Au papier japonais

A friend recently referred me to a Montréal shop specializing in Japanese-style paper and book binding. I found the shop, Au papier japonais, to be quite intriguing. It seems to be of the same species as Bari Zaki, another book-binding specialist in Chicago which I’ve featured previously, intended for the more crafty among stationery enthusiasts.

I completed a couple of little projects with some of my new acquisitions from Au papier japonais, but generally found I was not super into bookbinding. I may try to make some decorative boxes or use my new papers for making some cards or letter covers. Book binding or creation is something I might try sometime down the road when I can find something I want to bind..

In addition to the binding supplies and specialist papers, there were lots of other stationery supplies that I found a bit more practical for my everyday needs. Lots of very nice envelopes, including in both the well-known marks I’ve seen before and some custom packs assembled in the shop.

They also had a nice selection of journals and journaling supplies, and I used the opportunity to grab a Leuchtturm noteook in my preferred A5 softcover form factor. I thought it was a great book with a good lay-flat binding and paper that handled both pencil and fountain pens well, though still shy of my beloved Calepino.

If you’re interested in doing some binding projects or just looking for some interesting and unique stationery products, I would recommend stopping by Au papier japonais. They do not currently have a commerce-enabled web site or social media presence, but once we can travel again, you can make your way there in person!