-
Upcoming Classes & Events
// i&&(t=r=f,l=e),i>f&&f>r&&(r=f,n=e)}),t>r&&(l=n)),f=e.gridheight[l]||e.gridheight[0]||e.gridheight,s=e.gridwidth[l]||e.gridwidth[0]||e.gridwidth,h=i/s,h=h>1?1:h,f=Math.round(h*f),”fullscreen”==e.sliderLayout){var u=(e.c.width(),jQuery(window).height());if(void 0!=e.fullScreenOffsetContainer){var c=e.fullScreenOffsetContainer.split(“,”);if (c) jQuery.each(c,function(e,i){u=jQuery(i).length>0?u-jQuery(i).outerHeight(!0):u}),e.fullScreenOffset.split(“%”).length>1&&void 0!=e.fullScreenOffset&&e.fullScreenOffset.length>0?u-=jQuery(window).height()*parseInt(e.fullScreenOffset,0)/100:void 0!=e.fullScreenOffset&&e.fullScreenOffset.length>0&&(u-=parseInt(e.fullScreenOffset,0))}f=u}else void 0!=e.minHeight&&f
// i&&(t=r=f,l=e),i>f&&f>r&&(r=f,n=e)}),t>r&&(l=n)),f=e.gridheight[l]||e.gridheight[0]||e.gridheight,s=e.gridwidth[l]||e.gridwidth[0]||e.gridwidth,h=i/s,h=h>1?1:h,f=Math.round(h*f),”fullscreen”==e.sliderLayout){var u=(e.c.width(),jQuery(window).height());if(void 0!=e.fullScreenOffsetContainer){var c=e.fullScreenOffsetContainer.split(“,”);if (c) jQuery.each(c,function(e,i){u=jQuery(i).length>0?u-jQuery(i).outerHeight(!0):u}),e.fullScreenOffset.split(“%”).length>1&&void 0!=e.fullScreenOffset&&e.fullScreenOffset.length>0?u-=jQuery(window).height()*parseInt(e.fullScreenOffset,0)/100:void 0!=e.fullScreenOffset&&e.fullScreenOffset.length>0&&(u-=parseInt(e.fullScreenOffset,0))}f=u}else void 0!=e.minHeight&&f
// i&&(t=r=f,l=e),i>f&&f>r&&(r=f,n=e)}),t>r&&(l=n)),f=e.gridheight[l]||e.gridheight[0]||e.gridheight,s=e.gridwidth[l]||e.gridwidth[0]||e.gridwidth,h=i/s,h=h>1?1:h,f=Math.round(h*f),”fullscreen”==e.sliderLayout){var u=(e.c.width(),jQuery(window).height());if(void 0!=e.fullScreenOffsetContainer){var c=e.fullScreenOffsetContainer.split(“,”);if (c) jQuery.each(c,function(e,i){u=jQuery(i).length>0?u-jQuery(i).outerHeight(!0):u}),e.fullScreenOffset.split(“%”).length>1&&void 0!=e.fullScreenOffset&&e.fullScreenOffset.length>0?u-=jQuery(window).height()*parseInt(e.fullScreenOffset,0)/100:void 0!=e.fullScreenOffset&&e.fullScreenOffset.length>0&&(u-=parseInt(e.fullScreenOffset,0))}f=u}else void 0!=e.minHeight&&f
// i&&(t=r=f,l=e),i>f&&f>r&&(r=f,n=e)}),t>r&&(l=n)),f=e.gridheight[l]||e.gridheight[0]||e.gridheight,s=e.gridwidth[l]||e.gridwidth[0]||e.gridwidth,h=i/s,h=h>1?1:h,f=Math.round(h*f),”fullscreen”==e.sliderLayout){var u=(e.c.width(),jQuery(window).height());if(void 0!=e.fullScreenOffsetContainer){var c=e.fullScreenOffsetContainer.split(“,”);if (c) jQuery.each(c,function(e,i){u=jQuery(i).length>0?u-jQuery(i).outerHeight(!0):u}),e.fullScreenOffset.split(“%”).length>1&&void 0!=e.fullScreenOffset&&e.fullScreenOffset.length>0?u-=jQuery(window).height()*parseInt(e.fullScreenOffset,0)/100:void 0!=e.fullScreenOffset&&e.fullScreenOffset.length>0&&(u-=parseInt(e.fullScreenOffset,0))}f=u}else void 0!=e.minHeight&&f
Upstairs |

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 …
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 …
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, …
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: …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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …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 into3 key fibers: Gampi, Kozo …
It 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 …
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 …
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 roadfull of re-prints and nit-picking, but the result is a product that we feel goes above and beyond that of any of our previous …
Casing In A Book
10 steps for casing in a book block. Materials: PVA Adhesive: Jade 403 Glue Brush Mull / Super / Tarlatan (one in the same) Bone Folder or Burnisher Kraft Paper Scalpel & Blades Binder’s Board Covering Material and of course… your book block! 1. Place the book block between backing boards, a securing vice, or …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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… …
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 …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 …
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 vivid, …
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 …
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 …
Bushwick Open Studios!
Mark your calenders 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 …
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 …
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 …
New CROFT Folders Just In!
This just in… CROFT FOLDERSA 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 …
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 …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 …
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!
What would YOU like?
So my friends, the tables have turned. Today we ask you, what would you like to see on our shelves (that we don’t already stock) come next year? Maybe it’s a genre of paper, a particular tool, or maybe a new type of adhesive – whatever it is, let us know. We won’t know unless …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 some …
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 …
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 …
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 the …
Guild of Bookworkers
Standards of Excellence: San Francisco October 29-31 Every year bookbinders from across the country meet for a weekend of lectures, demonstrations, and purchasing fun! The location of the show varies from year to year, and from coast to coast. This year the show happened to take place in in San Francisco, and thus, was extremely …Beat to a Pulp
Your Short Guide to Paper Selection Ever walk into an art store for some paper and get completely floored by the seemingly infinite number of options and indecipherable codes? Don’t worry, you are not alone! Below I will map the basics to help you decipher some of the foreign hieroglyphics of paper codes and thus …
2010 Diary Blocks!
Loads of you have been inquiring… and guess what?? They have finally arrived! Printed & sewn with TLC from our friends overseas, the 2010 Shepherds Diary is an unbound block that will require lining the spine with mull, and casing in. Diaries have been litho printed on 115gsm acid-free cream colored paper. The diaries feature …
9″x11.5″ Davey Board!
Alas, an economical, manageable, and not to mention inexpensive way to get your hands on a bit of our Davey Board! Yes, it IS true, we now sell cut sheets of 9″x11.5″ Davey Board (in all thicknesses) And no, your eyes are not deceiving you! It’s just one of the many perks of our new …
Liberon Product Line
As some of you may have already discovered, TALAS has become a distributor of the Liberon product line! While adding the entire product line to our inventory was yet another feat, we are extremely excited to offer these fine materials! For more than a century Liberon products have been enhancing surfaces and enriching the …
TALAS Gets a Guillotine!
So the rumors are verified. TALAS does in fact have its own guillotine! Nothing ever seems to move quickly, particularly not when you weigh 9,000lbs, but after much shopping around & research we have indeed found our perfect match… Built some 50 years ago, this machine is still rock-solid (and we’re not just …
TALAS visits Brazil
As Talas shut their doors for the summer holidays, Marge & Jake took a trip down south of the equator to visit some of our customers & suppliers in Brazil. Marge & Jake are lovers of all things South American, and were excited to see some of our supplies in use first hand! First on …
TALAS’ New Home!
For those of you who have followed TALAS from location to location around Manhattan know that we have perpetually been on the hunt for bigger & better warehouses to best suit our needs as the company has continued to expand over the years. While we loved our last location on 20th Street in Manhattan, it …