Book Making & Binding Books

500 Handmade Books: Inspiring Interpretations of a Timeless Form (500 Series)

Lark

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Interest in bookbinding and the related arts has exploded in the past decade, inspiring artists to explore the unlimited possibilities of the form—and delighting collectors, crafters, and gallery owners. Lark’s Cover to Cover has been a bestseller for more than ten years, and this new and provocative on-the-page gallery, richly illustrated with hundreds of breathtaking photographs, will appeal to that same large and discerning audience. They’ll appreciate the artistry of a finely tooled leather cover, embellished with traditional gold-leaf lettering; the intricacy of an exotic Ethiopian binding with a show-stopping open spine; and others that resemble mysterious puzzle boxes, or that curl, hang, and swirl. The sublimely talented contributors all put their finest work on display: Jeanne Germani’s Cloudspeak showcases her own handmade papers, made from such varied materials as recycled denim, thistle, and other plant matter. Chris Bivin’s codex-style volume features curious, tiny, found objects. One of Laura Wait’s untitled pieces utilizes a handsome raised-cord binding to connect a pair of stained-cedar covers with abstract aluminum letterforms attached.
The entire collection is juried by the esteemed Steve Miller.

How to Make Books: Fold, Cut & Stitch Your Way to a One-of-a-Kind Book

Esther K. Smith

Amazon Price: $16.50 List Price: $25.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Potter Craft Amazon Marketplace: 40 new & used starting at $14.90

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great How To Book for all levels 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I'll pull out this book every time I want to make a book or journal. With this book in my library I'll never forget how.

Bev in Arizona

How to Make Books (and not be able to stop) 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I have acquired several books over the years purporting to show how to make one's own books. And while they were often pretty and even artistically inspiring, none of them ever made me feel that I had sufficient skill to actually make a book. I would leaf through them and think, "Wow, these are neat...but I can't do that. Where would I get this stuff? What's a signature, anyway?"

Then I saw this book, and thought, "Aww, what the heck, even if I don't make a book, this one is so gorgeous that I can't leave it in the store."

I read the first bit the Friday night after I brought it home, and Saturday morning started folding and tearing and stamping and painting, and - ta da! - a pile of little instant books! Thrilling!

Over the course of the next two weeks I went crazy on the long-stitched food box books. Now six weeks have passed and I have stacks of folded signatures tucked all over the house relaxing, a fine selection of threads and a frenzy for book creation.

This is an inspirational volume, beautifully designed, engagingly written, and a very inviting instructor.

Editorial Review:

From zines you can fold in a minute to luxurious leather journals and sumptuous sketchbooks, How to Make Books will walk you through the easy basics of bookmaking. Whether you’re a writer, a scrapbooker, a political activist, or a postcard collector, let book artist Esther K. Smith be your guide as you discover your inner bookbinder. Using foolproof illustrations and step-by-step instructions, Smith reveals her time-tested techniques in a fun, easy-to-understand way.

The Pocket Paper Engineer, Volume I: Basic Forms: How to Make Pop-Ups Step-by-Step

Carol Barton

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Popular Kinetics Press Amazon Marketplace: 36 new & used starting at $14.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 26 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Too Simplistic for the Truly Inquisitive 3 out of 5 stars.
9 of 11 people found this review helpful.

Of the several how-to books I own on creating & designing pop-ups, this book disappointed me.
The vast majority is devoted to what is basically one pop-up technique, and the author gives numerous variations on that one type of pop-up as if each were entirely different. Yes, this book is simple & easy to use... great for those who want to play a bit -- or people who work with kids.
For true pop-up explorers however, pop-up mechanisms such as floating layers, scenery flats, boxes, etc. are not included in this book. To really dig into the subject of pop-ups and paper engineering, look elsewhere.

Editorial Review:

Whether you're eight-years-old or in your eighties, "The Pocket Paper Engineer" workbook will show you how to design your own pop-up cards and pages. This elegant, accessible guide steers readers through the process of designing and constructing simple pop-ups, no matter what their skill level. Filled with sixteen do-it-yourself models, helpful illustrations, and clear, step-by-step instructions, "The Pocket Paper Engineer" provides playful cards that can be detached, cut, and assembled right out of the book, then stored in pocket pages inside. Each card demonstrates a fundamental principle of how to design and construct easy cut-and-fold pop-up forms. Instructions for creating pop-ups from scratch are also included, along with suggestions for illustrations and recommendations for tools, paper, and adhesives. Whether the goal is to produce a pop-up greeting card for a friend or a sculptural page in a book, this workbook will assist and inspire it! s users.

Visual Chronicles: The No-Fear Guide to Creating Art Journals, Creative Manifestos and Altered Books

Linda Woods, Karen Dinino

Amazon Price: $15.63 List Price: $22.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: North Light Books Amazon Marketplace: 69 new & used starting at $7.57

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 65 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

AS SEEN ON "THE VIEW"!

The real news of our lives is not in newspapers. We must chronicle our own adventures and achievements, our brilliant observations and our comic relief, our best friends and our greatest embarrassments. Visual Chronicles is all about YOU: your dreams, your memories, your daily routines, your greatest loves and your secret pet peeves. It's all about getting to know yourself better, savoring the wonderful ebb and flow of your everydays, and celebrating it all in visual mementos of your life journey.

Art journaling is fun, cathartic and EASY. Each chapter of Visual Chronicles quiets common fears such as "Nothing happens in my life." or "I'm just not artistic." with projects such as the "My Day Unfolds Journal", and "Experiments with Composition." Inside, you'll learn that journaling doesn't take big chunks of time--just bits and pieces here and there, whenever the spirit strikes. "Get Going" exercises offer instant ideas such as listening to the conversations you have with yourself or recognizing that meaningful ephemera is a part of each and every day. Soon, you'll see that inspiration awaits all around you: a midnight trip to the store, a favorite scarf, an unexpected phone call, junk email, your breakfast plate . . .

Don't wait another second. Make creative journaling a part of your everyday life, busting through self-doubt, time clocks, piles of laundry, and every other roadblock along the way. With Visual Chronicles, you'll be inspired to tell your story the way only you can!

Rosie O'Donnell, The View, October 19, 2006:
"This is the only book you'll ever need, to learn how to scrapbook in a way that is uniquely yours."

RubberStamp Madness Magazine
In this book, plump as plump can be with illustrations, the authors guide you on a whirlwind trek of empowerment.

Somerset Studio Magazine
What a dynamite combination! ...A terrific way to start the (art journaling) journey.

Skirt! Magazine
It will inspire the intimidated artist within and it's filled with easy projects and practical tips.

Hand Bookbinding: A Manual of Instruction

Aldren A. Watson

Amazon Price: $10.36 List Price: $12.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Dover Publications Amazon Marketplace: 49 new & used starting at $7.50

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Probably the Best Hand Bookbinding Book Out There 4 out of 5 stars.
9 of 10 people found this review helpful.

After reading this book I was able to complete my first ever sewn multiple signature hardbound book with little to no problems. Watson's numbered and illustrated instructions were simple and easy to follow and his techniques - especially on proper folding, measuring, squaring, mitering the corners and attaching bookcloth - proved very helpful. He even provides a section in the end of the book on how to make your own bindery tools, which is great because equipment such as sewing frames and press tubs can be quite expensive these days.

Watson assumes that you have already collated the signatures for your text block. This is important because there are some things you'll have to consider when assembling the text block in the first place (such as squaring off the fore edge for a finished look) But overall, this is a useful reference for serious home bookbinders.

I highly recommend it!

Editorial Review:

Expert guide to creating fine books by hand. Thorough, detailed instructions, with over 270 helpful illustrations, cover materials, tools and equipment, making a slipcase, rebinding an old book, more. Also, 8 specific projects: dust jacket; blank book, single signature; folio; manuscript binding; music binding, 3 more. Introduction.

The Penland Book of Handmade Books: Master Classes in Bookmaking Techniques (Master Classes in Bookmaking)

Lark Books

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Stunning and Inspirational 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

I purchased this in part because an art instructor was featured. Also, the exciting variations of book arts seemed well represented.

The book surpassed my expectations. Not only is it a survey of some of the most exciting artists in the field, with selections of their works, it offers a step-by-step view of their creations, with materials, techniques and equipment shown clearly. I could, if I wanted to, completely rip off their work. But as a thinking artist, I can look at these tutorials and know with certainty how to acheive novel effects while still remaining true to where I want to go from there and have my own viewpoint and message.

It is an art school between pages.

In addition, each artist's section includes inspirational work from other artists they enjoy or collect, whether or not in book arts. There are literally hundreds of leads to track down, if you're a researcher, or starting points for your own vision.

Beautiful full-color photographs and clear prose.

Finally, as a personal note, I brought this book to my mother, who does not understand my passion for this field, or assemblage, or other related arts. She is bright and creative, yet has very pedestrian artistic tastes. She wanted to find some way to relate to my work. I left it with her and asked her to flip through it, telling her this would be even better than a trip to a museum of book arts.

A week later, she returned it to me saying, "I know why you love this. How exciting."

I defy anyone interested in book arts to come away from this and not want to make something beautiful. More than that, if you've never "gotten" what the fuss is about, this will give you that understanding.

Editorial Review:

Every year Penland, the innovative school where crafters from around the world come to hone their skills, offers a master class in the art of bookmaking that’s simply without equal. Fortunately, it’s available to everyone, thanks to this technical and inspirational guide that showcases ten contemporary book artists who have taught at the institution. Four hundred illuminating photographs highlight the crafters as each one demonstrates all the details of his or her particular expertise. Marvel at the beauty of Dolph Smith’s sculptural books, the exquisite structure of Jim Croft’s carved wood covers and metal closures, the intricacies of Barbara Mauriello’s handmade boxes and slipcases, and the secrets of Carol Barton’s playful pop-ups. Reflective essays by all the artists add to the creative excitement visible on every page and in every spectacular project.

The Decorated Journal: Creating Beautifully Expressive Journal Pages

Gwen Diehn

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Kicking it up a notch for a beginner like me 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This book helped me get to the next stage in my beginning art journaling. I learned why paper behaves the way it does when liquid is applied, how different adhesives work and what they're good for--tons of practical stuff for a neophyte to art journaling. I go back to it again and again. It's got great information, and it's a beautiful book to spend time with. I'll grow into it for a long time.

Editorial Review:

This follow-up to the highly popular Decorated Page offers even more great ideas for beautifying a journal, more breathtaking photos to inspire, and more smart (and simple) ways to endow even the artistically timid with confidence. It simply brims with suggestions and instructions. Find out about the wealth of contemporary supplies, from papers and adhesives to paints, pens, and pastels. See how to create the actual journal from scratch, including a quick-to-complete Three Minute Pamphlet. Use the tips for customizing a store-bought book that could use a little flair. Build layered pages, take advantage of the creative potential of transparencies, and more.

The Artful Storybook: Mixed-Media Artists Create Handmade Tales

Terry Taylor

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Must Have!! 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

This is a MUST HAVE in your art library! Many well known artists come together to show you there own kick of well known story books. I am a long time follower of Catherine Moore and Sandra Evertson and both have rose to the occasion as expected! This book shows you some simple book making techniques as well as ideas for your own books to make. LOTS of eye candy as well as how to's and ins and outs of book making. I made my first hand made book following the simple instructions and am truely pleased with the results! Next i am going to try my own style doll book! This is a good book to sit and relax and take your time and read and get inspired!!! WELL DONE! Buy this book then go make your own to cherish!

Editorial Review:

Once upon a time… storybooks held a special place in our lives, filling our hearts with wonder. Thanks to this extraordinary crafting anthology we can experience that magic again in a marvelous new way by recreating and reinterpreting the picture book. An overview outlines a variety of structures and techniques, from simple collage to gluing. But above all, these highly visual pages offer ideas and inspiration, with talented artists presenting lovingly designed story spreads and covers. Take a fantasy vacation via a travel booklet fashioned from vintage, nostalgic postcards. Follow The Queen of Tarts in a story that unfolds in a miniature puppet theater motif. And two different artists offer their revised versions of a classic: The Princess and the Pea.

More Making Books by Hand: Exploring Miniature Books, Alternative Structures, and Found Objects

Peter Thomas, Donna Thomas

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Inspiring! 5 out of 5 stars.
34 of 35 people found this review helpful.

This book is divided into two sections. The first one is an introduction to the techniques and materials used for bookbinding. The technique are illustrated with clear drawings to show you what to do. I don't know anything about bookbinding so I can't tell if this part of the book describes best practices, traditional techniques, or modern adaptations. I can say, however, that it was perfectly understandable and clear. The materials are all common and easy to find...though I would have liked to see more brand names mentioned, just so that I was EXTRA sure I was getting the right stuff at the store.

The second part of the book contains instructions for a series of projects. Unless you are a pretty good artist, there's no way you will be able to reproduce these incredible miniature books since many of them include original artwork. But WOW, are they cool to look at! And of course you can design your own pages using stickers, clipart, cutouts, rubber stamps, or anything else.

Keep in mind that when the authors say "miniature," they mean it! The projects are all very small. (The techniques section in front will help you learn how to make books of any size, though.)

Editorial Review:

This must-have book for newcomers to the popular art of bookmaking teaches all the basics and features easy and interesting projects that allow self-expression and experimentation. More experienced bookmakers and paper enthusiasts will also note that it offers a wealth of practical tips and techniques in one handy resource.

All the basic bookmaking techniques include lots of specialized tips. Simple book structures, miniature books, and a wide variety of projects that highlight themes such as travel, music, even wearable books?a book necklace and earrings?provide creative variations on traditional ideas.

The authors share innovative, unique, and previously unpublished binding structures that incorporate scrolls, flaps, folders, and more. In addition, some book projects are made from unusual materials or found objects, such as a book out of a ukulele, a real accordion book, a book diorama in a cigar box, and other experimental creations.

The Book as Art: Artists' Books from the National Museum of Women in the Arts

Krystyna Wasserman, Johanna Drucker, Audrey Niffenegger

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

One of the best on creating books and journals 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

One of the best! This book should be on your bookshelf if you are interested in the books as an art form. I would suggest it for any school or college media center. I would not include it on a list for coffee table books but if you have a serious home library which leans toward the book arts,artist journals and sketchbooks; by all means, put this out on the reading table.
The next best thing:Visiting the Museum in person!

Editorial Review:

Culled from over eight hundred unique or limited-edition volumes held by the National Museum of Women in the Arts these books explore the form as a container for ideas. Descriptions of the works are accompanied by colorful illustrations and reflections by their makers, along with essays by leading scholars and a lively introduction by the most famous book artist in our culture, best-selling author Audrey Niffenegger. The exquisitely crafted objects in the The Book as Art are sure to provoke unexpected and surprising conclusions about what constitutes a book.