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Assorted Paste Paper Bindings

During the late 16th century pastepapers were developed as a method to decorate books. They were used both as covers and as flyleaves, or endpapers, on everything from simple pamphlets to deluxe leather bindings. These papers were frequently made by bookbinders in their studios and they remained in common use through the end of the nineteenth century. In the 20th century, pastepapers began to be associated with artistic and fine bindings as an alternative to the use of commercially produced printed papers and traditional marbled papers.

Pastepapers are made very simply by applying a thin layer, or layers, of colored starch paste to paper. This mixture is brushed, rolled, or sponged onto dry or dampened paper and can then be drawn into, patterned, splattered or rubbed. Designs can also be created using blocks, rollers or plates to print single or repetitive images. The possibilities are unlimited because no two papers are ever exactly alike.

Sarah designs pastepapers to suit the character and design of each commission, reflecting the particular aesthetic of each job.







































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