About

At Four Keys Book Arts our goal is to retain and revive the art of the book. We use tried-and-true methods of book construction that are unrivalled by mass-produced notebooks. Our marbled papers are crafted by hand, one at a time, just as they have been for centuries, each one as unique as a fingerprint. And we give unwanted books a second life by upcycling their pages into handsome and useful notebooks. Whether you are a grocery-list jotter, a dedicated writer, or a maker yourself, our handmade books and papers will add a touch of history and beauty to all your endeavors.

What We Do

Our handbound journals, sketchbooks, and notebooks all have one thing in common: each is crafted with care. We use traditional methods and materials to ensure that all of our books will last. Quality paper is folded and stitched by hand, then bound with a variety of materials, including cloth, leather, and of course our own handmade marbled paper. Edge-marbling the pages of books is a very traditional (and rare) form of ornamentation that is one of the signature features of our books.
Paper Marbling is the art of creating designs by floating paint on a fluid bath, then transferring that pattern onto paper. We use primarily acrylic paints for our papers, resulting in a final product that is as colour-fast as it is beautiful. Each printed sheet is entirely unique. We can create matching editions of a design by using the same colours and techniques, but the fluid nature of the process means that no two sheets will ever be alike.

“I have always had more dread of a pen, a bottle of ink, and a sheet of paper than of a sword or pistol.”

— Alexandre Dumas

What Our Customers Are Saying

“I ordered a custom notebook and the customer service was outstanding. They emailed me the pictures before they started working ok it to make sure it was what I wanted. Very friendly. It is beautifully made and has a very special meaning for me. The journal was really beautiful from the outside cover to the inside cover to the pages. A great purchase from a great seller. Great service.”

Rainer, Etsy Customer

“I just got my book. It is so beautiful. Thank you for the bookmark. I am a big fan of marble paper so really appreciate the additional touch. Thank you again!”

lolopas2358, Instagram Follower

“Beautiful papers, gorgeous colours and perfect weight, just what I wanted for my projects. I’ve used them to cover boxes for storage in my closet and they look incredible. Many Thanks!!”

Dani BP, Etsy Customer

“I recovered my journals with a variety of their marbled papers and absolutely love how they turned out. Their marbled paper designs are the best I’ve been able to find anywhere!”

Casey, Etsy Customer

“Beautiful! Love the colors, composition size of the designs, Love it!”

freebird9291, Etsy Customer

“Gorgeous Paper, lovely color, quick shipping and some delicious little tidbits extra since I was a repeat customer. Can’t wait to use it on my book project.”

Nancy, Etsy Customer

“I absolutely love the marbled paper this shop makes. I haven’t found anything close to their artistic magnificence out there. They’ve taken a traditional art form to a whole other level of color, vibrance, and creativity. I’m conflicted even writing this review because I don’t want any competition in getting their best pieces when they come out! They are quick to deliver too.”

Casey, Etsy Customer

“Beautifully done; thick and lovely paper. These folks have mastered their craft.”

honigbeine, Etsy Customer

“Absolutely gorgeous papers and quick shipping too! I can’t wait to use these in my projects. Love the little bookmark included as well! Will definitely be back for more.”

Julie, Etsy Customer

“What a beautifully made book! The marble paper is gorgeous. So happy with my purchase.”

Laurence, Etsy Customer

“This little book is absolutely gorgeous. The marbling is beautiful. And this seller packaged this for shipping with so much care. Thank you.”

Ian, Etsy Customer

“Thanks for the extraordinary papers and thoughtful service. I really appreciated the way you combined my orders to save on shipping and your promptness.”

Mary, Etsy Customer

  

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