This past two weekends, a friend and I took Ars Obscura's Basic Bookbinding Class. M.H.R taught the class and I must say, this was the most amazing experience I've ever had in a teaching environment. From the very start, we were welcomed into the bindery by M.H.R and Joel. We knew we would be spending the day here, so we brought our own snacks and drinks. The bindery studio is small, organized and compact. It has a wonderful vibe - you know good work is being done here. We were immediately at ease. M.H.R was ready for us - all of our materials were on the table. Joel left for the afternoon to run errands, leaving us to our devices and that's when the learning began. Before getting started, we were walked through a review of different types of bindings. M.H.R wanted to ensure that our expectations were level and we both understood what we would be creating in this experience - a great way to start. M.H.R is incredibly wise and detailed in their craft. No question is unanswered, no curiosity left unexplained. As an amateur bookbinder, I thought I had the "basics" down, but I was wrong! I quickly understood that I had room to improve on even the smallest techniques. Within the first hour, I knew that this class was worth every hour and penny spent. Over the next two weekends (2 days, 14 hours), we created the most beautiful case bound books. The first day is all about the text block - folding, sewing, gluing, etc. The second day was the case - cutting boards, measuring spine, adhering the bookcloth and then applying gold tooling using the Quickprint machine. M.H.R's instruction is hands-on. We're first shown the technique and then asked to perform it on our own books. Throughout, M.H.R was with us checking on the progress, answering questions and challenging us to try again in order to improve on our technique. When the whole project came to an end, I was sad to learn that my book would need to stay in the press overnight. Fear not - M.H.R packaged the book wonderfully and mailed it to me the very next day (I live a fair distance from Seattle) along with a note via email thanking us for spending time in their bindery. This was a fascinating opportunity that I would do a thousand times over. I hope M.H.R decides to teach more advanced bindings at some point - I'll be the first return customer! Some notes: Joel was there later in the afternoons, but was quietly working on projects while listening to some pretty smooth tunes on the radio. He was very kind and I got a 60s/70s vibe from him. The studio has various animal skins (goat, calf, python, to name a few) hanging here and there. We found it added to the character and didn't bother us at all, but I'm sure some folks might take offense so I figured I'd tell you. There are plenty of places nearby to have a snack break or eat dinner. The bindery is focused on binding, not eating, so don't expect to find a vending machine ;) The phone would ring after 5pm while we were there and it would go to voicemail as this was after hours. They were very polite the one time I heard them answer the phone. I encourage you to check this place out, it's a unique, rare gem with a timeless feel in an age where everything is manufactured. read more

Ars Obscura Bookbinding & Restoration Co - My book at an angle to show thickness, case, headbands, rounding. - Bookbinding Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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A professional and premiere service! I've book looking for a quality bindery in Seattle for some time now who actually does above average work and Ars Obscura seems to be exactly what I've been looking for! All of my interactions with Mia have been incredibly positive as she is a very friendly and professional women to deal with. Its not so easy trusting someone with your beloved books but this wasn't an issue for me after feeling well assured that my antiques were in the hands of someome who was genuinely interested and devoted to the work that they do. The quality of the work itself has exceeded my expectations which is why I felt compelled to write this review along with the fact of how wonderful my overall experiences have been in general. I highly recommend this service for those looking for a craftsmen who is an expert at what they do and who wouldn't settle for anything less. read more

I called this afternoon to ask if this shop sold book cloth and the gentleman who answered was pretty unhelpful, and the brief (under 1 minute) conversation we had felt like pulling teeth. Every question I asked was met with a short and vague answer, as if he didn't have time for me. When I asked if they sold book cloth, he said, "We sell some." Since he didn't elaborate, I didn't really know what that meant and thought that maybe he had a dry sense of humor, so I asked what colors they had available. He said, "Some." When I asked if they had gray, he said, "Yes." When I asked what shade of gray it was, light or dark, he said, "Medium." When I asked what sizes they had it in, he told me they had rolls of 54" x some large measurement, and I asked if he could sell me a smaller size than that or if I would have to buy the whole roll. He said, "I already answered that with your first question." Oh...okay. By that point, I knew I wasn't going to get any more information than he thought necessary, so I just said, "Okay, thank you" - to which he said, "Are you going to come in?" in a very condescending tone, as if I was putting him out and he really hoped that I wouldn't come in. "No, thank you," I replied, though I should have mentioned it was only because of his poor customer service. Even though I was in a bind and would have driven the hour in traffic to buy what I needed at this shop, this gentleman's tone and responses left more than a little something to be desired. Guess I won't be recommending this shop, which is a shame, since bookbinding is a beautiful and dying art. I'll stick with Artist & Craftsman Supply, who looked up their book cloth inventory while I was on the phone and even put two rolls on hold for me for a few days! read more

I brought in several books to get estimates on the cost of repair, and had arranged an appointment during work hours to come by this shop. The owner (Joel) seems knowledgeable about the work. However, when I arrived, he had his shirt completely unbuttoned. I ignored this (should not have) and a few minutes later he removed his shirt, saying that he was too warm. He was evaluating one of my books, and although I was increasingly uncomfortable there, felt stuck in this situation because he had my book. I had parked at a meter and told him that I had very limited time so he quickly went through my remaining books. He then proceeded to write up estimates for me to take with me, along with my books (I was NOT going to leave them with him). I took that time to dash to the bathroom and returned within a few minutes. When I got back, he was zipping up his pants and then buckled his belt. I grabbed my books and left. There is NO WAY I would ever go back here, even if he was the only person who did this work. If you are a woman and decide to have your books repaired by him, I highly recommend that you not go alone to this shop. I am going to find another book restoration shop that does quality work, but where I won't need to be concerned about my safety. read more

Joel at Ars Obscura is one of the few remaining old world, renaissance-style bookbinding craftsmen in the world. I have had two family-heirloom volumes of priceless personal value, restored by Joel. Additionally he provided consulation and binding (including slipcase) on a custom, large-format, book project that turned out absolutely amazing. Additionally, I turned to Joel for custom slip cases to protect several rare books in my collection. I have also purchased several Ouroboros Press works that were also bound by Joel and I love them all. Unfortunately I am limited to just five stars but it is not enough for the amazing quality and attention to detail from Ars Obscura. Its very nice to have a Renaissance Artisan in our own backyard. His work is so amazing you will want to find place for it in your collection. read more

Joel and the staff at Ars Obscura are the best in the region for repairs, restorations, and custom bindings. My grandfather had left me several of his antique bookswhich I took to Ars Obscura for restoration. Every job turned out beautifully--the repairs are practically invisible and the books look as though the ravages of time skipped them entirely. I was so impressed by their restoration work, I also had Ars Obscura bind a custom photo album for my wedding. It is breathtaking! The skill, craft and knowledge exhibited in their work is a marble in this age of mass production where low price and quantity hold sway over workmanship. I've worked on several projects with them and could not be happier. I've always been treated respectfully and courteously. I enthusiastically recommend Ars Obscura! read more

When it comes to hand bound leather books, you've got your work cut out for you if your gonna try finding someone better or more knowledgeable than Joel Radcliffe. This guy does amazing work and his dedication to his art and craft is so obvious. If you have a book in need of repair, or are looking for a custom journal and you happen to be in Pioneer Square and want to see a unique shop and exquisite workmanship, then have look down under. read more

Very rude. I called to get a quote to have a custom box made for an antique book I own. The man that answered the phone was extremely condescending and clearly wasn't interested in providing information. read more

Extremely professional and skilled book binder. We had a pipe burst in our home and many of my antique books were damaged in the ensuing flood. I had Ars Obscura do the restoration work on my most precious books and I couldn't be happier. They look absolutely amazing! I think they look better now than when they were originally printed and bound read more