Parchment History

In the begining
The first parchment was made in the town of Perganum in Western Turkey as a substitute for papyrus. Crafted from the skin of sheep or goats, it was specially tanned to provide a smooth surface to write on. Modern parchment is made of translucent paper which is ideal for perforating, embossing and dorsing.
There is much discussion as to the exact origins of parchment craft, but it is thought to have been used by Spanish monks, nuns and novices in the 15th century for bookbinding and decorating holy tracts. When the Church of Spain set up convent schools in the New World, the Spaniards took the craft with them. During the 18th century, larger pieces of parchment were more regularly used which opened the door for hand decorated borders to be created to embollish the central motif. It was also around 200 years ago that decorative edges around pictures and cards came into vogue. The cuts or perforations were initially made by hand until machines were devised to do the job more quickly.


Hearts and Flowers
The 19th century saw a growth in the popularity of more romantic subject matters. Cherubs, young girls and flowers appeared on cards, especially in France. Relief and 3D effects began to be widely used. A favourite subject for example, was a girl's first communion. These cards were extremely popular in South America too. Parchment craft is still widely taught in many South American schools and various different forms have evolved over the past 500 years

Shade of Pales

Early Parchment art was almost always white, with perhaps a touch of gold here and there. While many people prefer to keep to the simplicity of this ideal, bright-coloured work has recently become highly popular. In all its forms, the art of parchment design is a culmination of techniques gathered throughout the centuries, with every culture adding some of its own character. However you choose to interpret this craft, you will be adding your Personal signature to the art.
To get going on parchment craft you will need some specialist tools. Specialized parchment craft scissors, needle tools, embossing tools, felt perforated pad, embossing paint, mapping pen, white ink, white pencil, metal rubber, clear sticky tape, clear glue, sharp craft knife, paint brushes, deckle edged scissors, felt tips and inks, paints or paste

Embossing
This term applies to techniques used to raise designs on paper. Parchment paper turns white when pressure is applied to it, creating an effective finish. Take your time over this stage and emboss each area separately.
Dorsing
This name is given to the process of colouring the original translucent paper with oil pastels, usually on the reverse side of the parchment. You can shade the whole area, rub the area so that the colour evens out.
Perforating
This involves making holes in the parchment with special needle tools, such as the four hole tool. Place the paper over the felt perforating pad and then follow the design with the tool specified in the instructions you are following.

Cutting
Once you have made four-hole perforate, you can use special scissors to cut larger holes which allows you to create wonderful lacy effects.
Embossing and perforating are the main techniques involved.