Paper Selection
The background color really doesn’t matter as long as the pen will show up. That said I prefer white paper. Ireally wouldn’t use a patterned paper. The paper does have to be fairly heavy, at least 100 lb.
Cutting
The Cricut does all the writing and drawing. To make clear lines a medium or thick sharpie works best. As I said four of these Halloween coloring treats fit on one 8.5 X 11 sheet of paper.