Making Mini Books: Big Ideas for 30+ Little Projects

by Kathleen McCafferty

Everyone loves handmade books--and these adorable mini volumes are generally easier to craft than their larger counterparts! Some even require only folding and stapling. This charming collection includes beautiful leather-clad journals, block print notepads, accordion-fold mini-zines, and others that feature interior pockets, unique closures, colorful stitching, and eye-catching bindings. An invaluable illustrated stitch guide provides the essential info for every binding.

Genres: Crafts, Books About Books, Nonfiction, Art

144 pages, Paperback

First published April 3, 2012

Reviews

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the ideas inside this book. I don't feel that they're geared for smaller children nor beginners, as they have quite a few steps and most require some type of sewing, but if you have the time and want to tackle them, this book is for you.

From mini book earrings and necklaces, to mini books that are made from cards and older children's books, I enjoyed the varieties that are included in this book. With detailed, step-by-step instructions, this book will guide you as you make each book with a list of supplies needed and some illustrations. There is even a section in the back that explains the stitches you will need to make for each of the different books. I really enjoyed this book and think I might tackle a few of these in the future.

[Sharon Barrow Wilfong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have lately become interested in alternate and assemblage art, of which making mini books is a part.

Like other assemblage art books, this is a how to book, providing step by step instructions to creating small books out of materials not originally designed for that purpose.

It trains the reader to look at anything and everything as a potential art project.

This book includes making book covers from playing cards, maps, expired library cards, leather, matchboxes and a plethora of other materials. The instructions and tools are basically the same as is the paper to put between the covers, although the color or quality of paper can be varied.

A good resource for anyone interested in alternate art.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty much what the title says - the projects in this book are for books that are a few inches across down to earring-sized books. While many of the projects exceeded my personal acceptable fiddliness level, there were a couple (such as the matchbook-style notebooks) that seemed as if they'd make great gifts.

[Meran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent illustrations and instructions for constructing your own small books using specialty papers and fabrics.

Highly recommended!

[Marjorie Elwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading this, I realize I'm not particularly interested in making mini-books - they're a little too precious for me. However, they instructions are well-written and the ideas are intriguing.

[Lilly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the projects in this book, especially that they are arranged from easy to more complex. I also appreciate that they use a lot of recycled materials. I would have rated this higher, but as I was doing some of the projects, especially the more complex ones lacked detail. I ended up checking out a couple more bookbinding manuals from the library to fill in details on technique. Great project ideas, but if this is the only book making manual you have on hand be prepared to use Google and YouTube to get through some of the projects.

[Elaine Bearden · Rating 4 out of 5]

teen / adult

This is a beautifully designed book with great feeling pages and photographs that inspires book-making projects. I found two things that looked interesting for write-on - the cover with the metal loop for the book and then one made out of maps. There are super detailed instructions which I wouldn't do with kids. But I liked this book for inspiration.

[Jen Cameron · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure who this book is geared towards as most projects seemed to lack enough detail and guidance for a beginner, but someone with more experience (for example, me) isn’t going to really get anything out of this book. I do think the projects are doable for anyone, but the instructions leave a lot to be desired, and photos and/or diagrams of steps would have been helpful.

[h · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book if you have taken a beginning bookmaking class and need some ideas. As others have mentioned not detailed enough for absolute beginners not complex enough for the experienced.Yet there is value in ideas and it is photographed and designed well.

[Danielle Mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want this book! I want the jewelry and books inside and I could so make them!

[September Michaud · Rating 3 out of 5]

Checked this out at the library. Some of the projects are cute, but there aren't enough instructions for me to do most of them. A lot of the bindings presented are kind of intricate, and this book doesn't list step-by-step instructions for them.

Also, a lot of the projects incorporate the use of leather, but I guess you could substitute with pleather or vinyl.

Returned to the library and probably won't buy, but it was a cool book to spend an afternoon browsing through.

[Jase · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many ideas I can't contain them all in my brain.

[Kate Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many cute ideas with good instructions. Colourful and interesting with lots of templates to help you along the way.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is on my to-buy list!