The Process

The Process of Creating a Ketubah

While each ketubah is unique, the basic process of creation is similar. Below you will find a description of the steps involved in creating a ketubah, from the initial phase of brainstorming ideas with the bride and groom, to the acts of painting and calligraphy. The fact that you are involved in the process of creating your own ketubah makes the final product much more meaningful. One bride stated, "This is so much better than just ordering something already made on-line!"

The Planning Stage

A few of the mock-ups and font styles. The couple also sent swatches of the wedding fabric for color-matching.

The first step in creating a ketubah is the planning stage. A few months before the wedding, the couple and I will begin discussing ideas for the design. They will send pictures of ketubot that they like, to give me a sense of their artistic style and we will talk about other ideas that they want to include. This stage generally lasts a few weeks, as we email back and forth and send each other ideas and photos.

I then make up a series of trial designs based on our conversations. If the couple is local, they can come to my studio and choose the design and fonts they like best and offer additional comments and ideas that will influence the final design. For non-local clients, consultations can take place by phone, email, and Skype.

Choosing and Formatting the Hebrew and English texts

One of my sketches when formatting the text and dimensions.

Meanwhile, the couple choose a text for their ketubah. The options are endless - some will use the traditional Orthodox text, others the Conservative text with Leiberman clause, while others prefer a modern egalitarian or interfaith text. Another meaningful option is for couples to work together to write their own words for the ketubah. They can then choose a Hebrew text that closely matches the sentiments of their own or have one translated for them. Since I will be writing the words by hand, any text - from traditional to modern - can be chosen.

On my end, this step of the process also includes gathring all of the information about the wedding that is included on the ketubah, translating it into Hebrew, and sending the text to the officiating rabbi for confirmation. My next step is to start writing out the text to see how much space it will take on the page. English takes more room than Hebrew, so lining up the two texts can be tricky! After determining the size of each letter and the average length of each line, I am able to format the final work and determine the overall size.

The Calligraphy

After working out the formatting for the text, it is time for the next step - writing. It is a slow process - taking pen in hand, dipping it in ink, carefully blotting the pen to ensure that the proper amount of ink touches the page. Too much ink and a blotch will form, too little ink and the pen feels scratchy against the page. But as I begin writing, a rhythm forms and the words flow smoothly onto the page. I double check every letter before writing it - no mistakes allowed! It generally takes between eight and ten hours of writing for a standard length text. The photo at left shows the writing at the half-way point - the text is to the left and blotting paper is to the right.

Adding other Artistic Features

This particular ketubah has a wash of watercolor fading from deep blue at the top to light blue at the bottom. This was painted prior to the process of writing. A papercut design of pomegranate branches was cut and pasted on top of the work, creating a sense of depth. It is made of over forty separate pieces of paper.

The finished Ketubah

While the process can be expedited for rush orders, it is generally best to have at least a month and preferably more time for the creation of an original ketubah.

After the ketubah is finished, it is mounted on a foam board with hand-made photo corners. It is then covered in a protective plastic wrap for display during the wedding ceremony. The ketubah is ready for the ceremonial signing and is sent to the couple with many blessings for a happy marriage!