Eighth sheets are 7×11 inches, and so on.
The thickness or “weight” of cardboard is usually designated by the term “ply” which means the number of layers of rough pulp making up the body.
A good weight for ordinary cards is 6-ply.
Heavy board, usually used for half and full sheets, is 10-ply, or thicker. Mat boards and double size cardboard usually come 28×44. Some mat boards and other fancy boards can be procured, however, in 22×28 size, thus saving the time in cutting.
It is suggested that students procure from their printers or wholesale paper houses, catalogs of samples and sizes of the various cardboards, etc., and familiarize themselves with the weights, colors, names, etc.
SUGGESTIONS FOR PRACTICE
If the showcard work is to be conducted in classes, it is highly desirable to procure a suitable room where drawing tables are available; for instance, the drafting room of a high school or college. If this is impossible, the next best method is to provide large tables, slightly lower than thirty inches, and chairs where students may sit at their ease, in using their drawing boards.
As the work progresses, the tables should be raised, so that those who desire may stand up. This will enable the students to do better work, especially when the brush work is being practiced.
In fact, it is suggested that after the third lesson students be permitted to stand as they work, and if in a drawing classroom or showcard studio where practical work is done, the regular drawing tables can be used.