Envelop your notes with casual elegance!

Dear Everyone ~

Having an assortment of envelopes and cards at hand can inspire you.
A range of sizes to hold your enclosure(s) du jour,
coloured envelopes, hand-bordered flaps ...
can make sending off a note an extra-esthetic pleasure.

Bundles of stationery have long been something I love assembling,
knowing they will go to good homes and in turn to many homes.
It also pleases me to give epistolary aficionados the
opportunity to experience European envelopes and cards
that are not easily found in the U.S.

And, of course, if you are going to mail something, you are going to think about postage.
Years ago, I offered lovely envelopes to which I had pre-applied
an arrangement of vintage stamps.
People loved them. Rather than reprising myself,
I am introducing manila stock pages full (really full!) of an assortment
of vintage U.S. postage, including many engraved stamps.
Each stock page provides the chromatic and thematic wherewithal
to embellish many noteworthy envelopes.
Delight your friends. Amaze the Postal Service.

Seen here: Extravaganza of 3¢ Vintage Postage & Deluxe Array of Assorted Denominations.

Many people don't realize that postage stamps are good forever, until they've been used.
The vast majority of old stamps will never be valuable, so resist the temptation to hoard them ...
and send them out into the world. You can also use them for other creative pursuits:
to adorn a back flap; to seal a package; to dazzle your découpage or classy your collage
— it's all the rage!

Always stationery, never stationary,

Bari

A look back at my very first two books

Dear Everyone ~

People occasionally ask how long I've been bookbinding.
Formally, 2019 will be my thirtieth (XXX!) year of bookbinding professionally.
Less formally, however, I made my first books about 45 years ago,
when my family took a trip to England.

My father owned a printing business, whose huge scrap bin was my preferred playground.
I could actually climb in and hunt for assorted awesome scraps.
I took these home and arranged (and re-arranged) them in my paper closet.

As you can see, I wasn't yet clear on the spelling of stationery.
But I was totally on board with its uses.
I was also already an ardent embellisher and collector of ephemera,
which inspired me to create a pocket in my "Tour To Englang and London."

This trip marked the beginning of my collecting postcards ... and hotel stationery!

I'd like to thank you all for your appreciation of my work & of the shop's esthetic.
I wish you a Happy & Healthy New Year.
May it be Very Epistolary!

With memory-making resolve,

Bari

A serendipity of Serizawas

Dear Everyone ~

Early last Sunday morning, I showcased a dozen buttonhole stitch blank books I had just finished, each one covered in a vintage Japanese calendar page. My "Year of Serizawa" was the first time I had ever used one of these pages, which I've cherished for years and years, to cover a book. The petite volumes (5.75 x 7.75) were available singly, and the edition sold out within several hours.

In seasons past, I offered at my annual studio sale "surprise stationery assortments" wrapped in... Serizawa calendar pages. At the time, it seemed an excellent use of them...but as my supply dwindled, I wanted to find a longer lasting re-use for these beautiful pages. Thus, my "Year of Serizawa."

As it happened, I was enveloped for the first time by a Serizawa calendar page back in September, when I received via mail not one, but two, birthday cards from a dear friend ... each in its own handmade Serizawa envelope! The sender is my "postal muse" —and the person who taught me to hand-fold envelopes, back in the steamy summer of 1995.

I am now in a position (mysteriously) to make a few more Serizawa buttonhole stitch books, covered in pages from various months (and years). Additionally, if you purchased a stationery bundle from me in the past, wrapped in a Serizawa page, and kept your page intact, you are welcome to commission a book (or small box) covered in that page.

As you can tell, I am reveling in Serizawamania. I have kept every scrap from my "Year of Serizawa" edition and have begun to package them in little glassines, for my own amusement. I am using quite a lot of them as a collage in my sketchbook,and each triangular shard delights me.

See close-ups of my “smattering” second Serizawa offering here!

Euphorically,

Bari

Look! A set of sumptuous Serizawa-covered blank books

Dear Everyone ~

'Tis the week before Christmas, and I have just completed 12 Months of Blank Books covered in sumptuous Serizawa calendar pages from years past. This is an opportunity to wrap your thoughts in your birthday month or another month you favour.

Whenever I'm making a book (or a box), I'm always delighted to discover, or re-discover, how differently various papers behave for: scoring, folding, cutting, tucking, and adhering. Some of the Serizawa calendar pages are from 1962, so they are over half a century old. The mulberry paper is exquisitely tactile. It is still incredibly pliable and strong, even after so many press runs (one colour at a time) under great pressure.

I bought my Serizawa calendars for years and years from Aiko's Art Materials in Chicago, founded by Aiko Nakane in the mid-50s. She gradually turned over the running of the shop to Chuck Izui, who maintained an extraordinary and inspiring inventory of Japanese paper pleasures and treasures until 2008. In addition to my almost countless fond memories of times in the shop, I will always "channel" Aiko and Chuck's sensibilities when I open the drawers of the card cabinet Chuck gave me when Aiko's closed. The cabinet now anchors my postcard wall and displays usable vintage postage packets and various other papery things.

Over the years, I have used pages from the Serizawa calendars to make bags in which to present flat and flattish things. I recently decided to "dedicate" a dozen pages to make a set of buttonhole stitch blank books. The covers are from various years, and do not correspond to 2019 in terms of days of the week. But they are truly swoonderful and, as far as I know, unique. If you are able to come by, you are welcome to experience (and gently pat) them in person.

View the entire year here!

Arigato,

Bari

Studio sale without fail

Dear Everyone ~

We are pleased to offer this preview of our twentieth (XX) annual studio sale.

Artfully assembled assortments,
bundled (beribboned to boot!) bonanzas & charmola tchotchkes.
An 'xtravaganza of Yuletide zeal!

And, of course, books.

STUDIO SALE HOURS

Saturday, December 8 & Sunday, December 9

From 12:00 to 5:00 pm

Your handwriting is inviting

Dear Everyone ~

Your handwriting is a part of you.
It is a kind of placeholder for you.
If you write less often by hand than you used to,
your handwriting may strike you as rusty,
scrawly, or generally ungraceful.
You may not love how your handwriting looks,
but the recipients of your occasional notes, cards, envelopes,
or any scrap, shard or snippet ... associate it with you.
They don't critique your writing—they experience
a moment of familiarity and even anticipation.

Now that the gift-giving season is upon us,
it's time to enjoy putting your handwriting on paper.
You do not need to agonize, or to buy an expensive pen,
or even to practice. Here are stylish ways
to enhance your communiqués for the holidays.

*  *  *

Initials, writ large on a small envelope, always seem personal.
You may find it relaxing, and even amusing, to embellish them.

Writing on washi tape is a "double glammy." It's unexpected.
And, used as a closure, washi tape is so smooth & easy to undo.

Frame your message in a washi tape border.
You can color coordinate to your envelope or package.
And you can reposition if your tape goes askew.

Sharpen your coloured pencils.
Colouring in a tag or label can make it festive,
playful, and personal. If you have a favourite doodle
(a star, a flower, a squiggle),
try adding it as part of your signature.

If you are personally (as differentiated from electronically)
enveloping someone with a seasonal sentiment or winter wish,
a generous sprinkling or sparkling of your very own handwriting
will make it that much more memorable.

With a penchant,

Bari

Deck the Desks

Dear Everyone ~

Please join us for a wonderland weekend of gift-giving inspiration,
epistolary enticements, and hand-crafted hospitality.
Surprises in store in store!

20th Annual Studio Sale

Saturday, December 8 & Sunday, December 9

From 11:00 to 5:00

If you've resolved to keep a journal in the New Year, we'll have an array of freshly covered blank books, plus a limited supply of oldies-but-goodies from seasons past. If you want to up (or update!) your wrapping game, check out new washi tape designs and our Japanese-paper covered butterfly clips. If you have a penchant for paper scraps, you'll be indulged and beribonned. Why be stationary at home when you can revel in stationery samplers?

In anticipation,

Bari

Ann + Robyne’s matrimonial paper capers!

Dear Everyone ~

Over the years, I have had the pleasure of making books, albums,
and boxes for many couples celebrating their wedding or anniversary.
I always love being part of these commemorations.
Recently, I made a book and a box for Ann and Robyne to give each other—
without Ann knowing I was collaborating with Robyne,
and without Robyne knowing I was collaborating with Ann.
Their matrimonial machinations had a delicious layer
of stealth between the two gifts.

First: Ann came in at the suggestion of Maria Grillo,
who was designing the wedding invitation package,
including a very special no-gifts card inviting guests to pay it forward by
"doing something kind for someone without their knowing—and tell us about it."
People described their "kindness" on their postcards and mailed them back.
Delightful detail: Maria also created two custom postage stamps
with watercolor illustrations echoing the wedding palette.

Meanwhile: Unbenownst to Robyne, Ann wanted to make a box to hold the cards as a wedding gift.
When Ann came in to discuss this, I suggested that she might like to "delegate"
the responsibility of making the box to me. We selected papers to complement
the cards that would reside in the box. Ann then mentioned that she would be
bringing Robyne by to finalize the selection of their guest book ...
and asked that I not let on about the box.

Then: Ann and Robyne came in for the guest book errand,
and Robyne, who is not a paper person per se, was rather captivated by the shop.
The guest book they chose is a long-stitch binding covered in vintage
Katazome paper in a geometric pattern. They also decided to select an assortment
of my Japanese paper-covered mini-pencils to include in gift bags for their out-of-town guests.

Next: The following week, Ann came by to pick up the box on her way out of town.
Just a couple of hours later, who should show up but Robyne,
bringing a small bag of notes and ephemera they had given each other.
She wanted to make these into a gift!

Here's how Ann and Robyne later described their inspirations
for their gifts to each other—and their no-gift policy for their guests.

Both: We neither needed nor wanted traditional gifts,
and one of the characteristics we most treasure in one another is kindness,
so that became the focus of our ceremony, which was small by design.
Our guests sent back postcards describing beautiful stories offered spontaneously
as well as kindness proffered when reaching out was very difficult.
We were inspired by these narratives. Oh, and we also "responded" to our own request
by extending kindness in serveral situations where doing something good
could make a difference.

Ann: I knew that I wanted to give Robyne a special wedding gift,
and because I love paper and all things Japanese, I wondered if I could find
or even make something. After discussing various options with Bari,
it was clear she realized that as a novice, I was not likely to rise to my own standards
if I were the box-maker. Bari guided me through the process of also creating
the interior of the box that would feature our wedding "logo": XO ROBYNE + ANN,
in foil-stamping. We didn't take the box to the reception because
we had asked our guests to submit their responses just to us,
and we wanted to honor their privacy.

Robyne: I so wanted to give Ann something personal and meaningful as a wedding gift.
We have so many things, and typically buy what pleases us as we go along.
One of the most wonderful things about our relationship is the sharing of notes
and cards that capture our joy and love. For years I've been saving them,
tucked away in boxes scattered throughout the house.
I thought a collection of these mementos would be a wonderful way
to confirm and affirm our love for each other.

For weeks I stole time to look through
these precious memories and carefully re-hid them before Ann would arrive home.
Sorting finally became random—they were all my favourite!
After meeting Bari with Ann, I knew she would be perfect for this task.
Thankfully, Ann had asked me to pick up some extra mini-pencils for our gift bags,
and so I had the perfect opportunity to consult and ultimately
give this project to Bari. Volume One is now completed!
There is so much more and so many years to collect.

* * * * *

And, there is so much more artistic detail and sweet sentiment to this story.
I am in deep bow to Ann and Robyne for their willingness to share
their celebration of love and for their exquisite thoughtfulness.
Traditionally, the first year anniversary is known as the Paper Anniversary.
I can't help but wonder what Ann and Robyne might do for each other next September!

Swoonfully,

Bari

Saint-Armand chic: 100% luscious, fluffy cotton papers

Dear Everyone ~

I'm delighted to herald the arrival of our inaugural order from Saint-Armand Papermakers
in Saint-Armand, Quebec. Handsome pads are now stocked in two sizes and three colours,
all with a sumptuous natural deckle along the bottom edge.
The smaller pad is 6 x 6; the larger is 9 x 10. The papers are made from tee-shirt
and denim trimmings, with no chemicals at all. They feel as fabric-like as paper can get!
A couple of papery connoisseurs—Janet and Tom—have already enjoyed
experimenting on the Saint-Armand and shared their delight.

Janet—retired English teacher, avid knitter, and watercolour enthusiast—
has shown me some of her new drawings and paintings. She remarked,
"I like its tooth and its heft. The paper's texture is not simply visual.
I'm really aware that I'm painting on Paper with a capital P."
She added "It seems a bit more absorbent than cold press paper,
or at least the watercolour lies on it somewhat differently.
I'd say the colour almost blooms a bit. In fact, my fountain pen also bled a little.
The lines thickened slightly, but I don't see this as a negative—
it somehow adds to the drawing's personality."

Tom, a lifelong artist, "sketched" (as he calls it) in gouache on the Saint-Armand,
and technically but charmingly described its many pleasures:
"the supple thickness," "the attendant absorbency," "the consequent variegated bleed,"
and "such luxurious paper for the likes of me!" He rhapsodized,
"As with all things let's not stint ourselves and others
and make the correct choice."

For the curious: These sketches are Tom's preliminary vision
for an upcoming installation (March 30!) to celebrate
the 40th season of Links Hall.

* * * * *

I couldn't resist buying an assortment of handmade papers from Saint-Armand
for my own bookbinding ecstasy. I agonized (only briefly) over the 32 colour choices,
settling on these four: mineral green, pale blue, plummy eggplant,
and subdued chartreuse. I taught a private limp-vellum binding class last week;
my student selected the mineral green for her cover.
And, I've already used the pale blue as the cover for a long-stitch binding.
If you're able to come by, please take a few moments to see—and touch—
the glorious samples we've received of the other colours.

A bientôt,

Bari

A Rio Grande Day at Bari Zaki Studio

Dear Everyone ~

I’d like to tell you about meeting & teaching Raquel, my new bookbinding friend from Brazil.

We met last spring through Instagram, after I’d posted an image of a book I’d made with a limp-vellum binding. Raquel insta-messaged me that she'd love to buy the book, but we found that the shipping, on top of the exchange rate, would take all the fun out of it.

Then, I scrolled through her feed and saw that she had experience making books. When Raquel told me she already had a summer visit planned to Chicago, I suggested that she take a private workshop ... and then not only would she have a limp-vellum book she had made herself, but she would also know how to make more!

I knew from Raquel’s insta-messages that she is very chatty, and comfortable communicating in English. She is a ball, or maybe a whirl, of enthusiasm. Her husband is Japanese, but wasn’t born in Japan and doesn’t like sushi.

On the appointed day in July, Raquel settled in, perused the shop and studio, and promptly posted a story on Instagram about being here. She had brought me a gift of Braziliana—coffee and cashews—in a tote bag she’d sewn herself. In person, Raquel has a delightful accent and a hilarious sense of humor.

When we started to work, I discovered that Raquel was even more nimble than I’d anticipated, so I adjusted the way I taught her. For some steps, we worked in tandem; for others, she took copious notes as she followed my lead. More than once she taught me some things! And her book turned out so beautifully.

My absolute favourite descriptions from Raquel’s follow-up emails were: “So, it was an adorable afternoon we spent together,” and her admiration of the shop as “heavenly displayed.” Here are a few things I asked Raquel during our workshop tête-à-tête.

* * * * *

Where have you taken classes previously?

Here in Brazil we do not have a school that teaches bookbinding. I’ve relied on the experience of other bookbinders, to learn from them. For the last five years, I have taken many classes.

And were those group classes?

I have only taken three private classes so far, including this one with you. A private class allows me to get to know better the teacher, to ask more questions—and to have exclusive attention.

And how did you find out about my studio originally?

I googled for Chicago Bookbinders ... and your name was the first on the list. Then I started to follow you at IG and found out about your gorgeous taste for making things pretty.

I'm flattered that you chose to spend one of your Chicago days in my shop with me!

I thought it would be a better invested money than taking a tour somewhere in the city!!! LOL! But I am taking tours too! I would say to anyone traveling: book an extra night wherever you go, to take time to do something you would love, new or not, and could not only have the experience, but also bring back home a part of this trip, like a handmade book. My book is the best souvenir I could bring back home and it will always make me think about the time we spent together. And I had a paper knife on my shopping list but you included it on the workshop! That is awesome! I never got tools included on any class before!

* * * * *

Raquel deployed her new bonefolder and shipping clerk’s knife before she even left Chicago. She spent part of a day in her hotel room, smoothly folding 100 full sheets of Stonehenge paper she’d bought to take home. They travelled safely in her luggage ... and some of them have already been put to perfect use. Here are Raquel’s photos of her newest book with limp-vellum binding. She jokes, “Soon I will have the Bari Collection!”

Intercontinentally,

Bari