Parchment / Vellum
Stretched and scraped animal skin — the writing surface of the Middle Ages.
Stretch a clean wet animal skin on a frame, scrape it smooth, and let it dry tight.
- ▸Not paper at all — it's prepared skin.
- ▸Stretched-and-scraped skin becomes thin, strong, and writable.
- ▸Used for the most important historical documents because it lasts forever.
Steps
- 01
Soak the hide 3–10 days in slaked lime water until hair slips off easily.
- 02
Scrape off all hair and flesh; rinse thoroughly.
- 03
Lace the wet hide tightly into a wooden frame.
- 04
While drying under tension, scrape both sides with the lunellum to even thickness.
- 05
Once dry, smooth the surface with pumice and a touch of chalk.
Materials5
- — A fresh sheep, goat, or calf hide
- — Slaked lime
- — A stretching frame with cords
- — A curved scraping knife (lunellum)
- — Pumice stone
Safety
Involves caustics, acids, or open flame. Full PPE and trained supervision recommended.
- Caustic alkali — burns skin, eyes, lungs
- Sharp tools — cut hazard
- ☐Wear chemical splash goggles and nitrile gloves
- ☐Add alkali to water, never water to alkali
- ☐Keep vinegar nearby to neutralize spills
- ☐Always cut away from your body and bracing hand
- ☐Keep blades sharp; dull tools slip
- ☐Work in a ventilated area; keep food and drink out of the studio
- ☐Read each material's safety data sheet (SDS) before starting
- ☐Have water, soap, and a first-aid kit accessible
Heuristic guidance derived from listed materials. Always consult each material's safety data sheet (SDS) and a qualified instructor before attempting.
Notes
Strictly not paper — but the parallel tradition. Lasts 1000+ years if kept dry.