Quilled Ketubah

Recently I completed a ketubah for the August wedding of a Washington, D.C. couple. A ketubah is a Jewish prenuptial agreement that is signed by the bride and groom, rabbi, and two witnesses. Traditionally read out loud during the wedding, it's later hung in the home as a reminder of the vows and responsibilities to one another.

Once again I collaborated with calligrapher Riva Brown of Living Letters Studio. Her English and Hebrew hand lettering and my scroll motif in ivory and gilded ivory were set off nicely by a navy blue mounting board. The French-milled, 22 x 30 inch sheet of hot press watercolor paper was held in place with corner ribbons.

A firm, but lightweight mounting board allows for easy handling of the document prior to framing and provides a clear, acrylic overlay that can be rolled down over the paper as protection. This takes the worry out of transporting and displaying the document during the reception... quilling is tempting to curious fingers!

Sometimes a couple likes to see preliminary photographs before the quilling is glued in place. In this case, we discussed possible alterations that resulted in tweaking the initial placement and adding double scrolls to enhance the flow of the design.

I find a laser level to be a huge help in accurate alignment of quilled elements. I've used large S scrolls quite a few times on the sides of marriage certificates and ketubahs, but always alter the decorative flourishes so that each document is unique.