In the ever-evolving market of products for scrapbooking, it is inevitable that some products are pushed out of the popular group faster than you learn how to recognize them. Fortunately, just as scrapbooking papers take their cues from fashion, so do the market trends; everything comes back around.
Currently, vellum (that filmy, see-through and ethereal paper) is making a trendy comeback. Many scrappers welcome its return since they still have plenty in their stash, but are looking for ways to modernize it. Plus, the challenge with vellum will always be, “How do I attach it?” Well, there’s plenty of cool options available that will update the look of your vellum stash, as well as solve that tricky attachment issue.
Suspend vellum with mini-brads. Sure, the brads are a no-brainer–but use one that is a different color than the rest for a fun, off-center look. BONUS tip: Suspend the vellum over hand-drawn bits and baubles to connect it with the doodling trend that just won’t die. Also, here’s a chance to use up the ancient stickers languishing away in your stash for a practical yet cool effect.
Anchor vellum with chipboard photo corners. Chipboard is hot, photo corners are classic–again, mixing the old with new to wake it up a bit. BONUS tip: Freshen up the look of a vellum quote by using it as a patterned block in a layered background.
Use your Xyron. Xyron adhesive provides perfectly even and thorough coverage of the back of the piece of vellum–making for a seamless adhesive that truly doesn’t show (unlike those so-called “invisible” vellum tapes on the market). BONUS tip: Hide imperfect photos by journaling on vellum before adhering it directly to the photo. You will still be able to see and enjoy the picture, but the vellum will soften the overall look, masking imperfections.
Use just the edges of eyelets. The popularity of the Crop-a-dile has made eyelets come back with a storm, so it’s only natural to combine two oldies but goodies to create a new twist. Look closely at the “Q” layout. You can see that I used very careful placement of my eyelets so that just their outermost edges held the vellum. While punching holes in vellum is easy, setting eyelets in it can be hit or miss, since the pressure usually cracks or creases the vellum–a less than desirable look. Setting the eyelets on the periphery of the vellum block ensures no unsightly cracks.
Thread ribbon through vellum. Okay, so this works best if you set eyelets in the vellum. Again, it’s hit or miss, so I recommend experimenting with this technique on a piece you’re not super attached to (get it?). Thankfully, with the plethora of vellum quotes that I know we’re all stuck with, I know there will be plenty for you to play around with. Punch holes, set the eyelets, then thread ribbon, literally tying the vellum to the piece below it.
Use spray adhesive to layer geometric shapes. Again, spray adhesive provides perfectly even and thorough coverage on the back. This seamless quality makes it the ideal adhesive to use when you want to layer vellum–one of the cool benefits of these transparent papers.
Use paint. Yep, you read right–paint. Simply cut a block of vellum, swipe a block of acrylic paint down as a foundation, and then press the vellum directly onto the paint. The vellum will become slightly wavy and wrinkly, making for a cool textured background. You can then attach your photo with foam tape if you’d like to accommodate this extra depth, or with Xyron to really stick it to the vellum and force it to straighten up its act a little.
Turn to your office supplies–you know, the staples. Well, staples as in actual staples, not the basics. Although many scrappers do consider them a must-have! And why not? They make attaching stuff quick and simple, and give a fun industrial edge to your layout. BONUS tip: Use staples to adhere other elements on your layout to tie it all together, as in the felt hearts on the sample layout.
Hide it. Maybe none of these options work for the layout you’re working on. When that happens, the option of last resort is simple–hide it! In my sample layout, I’ve used glue dots to hold down the vellum tag, layering underneath an embellished tag and the journaling block.
Overall, just remember–you don’t have to just resign yourself to the tacky stuff showing through. And you don’t have to resort to old school options like matting the vellum on cardstock and covering with another cardstock frame. Get creative and mix the old with the new while you problem solve–you may be pleasantly surprised at what you get!
