Parchment Paper Sheets

...And Other Amazing Calligraphy Papers

Parchment paper sheets? Why always use parchment envelopes or other parchment background textures? Why not experiment with more paper types and see the many new calligraphy possibilities? Learn here!

“Majority of calligraphers generally use parchment paper. WHY?”

There are hundreds and hundreds of papers around the world. All have different properties and textures. Each react differently to different types of ink, brushes, nibs and other calligraphy tools.

So don’t restrict your self to only one type of paper, like parchment paper sheets, rather try and experiment and test as many different papers as you possibly can. When your testing different papers remember to look at the features good calligraphy paper must include. Have a look here for information on what good calligraphy paper should include.

Good old parchment paper sheets

Parchment paper sheets are commonly used for calligraphy. Parchment is a thin material which is made up of ether of these 3 materials; calfskin, goatskin or sheepskin. The texture of Parchment paper makes it ideal for calligraphy work. It is used a lot in the making of books and manuscripts.

Many centuries ago papyrus was a paper widely used for books and manuscripts. But by 800 CE, parchment paper sheets and vellum paper (another natural support materials manufactured from calfskin, sheepskin, or goatskin) began to replace papyrus paper.

Best Paper to use in calligraphy work

Ok, so I’ve shown you a few of the most well known calligraphy paper types around: parchment paper sheets and vellum paper. Bellow I have listed some more really good calligraphy papers out there, as well as adding a brief descriptions of them each.

Xerox Paper

Some calligraphers practice using Xerox paper. Use the Xerox paper that is called ‘Xerox Premium Inkjet paper’ not the one called ‘Premium Laser paper’. When picking this paper also check the brightness.

A very good blog post explains this very well: contemporarycalligraphy.blogspot.com.The blog explains that the higher the brightness level, say more than level 100+ or so, the better the paper for your calligraphy practice.

Arches Distaff Linen Paper

This paper is used in the making of money. It’s long life span, of up to 500 years, makes it good for doing serious work which you want to keep for a long time. It shouldn’t be used as practice paper but for your professional, serious planed out calligraphy design for example; books or certificates.

Calligraphy Practice Pad

Calligraphy practice pads are good for absolute beginners in calligraphy. I don’t recommend calligraphy practice pads much though, as most of theses pads don’t ideally have the best paper for calligraphy practice.

If you was to choose a practice pad for practicing calligraphy then you should look at the paper type of the pad. If it says for example that the practice pads paper type is parchment paper, then this is best. You don’t want standard cheap, every-day paper that bleeds, feathers even though your practicing.

Choosing a practice pad that includes Graph paper, calligraphy grids or any other guide or guideline is a good choice also. This gives you a bonus of having guides to help you with your calligraphy as well as providing you with good practice paper also.

So remember to check the paper type of the practice pad you buy. Try getting good paper, even if it is just for practice. You don’t need to buy the most expensive top quality paper, but you can get good paper and practice pads that is relatively cheap.

Character Paper

This ‘Character’ branded paper type is good for ornamental penmanship, copperplate script , specimen script and other calligraphy penmanship . the papers is 100gsm superior but comes with a discrete watermark.

Asian Calligraphy Papers

Chinese Calligraphy Rice Paper

Rice paper has been used in Chinese calligraphy for thousands of years ago. This traditional paper is smooth, absorbent, thin and translucent. It is made in Shanghai, China using traditional methods and is made from natural plant fibres, such as rice stalks. It is used with a brush and ink.

Elephant Skin Paper

Elephant skin paper is similar to parchment paper. It is a washable, scratch-proof and very effective paper type. It is sometimes hard to get hold of as it is quite rare.

The above papers I have mentioned can be used with various calligraphy style. But remember when choosing your paper for calligraphy that the best paper for broad-edged/nib styled calligraphy wont be the best paper to use for a calligraphy style that uses a brush.

Video on Choosing the best calligraphy paper to use