Framing

   07/05/2013

Framing the Leather Parchment (Vellum) Ketubah:

When framing a parchment ketubah the framers job is very simple. The parchment needs to be placed on top of a foam backing with a second precut foam placed gently on top of the parchment and then comes the glass. No glue is needed. The only time to use glue dots in key areas is when the parchment is a bit wavy and it is only to aid in the positioning process.  No glue is to be applied, EVER, to a large area of the ketubah.

Please share this page with the framer and the links below related to it. I also  provide a detailed instruction sheet for the treatment and framing the parchment along with the shipping tube.

I get many questions regarding framing the ketubah before and after the ceremony. There are few ways to do that:

1. The Ketubah can be taped on a foam board and should be double matted.  Please make sure the framer does NOT glue down the whole Ketubah (!). Only a few glue dots or tape are needed. You can use the plexiglass for the wedding. The ketubah pops out for easy signing before the wedding.  It can be displayed on an easel with the plexiglass for the reception. After the wedding, the framer will replace the plexiglass with glare-free museum quality glass.

2.  A mat board with a precut window frame backed with a foam board can be a great option for placing the ketubah on an easel.

3. A simple poster frame can be used as well. After the wedding you can take it to the framer and ask for a museum quality frame.


All foam boards and precut mattes can be obtained at any art store near you. Don’t forget to measure the ketubah size and length before you go there.


Important Instruction:

Please DO NOT expose the ketubah to direct sun or moisture in any way.

Some links for the framer:

1. http://www.designsinkart.com/library/P-VellumAndParchment199902.htm

2. http://museumframing.com/blog/framing-vellum-or-animal-skin/

3. Framing vellum questions

4. http://www.florilegium.org/?http%3A//www.florilegium.org/files/SCRIBAL-ARTS/framing-velum-msg.html

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Framing a Printed Ketubah:

I want your Ketubah to last a lifetime. Try following these tips to keep your Ketubah in its original wedding day condition:

  • Try to resist handling your Ketubah before the wedding. Upon arrival, consider taking the Ketubah to a reputable framer to be prepared for signing on the wedding day. The framer should be able to mount the Ketubah to a piece of acid-free foam core or mat board with hinging tape. Your framer might have other creative ideas- just make sure that all mounting supplies are archival and acid-free. DO NOT dry mount your Ketubah- this could permanently damage and discolor the artwork.

  • You might also consider buying a poster frame as a temporary framing for the ceremony only, and after the wedding to frame it permanently.

 NOTE: You may find poster frames at any art store or even at Target / Walmart.

  • When framing the Ketubah after the ceremony, consider using U/V protective glass or plexiglass. This will prevent fading and other environmental damage.

  • Direct sunlight, halogen, and fluorescent lighting can cause artwork to fade over time. Try to keep your Ketubah out of these direct light sources.

  • Always handle your Ketubah with clean, dry hands. As moisture can severely damage your artwork, be sure to keep the Ketubah in a low-humidity space.


I strongly suggest using a waterproof, acid-free non smear pen such as a ball point pen to sign your Ketubah on your wedding day. You should always test the pen on the extra sample sent to you with your Ketubah.

      • For more information please call me: 415-860-2090.