Lacemaking
Lace bookmarks, thin and delicate, are very handy and keep their shape perfectly due to their close texture.
From the History of Russian lacemaking
The earliest reference to Russian gold and silver thread lace can be found in the chronicle dated by the second half of the sixteenth century. Lace was weaved with golden embroidery, brocade and gemstones, and a greater value was placed on the materials rather than skilful handicraft. It was not till Peter the Great had Flemish craftswomen come to Russia in order to introduce Russian serf girls to the skill of “Dutch” thread spinning and lacemaking that this craft received a new impetus in Russia. Those were the times when Italian, Flemish and French lacemakers competed in producing exquisitely delicate lace that enchanted Europe with the diversity of techniques and beauty of braided fine-thread patterns. 
In adopting the techniques of bobbin lacemaking Russian craftswomen proved to be talented and original. Russian lace imbibed the subject matters and ornaments characteristic of the Russian folk art. By the nineteenth century bobbin lacemaking became a popular craft in many Russian provinces. Each area had its own techniques and unique versatile designs related to local customs and rituals. Russian lace was notable for its gentleness and refinement. It was made both of unbleached linen and in silk threads intertwined with gold or silver threads and embellished with sequins, swans’ down and ermine. The towns of Vologda, Ryazan, Yeletz, Vyatka and Kirishi became famous for their lacemaking traditions; moreover, the towns gave their names to their respective types of lace.
