Ideas for Using Specialty Papers

(Vellum, Transparencies & Mulberry)

By Tricia Kruse, TSS DT Member

I think all of us have these Specialty Papers lying around somewhere in our scrap room. You may have thought you would never use them again, but here is a list of examples for using vellum, transparencies & mulberry papers ~ thanks to the DT for help putting this together!

Mulberry paper: 

This paper can add such a unique and delicate touch to any page.  Mulberry paper can add a soft, airy feeling to your pages.  So how do you get the frayed edge without ripping it all to pieces?  Simply use a wet Q-tip or foam brush, run it along the edge that needs torn, and gently pull the wet outer edges until you have the desired look.  Here are some ways the DT loves to use mulberry paper: 

• makes great clouds
• fun textured mats
• punch for flowers
• make ocean waves
• cut in circles for backgrounds
• place down the side of a photo
• create a title box
• layer different colors at different angles for a cool mat

Transparencies: 

Most of us remember our school teachers having these in the classroom as a learning tool, but today transparencies are used to create some amazing pages!  Transparencies can be defined as:  a transparent object, especially a photographic slide that is viewed by light shining through it from behind or by projection.   Transparencies are either clear, or they can also have a manufactured pattern on it.  So here is a list of things you can do with both.

Clear Transparencies:

• add journaling over multiple layers
• print photos on it
• add a light coating of paint on the back
• stamp or paint title or embellishments (like flowers) and then cut it out to layer over other elements
• print out digital brushes and add them to your LO
• print out monograms and cut them out for a unique look.

Patterned Transparencies:

• make words stand out by painting or inking on the back side
• place over photos for an artistic work
• cut part of the transparency as a window for a specific part of a picture
• cut and place a border over part of a picture
• use as a mat behind a picture or journaling box
• use some of the words to create your own unique title

**Adhering tip:  Follow the lines or designs on the back of the transparency to hide the adhesive.  You can also use brads or eyelets to secure it to the page.

Vellum: 

This translucent paper creates many amazing looks on any page.  It is very versatile and can be placed in any printer!  This paper has come a long way from the early days when it was created out of calf skin, to the modern day light weight creamy-colored paper resembling parchment.  Most of the vellum we see is plain solid colored vellum, but companies have create fun patterns on vellum to add a whole new dimension to this resourceful paper.  Here is a list of some cool things you can do with vellum:

• print or write journaling on it
• lay over bright PP to tone it down
• use it as a photo mat
• add chalks to it on the edges or over the whole paper
• print pictures on it
• layer it for a lighter design
• either dry or wet embossing on it
• tear out borders or mats
• cut out titles
• cut part of the vellum as a window for a specific part of a picture
• use stamps on it

**Adhering tip:  Follow the lines or designs on the back of the vellum to hide the adhesive.  You can also use brads or eyelets to secure it to the page. 

**Printing tip:  Some vellum has a slick coating on it.  If you have troubles printing on the vellum, lightly sand it with sand paper; do this just enough to take the sheen off.

So there is a quick look at some of the basics for these papers.  We hope that you are motivated to give these papers a try.  It is time to enable and share!!  Happy scrapping!

Here are some layout examples from the design team using these specialty papers.

Mulberry Paper Designs:

In this layout, Trish uses the mulberry paper to help frame and accent her picture.

Here Trish adds dimension to her layout with not only the mulberry paper, but also corrugated cardstock (another specialty paper).

Transparency Designs:

In this layout, Jenn printed her picture out on a transparency and then brushed white paint on the back of it.  She wanted this LO to be funky!!

Here Trish used a pre-printed transparency. She wanted to make the words on the transparency stand out, so she used a foam brush & painted the backside of the transpareny with a thin layer of white paint.

In this layout, Patti did not want to cover up the beautiful paper with a sold colored journaling block, so she printed her journaling on a transpareny & attached over the paper. This way the paper is still visible. She cleverly used Prima Flowers & brads on the corners of the transparency to attach it!!

For a fun effect, Elayne printed her journaling on a transparency & covered it over a picture. She printed a few of the journaling words on a Dymo machine for an added effect!

Vellum Designs:

In this layout, Trish printed the larger picture on vellum and backed it on white Bazzill for a fun look.

Rachel used vellum for matting the picture in this layout - it is fun because it adds color, but you can still see the patterned paper behind the vellum!

Here Patti cut her title from vellum, again it is a neat effect because you can still see the patterned paper behind the letters.

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In this layout, Patty used a pre-printed quote on vellum as the center of the flower in her layout - very cute!.