How to Scrapbook with Vellum Paper

Using Translucent Sheets to Add Depth and Delicacy to Your Pages

Dec 5, 2008 Adrienne Larocque

Using paper vellum in scrapbooks adds dimension and softness to your layouts, but vellum can be tricky to deal with. Follow these tips for beautiful results every time.

Unlike traditional vellum made from animal skins, modern paper vellum is made from plasticized cotton. It’s available in white or many colors, plain or printed, flat or embossed. Vellum can be used for titles and journaling, photo mats, borders, backgrounds, and embellishments. However you use it, you’ll get the greatest impact by taking advantage of its translucent properties to add depth and dimension to your layout. For example, vellum is perfect for layering over patterned paper.

You should be aware that not all vellums are photo-safe, even if they are labeled “acid-free.” Some manufacturers use oils during the process that renders the paper translucent, and these oils can react with photos. If you’re unsure about the properties of your vellum, don’t place it on top of photos.

Handling Vellum

Vellum has some unique properties. If you’re working in an area with high humidity, vellum can absorb water vapour from the air and stretch. This can cause buckling of the sheet if you have already attached it to your layout. Also, vellum is fragile. If you crease it, a white line will be left behind. Vellum should be handled with care.

Using Vellum for Backgrounds

If you have background cardstock that it too strongly-coloredor has a pattern that is too bold, layer vellum on it for a softer effect. Leave a frame of uncovered background around the edge for contrast.
Layer a strip of patterned vellum over a plain cardstock background.
Weave strips of coloured vellum to create a textured background.
Cut large blocks of different colours of vellum, then overlap them partly for a colour-blocked background.

Using Vellums for Mats and Frames

Mat photos on vellum and layer on a patterned paper background.
Cut a large window out of photo-safe vellum and lay it over a photo to create a subtle frame.
Cut a small window out of photo-safe vellum and lay it over a photo to blur distracting elements and create focus on the subject.

Using Vellum for Titles and Journaling

Print your title or journaling onto vellum and layer it over patterned paper.
Print your text onto vellum and layer it over a sticker or die-cut.
Use pre-printed text on vellum for journaling.
Dry-emboss a title using plain vellum. The embossed part will be raised, adding even more dimension.

Using Vellum to Embellish

Make accents by adhering vellum to the back of metal outline shapes or mini frames.
Make vellum pockets or envelopes to hold journaling tags or memorabilia.
Make an underwater scene by layering blue vellum and die-cuts or stickers.

Adhering Vellum to Your Layout

Because it is translucent, vellum can be more challenging to mount that other papers as most tapes or glues will show through. The best ways of adhering vellum to background cardstock are:

vellum tape
eyelets or brads
staples
spray adhesive

If you are laying photos or other elements overtop of vellum, you can hide tape or glue behind them. Another method is to make a cardstock frame for your piece of vellum and hiding adhesive behind that. You can also stitch vellum to your layout, either by hand or machine.

Example Pages

Bubbles. Vellum with opening cut 1 cm smaller than photo all the way around. When laid down, the vellum creates a subtle frame. Vellum attached using vellum tape. Supplies: cardstock – Fiskars; vellum - Over the Moon Press; lettering template - Coluzzle (Provo Craft).
Endless Summer. Title was dry-embossed on pink vellum layered over patterned paper. Vellum was attached using eyelets. Supplies: cardstock – Making Memories; patterned paper – Karen Foster Design; vellum – Provo Craft; embossing template and stylus - Lasting Impressions; eyelets - Doodlebug Design Inc.; ribbon - Making Memories; shrink plastic - Shrinky Dinks (K & B Innovations); stamping ink – Tsukineko; rubber stamp - EK Success; pen - Zig (Kuretake Co.); punch - Punch Bunch; circle template - Coluzzle (Provo Craft).
Tropical Flowers. Vellum with journaling layered over laser-cut tropical flower. Supplies: cardstock – The Paper Company; vellum – Provo Craft; white pen – Sakura; eyelets – Doodlebug Design Inc.; laser cut - Scrapper’s Friend; letter stickers – Creative Imaginations.
Well-Behaved Women. Vellum block with pre-printed text layered over cardstock and strip of patterned paper, attached using staples. Supplies: patterned paper – KI Memories; vellum quote – Autumn Leaves; staples – Making Memories; flower – Heidi Swapp for Advantus; button – JoAnn Scrap Essentials; embroidery floss – DMC.

The copyright of the article How to Scrapbook with Vellum Paper in Crafts is owned by Adrienne Larocque. Permission to republish How to Scrapbook with Vellum Paper in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.