Making Handmade Books: 100+ Bindings, Structures & Forms

I found this title through my local library, and checked it out until I exceeded the number of times I could check it out. At that point I knew I had to get my own copy for my home library. I have several other titles on binding books, each with its own reasons to recommend it, and I am not a beginner in making handmade books. The thing I enjoyed so much about this volume is the number of new ways to bind, fold and construct paper into interesting kinds of books. That was something not as present in my other books, and a welcome addition. Some methods require sewing, some need glue, and there are several other methods that need neither! These books could be made by children, but some are brain teasers that are enjoyable to work through and learn, making a book result that's unique. I found the diagrams and photographs to be just what was needed, not overwhelming but with enough information visually to guide me through the instructions. Some things do need to be worked through manually to be totally understood, but I found that interesting and challenging, not a problem. I liked the suggestions for uses that were made for the different forms of books and cards, but expanded on them for some of my own individual projects, which didn't narrow me down to a narrow channel I felt I had to choose. I have made six different design styles of books from this volume so far, and have ideas to keep trying on other forms. Journaling, printmaking, drawing and painting will all find their way into results from this book by Alisa Golden. I find myself re-reading it from the beginning even after finishing the whole volume, and finding new nuggets of useful information the second and third time through. The narratives and stories about the origins of some of the designs make it seem more personal and less like a textbook, and I enjoyed reading them as much as the instructions for the volumes. In short - buy and enjoy this book no matter what your level of knowledge or your plans for creating and you will find your own useful bits to try and interesting things to encourage your creativity. Thank you, Alisa Golden, for the original volumes and for this compiled union of your earlier books, I love it and I know I will continue to enjoy it in the future!

Making Handmade Books sits here on my desk beckoning me to open it and to make one, just one tiny thing a day. Right now I am fascinated with the envelopes made with circles. I am a mixed media collage artist who makes artist books, envelopes, enclosures, pockets and lot and lots of mail art from found papers. There is plenty for me to work from in this book, more challenging projects and then quick and easy ones I can do with my teens on a quiet evening. This book is so well organized with instruction and inspiration. I really appreciate the tone in the instructions, clear with a sense of a real person writing them- not a remote master of technique who expects the reader to follow his example. I am kind of obsessed with paper and books. Reading Ms. Golden's book is the best kind of book for me, dense and well populated with gorgeous examples and clear instructions. Thank you Alisa, for writing it!

Well designed, well photographed with good descriptions

I got this for my daughter, a librarian. When it arrived I couldn't have been happier. The book is huge and filled with all kinds of examples and ideas for handmade books. I enjoy just looking at the projects. The photos are great and there are instructions for each example. Should stimulate creativity!

This is the most comprehensive and clear guide to making book structures that I have ever seen! There are no wasted pages - every inch is used to make the process clear, starting right from the first chapter on Materials and Methods. There are many interesting tips and tricks that will interest even veteran bookmakers. The variety of structures with technical and content information is phenomenal. The numerous illustrations cover a wide range of bookmaking approaches and subject matter. I especially appreciated the commentary written by a number of book artists that is interspersed throughout the book, giving background and insight into the creative process. These roughly paragraph-long sections are noted by a fleur de lis symbol. My only complaint is that I wish the book had come out earlier! I would have used it as the textbook this semester in the University Book Arts class that I teach! I will definitely be sharing it with my students.

The best book on basic bookbinding techniques. The best.

perfect overview

I am enjoying working my way through this book as it has simple instructions, starting with a logical progression of difficulty. The photos of finished books are inspiring, giving one's creativity a boost.

Although written 14 years ago and a combination of an even early book with added new sections, this book is a welcome addition to a bookmaker's library. The book has lots of step by step instructions and diagrams, with many photos of the finished books and a comprehensive section about various covers. I am very happy with my purchase of this book.

So much information, so many ideas. Whether you want to just make a book or learn more about book-making, an excellent buy

沢山の作品が載っているので、「こんな方法があるんだ！」とか「こんな本を作ってみたい！」と、イメージが膨らみます。私はこの本を購入してから、手製本作りがとても楽しくなりました。ただし、本の作り方についてはあっさりとしか書かれていないので、手製本中級者以上にお勧めです。例えば、和本の仕立て方でも外国人がデザインすると随分雰囲気が変わるので、自分の製本へのイメージが打ち破られた気がしました。

Un livre vraiment bien fait, pas besoin de connaitre l'anglais. Il va au dela de mes attentes. Plein de jolies reliures différentes le tout hyper bien expliqué avec toutes les étapes bien détaillées. Il y a même de quoi faire boites, enveloppes etc..pour conserver les livres. Un ouvrage complet que je ne lasse pas de feuilleter!!

It is great for artistic inspiration but as book binding manual there is not that much to work with. Most projects are more artistic books or pamphlet style books rather than useful notepads. Also more for artists to showcase their work or to do with kids but not for creating notepads or traditional book binding techniques. If you are looking for inspiration then a great book but for my purposes (bookbinding for notepads) it was not useful.