IAMPETH 2024 - Calligraphy on Vellum -Taking Your Lettering Beyond Paper - Maria Helena Hoksch

Class Overview - Intermediate to Advanced

This is a limited enrollment class on how to choose, buy, store, treat, prepare, and use vellum/parchment - an animal skin and the main lettering surface used before paper was introduced. While paper is always consistent, vellum is “alive” and versatile. No two skins are alike. Vellum will take your calligraphy to a higher level. It will give any final piece more importance, while bringing much joy creating it. Vellum is also more “forgiving” than paper, as errors can often be erased, and many different inks/pens/tools can be used (we will try out a few favorites). We also will mention a few sure ways to ruin vellum. In this hands-on, round-table style class you will be able to get the vellum experience, then take home your own vellum fully prepared and ready for the next project. A unique addition to the class will be having Maria guide you through choosing and buying your full or partial skin before the class. Vellum at various prices and sizes will be available from Pergamena. The minimum size would be approximately 10”x16”, and pricing will start at around $90. If you have a partial/full skin at home, you can also bring that to prepare. In signing up for this special class, you will agree to a $14 supply fee, in addition to the listed supplies, which will cover specific prep items used in class. Having a piece of vellum will also be a prerequisite of attending the class.

CLASS SUPPLIES
• Vellum (S197) (S1075)
• Painter’s tape (to secure paper) (S931, S1145)
• Cotton rag (like a piece of old t-shirt) 
• Gum Sandarac (S123)
• .5 oz Gum Arabic (S2022, I85)
• Scissors (S1662, S1665)
• Windsor Newton Ivory Black gouache (WNG1)
• Windsor Newton Flame Red gouache (WNG1)
• Pointed pen holder and nib (such as Hunt 101 or your favorite) (H114, H129, N77, N220)
• Broad-edge straight pen holder and nib (suggested C-2) (H111, H105, N09, N207)
• A few inks to try on vellum (sumi, walnut, etc.) (I70, I145, S449)
• Water dropper (S1017)
• 2-3 Small containers for mixing/dipping brush to mix paint and feed nib (S853)
• #11 craft blade with holder or similar, to scrape/correct errors (S417, S130)
• Pencil (2B or 4B) (PL38, PL2020)
• Sharpener (PL13)
• Eraser (E13)
• Ruler (S270, S798)
• Water container (S1005)
• Paper towels
• Your $14 class fee (which will cover the sanding supplies needed and distributed in class)

OPTIONAL SUPPLIES
• Apron (S5000)
• Watercolors or metallic paint you would like to try on vellum (WNWC1, HW100, S1000, S741) Click here to view all of our watercolor options
• Payne’s Gray watercolor (WNWC1)