Bookbinding Techniques and Projects

by Josep Cambras

The ancient art and craft of bookbinding fulfills both practical and aesthetic functions. A book's binding protects its pages and print while also embellishing the volume's exterior, sometimes transforming an otherwise ordinary book into a true work of art. This how-to manual presents a detailed introduction to the processes and techniques of bookbinding. After opening with a review of bookbinding's history, the author describes the most commonly used bookbinder's tools and materials--many of them specific to the bookbinding craft and available at art supply stores. Next, he explains the procedures involved in producing a book. They include sewing and gluing, as well as paper folding, cutting, decorating, and coloring techniques. Specific practical instruction follows with 17 profusely illustrated, step-by-step bookbinding projects designed to develop a beginning bookbinder's abilities. In addition to creating standard cloth or leather book covers and bindings, the projects include a deluxe photo album, a scrapbook, a document case, a stationery box, a pencil case, a picture frame, a slipcase to hold one or more books, and others. Book lovers who follow the author's clear, illustrated instructions will develop their skills as knowledgeable and proficient bookbinders. Color photo illustrations on every page.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Kate]

This was a good overview of several different bookbinding techniques with specific projects. I wished it had focused more on bookbinding than delving into papermaking and marbling techniques.

[Andy]

Pretty good book with lots of pictures. It introduces several different types of binding, and has a few cool projects too (I'm planning to make the travel journal.) He talks a lot about really artsy projects and paper making though, and I feel that is out of the scope of this book.

[Shannon]

The best instructions I’ve found so far on boxes, slip covers, decorating paper, and special covers (windows, inserts for special items.)

[David Ward]

Bookbinding: Techniques and Projects by Josep Cambras (Barron's Educational Series 2007)(686.3) is a "how-to" book about craft projects involving various simple forms of bookbinding for beginners. It is not applicable to one who wishes to craft a binding for an actual book of more than a few pages; perhaps this indicates that the techniques required to do so are more complicated than I expected. My rating: 6/10, finished 5/21/12.

[elaynne]

I actually read this book twice. Once back in November/December 2013 and again this past couple of weeks.

While it has a lot of duplicate information in a lot of the other bookbinding books I've been reading, I've decided to add it to my personal library because there are a few things that I really want to try and just because I read a book doesn't mean I'll remember details about it.

[Judith]

Beautiful book for anyone who wants to make their own book.
I made books for my kids 25 years ago and wanted to do it with my grandson so when I saw this new book at the library I grabbed it.
Pics are wonderful and easy to follow.

[Jennifer]

Cool ideas and fun projects to try. A little heavy on the boxes and photo frames, which are not of interest to me. Glad I checked it out of the library.

[Helga Jacobs]

I enjoyed reading this book. It has interesting projects and techniques available to the reader. It is easily understandable and clear. Another one of my favorites. Totally enjoy this book.

[Ietrio]

A very good book about bookbinding. And all the basic skills are well illustrated with photos.

[Heather]

This was a pretty good manual, but it left out some key steps and descriptions, which made it difficult to follow their instructions.

[Anne Harlan]

Excellent explanatory photographs.