More Making Books By Hand: Exploring Miniature Books, Alternative Structures, and Found Objects

by Peter Thomas, Donna Thomas

This must-have book for newcomers to the popular art of bookmaking teaches all the basics and features easy and interesting projects that allow self-expression and experimentation. More experienced bookmakers and paper enthusiasts will also note that it offers a wealth of practical tips and techniques in one handy resource. All the basic bookmaking techniques include lots of specialized tips. Simple book structures, miniature books, and a wide variety of projects that highlight themes such as travel, music, even wearable books -- a book necklace and earrings -- provide creative variations on traditional ideas. The authors share innovative, unique, and previously unpublished binding structures that incorporate scrolls, flaps, folders, and more. In addition, some book projects are made from unusual materials or found objects, such as a book out of a ukulele, a real accordion book, a book diorama in a cigar box, and other experimental creations.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Crafts, Books About Books

144 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2004

About the author

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Reviews

[Bryan Whitehead]

I read this book at the wrong point in my book-making career. I’m in my getting-my-feet-wet phase, just trying to figure out what goes into assembling an art book. So I found myself a bit overwhelmed by all the extremely specific instructions for creating various kinds of unusual books. Indeed, without the copious illustrations, I would have been completely lost. Thus I may find myself back here at some point in the future when I’m ready to break out the tools, stock up on supplies and actually start making. The examples from the authors’ work are also helpful, though I found their well-to-do white people’s aesthetic a bit inaccessible. Overall this does a solid job of providing what the title promises.

[Marcie Lovett]

Interesting ideas, difficult to follow the instructions.

[Nancie Lafferty]

Interesting crafting ideas and the methods and mechanics of creating them.

[Margaret K]

This was the second of two books on modern bookmaking from the new book shelf at the library and this was a winner. Directions are clear and concise with a good glossary of terms. Should you wish to make and bind special occasion books, miniature books or other gimmick type books, there are excellent diagrams and many clever ideas to start thinking about. Unlike the handmade books surveyed in the The Book as Art these examples are less pretentious and in some cases add art to the idea of book. A recommendation for anyone interested in making things (or even armchair producers).

[Sally]

Boy, do I love reading craft books; what eye candy! This one has such beautiful miniature books. Miniatures and book-making are 2 things I just adore! Actually made a mock-up of a few styles, but no finished projects yet.

[Joan]

This is a pretty good book to have on hand. Easy to follow instructions and pictures make it easy to do the projects shown in the book. Good points and hints are given. You can use it to make your own or follow those shown.

[Anca Maria]

I like the book.