Guide to Parchment Craft

Parchment craft uses specialist translucent papers that change colour and become stretched when pressure is applied with tools. This technique is known as embossing. The essence of parchment craft is in varying the amount of embossing to the paper to control the shade and tone of colour in the design.
Traditionally parchment craft designs were all white on a translucent paper and the simplicity of this approach keeps it popular with crafters today. However the craft has developed over recent years and new products such as coloured parchment papers and coloured inks to apply to the design have allowed crafters to take it a stage further. Designs can be further enhanced by pricking and cutting the parchment paper.
Materials
Parchment paper is relatively thick and strong at 150gsm making it easy to handle. Parchment vellums are thinner at 90gsm. They are translucent, but can come in an array of colours and patterns still. You can use both parchment paper and vellum with a home computer if you want to add a personalised message before embossing. You will also need a white pencil, white ink and a special embossing tool to practice this craft. You may choose to use coloured or metallic inks.How to Do It
Tracing and embossing are basic techniques in parchment craft. You will always need to do these before beginning. Your chosen design has first to be traced onto the parchment paper before being embossed. Designs can be embossed from just one side of the paper or both sides.Butterfly Card
This simple butterfly greeting card looks really effective when adhered to a colourful blank card. If you want to take this project a step further you can colour the parchment paper with colouring pencils.You will need:
- Foam pad
- White pencil
- Parchment paper, 12cm x 14cm
- Embossing tools
- Mauve single fold card 12cm square
- Purple ribbon, 40cm
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What is the foam pad you're using.Can you recommend one.Thanks
Millie - 5-Jan-17 @ 10:05 PM
Michelle I think that's the way it's supposed to be. When you turn it over its like 3 d. Try not pressing so hard, because you can always go back over it. Good luck.
Frankie - 23-Jun-15 @ 1:18 PM
hi,I'm just wondering why my 150grms vellum i use bubbles when I'm colouring in the picture on the vellum.You run your finger over the picture when you've coloured it in,and it docent sit flat.
michelle ord - 20-Jul-14 @ 9:43 AM
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