Favorite Watercolor Paper?

Jun '16 Lutz

I would appreciate recommendations for watercolor paper, preferably a 12x12 size. What have you used that you have enjoyed?
Jun '16 Southgirl

RE: Lutz: I would appreciate recommendations for watercolor paper, preferably a 12x12 size. What have you used that you have enjoyed?

I go to HL and buy the big pad, it is 18 by 24. I have tried the cold and hot press I can see little to no difference in results except the price. (HL's is cheaper)
Jun '16 Ppilgrim

RE: Southgirl: I go to HL and buy the big pad, it is 18 by 24. I have tried the cold and hot press I can see little to no difference in results except the price. (HL's is cheaper)

Tim Holtz Distress Watercolor paper is my fave for cardmaking because it's really white: it's wonderful for watercolor resist techniques but it's also just a good-quality paper that I've come to rely on when it's time to make something nice for someone else.

When I'm just playin' I use a less expensive paper: the Canson Cold Press in the 9 inch X 12 inch pad. It's also very good paper and, should a fortuitous accident occur while I'm playing with paint, I can still use it on a card or die cut it for scrapbooking and mixed media use.
Jun '16 AmyWho

RE: Ppilgrim: Tim Holtz Distress Watercolor paper is my fave for cardmaking because it's really white: it's wonderful for watercolor resist techniques but it's also just a good-quality paper that I've come to rely on when it's time to make something nice for someone else. When I'm just playin' I use a less expensive paper: the Canson Cold Press in the 9 inch X 12 inch pad. It's also very good paper and, sh...

I use(d) Strathmore and it does just fine for my cards.

Recently though, I got a couple of blocks of hot press Fabriano Artistico and love it. It can take so much water. It's kind of expensive but I notice a huge difference, which just makes me want to play more. The bright white is not that bright to me to me though. Actually, neither is the Strathmore...

I guess it depends what you're wanting to do. I'll probably still use my Strathmore for coloring stamped images and use the good stuff for attempting actual paintings.
Jun '16 Lutz

RE: AmyWho: I use(d) Strathmore and it does just fine for my cards. Recently though, I got a couple of blocks of hot press Fabriano Artistico and love it. It can take so much water. It's kind of expensive but I notice a huge difference, which just makes me want to play more. The bright white is not that bright to me to me though. Actually, neither is the Strathmore... I guess it depends what you're wan...

I have Strathmore now, and it was fine when I was first starting out. I feel like it doesn't hold up to a lot of water, though. I have tried taping it down and pre-wetting/letting it dry out before using it to no avail.

I appreciate you folks taking the time to make a suggestion. I've been looking up interviews and prices online trying to make a decision =]