Bookbinding Techniques and Projects (Decorative Techniques) [Paperback]

Josep Cambras (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2008 | Series: Decorative Techniques

The ancient art and craft of bookbinding fulfills both practical and aesthetic functions. A book's binding protects its pages and print while also embellishing the volume's exterior, sometimes transforming an otherwise ordinary book into a true work of art. This how-to manual presents a detailed introduction to the processes and techniques of bookbinding. After opening with a review of bookbinding's history, the author describes the most commonly used bookbinder's tools and materials--many of them specific to the bookbinding craft and available at art supply stores. Next, he explains the procedures involved in producing a book. They include sewing and gluing, as well as paper folding, cutting, decorating, and coloring techniques. Specific practical instruction follows with 17 profusely illustrated, step-by-step bookbinding projects designed to develop a beginning bookbinder's abilities. In addition to creating standard cloth or leather book covers and bindings, the projects include a deluxe photo album, a scrapbook, a document case, a stationery box, a pencil case, a picture frame, a slipcase to hold one or more books, and others. Book lovers who follow the author's clear, illustrated instructions will develop their skills as knowledgeable and proficient bookbinders. Color photo illustrations on every page.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

It’s no accident that this somewhat formal textbook on bookbinding concentrates on teaching by visuals. After all, author-instructor Josep Cambras, based in Barcelona, parlays his expertise originally captured in a 2006 Spanish version, now brought to the U.S. through Barron’s. It is precisely that combination of pedagogy and photography that should draw even first-timers to try this craft. Beginning with a historical overview, continuing to an explanation of tolls and materials, Cambras showcases his expertise initially, in the chapters devoted to half a dozen processes/techniques and the same quality of paper-painting methods. Featured are well-captioned, step-by-step color photographs of different sewing, gluing, and scoring skills as well as choices in paper decorations, from block-printing motifs to painting through folds. Then, 17 projects follow, each building on a skill learned in the preceding project, starting with a portfolio with flaps and ending with a puzzle. Along with dabblers, those interested in simple book restoration will also find tips and techniques in this professional presentation. --Barbara Jacobs

Review

"Cambras showcases his expertise in chapters devoted to half a dozen techniques and the same quantity of paper-painting methods."


—Brad Hooper, Booklist, December 15, 2008

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (March 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764160842
• ISBN-13: 978-0764160844
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 7.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #474,257 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally - a really inspiring book on bookbinding, March 15, 2008

By 

Morten Marius Apenes "M4" (Oslo/Fredrikstad, Norway) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bookbinding Techniques and Projects (Decorative Techniques) (Paperback)

Wow, this is a great book. I should know as I own quite a few books on the subject by now. I have also taken two courses at an old bookbinder master for two seasons, so I know a tiny bit about the subject.

The average books on this subject are very detailed on all the steps on the production of a book. And the long and tideous process it is can be very discouraging to the beginner. This book on the other hand, dives into the fun of it and don't dwell on too many details.

The book is beautifully illustrated with lots of good photos and comments. It has a lot of relevant cases and it is really inspiring. It has an easy going feel to it witch makes you feel you can follow the examples yourself.

The book is not a complete "how to" on more professional bookbinding, but then again, "all" the other books on the subject covers that. "Bookbinding Techniques and projects" is the book on bookbinding that really shows the fun of it, and for me that is the most important thing.

Thanks for reading this
:-)

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous find, October 29, 2009

By 

sobepeace - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bookbinding Techniques and Projects (Decorative Techniques) (Paperback)

I very nearly missed out on this book, because of the three reviews existing when I was considering it, two were extremely negative. Big thanks to my public library for having the book on the stacks, allowing me to try it out directly! So I had to add my two cents for the sake of those who might be in my position.

The book contains an amazing array of processes, techniques, and projects for its size. It explains them cogently through a combination of text and pictures. The verbal instruction, it is true, is a bit minimalist, but in my opinion, pictures do a much better job at describing the steps, and they are plentiful in this text. I am a novice book-maker, currently midway through my first semester-long book arts class at my local community college. While the text may have been a bit confusing to me some weeks ago, even the little I have learned is sufficient to make the instructions readily understandable. Someone more artistically inclined than I (which means pretty much anybody) may not need even this much. The only explanation I can think of for the discrepancy among the reviews to date is that without a minimal level of familiarity with vocabulary and basic technique, some may find the text accompanying projects too skimpy--but by no means everybody. (This might also be the case if you skip the sections on processes and techniques and jump ahead.) The explanations are not heavily detailed, but precise, and supported by clear and abundant graphics. Complete beginners who prefer plenty of verbal explanation might want to combine this book with a class or a detailed, beginning level text. Amazon's "Look Inside" feature will give you a good sense of the style of instruction.

This book lays out the basics of bookbinding in a manner that makes complete sense to me. The initial sections, on the history, materials, standard processes, and complementary art techniques, are stand-alone building blocks. I used them to familiarize myself with the basics, and now return to them as needed to remind myself of the techniques as I practice them--the only way I actually learn this stuff. From there, the projects are creative, inspiring, and fun ways of using the building blocks applied to new techniques. The end products are lovely and wide-ranging. The instructional text weaves in the historical and functional aspects from earlier sections as it discusses the creative projects. I find this enriching and supportive for my budding knowledge. I can see that I will rely on this book for quite a long time. That said, a significantly advanced book artist may find the techniques fairly standard. But the intent of the book, I think, is to lay a good solid foundation from which to experiment with a number of elegant projects of varying degrees of complexity, such that one can move on to still more challenging adventures.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for bookbinding begginers, February 17, 2012

By 

MacaCP - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bookbinding Techniques and Projects (Decorative Techniques) (Paperback)

I think this is one of the best books in bookbinding, it not only has lots of photos, easy projects with explanations and some more difficult projects too, but it also talks about bookbinding story, it teaches you how to make different kinds of papers and it gives you a little insight into the world of book conservation. I have already made one of the books in the projects and it turned out perfectly. I recommend this book 100% Also, I love in Chile and this book arrived safely and fast for and international shipment (in three weeks exactly).