This guide, adapted from Bitter Melon Bindery's video tutorial, walks you step by step through the assembly process using the TALAS × Bitter Melon Bindery Sketchbook Kit. The kit includes everything pre-cut and measured, with carefully selected high-quality materials. You’ll also find notes for adapting the process if you’re making your own custom version from scratch.

Hanji, the traditional handmade paper of Korea, is more than just a surface for writing or art. It is a material steeped in history, tied to the rhythms of the natural world, and cherished for its beauty, resilience, and versatility. Crafted from the inner bark of mulberry trees, Hanji has been an essential part of Korean culture for over a millennium, used in everything from Buddhist sutras to clothing, household objects, and contemporary design. Today, Hanji continues to br

Learn how to create a quarter binding cover and case in a prefabricated Khadi book block with this detailed, step‑by‑step guide. This timeless structure combines strength, flexibility, and elegance by pairing a cloth spine with decorative paper boards. Follow along with the video and written instructions to make a durable, visually striking book — perfect for journaling, sketching, or gifting.

Japanese papers are renowned for their elegance and strength, long used in conservation, bookbinding, and fine art applications. Often described as “acid-free,” they are frequently trusted for archival work—but that label, while generally true, isn’t always the full story.

In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through a simple Japanese stab binding technique —perfect for turning single sheets of paper into a...

Looking to upgrade from staples? This easy, needle-and-thread method is a durable, archival alternative that adds charm and structure to your zines. Whether you’re producing a single copy or binding a whole batch, the pamphlet stitch is a classic and effective technique that blends functionality with a handmade aesthetic. In this post, we’ll walk you through the entire process, step by step.

An essential first step in traditional paper marbling, the carrageenan bath provides the foundation on which floating pigments can be shaped into beautiful patterns. In this guide, we walk through how to properly mix and prepare this unique solution.

Marbling paper in the Ebru (Turkish) tradition requires that the paper first be treated with a mordant—in this case, an alum solution....

Repairing a loose page or folio might seem daunting, but it’s a simple process with the right tools and technique.

Proper preservation and storage are essential for protecting treasured photo albums from deterioration over time.

Creating your own books is a rewarding and creative endeavor that combines artistry with craftsmanship. This comprehensive guide will take y

When it comes to book and paper conservation, choosing the right tools is essential for effective and lasting repairs.

Mounting a paper poster with BEVA 371 film is a straightforward process that ensures long-lasting results. In this guide, we'll walk you...

Welcome to our guide on casing in a book, the final and essential step in your bookbinding journey. In this guide, we’ll walk you through co

Preparing a book spine for binding is a critical part of the bookbinding process. Follow these steps to ensure your text block is secure...

New York is full of cultural and historical sites., from The Met ropolitan Museum of Art , to the Statue of Liberty , and everything else...

In 2016, TALAS had the pleasure of visiting St. Cuthberts Paper Mill.  Located in Wells, England this picturesque mill has been creating...

In a small rural town in the Kochi Prefecture of Japan lives Osamu Hamada and his brother Hironao. They have been making paper their...

What’s the difference between vellum and parchment ? Parchment is a general term for an animal skin which has been prepared for writing...

Simply put, a bone folder is an indispensable and essential tool for any bookbinder, graphic artist, or craftsperson.  Why you ask?...