Making Handmade Books: 100+ Bindings, Structures & Forms Paperback – Import, January 4, 2011

I found this title through my local library, and checked it out until I exceeded the number of times I could check it out. At that point I knew I had to get my own copy for my home library. I have several other titles on binding books, each with its own reasons to recommend it, and I am not a beginner in making handmade books. The thing I enjoyed so much about this volume is the number of new ways to bind, fold and construct paper into interesting kinds of books. That was something not as present in my other books, and a welcome addition. Some methods require sewing, some need glue, and there are several other methods that need neither! These books could be made by children, but some are brain teasers that are enjoyable to work through and learn, making a book result that's unique.I found the diagrams and photographs to be just what was needed, not overwhelming but with enough information visually to guide me through the instructions. Some things do need to be worked through manually to be totally understood, but I found that interesting and challenging, not a problem.I liked the suggestions for uses that were made for the different forms of books and cards, but expanded on them for some of my own individual projects, which didn't narrow me down to a narrow channel I felt I had to choose.I have made six different design styles of books from this volume so far, and have ideas to keep trying on other forms. Journaling, printmaking, drawing and painting will all find their way into results from this book by Alisa Golden. I find myself re-reading it from the beginning even after finishing the whole volume, and finding new nuggets of useful information the second and third time through. The narratives and stories about the origins of some of the designs make it seem more personal and less like a textbook, and I enjoyed reading them as much as the instructions for the volumes.In short - buy and enjoy this book no matter what your level of knowledge or your plans for creating and you will find your own useful bits to try and interesting things to encourage your creativity. Thank you, Alisa Golden, for the original volumes and for this compiled union of your earlier books, I love it and I know I will continue to enjoy it in the future!

Well designed, well photographed with good descriptions

Need to use instructions yet from this book. They are clearly written.

This is a really nice book on all sorts of different ways to make structures for handmade artist books. However, I agree that it is not really a beginners' book -- in college I spent about two years on a student library job repairing books and making acid-free boxes for books in too bad shape to repair. Even with this experience, I realize I may still have to get an easier book to brush up my skills (I was in college a while ago). It's a great book to get ideas from and, possibly, learn how to do them (the second part probably depends on your background and natural talent for this type of work).

I was a bookbinder (hobby) decades ago. I learned from the best but I thought I'd forgotten a lot. I love this book, it has numbered and illustrated steps and is very clear. There is a wide array of things to make. I don't want bookbinding history. I want a refresher course in technique. That is what this is for me. I almost did not buy this book due to a long review on here advising people not to. I'm glad I went ahead and purchased it. It really is a great book. What I miss the most are all of the little tricks that you never really pick up in a book but from a well-experienced bookbinder.

This book is a gem...it is loaded with various way to construct handmade books. It will come in handy as I venture into this craft. Thank you!

I loved this book! There are so many different book ideas and inspiration, I can't wait to get started with new mini books and journals! I have made quite a few of my own books but I never felt like I had enough know-how as far as bindings or different construction techniques to do what I wanted, but now I have this book for ideas and reference and I'm so excited!! There are tons of different styles to make accompanied with pictures of the completed project. And for only $10.49 I think this is the best deal I have ever gotten for a creative book! The only thing I think could be improved is that the visual directions are illustrated (they do have well written directions, I am just more of a visual person)and sometimes a bit confusing, I think step by step real photos would be easier to follow. But I am so happy I purchased this book and I see a lot of book making in my future!! I highly recommend this!