Sculpted & Cut Out Bookmark

A Bristol Board bookmark worked on perforated paper with a few cross stitches and some backstitch but with the cross stitch shape cut out with a sharp blade. This is a very decorative example and quite rare. I am in awe of the steady hand the maker must have had!

It measures 2 x 3.5in (5 x 9cm) It will be supplied between stiff card and wrapped in tissue paper.

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.