This is my second ‘mix it up’ post. A couple of weeks ago I looked at watercolor and today it’s the turn of vellum. Vellum is one of my most favourite crafting supplies; not only is it a beautiful semi-translucent medium to work with it is also very versatile. I’m going to list out just a few of the ways vellum can be used and show some pictures of previous projects. Under each photo will be links to the original post if you’d like to know more.
OVERLAYING PATTERNED PAPER
Using a vellum panel over patterned paper is a great way to have the paper incorporated in the design as it peeks through the sheer nature of the vellum. However, images stamped and heat embossed on the vellum are still visible in a way they wouldn’t have been if they had been stamped directly on the paper.
WHITE HEAT EMBOSSED FLOWERS
For me, one of the best ways to showcase a delicate floral image is to white heat emboss on vellum and trim out. The ethereal nature of vellum lets the detail of the image shine.
COLORING ON THE BACK
Once again white heat embossed flowers, but this time colored on the back of the vellum. This is a very easy way to color; when viewed from the front the colours soften along with any less than perfect blending!
SENTIMENT STRIPS
Clockwise from top left: here, here, here and here
Using vellum for a sentiment strip is perhaps my favourite way to use it. You’ve created a beautiful background you’re really pleased about but can’t quite work out where to put the sentiment! Using a vellum strip allows your background to shine, without covering it up and yet the sentiment still stands out.
SHEER ACCENTS
When creating a more collaged effect I love tucking in die cut vellum accents. Their sheer nature add to the overall design while not cluttering it up too much; supporting while allowing other elements to take centre stage.
Before I go let’s briefly talk about the vellum I use. For many years I’ve had a big stash of the beautiful, thick 40lb vellum from Bazzill. I know there are other options out there for sturdy vellum, but I’ve never felt the need to stray from what has always worked well for me. Recently I received a sheet of Simple Foundations paper vellum in a Simon Says Stamp Card Kit and this opened up new possibilities. As the name suggests, it is thin and paper like, less translucent than the Bazzill but equally whiter in color. I love them both for their different strengths.
Attaching vellum can be tricky due to adhesives showing through. Easy ways to get around the problem are to wrap it around a panel and adhere on the back or stitch it to the front. If all else fails and you need adhesive, try adding it where it won’t be seen, for example, behind an overlapping element and use the types intended for discretion such as clear foam adhesive.
Well that completes my quick fly through of how I like to use vellum. If you enter a term into the search field of my blog (bottom of the side bar) it will pull all the projects I’ve used with that term. Entering vellum as a search term gives you several pages of projects if you’d like to look at more ways to use this fabulous product.
SUPPLIES
You can find links to the supplies I’ve used below; click on the picture or wording to get taken directly to the product. Where available I use affiliate links which means if you make a purchase I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support.
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Hello Debby. I love your style and your cards are just wonderfull !!! This is amazing post. Thank you so much. Great inspiration ♥
Goodness, what a great post this is!! I have vellum in my stash, but rarely think to use it. That will change now. It is obvious you have put a lot of work and thought into this post, and I for one say “Thanks a Million”. You have provided me hours and hours, maybe even days of the pleasure of reading about your work, and seeing your treasures. Thanks again.
:D
hi Debbie, I had never really used vellum before I saw your video on white heat embossed flowers. I fell in love and made a bunch of flowers that way. they are sitting there just waiting to be made into cards. then I saw your vellum sentiment strips – I fell in love with those also. then I saw your vellum leaves poking out from images and now I cant wait to try them also. thanks so much. I love your videos and have learned so much from you, thanks, treen
Drowning in vellum, Treen; now there’s a way to go!!
Thank you so much for doing this post Debby!! It gives me so many new ideas on how to incorporate vellum into my designs. I never even thought about die-cutting it!!!
Thank you for your beautiful examples of using vellum on cards. Great review! As I was reading about how to adhere vellum, I wondered if you had heard of using Vellum Tape made by Scotch Brand? I have used it and usually it disappears completely. You can find it by doing a Google search.
Thanks Carolyn I will check it out!
Thanks for this post! I’m bookmarking it for future reference. Beautiful cards!