Trendy Tuesday – Versatile Vellum
by Katherine Elliot
Vellum inserts have been classy additions to wedding or other formal party invitations for a long time. The delicately frosted, translucent look of vellum adds an air of sophistication to formal invitations, no doubt. But as paper crafters, we learn vellum stands on its own as a creative, versatile paper crafting medium. During my latest blog stalking sessions, I have found some terrific cards that share the many beautiful ways vellum is being used today.
The card below uses vellum as a lovely embossed window and as attractive die cut shapes on this soothing sympathy card.
Vellum Sympathy Card by Dianne Simpers, image source Back Porch Stamper
A few vellum basics are good to know. Vellum sheets and vellum cardstock vary in thickness. Vellum cardstock is typically a heavier weight (stiffer) than vellum sheets. Thicker vellum cardstock may be a better choice for embossing and 3-D projects, and lighter weight sheets are a good choice for delicate layers. You can find vellum by many brands at your favorite craft store or other on-line retailers and direct marketing companies.
Reminiscent of an elegant invitation, the vellum insert adhered on the inside of the card below shows the interior greeting stamped directly on the vellum and the lovely stamping you can see through the translucent sheet.
Decorated vellum card interior by Ashley Cannon Newell image source Inspired, Paper Trey Ink
Used as an accent strip, a sentiment or image stamped on vellum can easily be added to any style on the front of a project, too.
Card by Danielle Flanders, image source Homespun with Heart
No stamping required, vellum is your ultimate “neutral.” Vellum lets your card”s colors and design stand on their own, while offering a pretty layer you can cut and adhere anywhere.
Stitched vellum birthday card by Natalia Harandon, image source Kool Kitty Musings
Did you notice the examples above show virtually no detection of adhesive? Was that by magic!? Well, no, of course. Stitching, brads, or a well placed button, jewel or decorative layer can help you attach your vellum flawlessly. You may consider special vellum adhesives, or hide glue or glue dots with embellishments.
Vellum adhesives, image source Scrapbook.com
Vellum can be a fun embellishment on its own. While vellum may first bring the image of “frost” to mind, LeAnne Pugliese shows off an ingenious way to use vellum to depict steam coming out of this pretty holiday mug…
Vellum steam card by LeAnne Pugliese, image source
Some lovely white flowers were stamped on vellum, then cut and adhered to the top of the delicate frame on this inspiring card…
Ray of Hope card with vellum accent piece by Angela Maine, image source From the Tool Shed
And now for something completely different…
Vellum Mug card by JJ Bolton, image source rgcards.blogspot.com
Gotta love a masculine card with a beer mug! Yep, vellum”s not just for girlie cards any more… This card reminded me, too, that not all vellum is white. Besides various weights, vellum can come in different colors and some even have different textures or patterned designs.
Grafix colored vellum, image source Nona Designs Artist Supplies
Of course, you don”t need colored or patterned vellum if you want to decorate it yourself. There are different techniques to try with vellum, and if you search, you are sure to find at least one example of “stained glass vellum” as shown on the attractive, clean and simple card below…
Stained glass leaves card by Debra Burgin, image source Heartfelt Inkspiration
Vellum can also be dry embossed to give a very unique look for any occasion.
Card by Kay Kalthoff, image source Stamping to Share
Embossed vellum card created by Monika Davis, image source Splitcoast Stampers
Looking for inspiration for ways to use vellum outside of card making? Vellum luminaries are a favorite 3-D party or holiday project. Cut windows on each side of your square luminaries so you can decorate them with stamped vellum to suit the occasion.
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Halloween lantern with vellum windows by Margit Alles, image source Margits Schatzruhe
Or print your own vellum paper with just the right words for your gathering…
Vellum Luminaries, tutorials and image source DIY or Don”t
Just remember for any paper luminary, use battery operated LED type lights and NOT real candles on your paper crafted luminaries (ya know, fire hazard and all, don”t let your creativity go up in smoke)!
I hope you enjoyed these beautiful projects, and special thanks to all the creative folks in blog-land. If you have not read my gratitude to you personally, I want to let you know how much I admire your talent. Happy crafting, everyone!
LOVE your work with the vellum; especially the sympathy card and the luminaries!
Beautiful creations . These examples are just stunning. Thank you so much for all of the information..
Wow, some really great ideas for vellum usage. Thank you so much for sharing. Love all the cards.
I love your ideas for vellum. I’ll have to get mine out and put it to use. It’s long been forgotten. Thanks for all your inspiration and ideas!
I love the look of vellum, so these really hit home with me. All of them are winners. They have such translucence and add another dimensional layer in my opinion. The Grafix vellum sheets are new to me. I’ll have to be on the lookout for them. The tealights behind the stamped vellum is so pretty. I like the idea of individualizing the candle colors. There’s not a single project I don’t want to try. Using vellum with embossing folders gives such great texture. See…I told you I loved it!
What a stunning card.
Glad to see someone presenting ideas for vellum. I wanted to use it but couldn’t find any projects that featured it. This entry gave me a lot of ideas for vellum. thanks.
Beautiful cards!