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Bound: Over 20 Artful Handmade Books
Bind a book beautifully, with these whimsical and stylish projects from bookbinder extraordinaire Erica Ekrem. With her novel approach to traditional techniques, and the use of repurposed materials, Ekrem has devised creative fun for book artists of all levels. Choose from three Vintage, Nature, and Leather. Make books from mason jars and seashells, a classic leather-bound photo album, and other works of art.
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2015
37 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 9, 2018
If like me you love paper, and books, then this will be of enormous interest to you.
Handmade books, no matter how small can be every expensive. Bound gives you all the information needed to create your own beautiful books with minimal effort.
Leather, Paper, even Mother Nature gives you something with to make and wonderful and original construction which can showcase your photographs, hold on to your memories or leave empty and give as an ideal gift.
Easy to follow instructions and inspiring ideas and designs will enable you to learn new skills and develop something exquisite.
I loved the Mason Jar idea, it is quirky and imaginative. Pressed flowers and buttons are all used to encourage and induce individuality and inventiveness.
This is a book of wonder and imagination. It would make a wonderful gift, and I imagine hours of fun for every age group. Even small children with a little help can make their own book of vision.
If you follow my blog you will see how I created a Junk Journal (post 20th June)
Handmade books, no matter how small can be every expensive. Bound gives you all the information needed to create your own beautiful books with minimal effort.
Leather, Paper, even Mother Nature gives you something with to make and wonderful and original construction which can showcase your photographs, hold on to your memories or leave empty and give as an ideal gift.
Easy to follow instructions and inspiring ideas and designs will enable you to learn new skills and develop something exquisite.
I loved the Mason Jar idea, it is quirky and imaginative. Pressed flowers and buttons are all used to encourage and induce individuality and inventiveness.
This is a book of wonder and imagination. It would make a wonderful gift, and I imagine hours of fun for every age group. Even small children with a little help can make their own book of vision.
If you follow my blog you will see how I created a Junk Journal (post 20th June)
October 15, 2018
some good ideas, but not a ton of variety.
April 19, 2017
This book is a useful guide with inspiring ideas of how to create your very own book. There is a range of projects covered, from how to deconstruct a vintage book to re-purpose the cover, to various styles of stitches and knots for binding, and even a guide to making vintage bookmarks. There are detailed step by step instructions with illustrations alongside. I enjoyed how the author encourages the use of found materials, such as cigar boxes and seashells. Though I didn't attempt any of the projects (yet), the instructions seem easy to follow, and the author's passion for the subject comes through. She states in the forward "I invite you to think of this book as a book binding course", and it seems just that. This book is a great guide for book lovers looking to dive into a new craft project.
May 29, 2015
This book is packed with dozens of fascinating ideas how you can create your own books. Designs offer styles in leather and cloth, as well as unique bindings such as shells or pieces of wood. This is a great way to express your creativity in a truly unique gift.
December 11, 2021
Some unusual ideas using vintage books, natural materials and leather. Nothing that intrigued me enough to make, however. Would be helpful to have more photos, showing details of the projects, instead of just one or two.
Want to read
March 13, 2021Available in the Milwaukee Library System
First section is a decent illustrated glossary of stitches
Shares a clever and easy technique for decorative end sheets.
most projects list the 'Stitch Used'
Sections of interest
Exposed Spine Alternative - a photo or graphic is used as an external spacer
pg 56-57 - uses a long stitch
Leaflet - a folded fresh leaf
pg 75-77 - Pamphlet stitch
Fugitive ink - page 78
Last year's violet - introduced to by Vintage Page Designs
pg 92-95 - Running stitch (uses 2 colors)
The Long Stitch -Gathered stitch on page 101
Pamphlet stitch with 2 signatures
Hanging Ledger - stab binding
pg 108-112
I also like the star stich on page 113-115
Last, Book of Reminders; pg 133-139
Running Stitch - 6 signatures of 6 folded pages
colorful threads are attached to a face page of each signature - reminder threads
First section is a decent illustrated glossary of stitches
Shares a clever and easy technique for decorative end sheets.
most projects list the 'Stitch Used'
Sections of interest
Exposed Spine Alternative - a photo or graphic is used as an external spacer
pg 56-57 - uses a long stitch
Leaflet - a folded fresh leaf
pg 75-77 - Pamphlet stitch
Fugitive ink - page 78
Last year's violet - introduced to by Vintage Page Designs
pg 92-95 - Running stitch (uses 2 colors)
The Long Stitch -Gathered stitch on page 101
Pamphlet stitch with 2 signatures
Hanging Ledger - stab binding
pg 108-112
I also like the star stich on page 113-115
Last, Book of Reminders; pg 133-139
Running Stitch - 6 signatures of 6 folded pages
colorful threads are attached to a face page of each signature - reminder threads
November 4, 2019
How to create a pretty special handmade book yourself...Very well explained, lovely designs - I was awkwardly sad when I had to return it to the library...
P.S. In the shelf of Creative books I'd give 5 stars but here I add 3 - this number of stars because it is not Literature. Because in general Goodreads makes a comparison with Classics I rate it that way.
Sorry, OK, I correct it to 4. :)
Thank you, Erica, for sharing your craft!
P.S. In the shelf of Creative books I'd give 5 stars but here I add 3 - this number of stars because it is not Literature. Because in general Goodreads makes a comparison with Classics I rate it that way.
Sorry, OK, I correct it to 4. :)
Thank you, Erica, for sharing your craft!
April 19, 2020
This was such a fascinating book. The author not only let you see the finished works, but took you through a step-by-step series of photographs and drawings to allow you to try your own hand at making homemade books! And the bug has bitten me!
I adore this book, and am keeping it closely available as I craft my own handmade books. Instructions are given clearly, and concise, so as to not cause any confusion. You really will enjoy this book!
I adore this book, and am keeping it closely available as I craft my own handmade books. Instructions are given clearly, and concise, so as to not cause any confusion. You really will enjoy this book!
December 29, 2016
Love the creative ideas in this book. It expands your mind to think outside the box to make your own creations when using unconventional book covers for binding. Unique. The wow! factor is inspiring.
November 22, 2017
I love making books and this book is full of projects to keep me busy for a very long time.
April 23, 2020
Mostly good projects but some I would never make.
January 16, 2021
Great ideas, lots of pictures, clear directions—absolutely lovely!
February 14, 2021
It's interesting, although the majority of the books are exposed spine without cases. There are a few fun ideas.
December 4, 2024
Expected information about hand-made books, but this is more a reference guide confused into trying to be a how-to manual. It starts with tons of definitions about parts and materials, moves to a combination of more definitions and challenges about what "you" want to do.
Beautiful, likely quite accurate, maybe written for a class, to be used with lectures? Plan to tackle this again, by intentionally reading the parts OUT of the order presented.
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2nd read - Many fun do-it-yourself projects. This would be best accomplished with friends or an instructor to guide the delicate touches needed. However the overall 'message' is that ANYTHING that can be hole-punched with an awl can be made into a book - large sea shells, pressed flowers, a sweater...
Its fun and worth perusing. At the least readers should take away a new way of looking at printed books, and an appreciation for the art that went into their creation. Also an appreciation for the large range of book types ... hand bound, glued, tied, snapped...
May pursue a 3rd read in the summer, given time and a sense of adventurousness. Could expect to see some nice pieces at local farmer's markets or art fairs, except ... all the parts and pieces for this type of project need to be sought and acquired. It seems like 'quilting' for bound paper products, but unlike quilting, the components are not likely already in the house, outgrown or worn out and waiting to be repurposed. That is, a torn shirt or tie with a persistent spot can become a nice element in a quilt. but how many people save old books to be taken apart and recovered, rather than, say, sold at a used bookstore? (Or in the case of old worn/torn paperbacks, used as tinder?)
Still, opens up a whole new avenue for the handy person. Maybe combine this with paper-making... This book does leave the reader confident that all the info needed to succeed is provided. But practice without supervision would be an exploration, as with any new craft attempted solo.
Beautiful, likely quite accurate, maybe written for a class, to be used with lectures? Plan to tackle this again, by intentionally reading the parts OUT of the order presented.
----------------
2nd read - Many fun do-it-yourself projects. This would be best accomplished with friends or an instructor to guide the delicate touches needed. However the overall 'message' is that ANYTHING that can be hole-punched with an awl can be made into a book - large sea shells, pressed flowers, a sweater...
Its fun and worth perusing. At the least readers should take away a new way of looking at printed books, and an appreciation for the art that went into their creation. Also an appreciation for the large range of book types ... hand bound, glued, tied, snapped...
May pursue a 3rd read in the summer, given time and a sense of adventurousness. Could expect to see some nice pieces at local farmer's markets or art fairs, except ... all the parts and pieces for this type of project need to be sought and acquired. It seems like 'quilting' for bound paper products, but unlike quilting, the components are not likely already in the house, outgrown or worn out and waiting to be repurposed. That is, a torn shirt or tie with a persistent spot can become a nice element in a quilt. but how many people save old books to be taken apart and recovered, rather than, say, sold at a used bookstore? (Or in the case of old worn/torn paperbacks, used as tinder?)
Still, opens up a whole new avenue for the handy person. Maybe combine this with paper-making... This book does leave the reader confident that all the info needed to succeed is provided. But practice without supervision would be an exploration, as with any new craft attempted solo.
April 25, 2021
A nice compliment to her other bookbinding title, with similar though not the same types of charming book projects. Have already mapped out my intentions!
January 31, 2017
Many binding techniques covered, with step-by-step, written instructions provided for each. Illustrations accompany key steps. Compared to books with more techniques, this one seems to omit the myriad variations you could apply to each technique, but those provided are solid foundations that can be tinkered with.
There are several unconventional examples which are mainly creative or unexpected cover materials or cover decorations.
There are several unconventional examples which are mainly creative or unexpected cover materials or cover decorations.
February 25, 2016
This book has a nice variety of projects, some made from scratch, some repurposed old books, even one made from a seashell. I've read a bunch of bookmaking books but this one has a few stitching patterns that I hadn't seen before so that's nice. It also has a handful of projects that are related but not actual books, such as a flower press and bookmarks.
August 31, 2015
Loved this book. Great projects, explanations and pictures/diagrams!!! Can't wait to try out some of the projects.
April 3, 2017
Oh the things I would do if I had the time! I really loved the little ideas in this book. I think I will rediscover it in about 20 years when I can have a new hobby!!
December 18, 2015
Such gorgeous handmade books featured in this book, I love them all but I think I may make the moon journal.
March 26, 2016
Great for bookbinders with experience looking to stretch creativity!
January 1, 2025
Good resource for nice step by step instructions for a multitude of bindings.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews