I am Kristi Baker, the artisan behind The Nib and Quill. Step into my world, where vintage charm meets creative inspiration in every corner of my cozy art room. Here, I’ve cultivated a space that reflects my love for all things vintage, filled with treasures from bygone eras and tools that double as functional artwork.
Over the years, my husband and I have relocated several times for his career, but no matter where we’ve lived, we’ve always prioritized a space for me — a place where I can create.
Despite the challenges posed by having to make do with available space, I’ve learned that vintage crates are my trusted allies, not only maximizing storage but also infusing my space with a rustic and practical elegance that defines my brand. They are also the primary frames for displaying my tools and mementos — designed to perform work but also inspire.
My adventures to quaint towns in New England, bustling flea markets in Virginia, and secluded antiques shops throughout the Carolinas and Georgia allow me to unearth treasures that become central to my creative process. Vintage bookbinding tools, intricate lockets, old maps, skeleton keys and weathered books are just some of the items that find new life among my collections. These finds are not merely kept for their aesthetic value but are also filled with the inspiration and history that influence my artistry.
Each piece is thoughtfully placed in my studio to create a dynamic environment that constantly evolves. For instance, antique cabinets — rescued and restored from forgotten corners of old shops — serve as the perfect backdrop for my displays. Their worn textures and faded colors complement the rich history of the tools and trinkets they house.
The process of setting up these displays is both meditative and invigorating, often leading me to redesign entire wall layouts. This continuous renewal of my surroundings is crucial; it mirrors the ever-changing landscape of creativity that I work to curate. By rearranging these artifacts, I not only refresh the physical space around me but also clear a path for new ideas to emerge within my bookbinding process.
This engagement with the elements of my studio acts as a catalyst in my creative process, ensuring that inspiration is never more than a glance away. Each new arrangement tells a different story, reflecting the past that shaped it and the future it will inspire. Through these living displays, I connect with my craft on a deeper level, making every corner of my workspace a testament to where women create, dream and imagine.
As you step into my studio, you are immediately greeted by an inviting display dedicated to the art of bookbinding, my primary creative endeavor. The centerpiece is an elegantly arranged assortment of book-binding essentials: spools of Irish waxed linen thread, blocks of fragrant beeswax, an array of sharp needles and other necessary tools, all resting upon a vintage cobbler’s table that carries with it a rich history from a quaint New England town. This table, robust and weathered, not only adds a touch of rustic charm but also serves a practical purpose, offering a sturdy surface on which the delicate and precise work of book- binding takes place.
The tools displayed are not merely functional; they are relics of a time-honored tradition, each item carefully selected for its role in crafting hand-bound books. The Irish waxed linen thread ensures durability and aesthetic grace in the binding process, while the beeswax is used to strengthen and smooth the thread, reducing friction as it passes through the pages. The layout of the display is designed to keep these essentials within easy reach, facilitating a seamless workflow that respects the meticulous nature of bookbinding.
Surrounding this central table, the studio is deliberately arranged to support all stages of book creation. Shelving units, filled with neatly organized stacks of paper — ranging from richly textured handmade sheets to crisp, archival-quality stock — line the walls. A nearby drafting table hosts a variety of cutting tools, additional bone folders and other devices essential for pressing and trimming paper, allowing each step of the process to flow into the next with practiced ease.
This space is more than just a studio; it is a carefully curated environment where every tool and piece of furniture is chosen not only for its functionality but for its ability to inspire and facilitate the creative process. Here, in this sanctuary of creativity, the timeless art of bookbinding continues, supported by surroundings that echo the dedication and attention to detail that this craft demands.
Artistry runs in my family, with each member leaving their mark on my creative journey. My grandmother’s bird paintings, my father’s woodworking skills and my mother’s pen-and-ink watercolors all find a cherished place in my studio, serving as constant sources of inspiration and connection to my roots.
Skeleton keys and feathers hold a special place in my heart, often finding their way into my work as symbols of mystery and intrigue. Rummaging through antiques stores in search of these treasures is a cherished pastime, sparking stories and imaginings that breathe life into my creations.
In addition to bookbinding, my studio is a haven for other creative pursuits, from cross-stitching to playing the piano. One of my favorite pieces in the studio is a green shelving unit acquired from Etsy, which proudly displays my journals and showcases the intricate Coptic binding of my creations. During the pandemic, I transformed an upright piano into a piano stand, adding a whimsical touch to my space and expanding my creative horizons.
Recently, I introduced a handmade-paper wall, a fun and practical addition that showcases my ever-changing inventory of artisanal paper. Tucked behind a door for easy access, it serves as both a storage solution and a feast for the eyes — an embodiment of my commitment to creativity and innovation.
In the midst of my creative endeavors, I’m accompanied by my faithful pet assistant, Mr. Toby, who claims the studio as his own. Whether perched on the drafting table or curled up nearby, he provides a constant source of comfort and companionship, infusing the studio with warmth and joy.
At the heart of my creative process lies an antique library bureau, a handsome piece of furniture that serves as both a workspace and storage solution. With its 18 oak drawers and brass pulls, it holds a wealth of tools and supplies, keeping everything neatly organized and within arm’s reach.
A firm believer in the power of self-expression and determination, I embrace the mantra from The Avett Brothers’ song Head Full of Doubt/ Road Full of Promise: “Decide what to be and go be it.” As a self-taught artist, I embody this spirit, forging my own path and creating beauty in the world around me.
Alongside my husband, Hayes, to whom I’ve been happily married for 30 years, I share my life with three children, our rescue cat, Mr. Toby, and our newest addition, Ava Grey, a chocolate Lab. Together, we navigate the joys and challenges of life, finding fulfillment in creativity, connection and the pursuit of our passions.
In the creative world, nothing is quite as essential as having a dedicated space that nurtures and supports your artistic journey — particularly for women, who tend to manage many and often competing responsibilities. Crafting a personal sanctuary goes beyond merely designating a corner or room; it’s about creating an environment that resonates with your spirit, encourages growth and pays homage to your artistic passions.
As women, we are frequently the caregivers, prioritizing the needs of others. Establishing a space solely for our creative pursuits is a profound declaration of our own importance. Such a space serves as a refuge, a private place where the demands of daily life recede, allowing us space to work, as much as we can, without distraction.
In these sanctuaries, you can curate every detail that will inspire your creativity and maintain the flow of ideas — from the soothing color on the walls and the flood of natural light that brightens the room, to the strategic arrangement of tools and materials for optimal accessibility.
This dedication to creating a personal workspace also cultivates a sense of community and belonging, especially when shared with fellow creatives. Whether it’s through hosting friends to come dabble, engaging in collaborative projects, or simply gathering to share ideas, our studios ignite collective creativity and offer support and encouragement from people who understand the artistic journey.
By prioritizing and investing in a space that supports our creative processes, women not only enhance their artistic output but also affirm their right to voice and vision. In a landscape where women’s spaces are often marginalized, creating and claiming a room of one’s own is both a personal and an artistic act — a celebration of creativity, autonomy and the transformative power of art, combined with the grace and strength inherent in the artistic spirit.
I am Kristi Baker, the artisan behind The Nib and Quill. Step into my world, where vintage charm meets creative inspiration in every corner of my cozy art room. Here, I’ve cultivated a space that reflects my love for all things vintage, filled with treasures from bygone eras and tools that double as functional artwork.
Over the years, my husband and I have relocated several times for his career, but no matter where we’ve lived, we’ve always prioritized a space for me — a place where I can create.
Despite the challenges posed by having to make do with available space, I’ve learned that vintage crates are my trusted allies, not only maximizing storage but also infusing my space with a rustic and practical elegance that defines my brand. They are also the primary frames for displaying my tools and mementos — designed to perform work but also inspire.
My adventures to quaint towns in New England, bustling flea markets in Virginia, and secluded antiques shops throughout the Carolinas and Georgia allow me to unearth treasures that become central to my creative process. Vintage bookbinding tools, intricate lockets, old maps, skeleton keys and weathered books are just some of the items that find new life among my collections. These finds are not merely kept for their aesthetic value but are also filled with the inspiration and history that influence my artistry.
Each piece is thoughtfully placed in my studio to create a dynamic environment that constantly evolves. For instance, antique cabinets — rescued and restored from forgotten corners of old shops — serve as the perfect backdrop for my displays. Their worn textures and faded colors complement the rich history of the tools and trinkets they house.
The process of setting up these displays is both meditative and invigorating, often leading me to redesign entire wall layouts. This continuous renewal of my surroundings is crucial; it mirrors the ever-changing landscape of creativity that I work to curate. By rearranging these artifacts, I not only refresh the physical space around me but also clear a path for new ideas to emerge within my bookbinding process.
This engagement with the elements of my studio acts as a catalyst in my creative process, ensuring that inspiration is never more than a glance away. Each new arrangement tells a different story, reflecting the past that shaped it and the future it will inspire. Through these living displays, I connect with my craft on a deeper level, making every corner of my workspace a testament to where women create, dream and imagine.
As you step into my studio, you are immediately greeted by an inviting display dedicated to the art of bookbinding, my primary creative endeavor. The centerpiece is an elegantly arranged assortment of book-binding essentials: spools of Irish waxed linen thread, blocks of fragrant beeswax, an array of sharp needles and other necessary tools, all resting upon a vintage cobbler’s table that carries with it a rich history from a quaint New England town. This table, robust and weathered, not only adds a touch of rustic charm but also serves a practical purpose, offering a sturdy surface on which the delicate and precise work of book- binding takes place.
The tools displayed are not merely functional; they are relics of a time-honored tradition, each item carefully selected for its role in crafting hand-bound books. The Irish waxed linen thread ensures durability and aesthetic grace in the binding process, while the beeswax is used to strengthen and smooth the thread, reducing friction as it passes through the pages. The layout of the display is designed to keep these essentials within easy reach, facilitating a seamless workflow that respects the meticulous nature of bookbinding.
Surrounding this central table, the studio is deliberately arranged to support all stages of book creation. Shelving units, filled with neatly organized stacks of paper — ranging from richly textured handmade sheets to crisp, archival-quality stock — line the walls. A nearby drafting table hosts a variety of cutting tools, additional bone folders and other devices essential for pressing and trimming paper, allowing each step of the process to flow into the next with practiced ease.
This space is more than just a studio; it is a carefully curated environment where every tool and piece of furniture is chosen not only for its functionality but for its ability to inspire and facilitate the creative process. Here, in this sanctuary of creativity, the timeless art of bookbinding continues, supported by surroundings that echo the dedication and attention to detail that this craft demands.
Artistry runs in my family, with each member leaving their mark on my creative journey. My grandmother’s bird paintings, my father’s woodworking skills and my mother’s pen-and-ink watercolors all find a cherished place in my studio, serving as constant sources of inspiration and connection to my roots.
Skeleton keys and feathers hold a special place in my heart, often finding their way into my work as symbols of mystery and intrigue. Rummaging through antiques stores in search of these treasures is a cherished pastime, sparking stories and imaginings that breathe life into my creations.
In addition to bookbinding, my studio is a haven for other creative pursuits, from cross-stitching to playing the piano. One of my favorite pieces in the studio is a green shelving unit acquired from Etsy, which proudly displays my journals and showcases the intricate Coptic binding of my creations. During the pandemic, I transformed an upright piano into a piano stand, adding a whimsical touch to my space and expanding my creative horizons.
Recently, I introduced a handmade-paper wall, a fun and practical addition that showcases my ever-changing inventory of artisanal paper. Tucked behind a door for easy access, it serves as both a storage solution and a feast for the eyes — an embodiment of my commitment to creativity and innovation.
In the midst of my creative endeavors, I’m accompanied by my faithful pet assistant, Mr. Toby, who claims the studio as his own. Whether perched on the drafting table or curled up nearby, he provides a constant source of comfort and companionship, infusing the studio with warmth and joy.
At the heart of my creative process lies an antique library bureau, a handsome piece of furniture that serves as both a workspace and storage solution. With its 18 oak drawers and brass pulls, it holds a wealth of tools and supplies, keeping everything neatly organized and within arm’s reach.
A firm believer in the power of self-expression and determination, I embrace the mantra from The Avett Brothers’ song Head Full of Doubt/ Road Full of Promise: “Decide what to be and go be it.” As a self-taught artist, I embody this spirit, forging my own path and creating beauty in the world around me.
Alongside my husband, Hayes, to whom I’ve been happily married for 30 years, I share my life with three children, our rescue cat, Mr. Toby, and our newest addition, Ava Grey, a chocolate Lab. Together, we navigate the joys and challenges of life, finding fulfillment in creativity, connection and the pursuit of our passions.
In the creative world, nothing is quite as essential as having a dedicated space that nurtures and supports your artistic journey — particularly for women, who tend to manage many and often competing responsibilities. Crafting a personal sanctuary goes beyond merely designating a corner or room; it’s about creating an environment that resonates with your spirit, encourages growth and pays homage to your artistic passions.
As women, we are frequently the caregivers, prioritizing the needs of others. Establishing a space solely for our creative pursuits is a profound declaration of our own importance. Such a space serves as a refuge, a private place where the demands of daily life recede, allowing us space to work, as much as we can, without distraction.
In these sanctuaries, you can curate every detail that will inspire your creativity and maintain the flow of ideas — from the soothing color on the walls and the flood of natural light that brightens the room, to the strategic arrangement of tools and materials for optimal accessibility.
This dedication to creating a personal workspace also cultivates a sense of community and belonging, especially when shared with fellow creatives. Whether it’s through hosting friends to come dabble, engaging in collaborative projects, or simply gathering to share ideas, our studios ignite collective creativity and offer support and encouragement from people who understand the artistic journey.
By prioritizing and investing in a space that supports our creative processes, women not only enhance their artistic output but also affirm their right to voice and vision. In a landscape where women’s spaces are often marginalized, creating and claiming a room of one’s own is both a personal and an artistic act — a celebration of creativity, autonomy and the transformative power of art, combined with the grace and strength inherent in the artistic spirit.
