Customer Reviews

Creating Books & Boxes: Fun and Unique Approaches to Handmade Structures (Paper Art Workbooks)

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I'll preface this review by saying that I am not a crafty person. But every now and then, I like to challenge myself with an artistic project. After a few too many crooked scarves, I decided to try my hand at origami-style boxes, which is when I ran across "Creating Books and Boxes." This book strikes the perfect balance, whether you're a beginner like me or a serious artist with skills, offering simple, clear instructions, detailed illustrations and gorgeous book-binding, rubber stamping and box-creating projects. It covers so many different types of handmade paper structures--hand-stitched books, photo frames, accordion books, journals, container boxes, round boxes. What I really loved about "Creating Books and Boxes" is how approachable, and yet professional, the instructions are--from the techniques and terms to the materials (adhesives,tools, paper) you need. If you like making gifts with a personal touch, if you're into scrapbooking but hate the cheesy, mass-produced books sold in stores, if you want to make your own journals, this is the quintessential guide to doing it all, and then some. It's also an ideal gift for that hard-to-buy-for DIYer in your life.

I own several books on book-binding, but I'm still struggling with case-bound books - so when an artist whom I respect recommended this one, I ordered it. I found that the instructions are very clear and well-illustrated; and that each project builds on the previous one. Each project contains lists of specific measurements and supplies, but the author also provides formulas for measuring, so that if you have some book-binding experience you can immediately modify the projects according to your own ideas. I felt so excited by the projects and the clarity of instructions that I went on a book-making binge, and made 5 of the projects in 3 days (including a very nice case-bound book). I haven't made any of the boxes yet, but I can see that the instructions for them are as clear as those for the books. I highly recommend this book.

It is an excellent introduction to book arts and box-making craft, and yet it contains information that are helpful to readers with more advanced skills. I have taken several classes from this author, and this book helps me to remember all the important techniques/principles that I learned from his classes: gluing, sewing, cutting, and figuring out the sizes of the paper/chipboard needed to create a specific book or a box. There are 11 book projects - four are of accordian type, one is of photo frame type, and the rest are bound type. And there are four box projects - one is three sided and the rest are four-sided, some with dividers. One of them requires no glue. Each project in this book contains a list of formulas and materials, thus making it easier for me to plan. The directions and diagrams are very readable and easy to follow. The surface treatment section is a nice and brief introduction to altering the appearance of the paper surface - four different techniques are presented. The gallery section contains many beautiful examples of how the basic techniques covered are used in different ways by various artists. It is truly a very informative, instructive, and inspiring book.

I have taken classes with Ben, and his book is written so clearly and easily followed that it is almost like he is standing next to you, going over it step by step. Illustrations are very helpful but his 'real' work is even better. There is such a variety of projects in this book that I know I will keep it as a handy reference.

Paper of all kinds is easy to come by. This book teaches you how to create useful and decorative items from different papers. The author's handmade structures are well illustrated, and the directions are easy to follow. Once taught and inspired the sky's your only limit. Happy Papering!!!!!

Rinehart doesn't make assumptions about how many techniques you know; he just presents basic information in a way that the beginner can understand, but isn't boring to the advanced book artist. I appreciate his photographs of work in progress, and the directions are very understandable.

Really enjoyed this book. Easy to follow instructions and vivid pictures to help you on your way to making fun books and boxes.

Patience is the key word as you review how to create the numerous book covers, inserts, and themed boxes included in this ingenious book, and the outcome is worth the effort.

You'll realize that architecture plays a vital part in this craftsmanship. Rulers, triangles, sewing needles, knives, and more are among the necessary tools. However, the one-of-a-kind creations are worthy of your time and energy.

I've seen similar items sold at New York craft shows for a pretty penny, so if this is your interest, start with the Accordian Book or Simple Box as a foundation to other projects.

No one will ever say they can make the same creations, unless like you they've invested this book. And even then their interpretation will be different.

Shirley Frazier
The Gift Basket Design Book, 2nd: Everything You Need to Know to Create Beautiful, Professional-Looking Gift Baskets for All Occasions

The book was easy to understand and in great condition though bought new. The instructions give a beginner the confidence to make books and boxes.