The difference between Vellum and Parchment & the preparation of each.
What’s the difference between vellum and parchment? Parchment is a general term for an animal skin which has been prepared for writing and printing and can be any variety of animal, but is commonly calf, goat, or sheep. Vellum is derived from the French word “veau” meaning calf and refers to those skins specifically made … Read More
Water Activated Adhesives vs Self Adhesive Tapes
It’s simple, if the adhesive comes in direct or very close contact with artwork, you should avoid using a self adhesive product whenever possible. We get this question a lot! What’s the right product, tape, adhesive to use? There are LOTS of choices. Our goal with this post is not to give specific advice but … Read More
Gudy 870 vs Gudy 831 (Gudy O vs Gudy V)
Gudy adhesives, both 831 and 870, are exceptional double-sided mounting adhesives. These acid-free dry mount tapes are great for mounting prints, bookcloth, paper, you name it. Both options are applied by hand, without the need for heat or laminators. Just press and peel the liner to apply. The difference between the 830 and 870 can … Read More
Guide to Bookbinding Leathers
Not sure which bookbinding leather to choose? When it comes to selecting leather there are many options to choose from. Below is a guide to navigating our selection of hides, but we are always available by phone or email to discuss your specific requirements. Tannage Tanning is a method of using specific chemicals derived … Read More
Abaca Fibers and the Morgan Conservatory
Located in Cleveland, Ohio is the Morgan Conservatory. It is the largest arts center in the United States dedicated to every facet of papermaking, book arts and letterpress printing. If that’s not enough, it also helps cultivates the talents of established and emerging artists through its gallery and studio spaces. An international destination that is free … Read More
Accordion Archival Box Dividers
As New Yorkers, we understand that space is of the essence and that often times multiple objects, or people, must co-habitate inside the same structure. This was no different when it came to housing The Faunae Insectorum Germanicea collection at Princeton University. The Faunae Insectorum Germanicea is comprised of 110 individual slipcases each containing about … Read More
What’s the difference between the Jade PVAs?
Good question! There are 3 varieties of Jade PVA: Jade 403, Jade 711 and Jade R. But before we get into the specifics, let’s first talk about Jade itself. Jade is an acid-free PVA (polyvinyl acetate) adhesive that dries clear and flexible. It is fast drying, water soluble when wet, and permanent when dry. If … Read More
How do you store a 79 foot scroll?
How does one store a 79 foot long Temple Banner from the 17th century? To accomplish this our customer engaged TALAS for advice. The project was complicated by the need to wind the banner on two tubes starting at each end and meeting at the center. The box needed to be made completely from archival … Read More
Bone Folder vs. Teflon Folder
Simply put, a bone folder is an indispensable and essential tool for any bookbinder, graphic artist, or craftsperson. Why you ask? Because it’s a great tool for turning corners on cloth and leather, scoring paper, folding, smoothing out surfaces and burnishing surfaces. So what’s the difference between a bone folder and a teflon folder? The … Read More
Making Usu Mino Paper
In a small rural town in the Kochi Prefecture of Japan lives Osamu Hamada and his brother Hironao. They have been making paper their whole lives, a tradition which was passed down from their grandfather Sajio Hamada. Sajio Hamada was designated a National Living Treasure in 2001 for his Tosa Tengujo-shi Paper. Today Hironao continues his legacy … Read More
How to Alum Paper for Marbling
Watch this post as a video here! Marbling paper in the Ebru (Turkish) style of marbling requires that the paper first be treated using a mordant, in this case an alum mixture. The alum helps the pigments used in marbling to adhere to the paper. Without a mordant the pigments will slide off the paper. Alum, … Read More
Gamblin Conservation Colors and Pigmented Resin Wax Sticks Demonstration
Last week we had the privilege of hosting Catherine and Robert Gamblin for a presentation Upstairs at TALAS. Robert spoke about the history of Gamblin Paints and how it all began in his garage 30+ years ago! Part of what makes Gamblin paints so unique is that they use Gambol, which is an odorless narrow cut … Read More
Who’s on your Holiday Gift List?
Holiday shopping can be tough. Need some gift ideas? See our guide below to help find the perfect gift for those you love, like, or those let’s just say you’re obligated to gift. To help you find the perfect gift, we have broken down each list into specific disciplines: The Bookbinder, The Conservator, The Archivist, The … Read More
Visit to St. Cuthberts Paper Mill
Earlier this month we had the pleasure of visiting St. Cuthberts Paper Mill. Located in Wells, England this picturesque mill has been creating quality papers since the 1700s. This mill is fortunate to have one of the few remaining Cylinder Mould Machines left in the world. It is now over 100 years old, and was … Read More
Witches & Zombies & Book Blocks, OH MY!
Sure, witches, warlocks, ghosts and zombies are a fright this season… but you know what’s really scary? How easily you can case in your own book block! All you will need to do is follow these 10 steps to bookbinding bliss. Materials: PVA Adhesive: Jade 403 Glue Brush Mull / Super / Tarlatan (one … Read More
Fore Edge Painting with Martin Frost
Earlier this month we had the privilege of having Martin Frost lead a course on Fore-Edge Painting Upstairs at TALAS. This event with co-organized with The Guild of Bookworkers. Fore-edge painter Martin Frost has been working from studios in West Sussex, England for 40 years. He has painted the edges of well over 3500 books including … Read More
A Bookbinder’s & Book Enthusiast’s Guide to New York
New York is full of cultural and historical sites. From the Met, to the Statue of Liberty and everything else in between. With so many places and neighborhoods, we understand it can be difficult to navigate which is why we have compiled the guide below. This is far from a complete list, so please feel … Read More
What is the Upstairs?
Here at TALAS we have always dreamed of creating a space to foster the many skilled crafts practiced by our customers. Upstairs is the realization of that dream, in the form of both a physical location and an online resource. Located on the 3rd floor of the TALAS warehouse in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn (330 Morgan … Read More
Visit to the St Armand Paper Mill
Jake and Marge the special opportunity on our return trip from AIC (American Institute of Conservation) Conference in Montreal to visit David Carruthers and Denise Lapointe at the Saint-Armand Paper Mill. Wow, this mill is great. David was so gracious to take himself away from the beater to give us an informed and thorough tour … Read More
Our Latest Chapter
If you’re reading this, you may have noticed that our website and blog has just undergone a transformation. It’s been a long time coming, and we are thrilled to share our new website with you! We are proud of how far the company has come over the past 54 years, and continue to take pride … Read More
Tycore: Same product, better price!
Tycore is Tough… and with its new and improved price, it’s practically indestructible! Tycore’s honey comb structure makes this material our most dimensionally stable board. That coupled with its pH neutrality (buffered to approx. pH 8), make it an ideal material for a variety of uses. Already a fan? Or just now familiarizing yourself? Either way, … Read More
Unbuffered Bond Paper, Re-purposed
Recently we were approached by a Marbler looking for a new paper to use in his work.Frustrated by the predominance of buffering agents raping the surfaces of otherwise desirable papers for this artistic medium… he came to us, desperately seeking an alternative solution.At first, the “regular” marbling papers were discussed – to name a few: … Read More
The Importance of Paper
Interesting video on the significance of well preserved and constructed documents. Want to learn more about Byron Weston paper? Check it out on our website here. Byron Weston Linen Record Ledger has been the National Standard for permanent records since 1863. For over 140 years Bryon Weston papers have continued to meet the highest standards … Read More
Cut Heritage Corrugated Boards!
So, you’ve heard the buzz about our Heritage Corrugated Board, but you haven’t yet been able to purchase a full carton…… well, that’s no problem anymore as Talas now stocks Cut Sheets of Heritage Board! Choose from one of our inventoried sizes, or inquire about custom size sheets, shapes, etc. We are excited to introduce … Read More
Brush off 2010…
… and welcome 2011 with the help of our new KOI Water Brushes! KOI water brushes are lightweight, sleek and perfect for artists and conservators. They are made of fine flexible nylon bristles and have a unique water reservoir. The water level is visual through the transparent barrel and the brushes are available in three sizes … Read More
Zund Cuts Leather!
Not only has the Zund been proven wonderful at cutting boards, papers, etc. but it rose to the challenge when presented with leather! The image above shows Harmatan Goatskin (brown) and Hewits Calfskin (scarlet). Talk about a precise inlay!
Slim Down in Time for the Holidays
The holiday season has arrived, which not only means bundles of shopping & a thinning wallet… but also an abundance of sweets and eggnog galore. Which is why we suggest you slim down in time for the holidays… or at least slim down your leather (and perhaps your wallet) with that Scharf-Fix machine you’ve wanted … Read More
Zund Training by way of Germany
Last week was an exciting one for Talas, and in turn for you… it was Zund training week in Germany! The week began with 3 intensive days of Impact CAD instruction, which is the program we will use to operate and plot on the machine. Sure, lessons were tough… but we still found time for … Read More
Visit with Thornwillow Press
While most of us probably spent Friday at home, still recovering from all the turkey & mashed potatoes consumed the previous night on Thanksgiving… … a few TALAS folks avoided the imminent leftovers & headed up north to visit Thornwillow Press. Needless to say, we were extremely impressed by the scope of their operation and … Read More
Rice paper, what’s that? Japanese Fibers: Demystified
Western papers are enough to wrap our hands around… but then we enter the sphere of Japanese Papers. Welcome to Washi world!All too often, students visit Talas requesting “Rice Paper”. I don’t know what that is, do you? In the Japanese Paper (or Washi) 101 handbook, papers can be broken down into 3 key fibers: … Read More
Our Boxmaker Has Arrived!
After literally years of chit-chat… The ZUND G3 has arrived! Digital Cutting System Custom Box Making, and Board/Paper Cutting & Scoring Are you anxious about all those custom fit boxes that desperately need constructing? Can’t find the time or the energy to make them? or the interns? Let TALAS help, with our brand new Zund … Read More
In the Movies
Setting the Stage… (front door rings, Gwen – local artist & art director for various feature films- is buzzed in to 330 Morgan Ave and proceeds to Talas’ showroom on the 2nd floor) Gwen: I desperately need your help! I was in earlier in the week, and purchased some supplies for the movie I’m working … Read More
13th Edition Catalog is here!
Drum roll please… After countless weeks of teasing, the 13th Edition Talas catalog has finally arrived!!! 256 pages, including a 16 page full-color section for your perusing joy. It was a long road full of re-prints and nit-picking, but the result is a product that we feel goes above and beyond that of any of … Read More
Casing In A Book
10 steps for casing in a book block. Materials: Find one concise page of materials here. PVA Adhesive: Jade 403 Glue Brush Mull / Super / Tarlatan (one in the same) Bone Folder or Burnisher Kraft Paper Scalpel Handle & Scalpel Blades Binder’s Board Covering Material (Bookcloth) and of course… your book block! 1. Place the book … Read More
Texlifil Bookcloth
Fall has arrived, but summer has sprung at Talas with our newest bookcloth addition:TEXLIFIL This line of paper backed bookcloth has a vibrant range of colors reminiscent of Provence, and is manufactured in France. It has a wonderful sheen and feel, for an elegant high end look.Do you like working with Iris or Cialux? Well … Read More
Guild of Bookworkers: 2010 Standards of Excellence
Yep, it was that time of the year again… Autumn arrives and bookbinders from all over the world converge at this much anticipated annual Standards of Excellence meeting. This year the 3 day long meeting took place in sunny, dry Tucson Arizona. (certainly a nice change of pace from cold & rainy NY) As always, … Read More
Alran Goatskin
Just when you thought we’ve introduced enough products in the month of September…September ends and October arrives, which means time for some more new stuff… Enter: Alran Goatskins Our newest line of of full-vegetable tanned & aniline dyed goatskins from France. These skins have a genuine grain and a soft touch. Their finishing is well … Read More
Sturgeon Glue
After its long hiatus… Sturgeon Glue is back again! It was a long and tiresome journey, but we are pleased to announce that we now have our very own Fish & Wildlife Permit, and are able to successfully import this product into the states! Please see our website HERE for more information & ordering details.
Split French Goatskin!
Ever want to work in leather but are bothered by all of the work and preparation involved? Sick of sending your skins off to the mountains to be split? Worry no longer, as TALAS now stocks a variety of our French Goatskin’s in a “split” variety. At only 0.5-0.6 mm thick, make these skins an … Read More
13th Edition Catalog!
Can’t wait until our 13th Edition Catalog returns from the printer next month?? Well, no worries – the new catalog has just been uploaded to our website & is waiting for you to download your copy today! Here is a sneak-peak of what our cover looks like: Our inventory lines have expanded into 256 pages… … Read More
Fabriano CMF Ingres
Were you as upset as we were upon receiving notice that Fabriano Ingres was to be discontinued? For close to a year now we have been selling out our inventory… that was until the recent introduction of: Fabriano CMF Ingres The CMF Ingres is very similar to the discontinued Fabriano Ingres line, however, it only includes … Read More
Marbling Paper, the Age Old Question
What paper is best for making marbled paper? This age old question has been asked for centuries… and quite frankly we have always been a little confused as to what the best option may be. When talking about papers these days, it is nearly impossible to neglect to acknowledge Buffering agents. Most of our papers … Read More
Claire Guillot Papers
We are extremely excited to introduce this line of decorative papers to our collection! On a trip to the South of France this summer, we met Claire in her studio. See our website HERE for more information. This lucky selection of Canson & Hahnemuhle Ingres Paper sits on Claire’s shelves… waiting to be transformed into … Read More
New CAVE Paper Colors!
This week TALAS introduced 4 beautiful, new Cave paper colors! #12 Tangerine #13 Vivid Red #14 Lime Green #15 Teal Handmade paper made from Belgian flax. Designed for the use on book covers, and are extremely strong and have been used for collage, graphic designers and printers. Its strong tooth also makes this paper desirable … Read More
Lots to Come
We’ve been keeping quiet all summer long… but we promise we’ve been keeping busy! Here’s whats been crackin’: Lots of new & really exciting products!!A trip to France landed…several new lines of Goatskin (one is pre-split skins!), a new line of beautifully handcrafted marbled papers, specialty brass finishing tools by Alivon Tools, & yes, TexLibris … Read More
Bushwick Open Studios!
Mark your calendars for the weekend of June 4th-6th 2010! Arts in Bushwick presents the 2010 Bushwick Open Studios TALAS is opening its (now partly-vacant) 3rd floor studio spaces for a group show presented in lieu of the event!(Yes, this DOES mean that the Talas building will remain open over the weekend… although don’t get … Read More
White Stabiltex
What’s better than an overcast Spring Friday? An overcast Spring Friday with WHITE STABILTEX in the mix! Yes, that’s right, back by popular demand, this White Stabiltex is currently gleaming on our shelves. Imported from Switzerland and used for reinforcing/backing fragile textiles: stronger and more dimensionally stable than other comparable products. Stabiltex has good resistance to ultraviolet … Read More
Better Late Than Never!
French Chagreen Sample Books! Thanks for your patience, the sample book is FINALLY available! The chart contains all 42 colors. These skins are noted for their beautiful and uniform finish and for their exquisite color palette. The skins are finished in a fine crushed pattern, and are exceptional for gold tooling. Feel free to contact … Read More
New CROFT Folders Just In!
This just in… CROFT FOLDERS A brand new delivery of bone folders, each hand carved from extremely dense bones (wild deer, elk & moose) by Jim Croft!Available in a variety of shapes & sizes for virtually every use in the book (or box if you will!)
Text Blocks Have Arrived!
You asked for them, and now we’ve got ’em! TEXT BLOCKS Got the winter blues? Reminiscing about that wonderful trip you took last summer? Well now you can relive those memories and finally create that album you’ve been putting off, and while you’re at it… sketch in style with your own semi-handmade journal! Our text … Read More
Mounting Parchment & Vellum
Materials Vellum: size of board + 40mm all around Board: 12mm Plywood Glue: Starch Paste Lining Paper: Standard (acid-free) 1. Line the upper surface of your board with lining paper – usually white or light cream, as it will affect the color of the vellum. Use Acid-Free paper for longevity. 2. Dampen Vellum on both … Read More
Buffered vs. Unbuffered Tissue
This question is commonly asked, and we feel it is important to outline the differences, and thus the preferred uses of each. Buffered Tissue has an alkaline, or basic, composition (ie pH above neutral; pH 7), which usually is achieved by adding calcium carbonate to these tissues. Instances when this buffered surface would be preferable … Read More
Happy and a Healthy New Year!
Wishing you all Happy Holidays & a Healthy New Year from the crew at TALAS! Keep warm, and remember that we will be closed from Thursday December 24th – Sunday January 3rd. We will be reopening on Monday January 4th. Catch you all when we return in 2010!
Shop with TALAS for the Holidays (Part IV)
At this point I assume everyone’s begun to get completely wrapped up in the regular holiday season jargon, as it becomes increasingly difficult to avoid. But who can complain, and who doesn’t love that warm cuddly feeling associated with this time of year? Which is why we think you should consider getting cozy on your … Read More
Shop with TALAS for the Holidays (Part III)
Gift Guide #3: Blank Book Journal Kits! Nothing says you care quite like giving the gift of something homemade. Each book kit comes equipped with pretty much all of the materials necessary for binding your own journal (all you’ll need is a bit of Jade glue, a glue brush, and a bone folder). And if … Read More
Shop with TALAS for the Holidays!
Gift Guide #2: BOOKS! Give the gift of knowledge this year with one of our wide selection of books and DVDS, and who knows, maybe next year you’ll receive some fantastic handbound masterpieces in return for the holidays! For the aspiring bookbinder, how about: How to Make Books; covers simple folding techniques to more elaborate … Read More
Shop with TALAS for the Holidays!
It’s that time of the year again already: Gift giving season! I can’t speak for all of us – but I know for sure that I’m typically scrambling at the last minute to find gifts to please even the most difficult of recipients. But this year, TALAS is making your holiday shopping easy with … Read More
Cutting Binder’s Board
Cutting binder’s board can be quite difficult, particularly when working with a heavier weight board. There are many approaches to take when cutting these boards, but I’ll lay out a few I feel are important to discuss and address some of the pros and cons of each. Guillotine: Arguably the best way to cut your … Read More
Botanical Painters Visit TALAS
Last week we had the pleasure of welcoming the New England Society of Botanical Artists to our shop. Coming straight from the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, the bus arrived delivering 33 botanical painters to our showroom for the purpose of talking, learning, and purchasing their own vellums & parchments. People often question the distinction between vellum … Read More
TALAS visits San Francisco
Thanks to this years Guild of Bookworkers show, TALAS had a fantastic excuse to head west and to spend some time in San Francisco last week. But before the show began, we had the opportunity to visit some customers… Day 1: Straight from the plane, we made our first port of call at … Read More
