4 comments about Encyclopedia Of Papermaking And Bookbinding: The Definitive Guide To Making, Embellishing, And Repairing Paper, Books, And Scrapbooks.

1. I have 5 books on making photo albums and books. I love this book. The book describes how to make paper and then get's into how to make books. It is by far a useful resource to own. A+++ in my book.



2. Altho' I am somewhat of a beginning artist, I want to use my form to make books and embellished items. After comparing this book to others, I found this WELL worth the investment -- even at full price. I can hardly wait to get started! It covers very basic techniques to more advanced, "artsier" stuff, and makes it simple enuf to follow along and figure it out. Complete with great photos and simple instructions...if you're interested in making books or paper, this is a great resource...



3. The two things I like most about this book is its thoroughness in the techniques it shows and its easy to understand and follow instructions. Not only does it give step-by-step written instructions, but it also shows you pictures at each step, unlike some craft books that only give you a picture of the final project. The book also contains a variety of projects, and they are decorated in different styles. Most other craft book only offer one style, such as very -artsy- (i.e. colorful) or very -country-. There is nothing wrong with these styles, but it is nice to have a variety of inspiring choices, such as this book provides. I reccommend it to both the beginner and more experienced crafter.



4. Impressive - this book is very clear in what it covers from its title alone. The discussion on making basic hand-made paper in a variety of methods and producing variations in the surface texture/color/materials used is excellent. Wonderful step-by-step photos (not shown in the "Search Inside this Book" link) compliment the directions and show the end product. TIPS provided throughout the book provide sound information that is VERY useful when proceeding with your own work. When it comes to the second section of the book - Bookbinding Techniques and Projects - again very well done. The tools needed are clear and well represented to get you started and for those that may be a bit more advanced. Each project provides a list of tools needed so you can be well prepared as you tackle one or more of the projects. The guidelines in this section are again well-written complemented by photos of the process...and the photos are extremely useful when it comes to the more complex processes when making books - especially the various binding methods. The papers produced do not go to the more elaborate as seen in other books on papermaking, but when you are making a book/journal/travel log/photo album wild papers are not necessary unless you want a striking cover IMHO. A few pictures of paper art by various artists finish the book in a nice way and help increase the creative process for my own papermaking designs that I use for my own art/business. If you want a more advanced and very detailed book on how to bind books - go elsewhere but for what I have mentioned above and what is described in the Table of Contents, the author has covered the subject extremely well for all to be able to learn and make well-crafted books/journals/etc using their own hand-made paper.

1 comments about AMERICA: The Making of a Nation.

1. We came upon this book at our local library a week ago. My 5 year old son has picked it up and looked through it every single day since then! He frequently brings it to me and asks me to read something to him. We even read through parts of it at bedtime one night. ~He LOVES it! We've learned so much about our country in just a week!
   
   I love how the author draws you in on the very first page. It's captivating! He tells a story of how he found a suitcase up in the corner of his attic. The suitcase was full of all of the momentos that you will find throughout the book! ~A heartwarming journal, postcards, an American Flag, a $2 bill, a ticket and many other "souvenirs." You feel as though you are rumagging through this suitcase yourself! At the very end, there is a beautiful timeline set on top of the annual rings of a tree, probably an elm, The Liberty Tree.
   
   This is more than a "lift the flap" book. Read it and really get into it WITH your child and you and he both will not be able to contain your enthusiasm about what our AWESOME GOD has been doing in and for our country!

5 comments about Beautiful Borders, Backings and Bindings: A Quilters Guide to Fabulous Finishing Techniques.

1. Every project lurks around in my sewing room till it is completely finished. I was inspired to complete several more of my quilts after seeing the methods used in this book. Very thorough and great pictures.



2. Always loking for new ideas for quilting and binding. This book is super.



3. This book is full of great tips and projects to use your new skills and ideas.



4. I love this book.. so many ways to finish a quilt with a professional look.. I would buy again.



5. this is a hard book to rate, because, while there is a lot of good information and some nice projects, there is also a major omission and some really slovenly workmanship.
   
   as the title states, the book discusses borders, backings (this is one of the good parts, since backings are frequently ignored) and bindings (and there are several useful variations in this section).
   
   the problem i have is that this is more a project book than a technique book. various combinations of piecework and applique borders are shown in photos and in the projects, but there are no instructions on how to develop one's own borders. it's not that the ideas are bad, and beginning quilters will find a lot of information, it's just that suggestions for designing borders for one's own projects are terse--most of the book is step-by-step instructions for making the projects.
   
   the projects include three small quilts (the largest is 78" square) and table toppers and runners. at least two of the projects are now on my list of things to do some day.
   
   one glaring omission in a book on bindings is the lack of the continuous bias technique. i've seen instructions for this time- and fabric-saving technique in a 'quilter's newletter magazine' from the late 80s, so it's been around for quite a while, yet it is not covered in this book. this is a major drawback. the needleturn applique instructions would be useless to anyone not familiar with applique and hand sewing.
   
   the slovely workmanship is mainly the quilting in the photos. i'm assuming it was done with a longarm machine, because, if it was done with a domestic machine, it really is inexcusable. as it is, if i had a professional longarm quilter return my quilt with the kind of work in the photos, i would refuse to pay for it.
   
   on one hand, there is plenty of information for a beginner and some good tips, so that i wouldn't say that it would be a waste of time to read the book; on the other hand, there isn't much for the intermediate quilter who wants to learn how to improve her designs. i wouldn't recommend it as the first, and definitely not the only, book on this subject, but i also wouldn't say avoid it. i suppose the best course would be to get a copy from your local library and see if it has anything useful for you. then check out bonnie k. browning's book, _borders and finishing touches_, which does include instructions on how to develop borders, or sally collins' _borders, bindings, and edges.' for some really interesting edge treatments, unfortunately without instructions, see sharon schamber's gallery of quilts in her book _piece by piece_.

5 comments about Fabric Art Journals: Making, Sewing, and Embellishing Journals from Cloth and Fibers (Quarry Book).

1. One of my absolute favorites. The first part of the book gives you all the information you need to get started, including techniques, tools, stitches, etc. All well explained, including visuals. Perfect for beginners & advanced crafters alike. The second part is full of gorgeous projects with step-by-step instruction. All are well within the capabilities of any level of crafter, as it is not so much the construction of the books that is inspired, but rather it is what you do to embellish them that is key. And the last part of the book gives you several pages of examples of cloth books made by others. Lots of inspiration on the possibilites of various embellishment techniques there. I am just wild for this book and am itching to get started!



2. This book seduces you to get out your sewing machine... you may never have dreamt of sewing books, but once the pictures show you the phantastic, colorful books that are possible, and the clear descriptions convince you you can do it, you can't resist. I bought the book for a friend and then got a copy for myself... I highly recommend it to anyone who combines a love for fabrics and books.



3. Let me add my praise to the reveiw list for this beautiful and inspiring book. The photos and colors will jumpstart your creative energies. The projects are wonderful just as illustrated, but I found them to be just the beginning. It's a book full of ideas and techniques that will keep me busy for a long time. I keep this book close by just so I can admire the work illustrated and for the inspiration it provides for my next project.



4. I have to admit, I love books. But I also love fabric, quilting and journal making. This book involves all three. I purchased this particular book based on other reviews and was not disappointed. I haven't made a journal yet, but am planning to as soon as some of my other sewing projects are caught up. My biggest problem? Deciding which book to make and how big it should be!



5. I purchased several art journal books (at the same time) wanting to immerse myself in the paper aspects of it. Saw this book listed and decided to check it out...having the large stash of fabric that I do. Did not expect much. Was I wrong! It is loaded with so much information that I wanted to jump back into my fabric stash only 1/4 way through the book. Chapter 4..at the end of the book... will really energize your creative thoughts. It seems to be all here. All the information to not only get you going but to keep you going.
   Highly recommend to anyone that especially loves textile arts.

5 comments about Japanese Bookbinding: Instructions From A Master Craftsman.

1. 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



2. 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?



3. 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.



4. I was interested in bookbinding, and loved the simplicity and elegance of japanese books. When I got the book, was easy to read and very simple instructions; In less of two weeks already made a Yotsume toji, a kikko-toji and a flutter bindings.
   It is a very useful book for people never attempt BB before, because japanese books have less pages and require less steps than traditional western books. No mention the creative ways of the different types of books can be made.



5. Good book for Japanese style bindings. Done the old way and using your hands and feet without alot of tools this is the book to have

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

1. 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!



2. Turning the book making into an art can make a book more attractive and collectible. This book demonstrates a lot of outstanding examples. Readers are completely satisfied by the books in this book.



3. This is one of those products which is true to its theme from the moment you unwrap it.Being a book about the beauty and creativity of books it has itself to be worthy, which it certainly is. It is a pleasure to hold and to explore, as the design and concept have been carefuly considered.
   The examples chosen are rich and varied and are divided thematically.The problem is that so many of the books are enormously intriguing that one wants to handle them to discover their mysteries. However the descriptions are usually very good and do allow one to at least understand the concept of the creator.If you love books as art, this is a truly wonderful possession.



4. This book is a wonderful review of the art of books as contemporary sculpture. As a fiber artist-bookmaker-handmade paper maker, I bought a copy for my own library, then gave another copy as a gift to a fellow artist who was interested in using books and book images in art. Inspirational as well as informative. I look forward to seeing the actual exhibition.



5. Terrific book that is a keeper. If you can't get to see a portion of these works of art exhibited, at least you can enjoy what is being created out there by this wonderfully photographed and informative book. An added bonus was that it arrived sealed in plastic in mint condition!

5 comments about Cover To Cover: Creative Techniques For Making Beautiful Books, Journals & Albums.

1. 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.



2. 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!



3. This book tells in words of one syllable how to make actual books - none of the glossy 'altered-art books' here, this one is the nuts and bolts. It explains all the jargon of book-making in clear and concise language.



4. Can't help but agree with all the five star comments that go before me, but my particular rave about this book is the section on making pages of a book from a single piece of paper simply by using the different techniques explained for cutting and folding. Bookmaking origami!



5. I still haven't received this book yet. I've tried to contact the seller on two occasions and haven't received a reply yet. I will keep it on my not to buy from list.

5 comments about More Making Books by Hand: Exploring Miniature Books, Alternative Structures, and Found Objects.

1. 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!



2. 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.)



3. For a beginner, I found everything I needed in this book, from materials to step-by-step instructions. Very easy to follow.



4. 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!



5. I was looking for a book with good instructions, nice photos, and interesting projects. This book definitely fits that description. I am loving using the sample projects as a catalyst for my own creative ideas & the authors made it easy with the detailed information provided.

5 comments about The Quilter's Edge: Borders, Bindings and Finishing Touches.

1. The book Quilters Edge is very helpful in describing different ways to finish a quilt to make it different and unique. The instructions, with pictures, is very helpful. Highly recommended.



2. This is a great addition to my quilt books. I like all the ideas it has and the layout is eye catching.



3. This book has many good tips and a variety of edges. It is easy to follow. I have waited a while to get this book and am glad I have it now.



4. Nice book with tons of photos, though many of them are the same quilts. I did find a handful of ideas to try. Not so much a hands-on book as it is a display of a variety of quilts and some ideas for finishing touches.



5. Happy with the book and find even more useful than I anticipated. Thank you for good transaction and rapid shipment.

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

1. I had never made a book and needed to learn how, fast, for a class project. This book did the trick. The author clearly describes how to make several simple types of books (accordion, pamphlet, etc.) and also gets into more complicated techniques like Coptic binding. Her examples are creative and inspiring.



2. Full disclosure alert: I haven't seen every book-making craft book out there, but I have a few of the big ones, and this is the book I like best. Why? Simple: clarity and ease of instructions. I don't know about you, but a little too often I find myself reading through the instructions in a craft book going, "Okay, but how do I DO that?" Not so with this book. That really set it apart.
   
   Plus, the author is just so charming! She packs plenty of stories from a full life as an artist into these pages; they're a fun read and very inspiring too. I was delighted to discover that she gives classes at Cooper Union in NYC. Her class is now on my to-do list.
   
   With a bulging shelf and a hard drive full of patterns, I'm on a craft book diet right now, but I had to make an exception for this one because it's so good.



3. Esther Smith's "How to Make Books," which combines warmly written narratives with clearly written instructions, has shown me how to bring my love of reading into the third dimension. I love that active reading forces self-reflection; however, bare words, in that they can always be contradicted, often confuse more than they help. Through folding and cutting Instant Books, and quickly filling them with compiled words and images, I can instinctively react to an author's idea without second guessing away from myself. Esther Smith's examples, alongside her encouragement to experiment, have helped me see myself more clearly. My eyes and hands are involved with words in a wonderful new way, and I highly recommend this book to other readers.



4. 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



5. 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.