Reviews (33)

V. F. B.
Very Fun Book... for any creative type or even for stifled creatives in search of an outlet for their pent up energy!
Therapy for the fearful journalist
As the authors say, "You don't have to be artistic, all you have to do is be."

A Breakthrough!
This book is the coolest, funniest combo of art and writing advice and techniques. It shows you how to express your personality or the personality of the people and places around you, with mixed media art and words. There are different styles of art and writing shown, so you can see how to make a fast art journal page that really captures your mood in an easy, simple way, or you can spend more time on, like, a self portrait that uses more difficult steps for the art. I like that there are lots of ways shown to do art journaling, with paint, collage, pictures, just writing, combining things, etc. The chapters build on eachother, so as you do what is in each one, you get better and better at the writing and art, and you have all these ideas for journaling about your life and looking at life differently. I am laughing more and art journaling more, definately! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Bookbinding    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Diaries And Journals    6. General    7. Handicraft    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Papercrafts    10. Scrapbook journaling    11. Decorative arts & crafts    12. Handicrafts   

Reviews (5)

Nothing New
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
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
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.
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Subjects:  1. Art / History / Asian    2. Bookbinding    3. Crafts & Hobbies / Papercrafts    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Japan    7. Art    8. Art & Art Instruction    9. Crafts & Hobbies / General    10. History - Asian    11. Papercrafts   

Reviews (4)

Drool Worthy
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.
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.
A book of beauty and substance
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.
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Subjects:  1. Bookbinding    2. Books    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Study and teaching    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Bookbinding    9. MUSIC & DANCE - INSTRMTS/INSTRCT TPB   

Reviews (6)

Basic
The projects in this book are more basic than in other books I've seen. There aren't any unique or remarkable designs and those that were interesting, I have seen done much better in other books. Also, I'm the type of person who likes to look at a project, figure out how to do each step, and do it my own way(feels more fulfilling at the end when you do succeed!). Hence, I found that this book was much too hand-held and at times the steps were so minutely set out, that I lost track of the 'bigger picture'. However, I would highly recommend this book to beginners.

The essential guide works
This book is really good to follow instructions and to figure out what supplies you will need and shows you how to create something but giving you basic instructions which are good. It's isn't too wordy and you can follow unlike other books I've purchased. If you are a beginner you will enjoy looking through the pages and creating projects.

Nice with great directions
This books is full of visuak instructions that show each and every step for each type of book covered. There are some very interesting styles in here that are possible for any level of bookmaking. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bookbinding    2. Books    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Personal Growth - Success    7. Self-Help    8. DIY   

Editorial Review

Meggie’s father, Mo, has an wonderful and sometimes terrible ability. When he reads aloud from books, he brings the characters to life--literally. Mo discovered his power when Maggie was just a baby. He read so lyrically from the the book Read more

Reviews (380)

Absolutely wonderful.
Like Harry Potter, there is a reason this series draws fans from all ages, all over the world. And like Harry Potter, it's being turned into a movie.
Better Than Expected
I thought this book was way better than most of the reviews portrayed it.I really enjoyed the concept of this book.It was definitely new and exciting.I'm not going to write a plot summary.Amazon and some of the reviewers do a way better job than I could.I didn't think it started out boring at all.It did get a little bogged down in the middle.I think it may have been from where this book was translated.I found it easy to get involved with the characters.I would really recommend this to young adults and adults who love fantasy.

What if books came to life . . . ?
What if someone could read aloud so well that a book came to life?
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Bookbinding    3. Books and reading    4. Characters in literature    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    6. Children: Grades 4-6    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Juvenile Science Fiction / Fantasy    10. Magic    11. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    12. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (22)

Awesome Book
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
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 Illuminatacotton photo rag 300 gsm double sided paper and having my daughter put the books together.
Great for fine arts projects
The book was great as a reference book and had a lot of new "cute" ideas. Great to spark creativity for projects. Definitely worth a look at. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bookbinding    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Crafts & Hobbies / Papercrafts    6. Handicrafts    7. STUDY AIDS - Advanced Placement   

Reviews (5)

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

Inspiring!
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.
Getting into more detail
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! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Artists' books    2. Book design    3. Bookbinding    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Handbooks, manuals, etc    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Miniature books    9. Papercrafts    10. Handicrafts   

Reviews (8)

Probably the Best Hand Bookbinding Book Out There
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.
One Half of a Great Set of Instructions on Bookbinding
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. Great book for the basic idea of bookbinding
This book covers the basic of making your own books in a very clear and concise manner. There are plenty of illustrations and the directions are easily followed. I found the section in the back of the book on making your own book binding tools to be very helpful. As a beginning bookmaker, I have found this book to be very handy and would recommend it to anyone interested in this hobby. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bookbinding    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Handicraft    6. Crafts & Hobbies / General   

Reviews (6)

A classic
Thorough and practical. Every hand bookbinder needs a copy of this classic work.

Quick and Efficient
Thank you for the quick and efficient expediting of my order.I needed the book right away and received it (in good condition).I will gladly do business with you again.

Details count
A thorough presentation on constructing portfolios and boxes. The diagrams and text explain important details like handling corners, lining the inside of boxes and keeping measurements in check for a lid to close successfully. My box-making took a leap in quality after following the tips in this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Assemblage Art    4. Book boxes    5. Book covers    6. Bookbinding    7. Commercial - General    8. Handbooks, manuals, etc    9. Hobbies/Crafts    10. Art / Mixed-Media    11. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design   

Reviews (6)

My gold standard for purchasing craft books!
This is an exceptionally well written and designed book.I'm impressed with the detailed instructions and accompanying illustrations, the photographs, and the layout. The author even anticipates questions that could come up for the reader/crafter during fabric book construction.I really appreciate this helpful style of writing.The fantastic photographs make it possible to see exactly what is being described.Even the order in which the chapters and sections are presented is well thought out.
My absolute favourite guide to cloth journals
Pam Sussman's book covers the most basic design details - for example, page sizing - in a way that makes them interesting and inspirational. She goes on to more complicated, but necessary, techniques such as various edgings and bindings, with a natural, easy to follow progression of ideas and skills.
So many ideas, so little time
I read this book cover-to-cover and was so enthralled by the illustrations and color photos of finished products that I had to start over again and try to focus on one project at a time. The How-Tos are presented in enough detail to help beginners through a myriad of strange and wonderful terms and tricks. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Altered books    2. Assemblage Art    3. Bookbinding    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. General    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Textile Arts - General    9. Textile fabrics    10. Crafts & Hobbies / General    11. Decorative arts & crafts    12. Handicrafts    13. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (1)

Best of show
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 readbook is Hand Bookbinding A Manual of Instruction by Aldren A. Watson, whichalso happens to provide instructions on how to make your own tools,something the reader will find quite useful since tools are very difficultto find.Anyone wishing to get into bookbinding seriously should obtainboth books to have a complete treatment of the subject, from tools to finalproduct.I couldn't do without the two of them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bookbinding    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. General    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Crafts & Hobbies / General   

Reviews (3)

The only digital design book you will ever need!
For several years I have used Digital Book Design and Publishing to teach students how tocombine their photography and writing to create artist's books that rival professionally printed publications. This book goes right to the heart of what you need to know: How to correct images for the highest quality reproduction of photographs, whether scanned or from digital sources; how to use typography, instead of letting typography use you; how to sensitively design a layout with picture and text, depending on the expressive message of the book - something dreadfully lacking in most "how to" books; how to bind books and create portfolios that challenge the traditional definition of what one might think a "book" is; and how to avoid breaking copyright laws. The book is richly illustrated with every kind of book you can imagine, which motivates students to think in non-traditional ways about artist's books. The information is also perfect for someone with more prosaic projects, such as a cookbook or first aid instructional booklet (both of these were projects done by students who didn't fancy themselves as "artists.") This book is especially good for people who are computer phobic. Holleley makes you feel like your computer is your best friend.When you buy this one book, it's like getting 5 books for the price of one. A great deal, a great inspiration -a must on everyone's bookshelf.

4.5 stars: Very good primer!
Let's set the record straight. What this book is NOT is a comprehensive guide to help you in setting up a book design & publishing shop, although it does provide an excellent primer on the topic for those of us not coming from the print industry. What this book is tailored for is the audience of photographers, artists, designers and writers who want to "go" one more step beyond just putting together the content elements for their works. Editor's Choice: "A Masterful Vision of Publishing"
Holleley's new book Digital Book Design & Publishing is a masterful vision that brings together all the elements of the new digital technologies into a resource for photographers, artists, authors, historians, teachers and anyone who would like to see their information made into a single document.Read more

Subjects:  1. Book design    2. Bookbinding    3. Computer Books: Languages    4. Desktop publishing    5. General    6. Photography    7. Typography    8. Graphic Design   

Editorial Review

Many unique books can be made by building on just two basic structures, the Eastern-based accordion fold and the Western-developed codex (the kind with sewn pages). Artist and bookbinder Sue Doggett explains both methods in detail, supporting the step-by-step instructions with colored diagrams. The book stresses process over product; the 10 projects in the final chapter are as fully explained as the techniques and variations in the first six chapters, but the scope of the project section is far more limited and the photos of finished products less numerous than in some other titles. Newcomers or those with less time will find more immediate satisfaction with a choice like Marie Browning's Read more

Reviews (5)

An excellent reference book
This book is my favourite in my collection of books on the subject. (And I have quite a few!) In each chapter, different techniques for book binding are explored, e.g.- sewing over tapes, accordian folding, etc. Each section also contains a photo gallery of books that the author and other artists have created using particular techniques discussed in the chapter. This set out means that the book is a great reference guide and is also a fantastic source of inspiration for creating your own original designs. Bookworks is also great for beginners as it finishes with a comprehensive 'project' section explaining how some of the author's works were created.

Buy this one, it's fabulous
Ordinarily, I don't buy books that show specific projects and then give instructions.However, this book features truly unique and inspiring ideas for wonderful art/books.For example, star-shaped books (looking fromabove, not pages cut out in star shapes), books with three-dimensionalpages (like classic Italian stage design), and books using innovativeapproaches, not just "pop up" stuff.If you choose rubber stampsthat are "NOT cute," then you'll like this book.No, it doesn'thave anything to do with rubber stamping, per se, but I'm making a point:Real artists will love this book.Within hours of just browsing throughthis book, I had already set up a major bookmaking project that istremendous fun, and more personally expressive than most paperart projectsI do.If you don't buy this book, please get your library to order it. This is a must-read if you're interested in paper and art.

Ideas GALORE!
In addition to beautiful photography, there are clear step-by-step directions for making many different kinds of books.The directions are easy to follow, with large illustrations of exact steps.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bookbinding    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. United States   

Reviews (6)

A beautiful book
I found the information in this book very helpful in directing a group of adult students this summer in creating sketchbook/journals.

Very Rich and Detailed
This book brings a lot to the table! I was really amazed at how much there is to read, learn and digest from this wealth of information.
I love this Book!
I thought The Decorated Page was a great book and had checked it out from the library so many times that I decided to buy it. When I saw The Decorated Journal advertised, and read other reviews, I knew it would be good. I wasn't disapointed. It's every bit as good as the first and maybe better. I especially like the book binding portion in the back of the book. My favorite journaling book so far. I would highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bookbinding    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Painting    7. Paper Crafts    8. Papercrafts    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Papercrafts    10. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes   

Reviews (2)

Clear and instructive
Gave nice clear instructions. Good graphics and explenations. I used it with my kids, and even they understood it.

A simple but reliable and comprehensive reference
Basic Bookbinding may seem underwhelmingly dull in comparison to all theother books on bookbinding available today-no gorgeous vividly-coloredphotographs, no sophisticated page layouts, no selection of cute orthematic projects to work on once you've learned the techniques, nounconventional material, no gallery of artists' works...NO FUN, right? ButI've been both an experimental and traditional bookbinder for 12 years, andI have yet to come across a book that covers the BASICS of the craft theway A.W.Lewis's does.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bookbinding    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Crafts & Hobbies / General   

Editorial Review

Scrapbookers who are big fans of die-cuts will find ideas galore inRead more

Reviews (7)

Outdated Book!
I was very disappointed in this book.It seems to very outdated, and the ideas presented are not the most creative.Sure, the beginning scrapper could easily copy the layouts in the book, but they don't have that professional look that you expect to see in a scrapbooking book.The book does have a few good tips for beginning scrappers, and it has some patterns of diecuts in the back, which were helpful, however, I wouldn't recommend buying this book for those reasons alone.

Not as expected
This book was not as I expected.It had some ideas if you want to work for awhile.I would not recommend this book to the beginning scrapbooker.

Terrific and Simple Ideas
This is a great book for both the beginner and the advanced scrapbookers. There are wonderful examples, plenty of patterns and simple directions. A must have! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bookbinding    2. Conservation and restoration    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Photograph albums    6. Photographs    7. Scrapbooks    8. Handicrafts   

Reviews (3)

I wishmore books were like this one.
A wonderfully straight -forward how-to book on the technicalities and the various methods of binding books. Concentrates exclusively on stitching, introducing many methods unfamiliar to me that are both beautiful and practical. The instructions and drawings are clear uncluttered and easy to follow. The photo's are basic but intended to inform rather than the seduce the unaware into a purchase. It contained everything I needed to know. I wishmore books were like this one.

Great book!!
My boss bought a copy of this book for the graphics department (an old edition). I read a few paragraphs and flipped through the pages for a few minutes, then got on Amazon and ordered my own copy.The book would make a fantastic text book for a book making class. It goes into great detail, yet allows for creativity. I'd recommend it highly.

An in depth look into how to "artistically" bind books
This book was a little too long winded on the artistic way of book binding.It did have some good projects included, but overall it had many impractical designs that cannot produce a book that can be readily used. If you are looking for an artistic approach to book binding, then this isan excellent example.If though, you are looking for a book by which youcan learn to make books that can be used, I would suggest lookingelsewhere. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bookbinding    2. Reference   

Reviews (2)

Complete? It would be better if it was called "Advanced"
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.
Advanced Bookbinding Techniques
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. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bookbinding    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. BG-FICTION $5/10 - BG-LITERARY $5/10    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Bookbinding   

Reviews (2)

Well written, easy to use
I've used this book quite a lot and I have to say that it is very user-friendly.The graphics are nicely done and everything is explained in detail.It is very practical for anyone who repairs rare/old/special books.

A critically important acquisition for book collectors
Now in an updated and expanded second edition, Kenneth Lavender's Book Repair is a complete course of instruction on all aspects of basic book repair and book conservation practices. A superbly presented "how to" manual, Book Repair offers illustrated sections on cleaning, mending, hinge and spine repair, strengthening paperbacks, and more. Newly added material covers wet and water-damaged books, mold and mildew, repair of book linings and pamphlet bindings, using acid-free materials to repair damaged books, lining paper objects, affordable repair tools and supples, and much more. Book Repair is an essential, critically important acquisition for book collectors, academic and public libraries staffs, as well as antiquarian and used bookstores in-house reference collections. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bookbinding    2. Books    3. Conservation and restoration    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Education    6. General    7. Handbooks, manuals, etc    8. Language Arts & Disciplines    9. Library & Information Science    10. Library materials    11. Preservation Of Library Materials    12. Repairing    13. Storage, maintenance & preservation of collections   

Reviews (8)

Lacking in content, but some inspiring photos.
As an experienced bookmaker, I was anxious to try some of the projects in this book. BE VERY CAUTIOUS!I found many errors in measurments in this book, which can cost you valuable paper and time!This book can be very vague about what size your papers should be and exactly how much of it you need.If you simply rely on what the author says, you may find yourself frustrated with a project that didn't work out. A direct, to-the-point, "user friendly" instructional guide
The collaborative effort of self-employed book artist Mary McCarthy and educator/writer Philip Manna, Making Books By Hand: A Step-By-Step Guide is a direct, to-the-point, "user friendly" instructional guide to the art and craft of creating beautiful and useful scrapbooks, photo albums, diaries, blank books, and more. Full-color photographs illustrate each part of the process of crafting accordion art books, photo albums, box books, scrolls, etc. Making Books By Hand is commended as being first-rate guidebook for those interested in cultivating their skill in a unique and satisfying hobby, or who want to make exceptional and memorable gifts for friends and loved ones.

Nice photos, good instruction for simple projects
This is a great book for any beginning bookbinder. The entire book features full-color photos with easy to follow, step-by-step instructions for many simple, but beautiful and impressive looking projects. Read more

Subjects:  1. Artists' books    2. Book design    3. Bookbinding    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Papercrafts    7. Handicrafts    8. Printing & reprographic technology