Pergamano Parchment Craft is a popular, new craft rooted in an art form that stems back almost two thousand years. Today's parchment craft projects are delicately beautiful, lacy designs created by a combination of techniques including embossing, stippling, perforating, cutting and coloring.

According to historians, Turks from Bergama, Turkey invented parchment in approximately 500 AD. (Bergama is Pergamum in Latin). The Turks developed parchment as a substitute for papyrus. Because of wars underway, they were unable to import the ingredients needed to make papyrus - a type of paper made from stems of a plant named sedge. Instead, they created early versions of parchment from the skin of a goat or sheep.

Although in the beginning, people used parchment primarily as a surface on which to write, parchment craft appeared in Europe in the 15th or 16th centuries. At that time, parchment craft entailed creating lace-like designs on sheets of paper. In those early days of parchment craft, most of the designs were religious in nature and had significant Catholic overtones. Over time, these traditional techniques developed into newer approaches and new techniques.

Parchment craft did not spread rapidly during the 15th century, as many forms of card making were mechanized following the invention of the printing press in 1445. However, parchment craft experienced a revival during the 18th century. At that time, the handwork became more intricate and decorative, with wavy borders and perforations being introduced.

With the advent of French romanticism in the 19th century, parchment crafters began incorporating floral themes, cherubs and portraits. They also added embossing as a technique, resulting in attractive raised effects with white or gray undertones.

During the 16th century, parchment craft appeared primarily in Europe. However, in the early 1500s, European missionaries from monasteries and convents introduced the craft to South American countries, where it flourished among craft persons in religious communities. For example, young South American girls receiving their First Communion often received parchment craft items as gifts.

Later, in Columbia, cottage industries sprung up as people began selling hand made parchment greeting cards and invitations. One such highly talented Columbian woman, Martha Ospina moved to the Netherlands in 1986. In 1987, Martha and her partner Tiemen Venema began showing their intricate cards at events such as flower arranging workshops. Interest grew.

In 1988, Martha created the well known Pergamano brand, in an effort to make the tools and supplies available worldwide. Today, Pergamao International owns the brand and continues to produce and distribute these products, which now include parchment paper, tools, paints and other coloring agents, inks, paint brushes, pens, books, magazines and DVDs. The Pergamano Design Group (consisting of Martha and three other crafters) continue to create new designs.

Martha also founded the International Parchment Craft Academy, an institution that educates people to become registered Pergamano teachers.

Made from cellulose or cotton fibres, today's parchment paper is translucent with a smooth surface and light gray color. Parchment is also available in various colors and textures.

Although initially parchment craft was used primarily in the creation of greeting cards, it has many other applications. Today's crafters make beautiful bookmarks, scrapbook embellishments, gift boxes, gift tags, flowers, lampshades, fans and various other decorations.

Pergamano Parchment Craft is popular primarily in South America and Europe. However, it is becoming increasingly popular in North America as well. As paper crafters discover this elegant, beautiful craft, many are eager to add it to their repertoire.