I often receive emails from people who don’t have a parchment tutor in their area and don’t know what basic tools and equipment they need to buy to get started. I have written this guide to help those people find the essential items and information they need.
I am not an expert, but I know how daunting and complicated parchment craft can seem without knowing the basics. Once you have mastered these basics though, you will find out what a fantastic craft this is and create your own beautiful lacework and embossing. You will certainly never get bored, it is one of the most rewarding crafts I have tried, as Pergamano themselves say – “Endlessly Challenging.” It is also very addictive – so be warned!
BUYING PARCHMENT CRAFT EQUIPMENT
A lot of craft shops have closed down in the last few years. If you don’t have a shop near you selling parchment craft equipment the best option is to buy on the internet. A few years ago many people were worried about buying online, these days however, things have improved and you will often find the best prices and deals online. Also ordering on the internet isn’t as hard as it used to be and there are many safeguards to protect your information. A shop that specialises in parchment craft should be able to offer advice on what tools are available, so phone them up before you buy to answer any questions you may have.
LOOKING FOR A TUTOR
If you are looking for a parchment craft tutor visit the website for ‘The Association of Parchment Crafters’ where they have a list of tutors in different locations. Some tutors even offer Skype tutoring now, (Skype is a free internet video chat service) which means that wherever you are in the world you can still find a tutor.
GETTING STARTED – WHAT YOU NEED
STARTER KITS
The Pergamano Starter Kit is a simple kit with a couple of tools, A5 parchment paper, and embossing mat, a dorso crayon, a white gel pen and full instructions, everything you need to get you started. There are several beautiful patterns in the kit and should only take a few hours to complete. This kit makes a great present and allows a beginner to try out parchment craft without spending a lot of money on equipment.
The Parchcraft Australia (PCA) Bold Starter Kit contains three perforating tools (Unibold, Bold MiniStamp Edge and a Bold Quad), White Gel Pen, A4 Parchment Paper, Mini Perforating Mat, Instructions and a Pattern to make. PCA also have an Embossing Starter Kit available and a Fine Gauge Starter Kit.
Unlike the Pergamano kit, these kits only have one pattern, but they are thoroughly worthwhile and will help teach you the basics of parchment craft.
MY RECOMMENDATIONS TO START PARCHMENT CRAFT
For Tracing:
For Embossing:
- Embossing mat, small ball tool and large ball tool
- Tumble drier cloth to make embossing tools glide easier
For Perforating:
- Perforating mat
- 1 needle tool
- 2 needle tool
- 4 needle tool
For Cutting:
- Parchment craft scissors or perga cutters ( they have to be the proper ones for parchment craft- very fine)
ACTION PACK OF PERGAMANO TOOLS
MY SUGGESTED BOOKS FOR BEGINNERS
PARCHMENT CRAFT -THE TECHNIQUES (7 VOLUMES)
THE HANDBOOK OF PARCHMENT CRAFT BASICS BY TINA COX AND LINDA WILLIAMS
TINA COX’S DIDI CARDS AND BEGINNERS TECHNIQUE GUIDE
Tina Cox has also produced a beautiful beginners pack which includes patterns and a large techniques guide to get you started with parchment craft. These are her designs below and they are absolutely stunning. Tina has also made sure that the instructions for each design are clear and easy to follow.