A
Accordion Fold
Sheet of paper folded twice in accordion fashion to create a three –paneled piece. This paper folding technique is featured in our accordion kits.

Acid Free (Neutral pH)
Papers that are without acid in the pulp. Acid free papers have a pH of 7.0. If prepared properly, papers made from any fiber can be acid free.

Archival
Paper with long-standing qualities that are acid free and lignin free, and usually have good color retention. Archival paper has been buffered – the acids have been neutralized by adding an alkaline substance (usually calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate) into the paper pulp.

B
Bast Fiber
A strong woody fibrous material obtained chiefly from the phloem of plants such as flax, hemp, gampi, lokta, and jute. Used for making ropes, mats, paper and textiles. Our Lokta papers are handmade from 100% lokta fiber, a native bast fiber.

C
Cellulose
All plants contain tissue that when properly processed will yield cellulose. Cotton in its raw state contains about 91% and is the purest form of natural cellulose. Other sources for papermaking include hemp (77%), softwoods and hardwoods (57% to 65%), and kozo (66% to 77%).

Chiyogami
Japanese papers characterized by small dense patterns that were originally wood block prints but are now typically silk screened. Japanese decorative papers reflect the superb craftsmanship, design sensibilities and rich variety of the Edo Period (1630 – 1868). We feature a lovely collection of Chiyogami (also known as Yuzen) papers.

D
Deckle Edge
The feathery edge which is the result of the natural run-off of wet pulp when making handmade and mould made paper, or the result of sheets being torn when wet. The edge is simulated in machine made papers by cutting them with a stream of water when wet. Many of our Lokta/Nepal papers feature deckled edge. A deckled edge can also be imitated using deckled edge scissors.

E
Embellish
To enhance the beauty of something by adding ornaments or decorations such as sashes, ribbons, stickers, gems, etc.

Embosser
A tool used to create an impression onto paper (usually envelopes and note cards) without ink. Embosser plates can be customized with an address, monogram, and other messages. See our collection of embosser plates.

Embossing
A process that creates a raised image on paper without ink by using two metal plates and pressure (in the case of professional embossing heat is also used). The plates (one with a raised image and one a recessed image) sit opposite each other in the form of a V-shaped clip. Paper is inserted and the clip is squeezed causing the plates to come together and create an impression on the paper.

Embossing Powder
Embossing powders add color, dimension and sparkle to rubber stamp designs. Stamp an image, then sprinkle embossing powder onto the wet ink. Use a heat tool to melt the powder – the normal flat ink will transform taking on a three dimensional quality. Some embossing powders produce a shiny finish, some a sparkly finish. See our collection of embossing powders.

Enclosure
Paper product that can be used with an invitation to add accent color and dimension. An invitation is placed inside of an enclosure either by sliding the invitation inside the enclosure or mounting the invitation to the enclosure. Some enclosures also offer the functionality of a pocket to hold other invitation pieces like a response card, map card, etc. See our unique line of enclosures designed to hold specific card sizes.

Engraving
One of the oldest forms of printing dating back to the first century AD. An engraved piece is characterized by raised type or images sometimes surrounded by a soft “halo” and slight indentation on the back of the printed surface. Fine lines and detail as well as the use of light inks on dark colored paper are the hallmarks of engraving.

Envelope Liner
Decorative paper cut to fit the inside of an envelope to add accent color or design. Envelope liners can be created from any paper type and can be adhered to an envelope with just a bit of adhesive. See our collection of pre-cut envelope liners.

Escort Card
A card used at an event or party to let each guest know at which table s/he is assigned to sit. Classic escort cards include small envelopes with the guest name written on the envelope and a card with the table assignment noted. “You are seated” cards are escort cards. See our collection of escort cards.

F
Fiber
The slender, thread-like cellulose structures that cohere to form a sheet of paper.

Flat Printing
Flat Printing blends current technology for printing multiple colors at once with the need for faster production time. Semi-permanent and smooth to the touch.

Foil Stamping
The process of adding design to paper with a foil aesthetic. To achieve this foil is placed between paper and a die – the die features the desired design. The die is heated and pressed against the foil and paper – the heat and pressure transfer the foil to the paper, but only in the areas where the design on the die was raised creating the final foil design on the paper.

G
Gatefold
A fold wherein the left and right edges fold inward with parallel folds and meet in the middle of the page without overlapping. Also known as window fold. Our gatefold enclosures feature this design.

Grain
Direction of fibers in a sheet of paper. Long grain describes fibers running parallel to the longest side of a sheet. Short grain describes fibers running parallel to the short side of a sheet.

Green Choices
The PS Green Choices seal identifies products that exhibit Paper Source’s commitment to environmentally friendly materials and processes. Read more about our eco-story.

Grosgrain
A type of ribbon that has a ribbed texture. See our collection of PS grosgrain ribbon.

H
Handmade Paper
Paper made by hand using a mould (a frame covered with a flat rigid screen or flexible screen). The mould is covered by a flat frame called a deckle, to contain the run-off of wet pulp, dipped into a vat of wet pulp, shaken to distribute the fibers evenly and drained of its excess water. The wet mat of fibers remaining on the screen when the mould is removed, considered the newly formed sheet, is then dried against blankets that may be hot pressed, cold pressed, or air dried.

I
Imprintable
A pre-printed or pre-processed card, invitation or announcement. Intended to be personalized at home either by running the card through a printer or by hand writing. See our collection of PS imprintables.

K
Katazome
A paper printing technique (also known as Wazome) used both on textiles and paper. A laborious technique that uses a stencil (kata) and gelatin paste to print the first or resist layer. The remaining colors are printed and the entire sheet is then washed to remove the paste layer underneath and reveal the pattern. Japanese decorative papers reflect the superb craftsmanship, design sensibilities and rich variety of the Edo Period (1630 – 1868). We feature a lovely collection of Katazome papers.

Kozo
The most common fiber used in Japanese papermaking, it comes from the mulberry tree. A long tough fiber that produces strong, absorbent sheets.

Kyozome
Japanese prints created using stencils and a long-lasting dyeing method that results in a rich, enduring color. Japanese decorative papers reflect the superb craftsmanship, design sensibilities and rich variety of the Edo Period (1630 – 1868). We feature a lovely collection of Kyozome papers.

L
Letterpress
Letterpress is a print method originating in the 15th century that is known for its timeless beauty and rich, tactile feel. Type and images are impressed into paper through the pressure of a clam-shell-like printing press, resulting in a luxuriously textured imprinted surface. See our collection of PS letterpress stationery and letterpress invitations.

Lokta
The traditional paper of Nepal – Lokta is handmade from 100% lokta fiber, a native bast fiber which is a very long fiber with remarkable strength. Excellent for bookbinding, craft projects, and lampshades…and pH neutral. See our collection of Lokta papers.

M
Matte
An opaque, non-reflective finish.

Methyl Cellulose
A pure adhesive which is easy to work with by adding water and dries clear. Suitable for archival mounting and collages, especially for papers with natural fibers such as Japanese and Lokta papers. Can be stored at room temperature for several months.

Monogram
A person’s or couples’ initials used to personalize. Typically shown using 1, 2 or 3 letters. Create your monogram with our letterpress monogram cards or monogram embossing plates.

Motif
A design element or icon. See our motif embosser plates for icons that can be impressed into paper.

P
pH:
In chemistry, pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, which determines acidity or alkalinity. The pH scale runs from 0 to 14 and each number indicates a ten fold increase. Seven is pH neutral – numbers below 7 indicate increasing acidity (1 is the most acidic); numbers above 7 indicate increased alkalinity (14 is the most alkaline). Paper with a pH below 5 is considered highly acidic.

Place Card
Cards featured at each place setting at a table for an event or party with the name of the guest who is to be seated there. Place cards often correspond to escort cards, which lead each guest to the correct table. Place cards include the guest name and should be placed at the assigned place setting where the guest actually sits. See our collection of place cards.

Post Consumer Waste
Material/products that have been used and discarded. In an effort to recycle, post consumer waste (PCW) can be used to create new goods. Usually described as a percentage of a new product’s make up – for example, many Paper Source papers are created from 30% post consumer waste.

Program
A single page or booklet with information that helps guests understand the agenda of a formal ceremony. Programs can include the names of people in a wedding party, songs featured in the ceremony, and explain rituals or special rites during a ceremony. Programs can also be used for tributes to special people.

Proof
A visual sample of what a printed item will look like that is reviewed before the final printing. Provides the opportunity for errors to be caught and changes to be made before the final printing stages.

PVA (Polyvinylacetate)
A fast drying white glue that is flexible, archival and dries transparent. Stronger than gel medium, it mixes well with gloss medium and then becomes water resistant. Good for bookbinding, card making and collages.

R
Reception Card
A card sometimes included with an invitation that invites guests to the reception portion of an event following a ceremony. A reception card is typically included loose with an invitation and does not require its own envelope.

Response Card
A card often included with an invitation which a guest will use to reply to the host or hostess as to whether they are able to attend. A pre-addressed and stamped envelope is also included with a response card so the guest can easily mail it back to the host or hostess. Derived from the French phase “repondez s’il vous plait”. Translated in English, its meaning is a formal way of stating: “please reply”.

Response Postcard
A newer approach to the traditional response card, a response postcard can be included with an invitation which a guest will use to reply to the host or hostess as to whether they are able to attend. Instead of including a separate stamped envelope however, the postcard is pre-addressed and stamped and can be mailed on its own. Derived from the French phase “repondez s’il vous plait”. Translated in English, its meaning is a formal way of stating: “please reply”.

RSVP Card
A card often included with an invitation which a guest will use to reply to the host or hostess as to whether they are able to attend. A pre-addressed and stamped envelope is also included with a response card so the guest can easily mail it back to the host or hostess. Derived from the French phase “repondez s;il vous plait”. Translated in English, its meaning is a formal way of stating: “please reply”.

S
San Serif Type
Any typeface that does not use serifs (decorative extensions on the ends of characters) – for example, Futura font.

Sash
Strip of decorative paper that can be used to embellish invitations, enclosures, favor boxes, candles and more. Sashes are usually wrapped around an item and adhered with a bit of adhesive.

Serif Type
Any typeface that includes decorative extensions on the ends of characters – for example, Old Claude font.

U
Urushi
Urushi papers are silk screened with Japanese lacquer and have a strong raised pattern that gives a wonderful tactile feel to the sheets. Japanese decorative papers reflect the superb craftsmanship, design sensibilities and rich variety of the Edo Period (1630 – 1868).

V
Vellum
Vellum can be made from either a cotton blend or using an all wood, pulverized method. Vellum is characterized by its translucent, frosted appearance and smooth finish. Specific vellums are made for specific print methods: laser vellum, ink jet vellum and drafting vellum. See our collection of decorative vellum.

W
Watermark
A translucent design worked into a sheet of paper that is easily visible when held to the light. The design is sewn onto the papermaking screen with raised wire – when the sheet is formed the pulp settles in a thinner layer over the wire design. A watermark can also be achieved with rubberstamping by using a Versamark Watermark Inkpad.

Wazome
A paper printing technique (also known as Katazome) used both on textiles and paper. A laborious technique that uses a stencil (kata) and gelatin paste to print the first or resist layer. The remaining colors are printed and the entire sheet is then washed to remove the paste layer underneath and reveal the pattern. Japanese decorative papers reflect the superb craftsmanship, design sensibilities and rich variety of the Edo Period (1630 – 1868). We feature a lovely collection of Wazome papers.