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.

Quilled ketubah by Ann Martin

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.

Quilled ketubah by Ann Martin

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!

Quilled ketubah by Ann Martin

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.

Quilled ketubah by Ann Martin

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.

Quilled ketubah by Ann Martin


Ann Martin
Ann Martin

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Comments

  1. Ann,your quilled Ketubah is absolutely exquisite!! I love the subtle colours and the metallic edged papers...the double s scrolls are just adorable...the delicate filgree shapes and your alternate side loopings are beautiful!!
    What a great idea the laser level!!
    Licia Politis

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  2. So very lovely Ann. Your S scrolls are so perfect and even. The gilded paper strips adds to the beauty of your elegant quilling.

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  3. It looks lovely. And I really liked the idea of Ketubah. Great for remembering "good old days" :)

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  4. Ann, it is just exquisite! I wish I could watch you work.

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    1. Thanks Michelle, that's sweet of you to say. It might be a bit like watching paint dry though. :)

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  5. As always gorgeous work, Ann! Love the gilded edged strips and your design is so elegant! thanks for sharing :)
    -Molly

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  6. It is sooo beautiful!! Very elegant!!1

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  7. Everything about this is exquisite. What a wonderful job you did. The calligraphy is beautiful too - and I can read it!! ;-)

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  8. This is so beautiful! And thank you for the kind comment :)

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  9. Wow. Just stunning. I love how you customize each one and make sure it's what the couple wants before you glue it down.

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    1. Thanks Melissa, that's an important step of the process.

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  10. Great idea and perfect quilling as always :)

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  11. So gorgeous! The gilded ivory is absolutely stunning. Love this.

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    1. Thanks Melissa! I love the gilded paper too... it really brings a design to life.

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  12. No wonder your one of the best quillers around today. Perfect... says it all

    Chris from http://ajourneyintoquilling.blogspot.com/

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  13. Thanks so much Chris, that's very kind and you know I admire your work too.

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  14. Those scrolls are perfection. I'd love to sit and watch you one day (in a non-creepy way). LOL!

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