Gudy 870 vs Gudy 831 (Gudy O vs Gudy V)

September 21, 2018

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

Bone Folder vs. Teflon Folder

July 6, 2017

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

How to Alum Paper for Marbling

March 22, 2017

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

Witches & Zombies & Book Blocks, OH MY!

October 19, 2016

  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

The Importance of Paper

March 10, 2011

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

Zund Cuts Leather!

December 20, 2010

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!

Rice paper, what’s that? Japanese Fibers: Demystified

November 22, 2010

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

Casing In A Book

October 28, 2010

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

Marbling Paper, the Age Old Question

September 16, 2010

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

Mounting Parchment & Vellum

January 26, 2010

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