In the beginning, there was vellum. Before the invention of the wood pulp paper we know and love today, people used treated animal skins to write on, and this became known as vellum. For many years, this was a standard material for all sorts of written works.

Today, though, paper is in. However, that doesn't mean that you can't get the translucent, off white to ivory mottled appearance of real vellum with a product known as vellum paper. Made by specially treating and embossing regular paper, vellum paper is good for a wide variety of uses. Those who like to make scrapbooks, homemade cards, and other paper crafts love the appearance of this paper.

One common use for vellum paper is as an overlay. Since it is semi translucent, overlaying this paper over an opaque surface provides a very nice "window" effect that is useful in many situations. This works well for both greeting cards and scrapbooks.

Another creative use of vellum paper is for creating lanterns. These paper lanterns can be made in a variety of designs, and can make wonderful decorations for any situation. Just be careful, since this paper is quite flammable, so don't leave your lanterns unattended with a burning candle inside.

If you're looking to buy vellum paper, you can find it at almost any store that provides paper and supplies for scrapbookers, stampers, and other crafts. It comes in a variety of sizes, colors, and weights, so you can find the perfect paper for your particular project. Some nice effects can be achieved by layering vellum paper, so consider buying several different types. Whatever your project, you are sure to find some good paper to fit your needs.