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Paper Crafts

The Values of Vellum

In the family of translucent papers and the uses to which they can be put, vellum stands out as one of the most versatile.  While other papers have see-through qualities, vellum maintains a standard/rigidity that is vital to many of the craft-type uses to which it can be applied.  Here we will investigate some ways to use vellum that help make it a valuable creative tool.

To begin, vellum is available in many colors.  This is not true of tracing paper or tissues that are used by artists and craftspeople to duplicate/copy illustrations and patterns.  The colors are clear and bright or soft pastels and can be used in many projects.  Some printed vellums are also available, making them especially applicable to the creation of greeting cards and scrapbooking.

Vellum has a surface quality that looks as though it is frosted or matte.  This makes it ideal for light diffusion when creating lamp shades or Spanish-style luminaries.  Shades can be made entirely of vellum or by adding vellum shapes to an existing shade.  Luminaries can be made by folding oversized sheets of vellum into tall column shapes and placing a tea light inside. (Use caution.)  Both of these are great party decorations or ways to introduce specific colors and shapes into décor, i.e., circles, rings, or dots of color on the outside of light coverings.

Another party item that is creative and can be personalized to your design and taste is small twinkle light strings.  Around each light an artisan creates a cone of vellum that is attached around the socket of the light and not on the bulb itself—a safety precaution.  Use double-faced tape to clasp the overlapped edges of the vellum together tightly enough to hold onto the light base.  Although fragile, the light covers make a big statement of color.  If desired, the cone shape can be creased to form a straight-edged cone or pocket around each light.  This may sound really simple, but the effect is dramatic, especially when strings are joined together around the parameter of a room or table or outdoors on a gazebo or trellis.

When creating invitations for weddings, parties and other special events, the use of vellum is common—but not the use of vellum envelopes.  However, you can create envelopes for any size of card either with envelope patterns or by special folding.  These make any card or invitation unique and the recipient feel extra special.

Explore patterns for envelopes and gift box construction and you will find gift enclosures that are shaped like pouches.  They have crescent scores at each end and take shape when the opposing sides are squeezed.  Vellum is perfect for creating these pouches.  Add a special metallic, satin or sheer ribbon and the gift box rises to new heights.

Rigidize vellum with acrylic painting medium and you have a very versatile and sturdy material from which to make earrings and necklaces.  Begin by cutting the vellum into various shapes. (Triangles and diamond shapes do especially well.)  Pierce a small hole at the top of each shape and suspend from a toothpick.  Coat both sides of the vellum with painting medium and allow to dry.  Fit with findings for earrings or jump rings and attach to necklace material.  Both are lightweight and fun to wear because they are always noticed.  You can use printed vellum for added textural effects, combine colors or use a single color for drama and impact.  A necklace full of vellum shapes, perhaps strung with a variety of beads, is quite exquisite.

Artists are noted for using materials designed for one purpose to perform another function.  Vellum was never designed as a “craft” material, but it makes a great one.  See your retailer and visit www.bordenandriley.com and www.strathmoreartist.com to see the variety of vellum papers available.

Copyright ARTtalk Vol. 19 No. 5 — March 2009