About Us
Backbone Bindery is a queer-owned, fully bespoke book bindery and box-making studio located just outside Providence, RI. We provide a wide variety of services ranging from custom portfolio boxes, theses, artist books, gifts, leather work, specialty bindings, and more. We have extensive experience working with big corporations, galleries, museums, independent artists, and people who just want a nice gift for their sweetie! Whether it’s a one-off project or an edition of 100, we can help!
Kara Place Stein (they/them)
Rhode Island School of Design Graduate Kara Place Stein opened Backbone with a focus on delivering the highest quality craftsmanship alongside superior customer service. Kara is able to bring their training as a fine artist (having majored in painting) to each and every project, so you can rest assured the outcome will be beautiful no matter what! Kara is obsessive about literally everything from organization to execution and often drives Nikki crazy about getting every single detail right. When not bookbinding, you are likely to find Kara backcountry skiing, drinking seltzer, or riding their motorcycle down to the Rhode Island coastline.
Nikki Klein (they/them)
Our resident Scorpio, Nikki is also a RISD grad, but in printmaking. Our second in command, Nikki has been at Backbone since the early days. When not at the bindery, you are likely to find them obsessing over their newly adopted kittens, or trying to touch Adrianne Lenker's hand at your local Big Thief concert.
