Customer Reviews

Handcrafted Journals, Albums, Scrapbooks & More

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have recently become interested in bookbinding and this bookis very inspiring! The entire book is filled with large, close-up,color photographs of the examples! And the ideas are absolutely fantastic! Not only does she show you how to do brag books, scrapbooks, and journals, but she also gives wonderful and unique gift ideas as well that I'll be sure to try out, such as - Fragrant Bath Crystals Book (complete with a super-easy recipe for making the Bath Crystals yourself!), Seed Book and miniature books.

I was also intrigued by her style of decorating the books. She has a section on different ways to not only decorate the cover, but the paper as well! Not something I have seen a lot of in other books about bookbinding.

The only criticism I have is that there were not very many different methods of binding discussed - basically only 3 different kinds (perhaps this is best for someone just beginning). However, the wealth of unique decorating and project ideas more than makes up for this. The beginner as well as the seasoned bookbinder will get wonderful tips and ideas from this book. I own several books on this subject, but still feel that this book is a very valuable asset to my collection.

The color photos make her directions easy to follow, and her unique ideas will inspire you!

I'm new to book making and this is exactly what I needed! The writing is clear and detailed and the illustrations are wonderful. You can easily see how she created each book and understand how to do it before you get started. Some books leave you with questions - or saying "huh, what the heck do they mean by that?" but not this book! And she has a wonderful section on decorating your own paper to use as covers. I compare this book to "Cover to Cover: Creative Techniques for Making Beautiful Books, Journals & Albums" and find this one much easier to understand and more inspiring. Perhaps that book is better for those more familar with the craft. The ideas in this book are so good you not only want to try each one but it gives you the confidence to do it!

I felt this was a wonderful book for a person who is just getting started in bookmaking and binding. It details methods for not only creating various bindings but also describes different methods for adding finishing touches- such as paper types, painting, ribbons, and fabrics- to give your bound projects added flair. I am enjoying the projects that are included in the book, as they provide ideas for future projects.

Marie Browning has the Midas Touch when it comes to crafting. On my most cerebrbally challenged "daze" (I have a huge family, toddlers under three!) I can go to any of her books and choose a project that is both challenging and creative, add my own panache and have soemthing that is uniquely "Alouette." Look at her basic pocket accordion book! She has two different examples (business card and stamps) that give way to more inspiration. She is elegant, she is whimsical. Some of her ideas are very masculine, others are delicate and lady-like. (Crafters often get stumped when coming up with ideas for guys-- she has no shortage of masculine ideas!)

I think this book is an excellent start for beginners. I have never made anything before (book, album, etc.) and once I read through the book one time I was able to make an open spine book in one day. Instructions and photos are great.

Of all the manuals that I have seen on handcrafted books, Marie Browning's is the absolute best! Her instructions are precise and easy to follow. She sets out a basic formula for making a book and goes individually through each material necessary. She illustrates the spectrum of materials that can be used for different parts of the process. A must-have for book artists!

This is a really good book for those into stamping and easy decorative books. The step by step instruction and materials lists are second to none. Page by page the presentation of the finished product is very attractive! A must have for stampers.

I had bought another book in Amazon about scrapbooks and journals and even if it had good pictures of the final projects it lacked photos of the different passages. I have Browning's book now and really you can't go wrong. DIfferent techniques, plenty of explanations, great ideas from the simple "messages" note pad to the more complicated seeds book! I can't wait to try her ideas that I consider as a starting point for my own creativity!

I have not yet started my project, but am confident that this book provides good instruction. The pictures are great, and helpful for sparking new ideas. The instruction is detailed, and there a variety of different techniques displayed. I would have liked a list of sources, instead of just "available fine art stores", but overall this was a good purchase.

This is a good book for beginners because it explains in easy to understand language & there are illustrations. The items needed to complete your project are listed, & include the tools (such as clips) that you might not think of before you start.
There are a variety of books you can make, so just about everyone can find something to do either for themselves or as a gift. There are also some really cool ideas for really different types of books.
I think anyone from young to old can find something to make in this book, & do it without much trouble.