Merry Christmas Bristol Board Bookmark

A simple but charming festive phrase bookmark worked on a very fine Bristol Board. It is worked in cross stitch using stranded cottons (floss). It could be very pretty is framed to make a vintage Christmas sign.

The bookmark measures 8 x 2.25in (20 x 6cm). It 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.