Book Arts: Beautiful Bindings for Handmade Books (Paperback)

~ Mary Kaye Seckler (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The term ‘book arts’ is used to describe handcrafted books of all types. When we think of books, the standard case binding is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Those are the books that you find in libraries and book stores everywhere. They have a charm and richness all their own. This book is a must for everyone who loves the creativity of paper. Learn how to make books from scratch with this "how-to" guide and idea book. The binding process is broken down into simple terms with an abundance of clear illustrations and diagrams. All the most popular bindings are featured... piano hinge and accordion, stab binding, concertina and more! Ingenious closures, beads, papers, and personal treasures highlight every project. The book arts world is waiting for your creativity, so let it fly!

About the Author

Mary Kaye Seckler's introduction to books arts came a number of years ago in a series of classes taught by Gayle Burkins and Pam Sussman that she took on a whim. Her passion for books and the creative arts made her an instant connection as she toiled her way through one new stitch after another. Pam and Gayle revealed a whole new artistic world to Mary that fall week-end in a way that was clear, logical and at the same time great fun. Over the years, Mary has learned many of the basic structures you will see in this book from them, and she is grateful for their creativity, patience and humor. Mary urges you to take a class with them if the opportunity arises. You won't regret it!

Product Details

• Paperback: 51 pages
• Publisher: Design Originals (January 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574215302
• ISBN-13: 978-1574215304
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #513,685 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

64 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very clever designs., November 25, 2004

By	Atheen M. Wilson "Atheen" (Mpls, MN United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Although I sort of went crazy and bought several books on handmade books and paper crafts, when it came to actually selecting designs I wanted to try for Christmas gifts for my friends this year it was Book Arts: Beautiful Bindings for Handmade Books by Mary Kaye Seckler that had the most novel and attractive designs. Some of the ideas were similar to those illustrated in other works, but Ms Seckler's actual presentation was impressive. While some of the more elaborate designs in other books were attractive and clever, they left me as a major beginner a little daunted. Book Arts allowed me to produced satisfying results despite my status as novice.

Some of the actual patterns for weaving the signatures together were a little confusing to me. I'm used to fiber crafts like tatting and bobbin lace which have very complicated designs, so I felt that had the illustrations been a little clearer it would have been easier to do. Where the needlework was more straight forward, however, I found the assembly of the book more easily accomplished. Although I've yet to try all of the patterns, I hope to make each one at least once.

Of all of the styles offered, my favorite was the Geisha's Hideaway. It includes a small pencil box and a novel closure. I made a practice run with scrap paper and cardboard backs from tablets during a quiet episode at work and managed to complete the thing in about an hour. I've since made three others using brocade fabric and taking more pains over the precision with which I cut the covers and pencil box, and each took considerably longer, about three hours with gluing and clamping the materials. The results, however, were stunning.

I modified the author's version of the Chinese Star Book by making it a little larger and making a changeable story out of it by placing alternate outcomes from which the reader could chose into pockets at each stage of the story. I got the idea for the story from another book on making books, but chose Ms Seckler's design for the actual book.

By learning the basic techniques of each of the books and altering them to suit a desired purpose, the student should be able to come up with hundreds of clever designs. For those of you used to stamping and to scrap booking, the embellishments you might add to your product through your knowledge of those sources are legion, and you should be very satisfied with the results. .

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, November 3, 2004

By	Apple Grey (Australia) - See all my reviews

The quality of the projects presented in this book is astounding. They are all innovative, creative, inspiring and incredibly beautiful. The different types of binding used in the projects are ingenius and unique. This is definiately one of the best book binding books on my shelf, and is great for people with a some experience. The instructions are set out in blocks of text, so beginners could easily get lost in them. Also, the layout of the pages and instructions are a little disorganised and cramped, but the calibre of the designs far outweigh the slight cons of the book.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An inspiring book..., May 16, 2004

By	Nancy A. Staab (West Virginia USA) - See all my reviews

I continue to be impressed with the caliber of books produced by Design Originals, and "Book Arts" is one of their finer efforts. I particularly like that the author, Mary Kaye Seckler, has included not only clear instructions, but templates. The photography is beautiful and her book art is inspiring. This book deserves a place in your reference library.