Parchment

Although the exact beginnings of parchment craft remain an open question, it is widely believed to have been employed by Spanish monks and nuns in the 15th century for purposes of book binding and other things. Imperial Spain took this craft with them to the New World. By the 18th century, bigger pieces of parchment began to be used frequently which paved the way for creating borders decorated by hand to accentuate the central motif. Approximately at the same time decorative edges around pictures and cards started gaining popularity.

The 19th century witnessed a spurt in demand for romantic subject matters. It was especially in France that designs like Cherubs, young girls and flowers appeared increasingly on cards and the stock of such cards soared in South America too. Parchment craft continues to be taught in many South American schools even today. This continuously evolving craft has over the past 500 years acquired an impressive repertoire of techniques.

In its early stages parchment art for the most part was white, with a hint of gold. Though they are those ñ quite a few mind you- who endorse such simplicity of design, bright coloured work has of late picked up steam.

Parchment paper is an attempt at giving a feel of classical antiquity to present day documents. This type of paper lends itself ideally to calligraphy. Intricately beautiful parchment patterns with ornate motifs are available on the net and can be downloaded for free.