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In Loving Memory
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We here at Transient Books are very saddened to announce the passing of Judith Havas on February 15, 2017 in Salem, Oregon (USA). If you ordered from us anytime since we began in 2001 up until February 2016 when Judith, my mother, was diagnosed with leukemia, hers were the hands that put your package in the mail from Salem. (Mom and me back in 2001, in Icho Cruz, Prov. de Cordoba, Argentina--working out the details.) Mom loved Transient Books. She loved the packages, the details, the crazy dream come true: custom handmade books created by her daughter and son-in-law in...
That Perfect, Unique, Thoughtful Gift
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What our clients have taught us about gift giving over the years. I really did learn most of life's essentials in kindergarten. All the rest I learned from our clients. Creating custom bound books for humans all over the planet has turned out to be an amazing source of wisdom. Because of them, I know that this holiday season, or on any given day, this is what you can do with gifts: 1. Inspire Musicians are deeply moved by composer's journals. Writers can't believe the joy of blank journals with their name or initials on the cover. Illustrators melt when...
The Miracle of Books That Teach Bookbinding
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aka Where It All Began (For Transient Books) Bookbinders are curious folk. They are generous with their knowledge, and they are usually quick to share and exchange experiences, successes, and ravenous mishaps. The best illustration of this being the Book Arts List Serv (found at www.philobiblon.com). This online forum of bookbinders, book artists, book lurkers, conservationists and regular humans has been a world wide meeting point for over 20 years. I can't imagine where bookbinding would be (or wouldn't be) today without this resource. It's no surprise, then, that a lot of bookbinders write books on how to make books....
The Best Side of Humans
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A PAY IT FORWARD blog post. Here at Transient Books, we have been making custom books for humans all over the planet via the internet since 2001. I'm always grateful that my work involves interacting with the best part of humans: their generous, sensitive, thoughtful side. I open emails each morning, and I'm greeted by individuals who have other individuals in mind for whom they would like to make a special gift. Almost always the email begins with, "I don't know if this is possible but..." It is very satisfying to get to respond regularly, "Of course this is possible!"...
Bookbinding Tools: The Good, the Great, and the Beautiful.
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It's true, we make everything by hand here at Transient Books. Our tools reflect our work, our personalities, and our 14+ years here in the studio. Ever wondered what we use to bring it all together? Take a walk through our day... HANDSNothing quite like 'em. Always glad to have a pair in working condition.(Your books are made by me, Alex, my husband Magu and our faithful helper, Carolina Herrán.) BONEFOLDERSThe binder's essential item. You can never have too many. They fold, they crease, they lift, they press, they smooth out, they feel lovely in your hand. They really...