Parchment paper is a fancy kind of paper made to have the variegated texture and stiffness of ancient parchment, which wasn't truly paper—it was made out of animal skin. The stiff texture and dappled look of parchment paper gives documents an old-fashioned feel that evokes an era when writers dipped their pens in inkwells rather than pounding out words on a keyboard.

When selecting parchment paper, information you want to consider includes:

1. The color - parchment paper is traditionally an ivory color, but modern parchment paper comes in several pastel colors.

2. The weight - this kind of paper is often available in text and cover weights.

3. The watermark - this kind of paper shows the logo of the paper manufacturer.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Make a statement about your business by choosing parchment paper for special correspondence

Use parchment paper for every day stationery or for special letters that you want to use to catch the readers' attention. Print up special certificates and contracts on parchment paper. Consult a parchment paper list to find suppliers of parchment paper near you or on the Internet.

I recommend: Find parchment paper in many colors, including a sample pack and cardstock, at BlueDotPaperShop.com. By classic parchment paper for stationery, for either handwritten or computer printed documents, at Nostalgic Impressions. Use the search engine, which also acts as a parchment paper directory, at MacRae's Blue Book.

Give mailings a special look with parchment paper envelopes

A parchment paper provider will probably sell coordinating envelopes. You can buy parchment envelopes separately for special mailings. Pique the interest of your potential customers by sending a promotional flyer in a parchment envelope.

I recommend: Order envelopes made out of parchment in a variety of colors from Paper and More! Find parchment envelopes in many different sizes at Envelopemall.com.

Order business stationery and invitations printed on parchment paper

Give your business letterhead a classy look by having it printed on parchment paper. Set the mood for a special event by printing up parchment invitations. Have parchment favors or unique handouts designed for your important business presentation.

I recommend: Have your business stationery printed on parchment paper at SuperfinePrinting.com. Get custom-designed stationery and invitations printed on parchment from Mayla Designs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Store your parchment paper lying perfectly flat in a dry area that maintains a temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Keep paper away from moisture and out of direct sunlight.
• •  If your paper has a watermark, hold the paper up to the light to determine which way the watermark faces. Be sure to load the paper into the printer so that the watermark will read correctly, in the same direction as the content printed on the paper.
• •  When choosing paper that will print with a large background graphic, it is best to avoid paper that already has a watermark. You can order paper with a special watermark of your own design for an extra price from some paper manufacturers.