Baking Parchment---Success And Question.

[Pineapple Frenzy]

Hi,

 

I'm new here and really like the site. Anyhow, I've recently taken up calligraphy and I'm pretty excited about experimenting with different combinations of ink, paper and nibs. During my first attempts at writing in Copperplate script I found that the India Ink I was using would soak through the paper (plain old Staples bulk white). I want a cheap source of paper but the bleedthrough on plain white makes learning difficult because my nib keeps clogging with debris. Before I got too frustrated I remembered my wife likes to cook with parchment paper. Curious, I decided to be sneaky and "borrow" both the big roll, and the box of parchment "cooking bags" she keeps in the kitchen. The parchment paper from the roll was disappointing because it's coated with some sort of non-stick agent that repels the ink as one might expect if one were to write on waxed paper. The cooking bags however took the ink very well and proved to have a pleasant and smooth writing surface. What's more the paper is very thin (almost like tracing paper), despite its strength, and has a very pleasant natural brown fiber color that looks very old and classy.

 

The problem lies in the logistics of having to cut apart the cooking bags to get two sheets of paper. Also the sheet size is limited by the size of the bag (roughly 8x14) and each box comes with only ten bags. I'm wondering if anyone can lead me to a source where I can purchase this fine paper by the roll, or in bulk sheets. Also, I would be very interested to know if anyone can tell me more about the types of coating used in baking parchment and which coatings are compatible with calligraphic endeavors.

 

Cheers.

[CatBookMom]

Just try some heavier-weight copy paper. I have good results from 24lb 50% recycled paper from Staples, but many, many people here rave about the 32lb HP paper at either Staples or Office Depot. Much easier to find, likely quite a bit cheaper and in convenient pre-cut 8.5x11in sheets than baking parchment.

[jbb]

Some form of translucent vellum or tracing paper might suit your needs. Translucent vellum on ebay

 

I have a roll of 100% rag vellum that is normally used for architectural drawing and takes dip pen very well.

 

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5077/5915038501_4a984fef43_b.jpg

[spiv]

is that Staedtler Mars Vellum?

I have 2 HUGE rolls of it and I'd not thought to try the dip pen on it (yet).

[jbb]

is that Staedtler Mars Vellum?

I have 2 HUGE rolls of it and I'd not thought to try the dip pen on it (yet).

Mine is Fullerton Opaline 100% Rag Tracing Vellum but I think architectural paper in general might work. Let us know what you find when you test yours.

[Judybug]

Dear Pineapple Frenzy,

 

Is your wife still speaking to you? :roflmho:

 

Judybug

[blemt]

Dear Pineapple Frenzy,

 

Is your wife still speaking to you? :roflmho:

 

 

 

That's what I wanted to know. Dude, those bags are not cheap. At $3 for 12 bags, that's an insane per sheet cost. Finding cheap parchment paper is going to depend a bit on your definition of cheap. As for source, check your local area for restaurant supply stores. You can purchase these types of products in bulk. You odds on are going to end up having to upgrade. Art supply stores should have parchment paper pads for calligraphy practice. Little more reasonable price, and you don't need to worry about your wife killing you.

 

 

[Pineapple Frenzy]

I'm finding it hard to find a pad of parchment paper that I like. Most of the brands my local stores stock feel like normal xerox paper with a "parchment" design printed on it.