Pergamena

Up next in our series is one from an Invasive species. Tree of Heaven spreads quickly and plays a key part in the lifecycle of the similarly invasive and destructive So the idea that we could cut these trees down and not only lower the population of the SLF but also make some special material was just to cool not to explore. We are going to keep exploring and keep cleaning.

Pergamena’s Parchment for Lighting and Furniture.
DM us to start on your Parchment design journey.

Parchment Panel made by Liv Virta-Meyer

Parchment for Lighting and Furniture
When you don’t just want to lighten a space, you want to illuminate it.
Whether translucent, semi transparent or even opaque, Parchment has been used across centuries and continents in lighting and design. From early simple window panes to the opulent Art Deco fixtures of the 1930’s and even on through to multiple modern styles like bespoke “Cottage Core” and “Industrial,” parchment brings not only light to a room but the warmth of a design story centuries in the telling.
Check back on Tuesday to see more videos and photos from this “Parchment in the Dark Shoot” including what happens when you use DYED parchment for lighting. Head over to our stories to see a sneak peak.

Parchment for Lighting and Furniture
When you don’t just want to lighten a space, but you want to illuminate it.
Whether translucent, semi transparent or even opaque, Parchment has been used across centuries and continents in lighting and design. From early simple window panes to the opulent Art Deco fixtures of the 1930’s and even on through to multiple modern styles like bespoke “Cottage Core” and “Industrial,” parchment brings not only light to a room but the warmth of a design story centuries in the telling.
Check back on Tuesday to see more videos and photos from this “Parchment in the Dark Shoot” including what happens when you use DYED parchment for lighting. Head over to our stories to see a sneak peak.

Pergamena’s Transparent Goat Parchment
Lighting & Furniture material, perfect for your next bright idea.

Blank Prepared Deer Parchment Bookmark Kits 
For the first time ever we are offering packs of precut blank parchment bookmarks. Each of these bookmarks is crafted from sustainably made Deer parchment. This parchment is sourced from Hunters in the Hudson Valley and Catskill regions of  New York. Making each bookmark truly unique and perfect for live events and memorable one of a kind gifts. These Deer Bookmarks have been prepared in our standard way; once the hide has finished drying, but while still under tension, we sand/ abrade its surface. They are ready for writing and painting. 
Each kit contains 10 Traceable Hudson Valley, NY  Deer “Calligraphy” prepared
2” x 6” bookmarks. We have included a test piece for sampling your design. “Keep Going” by Jessie Nucifora “…Cute Bookmark…” by Đào Huy Hoàng

Introduction to Vellum and Parchment Workshop
NYS Sheep & Wool Festival Rhinebeck, NY October 17th 2026 NYsheepwool
https://sheepandwool.com/item/introduction-to-vellum-and-parchment/

The history and the use of Parchment and Vellum spans centuries and continents; yet most of today’s artists and creators simply haven’t had access to explore and connect with the medium. It’s time to change that.
This class will give artists the time to explore, investigate and fabricate with this historic, beautiful and artisanal material without fear. While the only real limit for creating with parchment is the limit on your inspiration; this medium takes a lifetime and then some to master. This workshop is meant to be a guide on your artistic journey with the medium. We will go over everything from the characteristics of different types of parchment, to best practices for its storage and use. Students will get glimpses into stages of the processes as well as have the chance to participate in some of these actions themself. There will be a “Dog and Pony show” of different vellum and parchment types and then students can try out some of their own ideas with provided material and our collection of art supplies and tools provided by Paper and Ink Arts . If you have a certain paint brush, ink… please bring it to test out as well. We are certain that once you start exploring parchment, you will quickly discover the reasons why it has been in use for millennia.

Taught by Liv Virta-Meyer Liv Virta-Meyer

Thanks to rachæl nagy for this BTS photo of Liv from the photo shoot at IAMPETH | Calligraphy

“Prepared” Parchment: We “prepare” a skin by sanding it down with fine grain sandpaper so that it is easier to write, paint or draw on. Sanding allows inks and paints to adhere better to the suffice. Historically parchment would have been rubbed with a pumice stone dust to prepare it. While this method works well, a Power sander is much easier on our arms. Preparation can also involve “gessoing” a skin to make it even smoother and lighter in color. There are also different levels of preparation:
Calligraphy- is prepared for writing, drawing, or painting on the grain side of the parchment.
Manuscript- is prepared for writing, drawing, or painting on both the grain and flesh side of the parchment.
Botanical- is prepared for fine detailed painting with an ultra smooth prepared grain side.
Gessoed: A white plaster-like substance made from hide glue and calcium carbonate applied to a hide to prepare the surface for painting. We use this traditional preparation in creating our Roycroft parchment.

Parchment Prep kit from Paper and Ink Arts
Parchment Panel Liv Virta-Meyer