4 comments about Live & Learn: Real Life Journals: Designing & Using Handmade Books (AARP).

1. This is a fantastic book and I highly recommend it! I have been a bookmaker for 6 years; Gwen's instructions are clear and the booklet that helps you decide which journal is best for you is invaluable!



2. If you're a journal-keeper--and especially if you're artistically inclined--you'll want to take a look at Gwen Diehn's latest book, Real Life Journals: Designing & Using Handmade Books.
   
   A unique marriage of the art of handcrafted books and the art of journaling, Real Life Journals offers a step-by-step program that will give you what Diehn calls a "design inventory" for the journal you want. It will help you decide what kind of journal fits your style, create a design and choose the materials for your book, and craft the journal.
   
   To illustrate the process, Diehn invited nine people to choose the kind of journal they wanted and work with her design inventory. Using their responses, she created a journal for each of them (one was a father-daughter pair, another a grandmother wanting to journal for her family). She documented all nine journals--and the journaling experience each embraced, each one different and each unique to the journal-keeper's intentions and dreams. You'll be inspired by these experiences to make your own inventory, design your own book, and begin your own journal.
   
   Throughout, Real Life Journals is richly illustrated, with careful descriptions of each part of the process, from bookbinding techniques, materials, and tools, to ideas for creating covers. I'm no bookmaker, but reading the instructions and studying the illustrations, I'm confident that I could attempt even the more complicated of the bindery processes Diehn describes. The text and illustrations are supplemented by a mini-book tucked inside the front cover that helps you "choose your own bookbinding adventure" and a foldout chart illustrating binding essentials inside the back cover.
   
   Diehn's gentle encouragement through the book will make you want to create a journal for yourself--and use it. I've been journaling on my computer for decades and enjoy the fluency and ease of recording my thoughts as fast as my fingers can fly. But Diehn's work is an inspiration, because it acknowledges that our lives are kaleidoscopic, made up of many vibrant images and colorful ideas--something that's a little hard to capture in black and white and 12 point Times New Roman. Real Life Journals recognizes that form and function come together in the truest kind of art, and that the book we create to write in will help to shape the visions we record.
   
   by Susan Wittig Albert
   for Story Circle Book Reviews
   reviewing books by, for, and about women



3. I have other books by this author and when I found she was coming out with another book on Journaling, I was eager to get it. I was not dissapointed at all with the instructions where you can "interact" with creating your journal specific to your needs and wants. I journal quite a bit and have ventured out to make my own with a variety of pages to use with different mediums such as watercolor. I am however not a book maker and was not really interested in learning at this time complicated ways to make a art journal. What I do like about this book is that you can start out with very simple book making techniques making the journal the way you want. I like that. Looking at the other bookmaking techniques and the very clear instructions given that I will be trying out some of the other ways to make journals such as using a existing book cover with maybe a coptic stitch. It is like having a bunch of bookmaking classes wrapped up in this one book. I did enjoy the stories of folks in the book that shared there stories of what they journal and what kind of journal works for them. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in journaling and bookmaking!!!



4. If you haven't yet made the leap into making your own books and journals to write, sketch or doodle in then this
   book will serve as an invaluable guide to getting started. There is so much information packed into this latest
   book by Gwen Diehn that no matter what your experience level with journaling or book making you're sure to
   find something to inspire you.
   
   This is not just a how to make a journal book. Using the central premise of designing your book from the inside out the author guides the reader through a series of questions about what the intended use of the book is going to be before it's created. Questions such as what size book, will you use paints, pens or pencils on the pages, do you want it to lay flat, have removable or replaceable pages and others are used to help guide the reader through what Gwen calls the "design inventory". This inventory is then translated into an appropriate book design for the binding and cover using the "choose your own bookbinding adventure booklet" found in a pocket on the inside front cover of the book. Once that decision is made you'll turn to chapter 4 of the book where you'll find illustrated directions on a variety of book binding styles such as pamphlets, spiral, piano hinge, longstitch, concertina, coptic and others. Chapter 5 of the book covers a range of book cover instructions such as flexible, hardcover, glued in cover, laced in covers and others.
   
   For those not familiar with the basic tools and skills needed for book binding the pull out bookbinding essentials foldout that comes in an envelope in the back cover of the book will be a handy tool to keep on their work table. This pull out guide covers the basics of cutting and folding paper, types of folds, covering boards, how to cut book board and sewing tips. Chapter 3 of the book goes into greater details on bookbinding tools, making headbands, page building techniques, pockets and cover options.
   
   The last chapter of this book includes profiles of some famous journal keepers such as da Vinci, Bluemer along side some contemporary artists of today. This chapter is rich with some beautiful images of journal pages insight
   into some of the history of journal keeping.
   
   This is a beautifully done book and is sure to become an invaluable reference for anyone wanting to create their
   own journals and books be it a simple flexible notebook to tuck in a back pack or travel bag to a hard cover book
   filled with watercolor paper for drawing on or a scrapbook to commemorate a special occasion or milestone.

5 comments about Bookcraft: Techniques for Binding, Folding, and Decorating to Create Books and More.

1. i felt a need to finish a whole lot of serious stuff to make room so I could start enjoying the ideas in this book. It's full of interest and useful techniques and the materials used will not seriously affect your credit card.



2. The book is great, with detailed explanations on each kind of binding, from the classical techniques to very inovative ones. It is also good because it uses tools and techniques that can be made at home, without expensive or pro materials.



3. This how-to book starts with an introduction to materials and tools used in book arts. It also points out some basic bookmaking rules on paper grain, cutting and gluing.
   
   The first chapter is heavily focused on binding methods. Thirteen book structures were shown with highly detailed and clear step-by-step instructions from start to finish. Its primary focus is on various on how the signatures/pages and covers can be bound using the simple gluing and/or stitching. It seemed to me that this chapter's basic goal is to create a repertoire of basic bookmaking skills for the novice, and it is my opinion that it did succeed in meeting this goal.
   
   The second chapter covers most basic principles and processes for creating the pages and covers. Various methods were shown in a demonstration type photo-illustrations such as cutting, "surface sculpting" (debossing and embossing), and folding.
   
   Its third and last chapter is a gallery type section that shows how the techniques covered in the previous chapters were used. With the book as an art form in mind, eighteen books created by the author and other bookmakers were presented by using the book structure/pages as a `canvas' or `media' creatively and imaginatively to tell stories or communicate via visual and/or textual means. I found the last three books at the end of the chapter to be very intriguing and fascinating because of the way the "boundaries" were being pushed to the point where they almost ceased to be viewed as "books".
   
   Overall, this book serves as a nice introduction to the world of book arts. The photographs are beautiful, and the instructions are pretty clear. I would most likely use its first chapter to refresh my memory on various book structure designs. No matter how many books on book arts I have bought over the past years, I always find something new to learn. In this book, I have learned a few new things from this book such as hybrid structures and "debossing". But for some of the techniques presented in this book (one example - pop-up), I would look in other books for more detailed information.



4. This is a wonderful book. I received it from the vendor in a very timely manner and in the condition described. I will order from this vendor if it has a book I want. The book is very informative, has great illustrations, and in very comprehensive.



5. In this book, author Heather Weston breaks down the art of bookbinding into a simple, straightforward process.
   
   Covering 13 different forms of bookbinding as well as half a dozen kinds of decorative page and cover details, this is one of the most thorough bookbinding resources on the market. With step-by-by step instructions and pictures to match, it also contains examples of books made by professional book binders that used the techniques outlined in the book.
   
   In addition to detailed instructions, Weston also provides a thorough list of necessary bookbinding materials. For readers who don't want to invest the money in professional grade bookbinding materials up front, Weston offers ideas for less expensive options that will still achieve the desired result.
   
   This book is the perfect starting place for those who would like to pursue bookbinding professionally, or as a hobby. Weston makes beautiful bound books an achievable goal for crafters of any level.

5 comments about Playing with Books: The Art of Upcycling, Deconstructing, and Reimagining the Book.

1. When I first saw this book, I fell in love with the pictures. Then, several weeks later, I just happened to be driving by a small, neighborhood library and saw a box of books sitting under the eaves, getting drenched by a thunderstorm. Now, had this library had a copy of Thompson's book, the books would have been donated to the nearby school so that they could be re-incarnated into some beautiful art and craft.
   
   I have given this book to several friends and, like me, each has told me of the hours and hours of fun they have had with loved-ones: grandchildren, life partners, school children and even a group of senior citizens. This book shines with creativity, imagination, and hope for a greener world.
   
   I can't wait to dive into my next project.



2. As a bibliophile who hates to part with books, I no longer have to carry out the distasteful task of throwing them away. Unfortunately, most of us have books that we don't want. Every year, libraries are forced to discard old text books and extra copies of has-been bestsellers. Jason Thompson, in Playing with Books, offers a clever way to recycle, or, "upcycle," books that even the library used book sale doesn't want. The book features numerous projects for those unwanted books and passé texts. Instead of reluctantly tossing books into the recycle bin--where only a small percentage are recy-cled anyway--even an amateur can turn pages and book covers into objects both useful and beautiful. Some projects require only scissors, glue and a pair of eager hands. More complicated ones might necessitate a router or a jigsaw.
   
   Although some can be constructed by a child, others are sophisticated enough for one adult to give to another. Envelopes and boxes assembled from book pages make fine enclosures for gifts, and the author even includes instructions so you can top off your gift box with an exquisite bow fashioned from yet another page. Decorative book pages are converted into a book bag--an old book carries your new books!
   
   Thompson's imagination has taken flight. Every time I pick up the book I am amazed at a project I missed before.



3. I've taught many courses in altered books, and this book is a wonderful resource for my students. I consider it a "must have" for any book artist, or anyone aspiring to create lovely works from simple materials.



4. I love, love, love this book! First of all, it's stunning-the photography, the design, and the gallery at the end of the book is full of amazing work by altered book artists. I love that the projects are varied for different levels of ability and experience. I recently taught a mini workshop in altered books for a group of adults with no experience, and they had a blast. I gave one of these to a friend who teaches altered bookmaking at a university and she loves it. A bouquet i made from one of the projects inspired a friend of mine to have me make some for her wedding decorations. I told her she could do it with me, that it was simple, and we're excited for our upcoming craft date.



5. I have been an avid reader for over 15 years, which means that I have boxes upon boxes of books that I refuse to get rid of. Playing With Books gives people like me a creative and easy way to reuse books for various purposes. Let me rephrase that, I have learned to convert my old books into beautiful pieces that were functional and original. Thompson did a great job at giving a clear overview of items needed to construct certain projects which prepared me in advance for my two favorite projects. I particularly liked the "Book to Bloom" project which used book pages to create flower blossoms that could be set up in neat arrangements. "Papier (and Clay) Mache" was another great project that used decorative book pages to create small woodland creatures that could be embellished to your liking. This project is great to do with kids who may even have old picture books laying around.
   In all, Playing With Books is great for anyone who is a book collector or who is artistically creative. Even the not so crafty person will enjoy this book for its visuals alone.
   Its a great buy!

5 comments about Re-Bound: Creating Handmade Books from Recycled and Repurposed Materials.

1. simply put this book is well thought out and organized. organizing by materials allows your brain to think about how you're attacking your supplies in a whole different way and encourages one to think outside the (cereal) box. the author clearly loves book binding and creates a great source for not only technique but also inspiration.
   
   plan to gift this book often.



2. If you're a thing finder or stuff holder you will be delighted with this book as it inspires one to use many of their "treasures" in ways that makes you wonder why you didn't think of it then has you rummaging through your stuff. With the use of piano binding a stash of swizzle sticks can find a new purpose, left over rolls of tickets have a practical use, and the gallery at the end will give you ideas for those board games that are missing a few pieces.
   
   This isn't exactly for the casual book artist with a stash of just papers but that creative person, young or old, with odds and ends at hand. This book and a box of stuff, take a peek inside and see if you have anything to help make a project or two, would make a great gift for that hard to shop for multi media artist.



3. Very creative bookbinding and bookmaking ideas, but it could give more details on how to make them.



4. I'm interested in binding my own books for myself and personalized presents, but even more interested in recycling. I love this book, spells it out for tools, etc. Worth the investment.



5. Found this book at the library and after reading it I knew I had to have it in my personal library because I knew I would be referring to it again and again. The author shares many fun techniques on making books from recycled materials. The directions are clear and easy to follow.

5 comments about Book + Art: Handcrafting Artists' Books.

1. This book is very inspiring and full of examples and ideas to help with your personal creativity and projects. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the art of book making or the arts in general. I really love the book.



2. I kept checking this book out from the library so finally decided I should get my own copy. This book is a constant inspiration to me in my own work. I don't use it much for the "how-to" stuff though there is some of that in it.



3. Touch provides information and allows us to manipulate the environment. Physical touch primes the mind for the acquisition and application of knowlege. What humans touch unconsciously influences decisions formed about unrelated situations concordant with metaphors: heavy objects make people seem important, rough touch leads to assessment of social interactions as being more difficult, hard objects increase rigidity in negotiations. Basic tactile sensations influence higher social cognitive processing. Incidental Haptic Sensations Influence Social Judgments and Decisions [...] 25Jun2010 Vol328:1712-1715.
   
   Book + Art encourages exploration of art materials, techniques, risk taking folded into book form. Felt background, paper weight, palette, composition, with or without words imposes a structure on the evolving design, and stages whether the final narrative will become comedy, tragedy, steam punk, or winkelpicker. The visual or oral construction forms how we think about ourselves. How we tell our story, make our collage, compose our music, express our belief defines future decisions.
   
   Elizabeth Stone Black Sheep and Kissing Cousins: How Our Family Stories Shape Us: to change one's story is to change oneself. . .self creates the text, the text in turn creates both the self as well as a place in the world for the self.
   
   Patricia Hampl I Could Tell You Stories: Sojourns in the Land of Memory: each of us must possess a created version of the past. We must live with a version that attaches us to our limitations, to the inevitable subjectivity of our points of view. We must acquiesce to our experience and our gift to transform experience into meaning. . .If we refuse to do the work of creating this personal version of the past, someone else will do it for us. That is the scary political fact.
   
   Book + Art entices you to tell your own truth. If not you then who? if not now when?



4. Handsome, somewhat dry overview of a variety of artists' books, and bookmaking instructions (not all require the same degree of skill). Her 'Extended Accordion' book would be suitable for a myriad of applications. Krause also demonstrates several intriguing techniques including gelatin monoprints and foiling onto wood. This would be an excellent book for serious book artists. I found myself wishing for a little less of a textbook feeling, a little more of the author's personality...though maybe she is just a more technically minded artist than I am used to...



5. This book touches both the artistic and technical parts of bookbinding. Explanations accompanied with images, simplifying to work straight from the book.

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

1. I thought it was something that a child may have put together. I was very disappointed and I'm going to put it in a yard sale or donate it.



2. If you have ever had a love of the feel and look of a Hand Bound book, You will understand the feeling and nagging at you, How is that magic done? I felt that way for some years trying to figure out how a Hand Bound book was made, the "magic" behind the Bound Spine.
   Have you ever looked at a uniquely folded clever map? And wondered, what is the process behind that? Look No further, Author and fellow Book Binding Aficionado Esther K. Smith, Brilliantly put together 2 unique Books her first " How to Make Books" is done in a simplistic Manor, for the reader to feel as if he/or she has the Instructor right by your side.
   This book will change the way you view creativeness. It does not have to be difficult, to open your mind and Hands to as the Author says, "FOLD With Verve" . This book allows you to understand the basics, so you can go for forth and create your very own style. Her Second Book " Magic Books and Paper Toys" further gives you as an artist a new door to create a one of a kind book, it shows you some lost graphic arts magic, some of the projects are lost folds and graphic art media medium from the 1940s and 1950s on into today. So whether you are looking for a project to fill an artistic void or have a deep affection for Paper Art, These 2 books will allow you to bring forth your inner book maker and impress your friends and family.



3. I've taken this book out of the library so many times. Finally, I realized it was time to own a copy. Smith's instructions are clear enough for people with very little experience with making books to feel comfortable following them. And her writing makes the book a fun read. I have lots of books about making books and this is the best by far.



4. This is the only book I have ever ordered from Amazon that I was totally disappointed with and actually sent it back. While there are some nice ideas, the diagrams for putting the books together (binding and stitching) are extremely confusing and almost impossible to follow.



5. This book gives a lot of alternatives to making books. It is as visually pleasing and also lots of fun. It is also a great reference book. The best book I have bought on book making. You should also buy her other book Magic Books and Paper Toys. A must for every paper and book artists.

5 comments about 500 Handmade Books: Inspiring Interpretations of a Timeless Form (500 Series).

1. The pictures in this book are gorgeous, and I love how they list the materials and binding type (when applicable) for all the books.



2. I've bought this book because I thought there would be the "how to do it".
   I found it interesting, but only photos do not help me.
   Sorry, but I was looking for some instructions.



3. This book is so cool. I bind my own books, and I learn something new every time I open it.



4. This book is full of books that are exquisite! I just love looking through it for inspiration!



5. This is a very handsome 420 page volume of gorgeous handmade book ideas. It also looks great on the coffee table as a conversation piece.

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

1. I found both Volumes 1 & 2 of this book at my local library and have been immensely pleased with them. As someone who was completely unfamiliar with the concept of paper engineering and making pop-ups, I found this guide to be very user-friendly, enabling me to create simple pop-ups through the various projects listed within the book. It provides users step-by-step instructions and there are wonderful examples provided as well.
   
   As someone who has always loved pop-ups books (I also collect them), this has finally motivated me to try making some pop-ups myself, and I have found it to be an enjoyable activity which I can share with my young daughter who loves working with paper. This is a wonderful guide and reference book for anyone who would love to learn how to make simple pop-ups and be informed about the principles behind pop-ups.



2. I purchased this book for my 10 year old son who has a penchant for making things out of folded paper and tape. Although his usual Saturday routine would be to turn on cartoons for a couple hours, instead he opened up this book which we had just received and proceeded to plow through the first 7 or 8 projects. Each lesson clearly explains one pop-up concept with an accompanying tear-out sheet to do it yourself. He worked steadily and was extremely proud of his progress and only asked for assistance when the projects began needing an Exacto blade. With very little help he was able to tackle those projects as well. Later he was able to reproduce the pop-ups on his own without referring to the directions.
   
   The book isn't just for kids and the art is retro-hip and pleasing to look at. I did a couple as well and then "popped out" a hand-made father's day card for my dad. I am planning to get the next book in the series.



3. I liked this book so much when I bought it myself that I ordered it for a friend. Kids can use it to make simple pop-ups for cards or their own books. It has simple instructions and plenty of ideas and examples.



4. I was astounded with the simplicity of the book in teaching three dimensional popups and the multiple hands-on examples that it provided. I loved it!



5. Pop-up books and cards delight children and adults with their unique and clever designs, but how are these intricate pictures created? If you've ever wanted to make one yourself, The Pocket Paper Engineer will show you how.
   
   This set of two volumes focuses on basic pop-up forms, platforms and props in a fully hands-on manner. Designed to be taken apart and used in construction, the pages are sturdy and include pockets to place your finished products. Clear directions and illustrations show you exactly how to put these pop-up designs together, and then explain how to use these newly acquired skills for creations of your own.
   
   The Pocket Paper Engineer is well-designed, and the step-by-step instructions are easy for anyone to follow. I highly recommend these unique how-to books on crafting pop-ups.
   
   Reviewer: Alice Berger, Bergers Book Reviews

5 comments about The Penland Book of Handmade Books: Master Classes in Bookmaking Techniques.

1. This is an amazing book well laid out and very interesting. Not just a how to do book, the biography of each artist is enlightening followed by a gallery of books and inspiration sources and then a workshop with step by step photos that you could easily follow to make your own similar book or learn a specific technique. Excellent reading book and reference a great addition to anyones library.



2. The book came quickly and was in excellent shape. We love it and are enjoying it immensely. Thank you!



3. I already have a small library on how to make handmade books (Alisa Golden's etc), and these are great when you are looking for detailed instructions on how to assemble a particular style of book. But they are not exactly bedtime reading. Penland's book is a book you can curl up and read. Each chapter focuses on one book artist, and then they break down a typical project for them with step-by-step instructions and photos. Many of these instructions were condensed; they appear to be included so that you can get a sense of how each artist constructs a book in their own style, not necessarily so that you can make the same book.
   
   I particularly enjoyed the galleries at the end of each chapter, where the artist featured their favorite book artists or books that inspired them. The artists featured don't make typical handmade books - they are incredibly creative. I found it interesting how many books were constructed with some carpentry skills, not just paper and glue. Highly recommended. (This is a large book; treat yourself to the hardcover version if you can.)



4. This is indeed a master class. Great tool for experts and beginners alike.
   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1600593003/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_title



5. This is a book that one can sit down with over and over again for inspiration.
   I love this book.
   
   Ingrid

5 comments about Non-Adhesive Binding Books without Paste or Glue.

1. I bought this book based on the reviews of other satisfied customers. Though it has some good information, the big problem with this book is that Mr. Smith is more interested in creating books that are art rather than books that are useful. I was (and remain) interested in creating my own hardback books, and this book takes ~400 pages to talk about the process. The other big problem I had with this book is the lack of terminology. Smythe binding is mentioned once in passing. Oversewing isn't mentioned at all. Specialty tools are described, and the information about creating a book press is useful, but everything that Mr. Smith discusses here can be found online for free.
   
   If you are an artist whose chosen medium is books, you'll love this book and should get it. If you're like me and you want a guide to creating a hardback book of your own, skip this book. Search [...] for book binding and TJ Book Arts for "hedgehogs" to get a much faster introduction to the subject.



2. This is a great all round introduction to book binding for beginners. It gives instructions for making a variety of book types from the simple to more complicated which means it is an instruction manual you can grow into! Smiths other books are much more specific as their titles suggest and harder to dip into for the less experienced. Smith's Sewing Single Sheets is another unintimidating manual and handy for visual artists such as printmakers who work on varying weights of paper.
   - Penny (Australia)



3. I love when something arrives exactly as described. Only thing better is when it arrives in better shape than described, like this book. Thank you for that and the fast service.



4. I enjoy journaling on blank pages and subsequently binding them into journals. Keith Smith's book on non-adhesive binding is an excellent resource for learning non-conventional binding and book structures.
   
   I enjoyed the book so much, I eventually made mock-ups of nearly every project in this book AND went on to worth through several other of Smith's books.
   
   Smith provides many basic/general techniques in the front of the book followed by specific "recipes." He provides both creative suggestions for content and technical information on structure and assembly. Smith also provides sample photographs of each binding.
   
   One minor criticism: many of the projects suggest using very heavyweight paper--almost watercolor paper--instead of textweight or lightweight. I had to tweak the instructions for binding the lightweight paper I use for journaling.



5. I was actually looking for Volume 3 of this series, however, the interesting bindings within this volume have been very helpful in making books of my own.
   Extremely detailed, with diagrams of nearly everything (including tying knots) and easy to understand instructions made for a relatively easy book sewing.
   I'd suggest it to any bookbinder.