Pulp Fiction

The store is Press: Works on Paper. The books range from small press indie gems to rare art books. The store is small but the space has been utilized to its fullest potential, obviously the work of an adept curator. Upon entering there is a large selection of stationery that is displayed alongside wrapping paper with exquisite patterns. I, for one, would rather frame this paper than in any way alter it with my poor wrapping, sullying pretty.  
 
If you’re looking for the secret stuff, the print-on-demand books you will be hard-pressed to find in other bookstores, look no further than the middle table. Ask for recommendations and this is what you shall receive. Are you looking for a stapler in the shape of a clown? They have it. A book of William Eggleston’s photography? Or perhaps the work of  Wingate Paine accompanied by text from Fellini? These, too, they will have. A poster book of quilts, you say? Check.  
 
The merchandise and books change often. I should know. I go around twice a week. I’ve given Paulina Nassar and Nick Sarno, the couple that owns the store, quite a bit of money that probably should have gone toward rent or food or other life necessities. But, really, who needs food when you have Kenneth Patchen, Jesse Ball, Noah Cicero, and Rimbaud?

It came as no surprise to learn that there was something else Nick and Paulina did to make Press: Works on Paper completely badass. They host bookbinding classes. A perfect accompaniment to my wrapped books would, naturally, be a hand bound journal. So, I signed up. For a mere 75 dollars you are provided with binding materials and a new skill. I did a little shopping around, and in comparison to other classes, this is a bargain! In addition, it is a small commitment – just one evening.  
 
I made the familiar walk to Press for the 7 p.m. class on a Wednesday. I was greeted with cookies and beer. First thoughts: Don’t mind if I do/So far, so good/BEER AND BOOKS. I immediately entered into conversation with Nick (the owner) and the evening’s instructor, Jennie Hinchcliff, about ideas for future events in the store. There was a palpable energy behind Nick’s ambitions. The store is new. His ideas are fresh. Good things, interesting things are brewing. Stay tuned.

I sat at a long table, engaging in conversation with interesting people. I was across from a graphic designer who already had bookbinding knowledge. The girl had skills. I found out about all of the paper stores around town. There are many. I now know where to find neat stamps, stickers from Japan, and Scandinavian stationery. Crafting sages surrounded me. I also learned about a type of high quality paper that is called Foxy. It’s the good, expensive stuff and it’s made in Italy, which makes it sound that much better.   

 
When folding the paper of your journal to create signatures (the individual sections of your notebook, all sewn together to create the whole) it is most desired to not have the edges uneven. You must fold slowly, tucking in the paper, to make that even edge. This is called “eliminating the creep.” This is something that I do every time I ride Bart. Despite difficulties in other book binding departments, I can, certainly, eliminate the creep. 
 
The class came to a close. It was supposed to end at 10 p.m., but we all seemed to not want to leave. Jennie graciously provided us with extra materials for more at-home journal making. I will admit I think I need Jennie when I’m making journals. My kettle knots are all off and I ripped part of my signature when I tried to replicate my journal made in class. Alas, I do have one piece of bragging material, my Jennie-aided journal.  
 
I am writing in it in a microscopic print in hopes that I can make this journal last. After all, I do need it when jotting down notes from my brown-papered books, while sitting in the park. I hope I don’t ruin the quaintness when I accidentally eat the whole baguette and fall asleep, only to awake to strange tan lines and covered in bread crumbs.

The moral of the story: Visit Press: Works on Paper. Buy a book. Go see Nick and Paulina. Tell them I said hello, although they likely saw me yesterday. 

If you want to get hands on, try out one of their classes. On October 18, Jennie Hinchcliff will be back to teach students how to make "spooky books" for Halloween. On October 26, you can learn how to layer images and objects to create shadow boxes with Courtney Cerruti. Classes are $75, but sign up fast, because they're limited to 15 people.