The Art and Craft of Handmade Books (Dover Crafts: Book Binding & Printing)

This book has great photos of projects but has really well written directions for creating the books. Nice list of supplies and tools needed and also places to purchase them. I am new to book making but these are all do-able- just work step by step. Great illustrations and details for making the bindings. I am a calligrapher so what goes on the pages comes easily to me but actually making the book from scratch is a new skill to learn. Really like this book. It was recommended by another artist and bookmaker. So pleased I chose this one over some of the others.

Reading this book is like taking a long, intensive book-making retreat. So many different books to make, each covered in exquisite detail, from the tools and materials needed to the finishing touches. An inspiring delight, this book.

What is a book? The author of The Art & Craft Of Handmade Books acknowledges books can be described differently but we will go with her definition for the sake of this review. Laplantz defines books as “must contain elements, such as panels or pages, and should follow a sequence.” I too, believe that sums up a book.In this book about making books, you will find a glossary that will enable you to familiarize yourself with the craft of bookmaking. We are not talking about writing a book – although your handmade book may contain prose that is your own. Or it may contain only pictures or quotes you want to add from famous poets. The possibilities are endless.You will learn what materials are needed. Some are specialty items, but no worries. There is a recipe to make your own wheat paste if needed for your creation. Just remember that each handmade book is a work of art and should be treated as such.Some of the book are made using calligraphy, others will use rubber stamps and yet others may only be pictures. All of the patterns, in various styles, are fully explained with illustrations as well as written instruction.Beginning with the basic Concertina which only uses a 6 x 28 inch piece of paper, you can create a mini masterpiece to keep or share with someone you care about. I love the variation of a Concertina in a Matchbox. This tiny book is sure to be treasured by the recipient for years to come.My favorite design is the Tassel Book. It is constructed by creating a 16 panel Concertina that is joined together. It creates the shape of a star when looking from the top. Adding a ribbon to the top of your book it can be hung as a decoration (I’m thinking Christmas) to delight friends, family and yourself. Panels that open can be added for an extra element of surprise and beauty.Handmade books may take a little finesse to create. But honestly these are not popsicle stick snowmen (which are great in their element) but fine works of art to be shared and enjoyed by friends and family. I plan on trying my hand at some simple Concertinas to make a few Christmas books for the special people in my life next year. This type of art is a throwback to a time when all books where created by hand instead of being sent over the internet to your favorite electronic device instantly. It is nice to know some still create one of a kind works of art in the form of books still today.DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy from Dover Publications in exchange for a fair and honest review.Copyright © 2018 Laura Hartman

I liked the binding instructions. I wished I had purchased a hard copy since I want to look at the book and not having to keep my iPad on while I’m working on a book.

Favorite book art instruction book, borrowed from the library and needed it again and again so I bought my own copy. Excellent instructions, photos of alternate choices, encourages creativity, covers basics and shows examples of colorful adaptations to advance beyond basics.

Beautifully illustrated with clear instructions and great, inspiring ideas. There are so many possibilities! This would be a great gift for our favorite crafter or for yourself if you are a paper fan. Highly recommended.

It explains the various parts of a book like binding, etc., and has many good pictures with explainations on how to create a variety of books such as a tunnel book. It also explains how to sew the booklet together. It fills out my collection of calligraphy book making. The used book dealer delivered the book in good timely fashion via U.S. mail service and it was like new to my eyes.

I love this book; gorgeous examples and nicely laid out. The late-author's website (maintained by her husband) has a PDF of errata that owners might want to download:"A complete set of corrections and bonus material, all written by Shereen LaPlantz, can be downloaded at no charge as a pdf (3.5 MB) that you can then print on your color printer." Available for download at: [...]

Ich liebe dieses Buch. Nachdem ich in mehreren Büchern immer wieder die gleichen Anleitungen für Akkordeon/ Concertina Bücher, Bücher mit Coptic Bindung, oder andere fand, suchte ich nach Inspirationen oder Anleitungen, was ich noch alles machen kann. Hier fand ich sie. Tolle Abwandlungen , jede Menge Inspirationen und auch kurze Anleitungen. Mein Englisch ist nicht perfekt, aber alleine durch die Fotos und Bildanleitungen kommt man schon weiter und konnte gut dannach arbeiten.

Livro maravilhoso e muito importante

This is a beautiful book with lots of ideas. I have adapted them for scrapbooking and card making.

Livre intéressant et bien documenté. Les explications et schémas sont clairs.(texte en anglais mais compréhensible avec une petite base).Permet de découvrir les principales techniques et de les approfondir en offrant plusieurs développements possibles. Bonne qualité pour les illustrations choisies même si cela reste des projets assez simples.En revanche, la galerie de livres d'artistes présentés à la fin est très limitée: six photos seulement...

Livro inspirador, não possui passo a passo detalhados. Bom para retirar ideias.