A little bit about Hinged Strung Stitched:
Each HSS portfolio is made entirely by hand (our hands!) one piece at a time. We use 100% archival materials, sourced from other small businesses whenever possible. We like to collaborate with makers and designers to bring exceptional elements into the construction of each project. At Hinged Strung Stitched, we have a penchant for unconventional, solution-based design.
We are personable and we provide friendly and prompt customer service. If we can’t help you with a project, we will connect you with a business that can. If you are local, you are welcome to come to our studio to see samples or to participate in the design of your project.
photo by Lauren Brooks Photography
A little history of HSS:
Molly Lewis founded Hinged Strung Stitched in 2008. Michelle Johnson joined the business as an equal owner two years later in 2010. This tranquil little book bindery operates out of a cozy studio nestled on the fourth floor of the historic Olympic Mill Building in Portland, Oregon.
Hinged Strung Stitched originally produced one-of-a-kind archival photo albums for wedding photographers. The company then designed a suite of photo albums based on those one-of-a-kind items, and added portfolio books to meet the requests of designers and fine art photographers.
Today, Hinged Strung Stitched sells a beautiful line of post-bound portfolio books and clamshell presentation boxes developed to present and preserve the creative work of others. The original line of photo albums is available in the HSS Etsy shop and, as always, custom bookbinding requests are welcomed and encouraged.
Press contact: Molly Lewis
studio photos: Lauren Brooks Photography
A little bit about who we are:
Molly Lewis has maintained a lifelong dedication to making beautiful works of art that she lovingly shares with the world. She started her bookbinding "career" as a child, illustrating and sewing animal storybooks out of scrap paper and fabric from the floor of her mom's sewing studio.
Molly has spent hours “undoing” old books to teach herself how to make them anew. She has learned techniques from the best bookbinders in the country and she worked as a bookbinder and papermaker at a local Portland paper mill and letterpress print shop. Molly continues to take classes and workshops, always with the single goal of becoming a better bookbinder.
When she isn't binding books, Molly is outside, exploring her home state of Oregon with her two dogs, Callisto and Paco.
photo by Wild Hill
After spending her formative years cutting up paper to create massive bedroom wall collages, Michelle Johnson continued her creative pursuits studying English at the University of Michigan in her hometown of Ann Arbor.
After working in retail and graphic design in Chicago, she moved to Portland, where she rekindled her love of paper as the retail manager of a Portland stationery store and letterpress print shop. While in that job, she also made paper, typeset invitations, and learned to bind books from her co-worker and friend Molly. After five years, she set out to partner with Molly at Hinged Strung Stitched.
At Hinged Strung Stitched, Michelle handles general business operations, manages client communication, and leads impromptu Friday afternoon dance parties.
A little bit about what we make:
At Hinged Strung Stitched we produce a product line of made-to-order post-bound portfolio books and clamshell presentation boxes. All items in the product line are customizable by cloth color, size, orientation and logo options. Every book and box we make is sturdy, stunning, and extraordinary.
In addition to our product line, we design and build custom portfolios, menu covers, look books, preservation boxes, journals, and photo albums. We specialize in small runs and one-offs, and we always welcome the opportunity to make something completely new.
Clients:
We work with a range of clients: from individuals making a single gift for a loved one, to larger corporations putting together projects that need a crafted touch.
Testimonials:
“In addition to their beautiful books, working with Molly and Michelle is a pleasure. They offer professional and personalized service that is outstanding.”
“Hinged Strung Stitched’s work is exceptional and displays a level of craft and care that is hard to find these days.”
“Thank you for creating such a gorgeous binding and slip cover for my dissertation. I will cherish this forever! ”
“I got an internship with the very first firm I applied to because of the awesome work you did on my portfolios. ”