Using vellum for journalling
Vellum paper is known for its translucent and lightweight qualities. Its semi-transparent nature allows for creative possibilities, such as layering, stamping, printing, and writing.
Whether you prefer handwritten notes or printed designs, incorporating vellum paper into your journalling can elevate your creative process and end result.
Handwritten: A Personal Touch
Using vellum paper for handwritten journalling allows for a softer, more personalized touch. Vellum has a delicate surface that works beautifully with a variety of writing tools, though it requires some care.
Gel Pens and Fine Liners: Gel pens and fine-tip markers are ideal for writing on vellum. Their quick-drying ink ensures minimal smudging, a common concern when working with smoother surfaces. Metallic gel pens in particular stand out on vellum, creating an elegant contrast against the semi-opaque background.
Calligraphy and Brush Pens: If you enjoy practicing calligraphy or lettering, vellum can be a great canvas. Brush pens glide easily across the surface, making it easier to achieve smooth strokes and beautiful letterforms. It's best to use pens with archival ink to ensure your work stays vibrant and doesn’t fade over time.
Layering Over Designs: Another advantage of vellum in handwritten journalling is the layering effect it provides. You can write over designs, printed pages, or photographs without entirely covering them, adding an artistic layer of meaning. For example, you could place vellum over a printed image and write a memory or caption in a softer, more subtle way.
Printing on Vellum: Precision and Versatility
For those who prefer cleaner lines or pre-designed elements, printing on vellum paper offers precision. Whether you’re looking to print images, text, or patterns, vellum allows you to introduce delicate visuals without overwhelming the page.
Inkjet vs. Laser Printers: Vellum can be printed on using both inkjet and laser printers, but it’s important to adjust your settings for the best results. Inkjet printers can produce vibrant colours, but it’s essential to give the ink extra time to dry to avoid smudging.
Laser printers, on the other hand, use heat to bond the ink to the paper, producing crisp images without the drying time. Always use the highest print quality setting to ensure that the delicate texture of the vellum doesn’t interfere with the details.
Printed Quotes and Designs: You can print quotes or decorative elements on vellum to incorporate into your journal spreads. Because vellum is translucent, these designs will show hints of whatever is underneath.
Using White Space
When designing printed layouts on vellum, consider using ample white space. The transparency of the paper means that anything printed will naturally appear softer, especially when placed over a busy background. Clean, minimalist designs work particularly well, allowing the vellum to add subtle texture without overwhelming the spread.
Creative Applications in Journalling
Vellum paper adds a light, airy feel to your journal and invites interaction. Since it’s so thin, it can be used in creative ways that other papers might not allow.
Tip-Ins and Flaps: A tip-in is a piece of paper or card that is attached to your album page along one edge so that it can be turned from one side to the other.
You can attach a small piece of vellum to the edge of your page as a tip-in. This creates a flap that can be lifted, allowing for hidden journalling beneath. Printed vellum with quotes or dates can serve as a layer over a written entry.
Overlays and Transparencies: Use vellum as an overlay, either to tone down busy backgrounds or to create focus on specific parts of your page. For example, you can print or handwrite a title on a piece of vellum and lay it over a vibrant photo or patterned paper for a balanced look.