Unique Handmade Books

by Alisa Golden

Every one of these astonishing and original projects will redefine your idea of how a book should look. No simple rectangles here, but one-of-a-kind volumes folded like an accordion; shaped and themed, with windows and envelopes; thickly sewn and decoratively woven; dressed in "wedding netting" for a bride; and made out of paper bags. There are even containers for protection and display, and they can enhance the meaning of a book's text. Along with advice on paints, inks, stencils, transfers, and distressed covers, you'll find fun ways to make collaborative books, including ones to create with a child.

Genres: Art, Crafts, Journaling

144 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2003

Reviews

[Tammy V · Rating 2 out of 5]

Part of my problem with this book is my own inability to follow step by step instructions (or reluctance to or dislike of). I tend to look at the pictures and follow them. Bot this and Creating Handmade Books (also Golden) have step by step instructions that do not necessarily make sense to me or sync well with the (small) illustrations of the steps. Sometimes it seems as if there is a step with no illustration and vice versa. The photos of examples are so small as to be worthless.

I did manage to make a book from these instructions but I had to take it apart and put it back together again - the instructions weren't clear. In making it, I began to see where is should go.

I like "The art of the Fold" aby Hedi Kyle and Ulla Warchol much better simply because the illustrations are larger and not jammed into a page margin.

[Farhana Faruq · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the step-to-step instructions on how to put together most of the books. I also enjoyed reading about what inspired others to make the books they made.

The author herself doesn't come across as someone who has a lot of experience making books - but instead showed what others have done.

I didn't find exactly what I was looking for hence the low rating.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty cool to see so many different kinds of books. Lots of photos. Tutorials. Little stories about the books featured. Helpful and interesting.