One of my first creations
There are loads of places on the internet which explain the origins and development of this hobby, so I won't bore you with the whole story here.
About 15 years ago I bought a basic parchment kit thinking it might be nice to try but after working hard at it for about ten minutes, I gave up!
Earlier this year I saw a tv progamme with a short demonstration of this craft and it inspired me to have another try. Unfortunately I put that original kit somewhere so safe that I have not seen it since and had to go and buy myself some more of the basic bits and pieces.
Although it would nice nice to learn parchment techniques properly, there are no classes or tutors that I am aware of near me, so I am learning with the aid of books, dvd's and help from people and online groups. I fear that this is not necessarily the best method, but at present, I don't have any other choice.
Perhaps the only drawback to this craft is the time and effort needed to create something. It is to hope that whoever is the lucky recepient of cards made this way is aware of how much time and effort has gone into its making. I have to say that some cards I have seen made by others have been nothing short of stunning!
The first card I made was for a friends birthday and even though I knew it was far from perfect I was quite pleased. It had taken me hours and hours to make over a period of three days to make, but I suspect more experienced people would be must faster. A good hobby is enjoyable and it doesn't matter how much time is spent on it.
Practice, practice, practice! There is no substitution. Here are a few more practice pieces. These are referred to as 'white work' because you are only changing the parchment from opaque to white.
These two images are just pictures
and
Two more practice pieces, the first being a perfectly usable bookmark.
One of my friends has exactly the same
birthday as I do and I made this for her.