Ready to Ship Portfolios

We are excited to introduce a new line of quality portfolios that are ready to go!  No custom orders, RTG, is for those in need now.  Quick and easy, orders are shipped within 1-2 business days and are available in our most popular color combinations and sizes.  They are handmade with the same superb craftsmanship that you have come to expect from our custom portfolios and boxes.  RTG offers an convenient solution for those in a time crunch.

For more information and to see our current inventory, please visit our website

More from the Inkjet

I'm continuing to be pleased with the results of the inkjet printing process and wanted to share some photos of recent portfolios that I've made using this wonderful technique.
Inkjet printing is a versatile and cost effective way to personalize your portfolio.  You can find some more information on the website www.kdbooks.com.  If you have any questions regarding the process and the possibility of adding it your portfolio please email me at: kristin@kdbooks.com

coffee table style portfolio with inkjet printed flap

coffee table style portfolio with inkjet printing and embossing

exposed screw post portfolio with inkjet printed cover

hidden screw post portfolio with inkjet printed cover

custom box with inkjet printed flap

exposed screw post portfolio with inkjet printed cover

6 New Colors

6 new coated fabrics have just been added to the covering options for portfolios, presentation boxes and invitation folders.

There are now 43 options available in 3 types of covering materials; linen, metallic and coated.

These new coated fabrics are very easy to maintain as they can be gently wiped down with a lightly dampened cloth.  They are impregnated with a sizing that prevents the moisture from penetrating the material and reaching the core of the structure. The metallics also have this property which make them, along with the coated materials, ideal for portfolios that will see a lot of use or that are left out to be handled on a daily basis.  You can request swatches of these or any of the 43 fabrics by sending an email to kristin@kdbooks.com. The full color chart can been seen here at kdbooks.com

Hinge Strips 101

Hinge strips are the perfect tool to add flexibility to the pages of your portfolio. Photo paper and other heavier pages do not bend or turn easily and have a tendency to flip back.  These hinges are made with a very thin, flexible fabric that allows the page to turn easily and lie flat.  On the left of each hinge is a strip of 100 lb paper, which adds stability and strength to the fabric where the holes are punched.  The following photographs provide step by step assistance to show you how to apply these custom made hinge strips.  

Photo 2:  Peel the 1/4" backing paper to expose the adhesive strip.

Photo 3:  Carefully place the photograph on top of the adhesive strip and align it with the edge of the adhesive.

Photo 4:  Apply pressure along strip to ensure full contact.

Photo 5:  With cover removed, place the hinged page over the screw posts.

Photo 6:  Place the cover on top of the stack of hinged pages and reinsert the screws.

The hinge strips can be purchased at kdbooks.com.  They are sized and hole punched to fit Kristin Dunn bookbinding & design portfolios.  They will not necessarily fit any other brand of portfolio. Hinge strips are available in black and white.  You can purchase white hinge strips here at kdbooks.com and black hinge strips here.

Fabric Covered Invitation Folders and Panels

invitation panels with mounted invites

Mounting your printed invites to a fabric covered panel or folder can add texture, dimension and elegance to any invitation.
Recipients are sure to take your invite seriously when they find it in their mailbox. They'll feel as if they've received a special package rather than just another piece of mail.

Now, after many years of producing these fabric covered invitation folders and panels in the studio, they have finally been added to the easy to use online store.  Prices start at just $4 per piece with a minimum order of 10 pieces (printed invites not included).

A9 fabric covered pocket folder with mounted invite and rsvp set

Panels and folders are available in 4 sizes that fit comfortably into A7, A9, #10 and square format 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" envelopes.  Printed pieces can be easily mounted to panels and folders by using double sided tape, glue sticks, spray adhesive or adhesive rolls like GUDY.

Grape panel with mounted invite designed by PeachMailbox 

All invitation presentation structures can be covered in one of the 37 fabric colors available.  In addition, pocket folders are available and can be covered in a combination of up to 3 colors, one for the folder itself, one for the liner (back of the pocket) and one for the pocket.

Fabric swatches are encouraged and are available upon request. You can see the 37 colors here.

As with everything at kdbooks.com, folders and panels are all handmade in California and constructed with the highest attention to detail.

Custom sizes and colors are also available.  To discuss a custom project or to get answers to any of your questions please contact the studio

The Portfolio for iPad is here

I am very excited to be adding this new portfolio design to my website.  Many artists and designers are finding that printed portfolios are no longer suitable for presenting their work.  Thankfully new technology and streamline tablet designs have now made it possible to  present this same work conveniently and efficiently in a digital format. 


This drop spine flip top presentation box has a magnetic flap closure and can be custom made in one or two of the 37 colors available. As with all boxes and portfolios in the online store, the Portfolio for iPad can be personalized in a number of ways.  Foil stamping and embossing of a name or logo are 2 of those options.  


There are also many style and sizes of pockets that can be added to the inside lid liner.  The Portfolio for iPad can viewed flat on a table or the cover can be inverted to create an easel.  To see more details and photos of The Portfolio for iPad please visit the website.

Inlays Add a Splash of Color

I just wanted to share some photos of portfolios that I've made recently that use inlays to add compositional interest and a little splash of color to book covers.  Using the inlay as a background for foil stamping is particularly effective but in the case of the Sila Portfolio and the Dionne Portfolio the inlays speak for themselves as simple colorful shapes.  Inlays can be made in all geometric shapes and sizes and can be placed anywhere on the book's front or back cover.  They can now be added to custom built portfolios in the online store.  When ordering online I recommend sending a pdf for accurate size and placement of your inlay.

Amanda Portfolio

Sila Portfolio

Raymond Portfolio

Joshua Portfolio

Dionne Portfolio