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

Gamblin Conservation Colors and Pigmented Resin Wax Sticks Demonstration

February 28, 2017

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?

December 12, 2016

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

November 3, 2016

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!

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

Fore Edge Painting with Martin Frost

September 27, 2016

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

August 29, 2016

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?

July 26, 2016

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

June 14, 2016

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

May 12, 2016

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