Dear Everyone ~
Several weeks ago, as I was assembling the Introduction to Bookbinding paper sampler, I decided to create a sequel sampler available for purchase. I have selected papers that I think are lovely, of course, and also versatile for multiple mediums in addition to bookbinding. I’ve named the sampler “Introduction to Paper.” The assortment is a binder’s dozen of various sheets ranging in size from a postcard—yes, an actual postcard—to 8½ x 11.
I’ve included larger sheets (than in my previous sampler) whenever possible, so you can discern the grain direction, fold the sheet into a mini-signature, and then test a multitude of mediums. In my experience, most of the papers are multi-versatile, and I encourage you to try them out with as many writing or drawing tools as you have on or in hand. For example, I love using a micron pen or marker on the Aquarello watercolour paper.
The Esleeck Fidelity Onion Skin paper is a lightweight, delicate-seeming sheet with a lovely cockle (air dried) finish. At first glance, you might think it would feather or buckle with the slightest amount of ink, but it doesn’t. I’ve enjoyed using it as the pages in little (3 x 3!) linen-covered books. I doodled on the first couple of pages to try out a few different types of pens and was delighted with the effect.
The sheets in the Schreibblock and Carta Pura pads are grain short, meaning that the paper grain runs in the short dimension. Oftentimes, because I love these papers and would like them in a book, I de-pad several sheets, which is easily accomplished, & create signatures by simply folding the sheets in half. Voilà, I (or you) have enough signatures to make a lovely 5½ x 8½ book. The Buttonhole-stitch book shown here has signatures I made from a single Carta Pura pad.
The 13 sheets in the sampler are hand-numbered, and their sequence corresponds to a typed index giving the paper name, colour, weight, and country of origin. I encourage you to fold your sampler sheets to get a sense of their grain direction. In keeping with the theme, I've “approved” the index with a hand-chevroned Eurokraft paper ribbon, held in place by a Bari Zaki Studio years-in-business seal.
The sampler is presented in a British glassine envelope, and the sheets are fastened with a tiny butterfly clip covered in Japanese paper. A mini-pencil likewise covered in Japanese paper completes the ensemble.
Introduction to Paper
Esleeck Fidelity Onion Skin
Yours in paper, Bari