Welcome to Stellariv
Bookbinding & Art Studio
From selecting papers to the final binding, everything in this studio is hand-crafted to make practical works of art that are as unique as the creative minds that will fill each blank page.
Gallery of Work
Every book from the studio is its own unique piece of art. No two books are 100% the same, because our aim is to utilize found materials when possible. What does that mean for you? A book unlike any other, with papers and fabrics that are sometimes out of print anywhere else! The gallery of work here includes some of the pieces that have been produced in the studio - either through Jay's own pursuits or as custom orders.
How Stellariv Got Started
Stellariv is owned and operated by Jay Harowitz-Tran. As a prior art educator and curriculum designer, he has experience in a wide range of media and materials. One of Jay's frustrations was often with sketchbooks in the stores simply being too boring - it was hard to feel creative when staring at an empty book with a boring cover. So he took up bookbinding. Over a year and a half later, he decided that perhaps others may want journals and sketchbooks that better matched the personalities of the creatives who use them. Thus the journey of Stellariv began!
Contact
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Frequently Asked Questions(General Questions)
Do you make all of the books yourself?
Answer: Yes! Everything is hand-sewn and hand-bound in the studio. All the books start out as a heap of paper, book boards, thread, and a cover material. I don't like the idea of reselling work I didn't participate in making, so everything on our shelves was made by a studio artist that I could share the name and face of.Where Do You Get Your Materials?
Answer: It varies. When I can, I like to use upcycled materials for covers (such as interesting papers I find out and about) but that isn't necessarily regularly available. Otherwise I pick out materials from local suppliers.How Locally Do You Get Your Supplies?
Answer: As local as I can reasonably get. My primary sources for paper are based in the northeastern US, the leather is from all over (because getting book leather in the correct thinness is a whole thing) and other materials, especially upcycled ones, its hard to say where it's from other than my local second hand art store.Where Did You Learn To Do This?
Answer: In 100% honesty - the internet. I live in an area that doesn't have much in the way of bookbinding schools, and its not easy to access the ones that do exist (usually locked behind a different degree and I already have too many I don't use.) So I went on to the internet and started following established bookbinderies and taking some workshops, watching tutorials, and when I could - attending livestream Q&As. I don't consider myself self-taught, because there have been plenty of people I've learned from but I certainly don't have a singular school or person to point to.Do You Sell Stuff That Isn't Books?
Answer: Yes! I have begun collaborating with fellow artists to expand our offerings. We now carry turkey feather dip quills, handmade papers, and hope to be adding more to our shelves soon.Why Don't You Have An Online Store?
Answer: Due to the shop being 90% me, myself, and I, there simply isn't enough time to photograph and list every single book that I make. Then take into account that I would need to turn off the online store every time I go to a show and set up a booth (so I don't accidentally sell something someone buys online while I'm away) and you end up with a store that flickers off and on constantly. It feels way too unfair.