The Artful Storybook: Mixed-Media Artists Create Handmade Tales [Paperback]

Terry Taylor (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

For almost everyone, the thought of storybooks conjures up warm memories of childhood and of much-loved tales. Personalizing stories and storybooks can be a unique way to make these memories even more special. The Artful Storybook is part artist showcase, part how-to book, with a little bit of storybook historical information and a great boatload of inspiration thrown in for good measure. Taylor starts with the basics, giving a little background on the history of children’s books and the various techniques of bookmaking and -binding. The real gem of this book, though, is the featured artist projects. Each creation features descriptions of the artist’s working process, techniques, and summaries of the stories and is accompanied by lavish photos of the completed works. A real treat, this should make any crafter want to start working on stories of his or her own. --Tina Coleman

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books (July 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600591434
• ISBN-13: 978-1600591433
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #442,290 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Terry Taylor is an editor, jeweller and metal artist. He has authored numerous Lark books including Button! Button! 9781600591457, The New Crochet 9781600592188 and Altered Art 9781579905507, and his project designs have been published in over four dozen Lark books.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars I had great hopes with this one but...., September 8, 2008

By 

Suzy W (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Artful Storybook: Mixed-Media Artists Create Handmade Tales (Paperback)

I bought this book on the premise that I would see a couple of good interpretations of the Princess and the Pea fairytale plus other innovative arty book ideas based on popular tales. Instead I got what seems to be an overworked trend : no new illustrative/modern design qualities but loads of overcrowded ephemera collage and vintage bits and pieces.Somehow the concept of storybook and fairytale has shifted to personalised journaling ("Hunter's 10th Birthday")which has the same appeal as being made to sit through someone else's holiday slide night or scrapbooking projects, unless,in this case,you are Hunter's owner.Been there, seen that.These are not children's storybooks or tales. It's a pity that some really great ideas in this book are sacrificed by the
paste/stamping/photo album presentations that are as old and tired as the images used in them. There are some original items in here that do depart from this -Knitting is the passion of Sarah Flocks, Hansel and Gretel.Does everything else have to look worn or vintage or recycled? It's time to move on!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Have!!, July 2, 2008

By 

Dawn Lippincott "Dawn Marie of ARTifact and w... (Minnesota) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Artful Storybook: Mixed-Media Artists Create Handmade Tales (Paperback)

This is a MUST HAVE in your art library! Many well known artists come together to show you there own kick of well known story books. I am a long time follower of Catherine Moore and Sandra Evertson and both have rose to the occasion as expected! This book shows you some simple book making techniques as well as ideas for your own books to make. LOTS of eye candy as well as how to's and ins and outs of book making. I made my first hand made book following the simple instructions and am truely pleased with the results! Next i am going to try my own style doll book! This is a good book to sit and relax and take your time and read and get inspired!!! WELL DONE! Buy this book then go make your own to cherish!

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Artful Storybook: Mixed-Media Artists Create Handmade, June 27, 2008

By 

Brandy Hofmann "Mixed Media Artist" (Sedona, Az. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Artful Storybook: Mixed-Media Artists Create Handmade Tales (Paperback)

I Love Catherine Moore's stamp and art paper collection, I own them all and I am not even a doll person. She has a fresh look and an incredible imagination. The book met up with the cover. All the artists books in there are fantastic! Catherine and Terry Taylor(author) live up to there expertise they are known for.
This book is a look at many artists and how everyone constructed a childrens fairy tale book. Their lay out, plans,color choice, etc. You get a great glimpse on how they all completed their books.
As Terry says curl up for a nice bed time story, you get that as well as an an important art book that one must have for technique. I found as a quilter this was really good for me on balance, value and colors. You don't often see that in all the "art books" being made. These people are experts at their craft. They are all wonderful. The stories they chose and fantastic display of simple book making looking difficult.