 In the Beginning
While tracing the history of perforated paper is a formidable task, it is important to remember that the term we use currently makes the sleuthing more difficult. Originally sold in specialty shops, “ladies stationery”, perforated cards and Bristol board all refer to the same item, a high quality paper or card that was perforated at regular intervals for use in “pick-up work” a popular way to spend leisure hours during the 1800’s. Available first in small sheets and different sizes (counts), innovation assisted in the availability of more elaborate pierced edge patterns as well as die cut shapes. These small die cut cards were made with fully perforated centers for embroidery and with unperforated centers on which a drawing or painting could be done or where an inscription could be written. |
