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Thistle Threads

Lining Papers

$ 20.00

Thistle Threads

Lining Papers

$ 20.00

I am providing handmade wove and laid papers by MacGregor Papers that are matches to those used historically on embroidered caskets. These papers were used to cover the majority of the surfaces of the casket before silk linings, velvet linings and embroidery were attached. The papers are archival and this line is used by paper conservators to repair museum objects. Extremely strong and flexible when wet, they provide the easiest way to cover the boxes. 

The purple paper was the most often found lining the caskets and paired with pink silks. In its freshest incarnation, it is a deep purple with a tinge of red. As it ages, the paper becomes a dingy very lightly purple-greyish cream; going through a state where the red pink is more prominent as the oxidation progresses. I have chosen to make a purple to replicate so it is close to the original color of the pieces.   *If you need purple to finish something - contact me for limited supply


An alternative cream paper is also a choice. This is a good choice for the backing of your embroidery itself and for the surfaces that will accept embroidery. You can also use it to line the casket if the cream will look better with your choice of lining silks and velvets. 

The cream and purple paper is laid and is 21" x 25.75".  They are all Dark Holbart paper which is used in museum restoration of books and other paper-based artifacts.

The number of papers required to cover your casket is somewhat dependent on the colors you use where as well as the two techniques used to cover drawers which results in a different cutting pattern. 2-3 cream papers will cover the outside of either the flat or double casket. Two papers should suffice for the inside of the flat casket. The double casket will require approximately 3-4 sheets.  Additional sheets will be needed to back the embroideries before gluing the cut embroideries to the casket.  1 piece is needed per mirror and 1-2 per casket in cream, depending on how you have laid out the casket pieces on frames.