Suzanne Glémot

Sourcing Tools and Materials for Bookbinding and the Book Arts

One of my favorite things about making work in the book, paper, and print spheres is the wealth of deeply talented, highly knowledgeable folks who’ve committed to these communities by running businesses that offer specialized tools and quality materials. This list is by no means comprehensive (for that, look no further than the Book Arts Web run by Peter D. Verheyen), but does feature vendors I rely on from project to project, as well as some places that are just outside the scope of straightforward book arts supplies. Bonus: each of the people listed on this page is a gem to do business with.

• TOOLS

  • BEIDLER MADE: brass hand tools and finishing tools made by Brien Beidler. Works with custom orders; located in Bloomington, IN.

  • Shanna Leino: handmade tools for artists, objects made for home, and ideas too tempting not to make. Located in Frankfort, MI.

  • Sarah Luko: toolmaker, papermaker, and artist from Des Moines, IA. Sarah makes papermaking and bookbinding tools, small to gigantic paper molds, and shaped molds. Works with custom orders; email to inquire.

  • Timothy Moore Bookbinding Tools: wooden presses and other tools for hand bookbinders. Located in Concord, MI.

  • Jeff Peachey: handmade tools for bookbinders, conservators, and leatherworkers, including Delrin tools and various styles of paring knives. Located in New York, NY.

  • Inherent Vice Squad: their aprons and tool rolls are the bee’s knees. Handmade in California.

  • The L S Starrett Company: for dividers and other precision measuring tools. Headquartered in Athol, MA.

• MATERIALS

  • Colophon Book Arts Supply: an online retail store with an extensive stock of bookbinding tools and materials serving the book arts community from beginning students to advanced professionals. Mary Uthuppuru owns and operates Colophon in Bloomington, IN.

  • TALAS Online: all manner of bookbinding and conservation supplies based in Brooklyn, NY.

  • BLICK Art Materials: online and brick-and-mortar US retailer. Useful supplier for paints, inks, art papers, cutting implements, etc.

• PAPER

  • Paper Connection International: purveyor of high-quality fine art and specialty papers from Japan, Nepal, India, and China. Founded by Lauren Pearlman Sugita; based in Providence, RI.

  • Washi Arts: large selection of Chiyogami (Yuzen) decorative papers, updated on a regular basis. Owned by Linda Marshall and located in Blaine, WA.

  • Carriage House Paper: a broad array of supplies and materials for hand papermaking based in Brooklyn, NY.

• PRINTING:

  • McClain’s Printmaking Supplies: a good source for relief carving tools and specialized brushes. Every order is shipped with useful information sheets on object maintenance. Based in Tigard, OR.

  • Boxcar Press: for all your letterpress photopolymer needs! Located in Syracuse, NY.

  • Catherine Liu: Cat is an artist and researcher specializing in non-toxic printing processes (among other areas of practice). Her thesis explored the use of printing inks made from natural dyes. She makes and restores small tools for bookbinding, and creates versatile tool cases. Works with custom orders; email to inquire.

• LEATHER & PARCHMENT

  • Pergamena: sustainably made leathers and parchments based in Montgomery, NY. May sell leather scraps by the pound upon request — a solid option for smaller leather needs and budgets.

• DYES

  • MAIWA: conscientiously-sourced dyestuff, mordants, and additives for working with natural dyes. Based in Vancouver, Canada.

• LOCAL

  • Home Ec Workshop: book-adjacent, favorite local spot for sourcing cloth, embroidery floss, and yarn. Owned by Codi Josephson and based in Iowa City, IA; US shipping is available.