When you think about parchment, you likely think of old letters, quills, ink, and the customs of centuries past. After all, parchment was the primary material used for communication before more modern forms of paper and cardstock were invented. However, this does not mean that parchment no longer serves a purpose. In fact, parchment is one of the most popular types of cardstock among many modern consumers.
So, what exactly is parchment cardstock? How is parchment made? Finally, how can you put parchment cardstock to good use? In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and take a closer look at parchment cardstock in general. Additionally, if you are currently shopping for parchment cardstock for your next DIY project, we will help you evaluate the best choices at your disposal through Fine Cardstock.
What Is Parchment Cardstock?
Before we dive into the differences between regular cardstock and parchment cardstock, it is important to understand how traditional parchment differs from modern paper. The truth is that the paper we are accustomed to today is not quite as “modern” as you might think. On the contrary, modern forms of paper were already beginning to replace parchment paper as early as the 15th century.
Regardless of when the transition began, you are probably still wondering how the two materials differ. Traditionally, parchment paper was made using animal skin. However, once the paper-making industry grew and animals no longer became a realistic sourcing material, manufacturers started using fibers from fir trees. Depending on the climate and fauna in the region in which it was manufactured, some printers would use fibers from plants such as cotton or flax. It was this shift that marked the change from parchment to what we now refer to as “writing paper.”
Today, writing paper can be made from a variety of plant-based sources, though wood pulp is the most common material worldwide. It can be made to mimic the look and feel of traditional, animal-skin parchment. The same finish and process can be used to create parchment cardstock paper. Rather than using animal skin or similarly old-fashioned production methods, cardstock producers simply recreate the look of parchment or aged cardstock using different colors, designs, source materials, as well as the finish of the paper.
Common Parchment Cardstock Uses
Even after parchment paper fell out of fashion, it was still used for extremely important or commemorative documents. For example, the original United States Constitution and Declaration of Independence were written on parchment paper. So, while we may not use “real” parchment paper nowadays, we can still use imitation parchment paper and parchment cardstock for important or commemorative certificates, invitations, cards, and even DIY decorations.
Certificates
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If you have ever walked into a medical clinic or doctor’s office, you have probably seen a medical certificate framed and mounted on the wall. This gives patients peace of mind knowing that their physician has legitimate credentials that they are proud to display. However, certificates do not just apply to doctors. There are many different accolades that can be put on parchment cardstock and framed at the home or office.
Whether you want to celebrate your bachelor’s degree or show your certification to teach a given subject, you can use parchment cardstock to make it look even more authentic. Since parchment is historically associated with important documents, it only makes sense to put your most important documents on parchment paper. The difference with parchment cardstock is that it is stronger (which means it is less likely to wear with age) and better suited to be set in a frame. |
Invitations
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Invitations offer a great opportunity to show your personal sense of style and invite others to celebrate a special event in your life. Perhaps you are getting married, graduating from college, having a baby, or even moving into your first home. Regardless of the event, you will likely want to send out formal invitations to your friends, family, and loved ones. Parchment cardstock is one of the best materials to make your invitations memorable and luxurious.
People associate parchment with the past, when royals and elites acted with a certain sense of decorum, sending written invitations for special events. Putting your invitations on parchment cardstock gives them an aged look while also making your event feel more refined. It is especially useful if you are planning a themed party that you can match with the style of the parchment invitations. |
Cards
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Not all written communications need to be invitations. There are plenty of reasons to send someone a special card to let them know that you care about them. You may have a friend who recently lost a loved one or an acquaintance who is starting a new job. Either way, you can send different kinds of cards based on the events in other people’s lives. Parchment cardstock makes each card just a little more special, encouraging the recipient to keep it for years.
Cards are not just for events in other people’s lives, either. Many families like to send out yearly Christmas cards or cards to announce unexpected news (like a new addition to the family). If you and your family enjoy spreading information to those closest to you, consider parchment cardstock to make each and every card even more memorable. |
DIY Decorations
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It is easy to forget that cardstock is a great canvas on which to express your personal creativity. Parchment cardstock offers you the ability to create a decoration for the holidays or for the whole year and make your home just a little bit brighter. Cardstock works well because it is firm enough to stand up on its own, giving you the ability to write, draw, or paint whatever you like on a beautiful parchment background.
Also remember that cardstock does not need to be kept in its original form or shape. You can easily cut up cardstock to make Christmas tree decorations or adornments to put somewhere special in your home. No matter what you choose to make, parchment cardstock is a great jumping-off point for beautiful DIY decorations! |
Parchment Cardstock Colors
The “aged” look is what most often comes to mind when thinking about parchment paper or cardstock. While the beige, off-white aged coloration is a popular choice, it is certainly not the only one available. In fact, you can get parchment-style cardstock in various colors, including but not limited to:
- New white
- Spring green
- Smoke gray
- New champagne
- Natural cream
- Ice pink
As you can see, there is quite a bit of variety in parchment cardstock coloration. This gives you the ability to customize your cardstock based on your personal needs and style. You may want to use a natural cream color for a wedding invitation or an ice pink invitation for a children’s birthday party. Alternatively, you could use new white or spring green for holiday decorations, while you could use the “aged” look or natural cream for certificates or more formal cards. With parchment cardstock, the possibilities are virtually endless!
Ready to create your next DIY project or card using parchment cardstock? If so, be sure to check out our high-quality cardstock and paper on Fine Card Stock today, and let us know how you put our cardstock to good use!