Independent Studies in Vellum and Parchment Work
Foundation & Intermediate
Explore the unique possibilities of working with vellum and parchment.
Vellum work is an advanced technique that requires dexterous hand skills, experience with tools and equipment, and respect for a demanding process.
I have spent thirty years applying vellum and parchment to a variety of forms and surfaces. My independent studies teach techniques for applying the materials to panels, furniture, and sculptures.
Committed to evolving the aesthetic possibilities of the materials, I help artisans, furniture makers, sculptors, illuminators, bookbinders, conservators, architects, and designers use and apply vellum and parchment in diverse and unconventional ways.
I share the methods I have refined over time — introducing you to techniques that produce consistent, high-quality results.
I welcome you to abandon any concerns around working with parchment and vellum.
Together, we explore new and advanced ways of working with this type of skin.
Foundation Independent Study
An Introduction Vellum & Parchment Work
This five-day program provides a one-on-one introduction to working with vellum and parchment. Learn how to source and select your materials; proper workspace set-up; and the tools and techniques for working the skins onto rigid surfaces such as panels. Students participate in all aspects of set up, production and clean up and will have the opportunity to practice with various types of animal skin on a variety of panel sizes.
Who it’s for
Furniture makers, bookbinders, botanical artists, applied artists, visual artists, conservators, restorers, designers.
Length of Study
Minimum of 5 days
What you will learn
- How to prepare yourself and your workspace in order to be successful with the materials
- How to responsibly source and work with vendors, contractors and auxiliary components
- How to ‘read’ a skin to assess the best cuts for a project
- Recipes for making adhesive
- Techniques for covering a series of flat, square and rectilinear panels of various sizes
- Methods for assessing finished work
- How to choose the proper protective finish
What you will leave with
- Materials, tools, supply and resource lists
- Recipes for adhesive
- A bibliography
- Hand tools used during the course
- Your vellum and parchment covered panels
Intermediate Independent Study
Vellum & Parchment Work for Furniture and Complex Panels
Intermediate Study offers students the opportunity to further develop their techniques, based on their interests and skill level.
This course provides the opportunity to continue mastering foundational skills and/or work on new techniques, such as larger panels; curved panels and arcs; seam options (seams for large surfaces or as decorative elements); and covering more complex forms such as a case piece or independent project.
Who it’s for
Furniture makers, bookbinders, botanical artists, applied artists, visual artists, conservators, restorers, designers, and artisans working on independent projects.
Length of Study
Minimum of 3 days
Prerequisite
Completion of Foundation Independent Study: Introduction Vellum & Parchment Work
What you will learn
While Independent Studies are designed around the specific wants and needs of the student, here are some of the things an intermediate level course in vellum and parchment might cover:
- Advanced and refined techniques for working with the skins
- How to surmount the challenges of covering large panels
- Techniques for working with atypical shaped panels and arcs
- Joining multiple pieces of skin with seams
- Techniques for creating case pieces or advancing your independent projects.
What you will leave with
- Materials, tools, supply and resource lists
- Recipes for adhesive
- A bibliography
- Hand tools used during the course
INQUIRE with me to discuss educational resources and opportunities