Pergamena

09/07/2026

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

09/03/2026

“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

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

NEW PRODUCTS:

Pergamena is proud to present The Aubriet Kit, A special collaboration with artist Dina Brodsky. This kit is filled with one of her favorite types of parchment to work on, our sustainable Deer parchment. This is the perfect way to test out different types of preparation across one kind of material so you can see and feel what surface you prefer. There are no wrong answers, only personal preferences and project goals.

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 sourced from hunters in the Hudson Valley and Catskill regions of New York. Each bookmark is unique and perfect for live events and memorable one-of-a-kind gifts.
“Keep Going” done by Jessie Nucifora

Check out the links in our bio or a website for more info.

08/26/2026

Get ready to get your hands dirty as the USA’s leading parchment master -Jesse Meyer- takes you through creating your very own parchment. You will spend two days blending ancient techniques with modern innovations and in the end you will walk away with two parchment skins of your own making and an unforgettable experience. Check out the link in our bio for more details.

08/24/2026

This fall spend two days in the Hudson Valley of New York blending ancient techniques with modern innovations. At the end you will walk away with hides of your own making and an unforgettable experience. Click the link in our bio to learn more.

08/20/2026

Pergamena’s Parchment Master Class.

Check out the Link in our bio for details.

First Day: Wet Work
Students will spend the first day doing Wet Work. Skins must be wet to complete the early stages of parchment making. Dehairing, neutralizing, stretching, scraping, and dying the skins is messy work, but by the end of the first day you can start to see the parchment take shape.
Second Day: Dry Work
On the second day students will check on the wet work skins downstairs before moving upstairs to do Dry Work. These are the finishing steps of the parchment process, and the skins must be dry to properly execute the final scraping, sanding, and trimming. On both days there will be opportunities to ask any questions and to look at Parchment reference books from over 100 years ago. You will also have the opportunity to purchase more parchment (or leather) with your Masterclass Discount.

08/18/2026

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.

We are excited to announce that, this fall, folks will have multiple opportunities to explore —and connect— with this sustainable and historic material. Join us in September for Pergamena’s Parchment Masterclass, led by America’s leading parchment expert, Jesse Meyer. It is perfect for anyone that wants hands-on experience creating parchment & vellum. Students will walk away with the hides they create and an experience that will change the way they see the material and its connection to our own human history. —Not to mention a few stories to tell and some amazing and odd photos of yourself.—
Click the link in our bio to learn more.

Then, in October, Liv is teaching a few workshops at one of her favorite places on Earth: the New York Sheep & Wool Festival. And while the Veg Tanned Leather one is sold out, there are still a few seats left in the “Introduction to Vellum and Parchment” workshop. This 4 hour workshop removes the dirty —but fun and informative— work of creating parchment and goes right to the creating with it part. Go to NYsheepwool amazing new website to learn more details about the workshops.


Should we host an Open Door Day at the Tannery on Sunday September 20th? For anyone who wants a tour or to check out material in person?

08/14/2026

When you can erase ink, paint and marker from your surface; you also erase some of the fear.

Liv Virta-Meyer will be back teaching workshops at the NYsheepwool this year featuring our Parchment and Vellum and our Veg tanned Leather. One class is sold out and the other only has a few spots open, so hurry and check out the link for more details. https://sheepandwool.com/item/introduction-to-vellum-and-parchment/

And as always shout out to Tombow USA for the magic that is Sand erasers. They are an essential tool for anyone working with parchment and vellum. Available at Paper and Ink Arts

08/13/2026

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