Using Parchment Paper in Crafting

Parchment paper has been around for a long time, and historically, it has been primarily known for its usefulness in baking. As crafters create new and wonderful forms of using parchment paper, we are seeing it more prominently sold and more prominently featured in a number of crafting missions. There are many creative ways in which creative people are including parchment paper in their clever projects.

Anyone Can Perform Parchment Crafting

Parchment craft is a papercraft hobby. It involves various methods of embossing, coloring and perforating of special parchment paper. It is possible to make the most beautiful paper lace with just few tools. You don t have to have to be a talented artist, because the patterns you use can be traced. Many people find it to be a totally absorbing and creative activity.

Original Applications

It’s believed that parchment paper crafting originated as an craft form in Europe sometime during the 15th or 16th centuries. Until the 16th century, parchment craft had been known to be an established form of art in Europe. The parchment craft in use primarily during its establishment was seen most prevalently within Catholic communities. There, people who were crafters would use parchment paper to create many lace-like items such as devotional pictures and communion cards. With the passage of time, more uses for parchment craft developed, with the ongoing addition of new techniques and refinements.

Migrating South

Craft minded missionaries and other settlers who relocated to South America took the various methods of parchment craft they’d learned with them. And as before, the craft found its home largely within the Catholic communities. Often, young girls receiving their First Communion received gifts that were beautifully handcrafted using parchment crafts.

A Brief Hiatus

The invention of the printing press led to a greatly reduced interest in hand made cards and items, by the 18th century, people were regaining interest in the details that only handwork could render. Parchment cards became larger in size and crafters began adding wavy borders and perforations. In the 19th century, and under the influence of the movement of French romanticism, parchment crafters began adding floral themes and cherubs and hand embossing to their pieces.