Biblia Bristol Board Bookmark

A Bristol Board bookmark worked on perforated paper which has been stitched in fine wools in cross stitch and then the border created by sculpting the board in repeating patterns.

The paper or board is punched evenly at 14 stitches to one inch (2.5cm) making it as fine working on 14-count Aida fabric.

The bookmark is backed with silk ribbon but could be mounted and framed to make a feature of it. The bookmark measures 3.75 x 6.75in (9.5 x 17cm) and will be supplied between stiff card and wrapped in tissue.

Stitching paper is based on early Victorian punched paper, also referred to as Bristol Board and made in England as early as 1840. The Victorians used it to work bookmarks, needle cases, pincushions, glove and handkerchief boxes, notebook covers and greetings cards.

The paper proved versatile and could be stitched, folded, glued and cut to make pretty cross stitch projects and used to fill scrapbooks and treasure albums.

I have collected items stitched on early perforated paper for many years and these include samplers, bookmarks and needlecases.