ThePowerOfACard: Thank You

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Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Fun With Vellum

When I was thinking of a title for this video, I thought of Big Bang Theory and Amy and Sheldon's Fun With Flags. While I probably won't make you laugh as much as they did, I do hope you will learn some fun ways to incorporate vellum into your card making repertoire. I will be showing you seven different ways to use vellum, plus a bunch of tips and techniques along the way.

I've been a fan of vellum for a long time and was disappointed when it was discontinued by Stampin' Up!. When it returned (👏🏻 and jump for joy!), it was now in a 12" x 12" size. I love how thick it is - sturdy enough for all of the ways I'm going to show you how to use it. I know my video is a bit longer than normal, but I do hope you'll watch all of it and learn some fun ways you can use vellum in your cards too.

Gather your supplies:

Cardstock: Melon Mambo 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" scored at 4-1/4" and a scrap strip; Vellum Specialty Paper 3" x 5-3/4" (cut into 3" x 4-1/4" and 3" x 1-1/2"); Basic White (2) 4" x 5-1/4", 3" x 4-1/4" and a scrap strip, Granny Apple Green 2-15/16" x 4-3/16", Adhesive Sheet 3" x 4-1/4"
Stamps: Fragrant Layers and Paradise Garden
Inks: Memento Black, Melon Mambo, Granny Apple Green
Embossing Folder: Paradise Garden Hybrid
Watercolor Pencils: Assortment 1 and 2
Other: Basics Embossing Powder and Embossing Buddy
Adhesive and Tools, including the Blender Pens and Heat Tool

1. Stained Glass

I have two different ways to do stained glass, and two different ways to attach this to your card. Let's start out by folding your card base and creasing the fold with a Bone Folder. Emboss one of the large white rectangles with the embossing folder and attach to the front of the card with glue.

Use the Embossing Buddy on the large piece of vellum to remove any static, then stamp the large floral image with Memento Black ink. Since the ink stays wet longer on vellum, you can sprinkle it with the clear embossing powder and it will stick just as if you had used Versamark! Use the Heat Tool to melt the powder and when done, you'll see it looks like a medium gray color rather than black. I love that you can get this softer look by using Memento Black ink! Of course, if you want black, just use the Black embossing powder.

For this first sample, I decided to use Watercolor Pencils. These are so versatile because there are lots of colors and they can be blended together to get even more colors. When you use them, make sure you have a good point and color on the back side (non-embossed side) of the vellum. You don't have to be perfect, or even fill in the petals or leaves completely. Next, use the Blender Pen to blend the pencil marks and smooth out the color. Make sure to make marks on a scrap paper to remove the color from the pen tip before switching to the next color.

There are several ways I like to adhere my vellum. The first way is to use Adhesive Sheets. Use a piece the same size as the vellum. I peel off part of the backing and adhere it a bit at a time. Then peel off another section of the backing and press it down. This way, it's a little easier to manage than having a large sticky piece to add! Next peel off the rest of the backing and add this to the white rectangle of the same size. I wasn't thinking right when I was filming and did my trimming too early!). After the vellum is adhered, trim this down to be 2-3/4" x 4". Glue this to the Granny Apple Green piece and add Dimensionals to the back. Then add it the card front at an angle.

Stamp the small sentiment in Granny Apple Green on the small strip of white and trim as desired. Mat this with the Melon Mambo strip and trim. Add this with a Mini Dimensional and glue as shown. Stamp the large sentiment in Melon Mambo on the remaining piece of white and add to the inside. For the small flower and leaves, I colored them and fussy cut them out. To add them to the inside panel, I used my fine tip glue bottle to add a little glue and then spread it around with the tip. You could also use my trick of a silicon mat and trimmed pastry brush to apply uniform glue. To finish the envelope, stamp another flower/leaves and color with the pencils.

My second card utilized Stampin' Blends to color the flowers. I started with the Flowers Flair background stamp set and embossed the vellum with black embossing powder. After coloring the flowers, you will see they are more vibrant than the pencils, and that the brush strokes show up a bit more. I used an adhesive sheet to add the vellum to the white panel, then tied some Strawberry Slush Faux Linen Ribbon around it before adding it to my Blueberry Bushel cardstock with Dimensionals. The sentiment is from Beautiful Motifs. I used the background stamp to add a light Smoky Slate design on the inside and envelope too. As a tip, the Stampin' Positioner (available to order in May) makes using a large background stamp super easy!

2. Dry Embossing

When you dry emboss vellum, you get white edges so it looks two tone. For this sample, I used the Lazy Daisy 3D embossing folder. With the texture, I just used Seal to attach it to the Daffodil Delight base and you can't even see it. The labels are from the Nested Essentials dies and the sentiments are from Nature's Symphony stamp set. The Misty Moonlight Checkered Trim adds the final touch.

3. Card Base

Trim the vellum to be 4-1/4" x 11" and score at 5-1/2". I then cut out a large rectangle from the Product of the Month Painted Illusions Designer Series Paper (DSP) with the Perennial Postage dies and added it to the card front with a little bit of Seal in the corners. Depending on the pattern on the reverse side, or if you see the adhesive too much, you could add another piece of white the same size to cover it on the inside flap. I used a smaller die to cut out white postage label, then added a rectangle of white that I colored with blending brushes to coordinate with the DSP. The sentiment is from the Greenery Lane stamp set and the ribbon is Darling Duckling Faux Linen.

4. Alcohol Backgrounds Using Blends

I must forewarn you - this can get addicting! For the first sample, I added swipes of color diagonally down the vellum. Then I spritzed it with 91% rubbing alcohol to activate the ink. I blew on it to move the colors around. You will get different looks each time you try this technique as the alcohol spritzing is unpredictable! I used glue to adhere the vellum and spread it around with the trimmed silicon pastry brush. The sentiment is from Paradise Garden (fussy cut) and the gems are the 2025-2027 In Color Flat Pearls.

The second sample used Secret Sea and Cloud Cover Stampin' Blends where I covered the entire piece of vellum. Then I used a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol and dabbed it on the colored vellum to activate the ink. My Happy Birthday is from a retired set of dies (Cloud Cover and Secret Sea cardstock) and the inside sentiment is from The Right Words. I love how this masculine card turned out! I mentioned this video which shows a lot more of the process of using Blends and alcohol to make backgrounds - it's an old one but I think you'll find it helpful.

5. Soften a Busy Background

I love showcasing our DSP, but sometimes, you just need a little buffer between the paper and your sentiment or design element. In this card, I used the Florals in Bloom DSP. The outside sentiment is from the Thoughtful Moments Hybrid embossing folder. The layer of vellum between the "love you" and the paper is just enough to set off the words. The lovely ribbon is Berry Burst Shiny Ribbon (my new fav!) and the card base is Secret Sea. My inside sentiment is from the Paradise Garden set. I added a few Natural Matte Dots for the finishing touch.

6. Floral or Greenery Elements

When you are making floral or botanical cards, you don't always want to have them in the color they are in nature. Vellum is the perfect solution! My first sample features paper from the Splash of Sparkles Specialty DPS pack in Timid Tiger and Bubble Bath. I used the Springtime Scenes bundle and making the leaves out of vellum kept the color scheme while adding texture and interest around my cluster of flowers.

https://ThePowerOfACard.blogspot.com Karen Sliwinski ©Stampin’ Up!

For the second card, I used vellum for parts of the flowers and the leaves (Petals of Beauty bundle). My card base is Petal Pink and the Poppy Parade Two Tone cardstock, folded over on the corner, makes the perfect backdrop for those pretty flowers (base is from the Garden Poetry DSP). The centers are the Moody Palette Glossy Dots. The sentiment is embossed in white and comes from the 2026 Virtual Cardmaking Retreat stamp set. I also used the Paradise Garden stamp set for my interior sentiment.

7. Embossed Sentiments

Lastly is this sample where I embossed my sentiment (Paradise Garden again 😉) with white on a strip of vellum. I wrapped a strip of Strawberry Slush Faux Linen ribbon around a rectangle of Mixed Up Patterns DSP, then wrapped the vellum just a little below it and adhered it to the back side. Even though there isn't any adhesive holding the sentiment down on the front, it is secure enough to stay in place due to being held down on the back. After adding this panel to a piece of white, I popped it up on the card base. The vellum leaf is from Nature's Symphony dies and I adhered it with rolled up Mini Glue Dots.

Whew! That was a lot of ways to use vellum! Were any of these new to you? If so, which one will you try? And which card was your favorite? I love so many of them - thanks for watching!

Karen

ThePowerOfACard@gmail.com

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Product List

Fragrant Layers Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[167150]

$24.00

Paradise Garden Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[167114]

$24.00

Melon Mambo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[115320]

$14.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

$14.00

Granny Apple Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146990]

$14.00

Vellum 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Paper

[167099]

$10.00

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

[132708]

$8.00

Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad

[147051]

$9.00

Granny Apple Green Stampin' Pad

[147095]

$9.00

Embossing Additions Tool Kit

[159971]

$27.00

Basics Embossing Powders

[155554]

$18.00

Watercolor Pencils Assortment 1

[161700]

$18.00

Watercolor Pencils Assortment 2

[149014]

$14.00

Blender Pens

[102845]

$14.00

Paradise Garden Hybrid Embossing Folder

[167120]

$44.00

Adhesive Sheets

[152334]

$11.50

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

$6.00

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.25

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

[144108]

$4.25

Heat Tool (Us And Canada)

[129053]

$32.00

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

$28.00

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Aluminum Foil Meets Embossing Folders!

This is a fun technique that I've done many times over the years, mainly when embossing folders remind me of metal plates like you find on a truck or tool chest. I will show you how to emboss aluminum foil to make a gorgeous decorative element for your cards. In my video, I use regular weight foil and adhere it to a piece of cardstock first, but you can use heavy weight foil all on its own.

The first card I show in the intro was made by cutting a deckled rectangle after adhering the foil but before embossing (and using a deckled rectangle for the sentiment), but I will demonstrate my preferred method. This is to adhere, emboss and then fold the excess foil to the back side of the piece. This help prevent foil from lifting up on the edges if there isn't glue in a portion of it. So grab your Reynolds Wrap and let's make some cards!

Gather your supplies:

Cardstock: Smoky Slate 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" and 3/4" x 5-1/2"; Basic White 3-3/4" x 5"and 1-3/4" x 3"
Stamp Set: Phrases for All
Ink: Azure Afternoon
Embossing Folder: Quatrefoil Tiles
Other: Sheer Ribbon Combo Pack
Aluminum Foil
Adhesive and Tools

Start by cutting a piece of foil just a little larger than the large white rectangle. Add small lines of glue all over the cardstock, trying to get good coverage, but only small amounts of glue. Place this piece on the back side of the foil and press all over the cardstock to get excellent adhesion. Place this piece in the embossing folder and emboss with the Stampin' Cut & Emboss machine.

I really like to fold the extra foil to the back side of my piece as I demonstrate. This will prevent any foil from lifting up at the edge if there isn't total glue coverage. The easiest way I found to do this is to hold the piece almost vertical and just fold down. Make sure the corners are tucked in so they don't stick out after folding. Adhere this piece to the front of your card base.

Stamp the sentiment with Azure Afternoon ink on the small white rectangle and add this to the card with Stampin' Dimensionals. I placed it off center because of the bow. Tie a bow with the Azure Afternoon ribbon and adhere to the upper left corner with a Mini Glue Dot.

To finish up the card, emboss the strip of Smoky Slate with the same embossing folder and place on the inside bottom. It looks really nice to emboss the envelope flap with the same folder - it also adds continuity.

When I was first making cards for this video, I started with the obvious embossing folder - Metal Plate. I used the Zany Zoo stamp set and the Radiating Stitches Dies for this adorable birthday card. I like how the Pebbled Path and Sweet Sorbet cardstock look with the embossed foil.

Next I used the Basics 3D folder (in my favorite cross hatch design) and the Hello Ladybug stamp set for a cheerful Hello card. Not only is this a cute layout, it's a great way to use up scraps of paper. You don't have to use Basic white because the foil covers it entirely, so why not use up all of your old paper?

My next card features the Merry Melody 3D embossing folder and the Zoo Crew DSP. I matted the three musicians in black and added a stitched circle with musical notes to complete my lyrical birthday card. I love the Lemon Lime Twist card base as it really makes the frog pop!

For the next sample, I adhered my foil to a square of cardstock, then cut a circle using the Stylish Shapes dies. Then, I embossed the circle with the Basics 3D folder. When handling this piece, just be careful not to catch the edge where the foil might try to lift up since we aren't folding it over. I used Bubble Bath as my base and then coordinated with Moody Mauve for this birthday celebration.

Lastly, I added some extra touches by using my Stazon ink pads. For the first one, I embossed the panel with the Timeworn Type 3D folder. Then I lightly ran the ink pad over the raised portions, which left touches of black. A few strips of white set the embossed piece off nicely and the crocodile (or is it an alligator?) looks fabulous on the black card base. On the second card, I liberally applied ink over the embossed piece (Exposed Brick 3D) with the saddle brown ink pad. This took hours to fully dry, so you need lots of patience. However, the result is a beautiful antique gold look that paired very well with Wild Wheat cardstock and the Earthen Textures bundle.

I hope you've enjoyed using an everyday household item to spice up your cards. We have so many great embossing folders in the catalog and on-line - give them a try!

Karen

ThePowerOfACard@gmail.com

Etsy Shop: The Power of a Card

https://karensliwinski.stampinup.net

https://ThePowerOfACard.blogspot.com

Images Copyright Stampin’ Up!®

Join my Facebook Group (The Power of a Cardmaker): https://www.facebook.com/groups/1042676296088278/?ref=share