Book Description
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. Now it’s available to everyone, in a technical and inspirational guide that showcases 10 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.
Customer Reviews:
Drool Worthy.......2006-01-05
This book is worth it just for the gallery - book after book from top creative bookbinders. Dan Essigs books inparticular are especially inspiring, but the entire book is full of great artists, and the step by steps are a great peek into how they create. Any creative bookbinder would be happy to have this in their library!
Not So Much........2004-12-06
Penland is excellent. Its instructors and classes excellent. But while this book covers a wide range of material from skilled, respected bookbinders, THIS BOOK IS NOT EXCELLENT.
The essays and instructions have been cruelly edited, dumbed-down and glossed-up. For chrissake, THEY AIRBRUSHED JIM CROFT'S HANDS. If you live out in the boonies as he does, working with your hands, living off them, day and night, your hands do not come to the camera with a manicure. And they airbrushed Julie Leonard's lovely gap-toothed smile! Etc. These are artists of well-repute, and they deserve much better from a publishing house.
The good this book does is heighten awareness of the advanced glories of the book arts today -- but that is grossly undercut by the fact that, through the editing, the awareness is inherently flawed. This is a book for the coffee table, not the student, or the binder. It could perhaps be useful as an illustrated bibliography -- people, places, and techniques to seek out. But why buy for that reason, when you could rent it from the library?
A book of beauty and substance.......2004-11-21
This book is more than just a collection of the work of a number of outstanding bookmakers amd bookbinders. It is also an explication of the approach of each artisan to his/her art, and a step-by-step illustration of one of each person's projects. The photographs are also outstanding.
Each chapter is excellent, but my own favorite is the chapter by Barbara Mauriello on Box Construction. It combines a charming and thoughtful essay with striking illustrations of the wide range of her work.
First impression a lasting one.......2004-10-26
I was fortunate enough to see a copy of this book prior to distribution and was extremely impressed. As I type this I am looking a wide shelf of "books on books" and must admit that less than half of them really were worth the price of admission. Granted, I gain a little something from each of them, but only a few of them truly provide that something extra or uniqueness that brings me back again and again as either a reference or for inspiration.
I believe that this one will be one I go to for both. It is that good.
As the publisher's description indicates, Penland has pulled out all the stops and have tapped their talent pool of true MASTERS of the book arts for this book. The contributors are like a Who's Who in the book arts field. The illustrations and photos are well done, clear instructions and wondrous books to gawk at for inspiration.
If you are a veteran book artist, you will appreciate the book for its depth and may even be a bit challenged by it. If you are a novice, you will be given the rare opportunity to learn from the best in the country and be moved to bring your work to new levels.
It should be noted that this book is NOT all a guide on how to make several different types of books or bindings. It does provide insight and guidance on how to make certain aspects of books, including a small, wooden "shrine" to hold a tiny coptic stitch book. If you know Dan Essig's work, you'll immediately recognize his contribution. Dan shows you how he makes at least one of this book forms. Eileen Wallace's contribution displays her common sense but very precise approach to book binding. If I were to summarize the book in a few words, it would be, "Talented book artists show you how they do what they do."
If you are looking for a book of JUST binding methods, don't buy this book. If however, you are looking for an insight into creative processes as performed by masters of the craft, all bound into an inspiration-filled tome - buy it.
I do highly recommend this book...it deserves to be in your art/fine craft library.
Book Description
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.
Customer Reviews:
life changing book.......2007-09-20
Visual Chronicles is a must have book for any crafter or artist. Beginning artists will learn new skills and advanced artists will be re-energized. The authors are lighthearted and funny and the projects are easy to follow. Once you make your own personal palette, you will see everything in life differently. This book is an oasis in a desert of sepia toned craft books by authors who take themselves way too seriously. By the end of this book, you will be an artist and you'll have made two new best friends. Read this book! I can't wait for the next book by these talented sisters.
Good book for new art journalists.......2007-09-13
This was the first book I read when I learned there was such a thing as art journaling. I'm a photographer and not a painter, but I love to work with my hands and with paint and glue and expressing myself on paper. This book showed me from the start that I don't have to be a painter or art student to begin art journaling; it took all the intimidation away and gave me the practical tools and encouragement I needed to begin this new art form for me. The written style of the book is personal and conversational, and I've njoyed reading it, not to mention learning so much, from the first application of the glue stick up.
collage,/mixed media.......2007-09-04
this book was exactly what i was looking for. It explains in simple and easy to understand terms, how to go about jornaling on your collaged books, which can also extend to scrapbooking. An essential guide book for the beginner or advanced mixed media artist and scrapbooker. Definately reccomended
Must Have!.......2007-07-25
If you are new to Visual Journaling, this is a must have book. Wonderful directions for getting started and getting yourself to open up to this unique experience. Even if you don't think of yourself as artistic, this book will pull it out and you'll enjoy the journey.
staying creative in a decidedly uncreative world..........2007-07-25
I have every book on art journaling known to man. Quite a few on regular journaling, too. And a fair bit on paper arts. I might just have a small, tiny book *addiction*. That's neither here nor there.
What IS both here and there is that I lusted after this book before it came out. I think I may have actually scared some people at B&N with the crazy-eyed, wild-haired begging for them to hurry up and get it in. (I'd preordered it here, but it was taking just way too long. Yes, I know they ship the first day. That's beside the point. I'm not so good with instant gratification.)
So when it came in from Amazon, the first thing I did was toss aside the other filler books I bought to get the free shipping and flopped down on the floor with Visual Chronicles.
An hour later, when I came up for air, the first thing I did was prepaint some shoes. SHOES, people! Who woulda thunk of creating a literal *walking journal*? Evidently, Linda and Karen.
From that first set of shoes until now, I keep finding pieces of this book in things that I do, artwise. It's a revolutionary book in a very quiet way -- making you think about both the extraordinary and the everyday. Those little "Have No Fear" quotes (which one reviewer obviously didn't understand to be set-offs for tidbit tips) get repeated in my head when I'm stuck, or needing a dose of inspiration. And the projects, while not my typical style, have been something I've gone back to again and again. (The miniprompt book and the color glossary in particular.) And I definitely didn't find any of it to be condescending -- maybe because I really see the authors (through their writing here) as friends. Highly enthusiastic, you-can-do-it cheerleader friends, wanting to share a little bit of their creative spirits with everyone, rather than hoarding it all for themselves.
Like I said, I've got a shelf full of journaling books. Among those, there are probably a dozen that I refer back to again and again, and Visual Chronicles is one of those. I've never regretted buying it, or keeping it at the ready -- because that inspiration that's so freely given is priceless.
Book Description
Students, teachers, fine arts professionals, crafts aficionados, art historians, restorers, and bibliophiles: the list of people who will appreciate the beauty of this extraordinary summary of bookbinding techniques is endless. Written by a professor of bookbinding at the Escola d’Arts i Oficis in Barcelona, it provides a precise, systematic, and fully illustrated approach to the craft. Everything is covered in marvelous detail: tools and materials, the parts of the book and the binding, and protective features. Handsome ideas for decorating the cover (stamping, gilding, engraving) abound, as do suggestions for restoration. Eight specific and extremely detailed projects for binding form the heart of the volume, which includes binding in fabric, making a jacket with flaps for graphic works, and constructing a leather-trimmed slipcase.
Customer Reviews:
Truth In Advertising.......2007-01-25
As promised, this book covers bookbinding with a plethora of materials and it is written so that almost anyone can pick up this art, even without past expertise or pre-existing knowledge. A good book.
Complete? It would be better if it was called "Advanced".......2006-04-04
When I saw the title "Complete Book of bookbinding", I was hoping a huge book, with every detail about this craftwork. When the package arrived here at my house, I got surprised, not to say disapointed: it's a 160 pages book, trying to embrace EVERY aspect of bookbinding: history, materials, a few binding tecniques, restoration tips and how-to make boxes.
Of course, this great amount of subjects written on few pages is boarded on a superficial form. The history chapter is very short, and the contemporary paragraph is questionable, once that only Josep Cambra's style is pointed as an example.
"Tools and materials" and "Chemises and boxes" are the best part of this title, occupying the major part of the pages.
Some explanations are simply skipped. I felt difficult to reproduce the "One-piece drop-spine box" covered with fabric, once that little details weren't written, and the images weren't big enough to solve my problem.
I'm not going to lie: it's a good book for advanced bookbinders. But the author fails while trying to write about EVERY aspect of the craft. And the title is too strong for the few binding tecniques shown here.
Advanced Bookbinding Techniques.......2005-01-31
Many of the books currently available on bookbinding only offer a glimpse into the possibilities of fine binding -- this volume, recently published from a Spanish edition, not only offers traditional bookbinding techniques, in full and partial leather, vellum, and cloth, but also offers detailed guidelines for more de luxe treatments, such as leather and fabric doublures and edge decorations. If you are an advanced or advancing bookbinder, the images and techniques discussed in this volume will add greatly to your repertoire of skills.
Book Description
Even a beginner can start right out producing uniquely charming and elegant journals, albums, scrapbooks, and more. Envision handmade books to hold your writings, poems, photos, and keepsakes. More than 170 photos to inspire, and hundreds of illustrations to guide readers through the basics of an almost infinite variety of imaginative styles.
Customer Reviews:
She made my mitered corners beautiful.......2007-09-06
I'm making a book with boards and a leather cover; I used LaPlantz's mitered corners method (Figs. 36 - 39, pp. 39-40), and they look great! I'm sold, she's my mitering guru. Thanks!
Each stitch drawn in sequence.......2007-06-20
Detailed instructions accompanied by drawings on the same page of each stitch to be taken to bind a book, stitch varieties, binding paperbacks into custom hardbacks, creating 3 dimensional art work in book form plus invaluable pragmatic advice such as the safe relative distance from hole to edge and hole to hole, depending on size of book and binding type, as well as how many pages becomes too cumbersome to open or view with a particular technique.
Multiple suggestions follow each demonstration for expanding the technique shown, or varying the format to satisfy one's own preferences and prejudices. Ms. LaPlantz specifies infinitesmally small steps which make following the directions exceptionally easy. And she progresses from standard codex (covers and a spine) to remarkably artful constructions all the while being encouraging, enthusiastic and clear. She does not make extensive use of commoditized products other than printer paper for the book text pages, and recommends simple tools for beginning (needle, thread, cardboard, glue, paste, scissors) as well as explaining how to make one's own binding frame from an old hardback book.
Unhappily, her subseqent Art and Craft of Handmade Books was not as well edited as Cover to Cover, as you can see from her website which lists pages of corrections to the printed edition as well as including material edited out which was necessary for clarity, continuity and simplicity of instruction. She even includes bonus materials, photos, techniques not in Art and Craft of Handmade Books.
Cover to Cover is excellent, like having a mentor at one's side with years of experience guiding one's acquisitiion of binding skills.
Highly recommended.
gettin started.......2007-02-13
wonderful into to the world of making artist books; let your imagination take you away
Awesome Book.......2005-08-22
This is the book to get for anything concerning making creative books. From artsy books to making your own unique scrapbook, this is a great resource to give you a new idea or a new twist to your paper crafts.
Wonderful Introduction to Bookmaking.......2005-07-18
I bought this for both my daughter and me to learn how to make books. My daughter was not very interested in reading a book about bookmaking -- she prefers to embark on her own journeys -- but when she saw a few of the examples, she tore it out of my hands and set to work. She has already made the two simple starter versions, and she is 12. It is great fun to see her puzzling through the instructions and turning out a very nice little book. I am looking forward to making photography books. Actually, I'm looking forward to printing the pages using my Epson Pro 4000 on double sided fine art papers such as Illuminata cotton photo rag 300 gsm double sided paper and having my daughter put the books together.
You can read the other reviews here for the nitty gritty of what is inside this book. I will tell you that I went to my local Jerry's Artarama, where they had a wide assortment of books on bookmaking. I sat down and looked through all of them, and this is the one that impressed me the most as being clear, with simple starter projects and complete equipment lists, as well as a nice, steady progression towards more complicated projects. I even bought it there (sorry, Amazon, but I do like to support my local shops and you get the vast bulk of my book purchases!).
Book Description
A third-generation traditional bookbinder gives easy-to-follow instructions for making all the major, historically important styles of Japanese bindings as well as traditional book casesâthe custom-made folding boxes that afford handsome protection for Japan's exquisite books. The authoritative text, written by one of Japan's leading professional bookbinders, has been fully adapted for Western readers. Both American and Japanese suppliers of traditional tools and materials are provided and substitutes are recommended for items not readily available. For centuries the West has admired Japanese books, but only now can we make them ourselves and take full advantage of their creative possibilities. Stunning and practical, these bindings are ideal for preserving calligraphy, letters, artwork, and poems, for adding a distinctive touch to limited-edition books, and for use as diaries or gifts.
Customer Reviews:
Nothing New.......2006-08-17
I bought this book hoping for a new spin on Bookbinding lit. It turned out to be more of the same: lots more stab bindings. The explanations are vague as well. The chapter on Scroll-making was interesting, but overall, this book is not worth the price. If you have other bookbinding books, there's nothing new here.
At the Master's Feet.......2005-01-30
As an amatuer bookbinder with varying levels of attention span, I found this book really useful. The illustrations and directions are very clear and can be followed very closely or used as a jumping off point. It covers many styles of binding, tools and paper. I especially enjoyed the pictures where the bookbinder's foot is used to to hold something down leaving the hands free to work. Ever read a craft how-to book and thought...well I could do that if I had 3 hands?
Lots of choices, clear directions.......2004-07-12
This is an excellent introduction to the varied forms of Japanese bookbinding. As with so many other crafts in Japan, it is both like and very unlike matching Western craft.
First, there is the wide variety of different binding styles. Some are very distinctive. In the accordion and 'flutter' books, the first and last pages are bound to the covers. The rest of the pages are fan-folded, either one long strip or sheets pasted together. Other bindings, whether Chinese, Korean, or uniquely Japanese in style, tie or glue the pages into a more Western stack. The end of this book shows traditional outer covers for books, partial or complete boxes. The are made uniquely for each volume or set, to give it additional protection.
The tools, materials, and techniques are laid out clearly. The authors show first show the traditional craft, as it has been practiced since the Heian era (ca. 1000 AD). They also show how modern materials can be used instead of or in addition to the older ones. The technique for each binding or box is spelled out in clear pictures and text.
Clear technique is what makes this book. It gives the scholar a good understanding of how a master artisan would prepare or repair each artifact. It also gives the home crafter the ability to adapt classic techniques to modern uses, from keepsake albums to collections of a child's art. The structure of most Japanese books is simple enough for a child to imitate with some kind of success, even though the book's examples approach museum quality. With a little thought, the techniques can be adapted to almost any level of skill.
This is book is very enjoyable, even if you just read it. If you go ahead and try some of the techniques shown, you'll enjoy it even more. You may even get results that you'll enjoy for years to come.
//wiredweird
Japanese Bookbinding an excellent teaching tool.......2002-04-10
As a professional artist I found the step by step instructions and black and white photos and drawn illustrations to be exceptional. Each part of the craft of book making including the proper tools and glues for the job are described in easy detail. A variety of Japanese style books are included in this book. A valuable addition to the library of a paper craftsman.
Excellent and complete resource on Japanese Bookbinding.......2000-02-15
After a brief history of bookbinding in Japan, Ikegami gives wonderful details of the tools and methods of bookbinding. Covering the tools and materials, he not only shows and details the classical, but lists more accessible western tools and materials that can be used as well. Ikegami begins covering the actual methods of bookbinding with a section on the basic techniques used. What follow are detailed descriptions of the construction of 19 different book styles, grouped into categories ( Four-Hole, Accordian, Ledgers, Other.) The last chapters cover the construction of book cases and the book mending using Japanese techniques. Finally appendices include an extensive Selected reading list (with both English and Japanese titles), and a suppliers list. Throughout the book the numerous illustrations are extremely clear, and used to show the step by step construction of the books. The text accompanying them is detailed and clear. 8 pages of full page, color plates show each of the books described in the text.
This book has found a permanent spot on my studio bookshelf, and has in fact prompted me to renew my own love affair with Japanese books. I have already completed two projects, with nice results, after only 1 week with copy of this book from the library. Ordered my own copy today.
Book Description
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.
Customer Reviews:
Hand Bookbinding: A Manual of Instruction - from a third generation printer.......2007-02-26
Even for a 50+ year old, third generation publisher and printer, this publication enlightened even myself on the lost art of handmaking and restoring books. Very helpful for the novice, or for the collector of fine books - to be learned and unes as a reference.
Great book on bookbinding!.......2007-02-20
This book doesn't have flashy pictures, but it teaches you how to bind your own books. The instructions are detailed, the process is well explained and it worked great for me.
I have also bought another book on bookbinding (or so I thought) - Book Arts: Beautiful Bindings for Handmade Books by Mary Kaye Seckler. This one is the exact opposite of the previous - flashy pictures, but absolutely useless.
Solid Source Of Information.......2007-01-25
Less "flashy" than some titles out there but extremely substantive. A comprehensive guide that explains and explores its subject matter from every angle.
Probably the Best Hand Bookbinding Book Out There.......2006-10-13
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!
One Half of a Great Set of Instructions on Bookbinding.......2004-06-29
I bought this book, and "The Craft of Bookbinding" by Manly Banister, on the advice of other reviewers. These two books really compliment each other. This book has great, easy to follow instructions for binding books in several different styles, as well as instructions for making slip covers and boxes for boxing sets of books. There is a chapter on making many of the basic bookbinding tools you will need. The illustrations that go with the instructions are large, clear, and easy to follow.
The book by Banister has instructions for making some tools not included in this book. In addition, Watson makes the statement that "perfect bound" books, which include most of the trade paperbacks we own, cannot be rebound. Banister, on the other hand, has a ten page section on perfect binding, and how to rebind your favorite paperback.
Aldren Watson has put together a wonderful book, clear, easy to understand, clearly illustrated, and depending on what you are trying to accomplish, it may be the only one you ever need. I gave it four stars only because it did not cover "perfect binding".
Buy both books and you should be able to tackle just about any bookbinding situation that comes up.
Average customer rating:
- More Making Books by Hand: Exploring Miniature Books, Alternative Structures, and Found Objects
- BEWARE
- Making small books
- Inspiring!
- Getting into more detail
|
More Making Books by Hand: Exploring Miniature Books, Alternative Structures, and Found Objects
Peter Thomas , and
Donna Thomas
Manufacturer: Quarry Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Book Making & Binding
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Papercrafts
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
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Book Arts: Beautiful Bindings for Handmade Books
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Making Books by Hand: A Step-by-Step Guide
ASIN: 1592530745 |
Book Description
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.
Customer Reviews:
More Making Books by Hand: Exploring Miniature Books, Alternative Structures, and Found Objects.......2007-09-13
EXCELLENT illustrations! This book not only provides excellent ideas, it also CLEARLY shows you how to execute the techniques necessary to complete the project! Excellent reference book for anyone who wants to create their own professional looking books!
BEWARE.......2007-02-16
The book "More Making Books by Hand: Exploring Miniature Books, Alternative Structures, and Found Objects" is, contrary to expectation, not a supplement or addition to the book "Making Books by Hand: Exploring Miniature Books, Alternative Structures, and Found Objects", but merely a REPRINT of exactly the same material. It differs only in the additional word 'More' in the title.
DO NOT PURCHASE BOTH BOOKS IN THE ASSUMPTION THAT YOU ARE ACQUIRING MORE INFORMATION. You are merely buying two identical books.
With regard to the value of the information found in this book, there are others that are more informative, definitive and inspiring.
Making small books.......2006-08-07
For a beginner, I found everything I needed in this book, from materials to step-by-step instructions. Very easy to follow.
Inspiring!.......2006-02-25
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.)
Getting into more detail.......2005-08-31
This book is good for the crafter with a bit of experience. It has some great ideas for someone who has a little bit of knowledge about making books by hand. The instructions are pretty easy to understand and the end projects are wonderful!
Book Description
One of a kind * Everything in one * Do-it-yourself
Every booklover knows the feeling when a favorite book is damaged: by water, a ripped dust jacket, a loose page. To throw the book out is unthinkable! The damage isn't serious enough for professional attention, but you don't want to risk further damage. What do you do?
This elegant do-it-yourself kit containing manual and mending materials provides the solution.
* mending tears
* reattaching loose pages
* flattening wrinkles or folds
* drying water damage
* reinforcing covers
* repairing dust jackets
* repairing book corners
* tightening books in their cases
* fixing loose labels and bookplates
* reattaching paperback covers
* cleaning and care
* resources
-- -- -- -- --
-- Kit includes:
* The Book Repair Manual -- written by experts on the preservation of books and illustrated with photographs and drawings -- provides step-by-step instructions for more than 20 repair projects and includes anecdotes about book collecting and book lovers. The Manual is handsomely designed and bound in hardcover.
* 25 repair items (many in multiples), run the gamut from neutral pH adhesive, a bamboo brush, transparent mending tape, a stainless steel microspatula, and mat board to cotton gloves and bristol board. The mending materials are of the highest archival quality, and the only materials not supplied are common household items such as paper towels and scissors. These tools and materials are not only difficult to find, but would cost well over $100 if purchased individually.
* A source list for materials.
This unique kit provides step-by-step instructions and all the materials you need to patch, preserve, repair, and restore the books you love in your own home--with no previous experience required.
The kit includes:
o The Booklover's Repair Manual:
81/4 x 101/4, 160-page hard-cover, gloriously illustrated with more than 65 photographs and instructional drawings
o pH-neutral adhesive
o document-cleaning pad
o transparent mending tape
o mounting and hinging tape
o red cotton library tape
o bone folder
o art gum eraser
o soft white eraser
o Pink Pearl eraser
o microspatula
o dust cloth
o silicone release paper
o binder's board
o archival mat board
o Canson paper
o cotton gloves
o bamboo brush
o china bristle brush
o artist brushes, #2 and #4
o knitting needle
o plastic cutting board
o bulldog clamps
o archival permanent glue stick
Customer Reviews:
Very overpriced - minimal repair capability.......2007-02-16
I was aware before I bought this kit that some reviews questioned the value of this kit and boy were they right! I bought the kit at a remaindered book store for just over thirty dollars and even at that price I feel it was not quite value for money. Admittedly it does have a good selection of repair supplies that it would be difficult to assemble elsewhere; but I feel that I would have been more satisfied if it had been priced at fifteen to twenty dollars; the list price of around one hundred dollars is crazy and you'd have to be crazy to think that was value for money. The kit is packaged in a very fancy, expensive looking, but unnecessary and rather impractical, box. The book that accompanies the kit gives detailed instructions on how to tackle some minor repairs - but they are minor - mostly tears to pages and lightly damaged covers and spine. It is FIRST AID; you cannot rebind a book with this kit and infuriatingly it gives advice on some repairs that require additional non-supplied materials for which an order form is included!
If you can get it at a much reduced price you may find it useful if you have torn pages or dustcovers, a loose flyleaf, or slightly damaged spines. But, if like me you have an old book which has a completely loose cover, and bound pages that are falling apart, you need a bookbinder; this kit will not do it.
worthless.......2003-12-08
You can assemble this so-called kit together yourself at only a fraction of the cost (even at the bargain-basement price). Let's face it, the tools provided here are poorer than poor, the same scissors, glue, and needles you'd find at any 99C store. As for the instruction book, you'd be much better off buying a real volume on book repair from either Amazon or one of those library supplies store (such as Gaylord). That leaves only the bulky box itself. I suppose it does look better than a shoebox on the bookshelf. But you'd be a fool to pay so much just for that. In short, for the same amount of money, why not buy yourself a nice new book instead?
Wow! I was looking for just this kit!.......2001-03-02
I got an issue of a German women's magazine Freundin and theyfeatured this Booklover's Repair Kit. I'd been looking all over for a proper set of materials to repair some old bindings. This is simply brilliant.
It would take me many trips or orders by mail, phone or internet to assemble all these necessary items. Not only is everything you need in this kit, but you can also use it to make your own bookbindings (you need some kind of press, but that can be a piece of wood and some clamps, and a bone folder which can be found in craft stores that carry scrapbooking items.) If you like to scrapbook or do your own journal OR if you collect old books, this kit is a must.
Scarlett O'Hara['s book] was not beautiful..........2000-11-13
At last someone has grasped the depth of personal sentiment attached not merely to content but to the medium, the books themselves, those volumes with their loose covers, cracked bindings and torn pages. Thank you, Ms. Ellis and Messrs. Wiggins and Lee.
As I have watched my niece graduate from Ramona and Harry Potter to Judy Blume, I have wondered how I could give her my adored but crumbling copy of Gone With The Wind, worrying about her rejecting it for its evident decay, or worse, the book's ability to withstand another reading. Now a talented trio has put together a kit which will allow butterfingered me to repair the novel before passing it on. The Booklover's Repair Kit doesn't just tell me how to do it, in straightforward terms with helpful diagrams. Much more in fact, since everything I may need to fix the book comes with it.
If you give a damn about the books on your shelf, you will want the Booklover's Repair Kit to join them with its handsome packaging and enough supplies to fix a dozen or so tattered books, be they Proust or Mitchell.
Book Description
Create handmade books like you've never seen before! Go ahead, break the boundaries of bookmaking—it's fun and easy with Books Unbound. Using simple bookmaking techniques, you can turn an ordinary book into a handmade sculptural masterpiece.
Book artist Michael Jacobs takes you step-by-step through twenty innovative projects, including travel journals, modular books, wired books, and books within boxes. Inside you'll also find:
• Project templates that make book construction a snap • Expert advice and valuable tips on bookmaking tools, materials and techniques • Imaginative variations to give each project a unique twist
The pages of Michael Jacob's book constructions are filled with excitement. Featuring inserts, flaps, pockets and secret compartments, the books invite viewers to explore and experience the surprises hidden within. And now, with Books Unbound, you can create your own new and unexpected book creations!
Customer Reviews:
A disappointment for an amateur.......2007-08-17
I bought this book thinking that my granddaughter(7) and I could use it to guide us in making books, but the designs were elaborate and artsy. I sold it on e-bay shortly after I received it.
Beauty and The Book!!!.......2006-03-15
Absolutely Michael's best work to date and the book only he could do justice to. This book really has it all and is not only perfectly written with THE most concise instructions that one could hope for and anyone can follow ... each project becomes more exciting than the last.
As an author, project designer and workshop instructor, working with my amazingly talented husband Opie, we truly believe the success of a how-to book depends on the quality of instruction given and this book is like having Michael with you, 24/7.
The entire book appeals to us on every level and I particularly love the range of creativity shown in the alternate endings. Every project is eye candy and i'm totally blown away by both the Sky House and the Story House books. If you have an interest in bookmaking, paper, sculpture or just appreciate beautiful things in general, then this book is a definite must-have. Highly recommended by Linda and Opie O'Brien, authors of Metal Craft Discovery Workshop.
Exuberant and inspiring.......2006-03-09
My book shelves are full of books on bookmaking. Many repeat the usual instructions for traditional bindings, sometimes with a little twist or inovation. However this book takes inovation a giant step forward. I have made matchbook drawers and pyramid boxes before but Michael Jacobs sent my imagination reeling. His creations are so exuberant and so inspiring but not beyond the capabilities of an average crafter. The illustrations and instructions are well laid out and easy to follow. This book is a "must have."
The Ultimate Bookmaking Book.......2006-01-31
Books Unbound: 20 Innovative Bookmaking Projects is the book Michael Jacobs has always been meant to write.
Michael is a mixed-media book artist who teaches paper craft and book arts workshops at art retreats, conferences, and workshops. He has written two previous books, Cards That Pop Up, Flip & Slide and Creative Correspondence (which he co-authored with his wife Judy).
Having had the pleasure to take a bookmaking workshop from Michael, I know first hand that he is an inspirational and informative instructor. He also has a great sense of humor and offers practical sound advise while making the art of book making fun. His book, Books Unbound, displays all these qualities and more.
The book offers well-written step-by-step directions on 20 well-crafted projects that are as fun to look at, as they are fun to make. They include a fold-and-cut book that features French doors; a criss-cross book with overlapping books mounted on a base; a matchbox structure that contains miniature books; and a whole lot more.
The book starts out with an introduction on making books, which includes the tools and materials needed. The tools are broken down into a basic tool kit as well as an auxiliary tool kit.
The introduction also provides techniques that are important to know before starting the projects in the book. They include determining grain; using a ruler; scoring, folding and creasing; and basic book making instructions.
The projects are divided into two sections. The first section includes simpler projects for the beginner just getting started in bookmaking. However the stimulating designs offers even the more experienced bookmaker inspiring and delightful projects.
The second section has more complex projects that build on the skills from the introduction and first section of the book. These projects are more challenging but the detailed step-by-step instructions walk both beginners and experienced bookmakers through the process effortlessly.
This book is highly recommended. It's full color, detailed pictures along with clear step-by-step directions will have any one interested in making books well on their way to making beautiful, artful book structures.
These projects sizzle and pop!.......2006-01-22
Books Unbound is the perfect title for this book since it is filled with unusual books, sculptural books and architectural books. The projects in this book are not the kind of books that sit still and quiet, no, these books happily announce to the world "Pick me up! I'm no ordinary book!" They are intriguing, the sort that you want to pick up and see what else is in them. The sort of books that will stretch your idea of what makes a book a book.
Written with Michael Jacobs trademark humor, the book projects begin with simple books and progresses to more complex structures. Michael's exacting directions and accompanying photos are here, as is the metric equivalent of each measurement given.
Possibly the most useful segment of the book is the section on techniques. This section has directions and photos for every skill you need to make any structure in the book. Included are measuring, covering boards, adding flaps, making triangular accordion fold books, creating two button ties, two kinds of stitches, making sleeves, making accordion fold inserts.....nothing has been left out, and there no assumptions that everyone who reads the book has those skills.
More experienced readers haven't been left out, The second section of the book is full of projects suited to advanced bookmakers who will find the projects both inspirational and challenging. There are directions for capacity folds, expandable spines, hinges, adding legs, throwouts, shawl closures, and a bit on wire work scattered throughout.
Having been through books and magazine articles lately whose directions on how to make something say "use a certain kind of die ` and "use this brand or that brand of something" I am delighted to see that the tools and materials needed for the projects in this book are readily available, don't have brand names and don't cost a lot of money.
Michael Jacobs is a 3D kind of guy, and nowhere is his expertise in this area more apparent than in this book.
The book is divided into two sections, with the easiest projects in the first section and the more complex in the second.
Most projects in the book have an "Add Some Kick" and "Alternate Endings" section which takes the project further and gives you ideas to go your own direction. Useful tips are peppered throughout the book, and templates are included for any project that needs one.
The book's first section contains projects under the headings "Super Simple Books", "Travel Journals", and "Books With Pockets". These projects, while simple, are in no way boring or traditional, in fact they are a lot of fun, to make and to look at.
The books in this section in particular would appeal to a wide audience; scrapbookers who want to add surprise elements to their pages, stampers who want something new to work on, and anyone interested in altered arts would enjoy these structures as they are easy to construct and there is plenty of opportunity for embellishments of every kind.
The second section of the book proceeds to books that are moremore sculptural and architectural. There are segments on "Boxes with Books", "Modular Books", and "Wired Books".
The Wire Edge Album is a welcome addition for anyone who is interested in Wire Edge Binding.
This section also contains books that have hidden compartments, various shapes and structures, and are very interactive.
The books in this section appear harder to make than they are. Assembly is broken down into small, easily understood steps. Combined with the technique section at the front of the book, almost anyone can create these projects.
While all 20 projects in the book are sculptural in some way, there are no pop-ups in this book. If you are looking for pop-ups and other fun elements that move, check out Michael's previous book, "Cards that Pop Up, Flip, and Slide".
Book Description
Profusely illustrated step-by-step guide enables you to rebind books, paperbacks, periodicals, more. Book sewing of all types (antique, flexible, lockstitch, whipstitch, etc.); how to make endpapers, attach headbands, case in, cover with book cloth and other materials, add titling and decoration, much else. Updated list of suppliers. 254 illustrations and photographs.
Customer Reviews:
So so.......2007-08-28
Many of the methods Banister uses in this book are finicky and overcomplicated, but they get the job done nonetheless. His instructions may be difficult for some to follow, but there are tons of great photographs. I also love that Banister gives instructions for how to build several presses yourself - they can be very pricy if purchased ready made!
Just what I needed to get me started. .......2007-01-04
This book--paired with Hand Bookbinding: a Manual for Instruction--are just what you need to get started with the art of hand bookbinding. The only time I would buy another book about bookbinding would be if I needed more information, or wanted to try out some new stuff, which is highly unlikely.
So, if you're interested in hand bookbinding, buy the two books I mentioned, and you'll be all set (apart from equipment).
Best of show.......2000-02-21
This is by far one of the better books on the subject of bookbinding. It treats things such as leather covering, multiple sewing methods, cording, split covers, and finishing with great detail. However, an easier to read book is Hand Bookbinding A Manual of Instruction by Aldren A. Watson, which also happens to provide instructions on how to make your own tools, something the reader will find quite useful since tools are very difficult to find. Anyone wishing to get into bookbinding seriously should obtain both books to have a complete treatment of the subject, from tools to final product. I couldn't do without the two of them.
Books:
- The Perfect Wedding Details: More Than 100 Ideas for Personalizing Your Wedding
- The Team That Changed Baseball: Roberto Clemente and the 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates
- Visual Chronicles: The No-Fear Guide to Creating Art Journals, Creative Manifestos and Altered Books
- What You Wear Can Change Your Life
- When Bad Things Happen to Good People
- Whitethorn Woods
- Wide Open: Inspiration & Techniques for Art Journaling on the Edge (Book & Card Kit)
- Window Style (Traditional Home)
- Word Histories and Mysteries: From Abracadabra to Zeus (American Heritage Dictionaries)
- 40 Over 40: 40 Things Every Women over 40 Needs to Know About Getting Dressed
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- LogoLounge 3: 2,000 International Identities by Leading Designers
- Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year
- Shades of Noir: A Reader
- The Landing of the Pilgrims
- The Complete Idiot's Guide to Ballroom Dancing, 2nd Edition
- What Is the World Made Of
- Vascular Plant Taxonomy
- Mastery of the Financial Accounting Research System
- Marginal Approach to Joint Cost Allocation: To Joint Cost Allocation : Theory and Application
- In Our Strange Gardens
The Book as Art: Artists' Books from the National Museum of Women in the Arts
More Making Books by Hand: Exploring Miniature Books, Alternative Structures, and Found Objects
Creating Artists' Books (Printmaking Handbooks)
500 Handmade Books: Inspiring Interpretations of a Timeless Form
Expressive Handmade Books
