Customer Reviews

Books Unbound

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Books Unbound is the perfect title for this book since it is filled with unusual books, sculptural books and architectural books. The projects in this book are not the kind of books that sit still and quiet, no, these books happily announce to the world "Pick me up! I'm no ordinary book!" They are intriguing, the sort that you want to pick up and see what else is in them. The sort of books that will stretch your idea of what makes a book a book.

Written with Michael Jacobs trademark humor, the book projects begin with simple books and progresses to more complex structures. Michael's exacting directions and accompanying photos are here, as is the metric equivalent of each measurement given.

Possibly the most useful segment of the book is the section on techniques. This section has directions and photos for every skill you need to make any structure in the book. Included are measuring, covering boards, adding flaps, making triangular accordion fold books, creating two button ties, two kinds of stitches, making sleeves, making accordion fold inserts.....nothing has been left out, and there no assumptions that everyone who reads the book has those skills.

More experienced readers haven't been left out, The second section of the book is full of projects suited to advanced bookmakers who will find the projects both inspirational and challenging. There are directions for capacity folds, expandable spines, hinges, adding legs, throwouts, shawl closures, and a bit on wire work scattered throughout.

Having been through books and magazine articles lately whose directions on how to make something say "use a certain kind of die ` and "use this brand or that brand of something" I am delighted to see that the tools and materials needed for the projects in this book are readily available, don't have brand names and don't cost a lot of money.

Michael Jacobs is a 3D kind of guy, and nowhere is his expertise in this area more apparent than in this book.

The book is divided into two sections, with the easiest projects in the first section and the more complex in the second.

Most projects in the book have an "Add Some Kick" and "Alternate Endings" section which takes the project further and gives you ideas to go your own direction. Useful tips are peppered throughout the book, and templates are included for any project that needs one.

The book's first section contains projects under the headings "Super Simple Books", "Travel Journals", and "Books With Pockets". These projects, while simple, are in no way boring or traditional, in fact they are a lot of fun, to make and to look at.

The books in this section in particular would appeal to a wide audience; scrapbookers who want to add surprise elements to their pages, stampers who want something new to work on, and anyone interested in altered arts would enjoy these structures as they are easy to construct and there is plenty of opportunity for embellishments of every kind.

The second section of the book proceeds to books that are moremore sculptural and architectural. There are segments on "Boxes with Books", "Modular Books", and "Wired Books".

The Wire Edge Album is a welcome addition for anyone who is interested in Wire Edge Binding.

This section also contains books that have hidden compartments, various shapes and structures, and are very interactive.

The books in this section appear harder to make than they are. Assembly is broken down into small, easily understood steps. Combined with the technique section at the front of the book, almost anyone can create these projects.

While all 20 projects in the book are sculptural in some way, there are no pop-ups in this book. If you are looking for pop-ups and other fun elements that move, check out Michael's previous book, "Cards that Pop Up, Flip, and Slide".

Absolutely Michael's best work to date and the book only he could do justice to. This book really has it all and is not only perfectly written with THE most concise instructions that one could hope for and anyone can follow ... each project becomes more exciting than the last.

As an author, project designer and workshop instructor, working with my amazingly talented husband Opie, we truly believe the success of a how-to book depends on the quality of instruction given and this book is like having Michael with you, 24/7.

The entire book appeals to us on every level and I particularly love the range of creativity shown in the alternate endings. Every project is eye candy and i'm totally blown away by both the Sky House and the Story House books. If you have an interest in bookmaking, paper, sculpture or just appreciate beautiful things in general, then this book is a definite must-have. Highly recommended by Linda and Opie O'Brien, authors of Metal Craft Discovery Workshop.

My book shelves are full of books on bookmaking. Many repeat the usual instructions for traditional bindings, sometimes with a little twist or inovation. However this book takes inovation a giant step forward. I have made matchbook drawers and pyramid boxes before but Michael Jacobs sent my imagination reeling. His creations are so exuberant and so inspiring but not beyond the capabilities of an average crafter. The illustrations and instructions are well laid out and easy to follow. This book is a "must have."

Books Unbound: 20 Innovative Bookmaking Projects is the book Michael Jacobs has always been meant to write.

Michael is a mixed-media book artist who teaches paper craft and book arts workshops at art retreats, conferences, and workshops. He has written two previous books, Cards That Pop Up, Flip & Slide and Creative Correspondence (which he co-authored with his wife Judy).

Having had the pleasure to take a bookmaking workshop from Michael, I know first hand that he is an inspirational and informative instructor. He also has a great sense of humor and offers practical sound advise while making the art of book making fun. His book, Books Unbound, displays all these qualities and more.

The book offers well-written step-by-step directions on 20 well-crafted projects that are as fun to look at, as they are fun to make. They include a fold-and-cut book that features French doors; a criss-cross book with overlapping books mounted on a base; a matchbox structure that contains miniature books; and a whole lot more.

The book starts out with an introduction on making books, which includes the tools and materials needed. The tools are broken down into a basic tool kit as well as an auxiliary tool kit.

The introduction also provides techniques that are important to know before starting the projects in the book. They include determining grain; using a ruler; scoring, folding and creasing; and basic book making instructions.

The projects are divided into two sections. The first section includes simpler projects for the beginner just getting started in bookmaking. However the stimulating designs offers even the more experienced bookmaker inspiring and delightful projects.

The second section has more complex projects that build on the skills from the introduction and first section of the book. These projects are more challenging but the detailed step-by-step instructions walk both beginners and experienced bookmakers through the process effortlessly.

This book is highly recommended. It's full color, detailed pictures along with clear step-by-step directions will have any one interested in making books well on their way to making beautiful, artful book structures.

I bought this book after reading all of the wonderful reviews of it. I've been making handmade books and I have several other books on the subject and wanted to add another to my idea arsenal. What a disappointment this book is! I won't make a single project, and although I read the book cover-to-cover there is nothing I'll take with me. If you are interested in making paper art sculptures to display (and collect dust), then this book may be perfect for you! If you are interested in making BOOKS that are practical and useful and actually resemble BOOKS then look elsewhere.

I really like this book because the ideas in it are unique and "out of the box." It inspires me to try new things besides what I see others do. The instructions are very complete. If you love book structures this is full of interesting ideas. Books that go this way and that way and every other way.

I'm looking forward to trying some of these books out. This is well illustrated and I'm looking forward to using this book.

I bought this book thinking that my granddaughter(7) and I could use it to guide us in making books, but the designs were elaborate and artsy. I sold it on e-bay shortly after I received it.

There are not enough positive words in the dictionary for this book. It's far better than I anticipated.