recommend sticking the swatches to your swatch sheet:
- Use a fine line of glue or a strip of double-sided tape across the top edge only
- This way, the swatch can lift slightly — so you can still write more notes underneath or feel the texture of the paper
- For translucent paper (like vellum or tracing paper), avoid full-surface glue, as it may show through
- Sticker paper swatches can simply be stuck in place as-is!
6) Tuck the Sheets Into Your Folio
Once your glue is dry, slide your swatch sheets into the pockets of your folio. You can add more sheets anytime, and even swap them around as your paper stash grows.
7) Decorate (Optional)
I’ve included a few extra elements you can use to decorate your folio — labels, stamps, inspirational quotes, and more. Have fun with it! This is your creative space, and I promise it’ll make you smile every time you flip through it.
Extras
Along with the swatch sheets and folio pieces, you’ll also find a few extra printable goodies that make this project even more useful (and a little more fun!). These are perfect for storing extra info, staying organized, and keeping everything in one pretty place.
Here’s what’s included:
- 🗂️ Paper Swatch Tracker Card
Use this card to keep an at-a-glance list of all the paper types you’ve tested. There’s space for the paper name, weight, finish, and your quick thoughts (like “great for stickers” or “bleeds on heavy ink”). - 📍 Favorite Suppliers List
This little card lets you note down where you buy your favorite papers, sticker sheets, or printable-friendly materials. Super handy when you want to re-order or share recommendations with a crafty friend! - ✉️ Envelope
Print, fold, and glue this little envelope to keep any loose swatches, scraps, or notes tucked neatly inside your folio. You can glue it to the inside flap or just slide it into one of the pockets — totally up to you.
How To Use
🖨️ How to Use Your Swatches
Once your swatches are printed, labeled, and tucked into your folio — here’s how they can come in handy:
- Print preview: Quickly see how different papers look when printed (without wasting materials mid-project)
- Printer comparison: See how the same paper prints on an inkjet vs. laser printer (just make two swatches!)
- Ink/color comparison: Track how papers react to different inks (e.g., dye vs. pigment)
- Paper aging reference: See how paper holds up after tea-staining, distressing, or coffee dyeing
- Color customization testing: Try different print settings like “vivid,” grayscale, or “high-quality” to compare results
- Craft storage tool: Grab your swatch folio when designing, prepping a Cricut cut, or planning your next journal
- Shopping reference: Know exactly what you liked (or didn’t) before you repurchase paper
- Creative inspiration: Flip through when you’re feeling stuck — the textures, colors, and finishes can spark fresh ideas
Next Steps
🗂️ Keep Your Stash (and Sanity) Organized
That’s it — you now have your own custom paper swatch folio! Whether you’re picking papers for your next journal or just love seeing all your printables in one place, this tool is a total game-changer.
✨ The best part? You can keep adding to it as your stash grows. Just print new swatches as you discover new papers, and pop them into your folio for future reference. Easy!
🧠 And if you’re on a mission to get more organized, you might also love:
- 📁 [My Printable Folio Folder — great for sorting fussy cuts, ephemera & more]
- 🎨 [The Printable Project Tracker — keep tabs on what you've made (and want to make next)]
- 🧷 [My Sticker Storage System — perfect for keeping sticker sheets and scraps neat and tidy]
Each of these tools is designed to help you stay inspired, make crafting easier, and enjoy your printables without the overwhelm.
If you end up creating your own swatch folio, I’d LOVE to see it! Feel free to tag me on social media or leave a comment below — it seriously makes my day. 💛
Happy crafting,
Cyna xx
DIY Paper Swatch Sheet
Meet Cyna
Hi, I’m Cyna! As a graphic designer and junk journaling enthusiast, I create high-quality printables and step-by-step tutorials to help you craft beautiful journals with confidence – whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned journaler. Browse the printables in my Etsy shop for even more creative resources!