Parchment craft dates back to the 14th century, the early days of written text. The craft began with communion cards and devotional pictures in Europe and the Netherlands, where the Catholic influence was quite prominent. All the cards were done by hand in the 14th century but the advent of the printing press in the 15th century made mass printing possible. Biblical themes were the most prominent and this continued through the 18th century. At this time the cards became larger and decorative borders done by hand were added, reviving the handwork and introducing the wavy borders and perforations with which we are now familiar.

19th century Paris saw a change in the parchment cards. The themes became more romantic and personal, introducing floral themes, cherubs, and portraits, and introduced embossing to the art creating the raised effect. Most of the borders, perforations, and cuts were done by machine at this time.

Near the end of the last century the wish to create the cards by hand was reborn. In South America, especially for young girls attending their First Communion, the handmade cards were very popular. These cards usually had the picture of a young woman in a white gown, symbolic of their purity and devotion to Christ. The craft was brought to South America and taught in the boarding schools and convents by Catholic nuns.

The art of Parchment Craft is enjoying a revival today, with the cards being hand drawn, painted, perforated and embossed, all done by hand, with the most common tools being a single needle to perforate the holes, and very small scissors to cut out the various designs. The items crafted in this manner require a great deal of patience, time, and ability. If you are lucky enough to have a handmade Parchment card, bookmark, or other item, cherish it, because it was made and given with a great deal of love.

2006 - 2010 Lady Manita by Claire Victory ©