You can use standard copy paper, but it's slippery and thick. I prefer to use Carol Doak's paper piecing paper. It's thinner and is much like fine newprint.
If you go to Carol's site you can find very good tutorials and free patterns to try.
http://www.caroldoak.com/free-quilt-patterns.php
My website has three tutorials and simple patternss.
http://sites.google.com/site/finelyf...-and-tutorials
You may also email me with questions.