Customer Reviews

Playing with Books: The Art of Upcycling, Deconstructing, and Reimagining the Book

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This amazing book features the work of many artists who excel in their field. They deconstruct, re-organise, shape and form books into works of art. An art that has become known as upcycling. Discover the techniques from bookbinding to origami that make these incredible works possible. Anyone who loves books or book-making will find a place for this book on their bookshelf as well as in their heart. It is full of fascinating work, beautifully presented. Find out how to understand the makings of a book, salvage old prints and illustrations to use in your work. I love the pocketbook, the paper houses, the necklaces and blooms not to mention the folding, manipulating and inspiring details in this book. The gallery takes you several steps further, showing the ultimate in what is achievable with good artist profiles. This review first appeared on Karen Platt's book review website.

I was soo excited when this book arrived. The book itself is beautiful. The photographs are incredible. Unlike other craft/art books the photos are uncluttered and easy to comprehend. However this is like 2 books put together. One the one hand there are these wonderful art pieces made from books of course, in the back there is a gallery of artist and photos including some of my favorites. The "other" book is the projects which are mostly crafty not arty. Many on of the instructions are skimmpy, for instance one of the projects turns a book into a clock, The instructions say buy clock parts, drill the appropiate size hole and inssert the clock parts. I would have liked much more instruction, like how does one drill thro. an intire book, how do you secure the book, whats the best drill etc. As i mention before the book is full of wonderful art, but not one of the craft projects is related to the art or show any techniques used by those artist.

I have been an avid reader for over 15 years, which means that I have boxes upon boxes of books that I refuse to get rid of. Playing With Books gives people like me a creative and easy way to reuse books for various purposes. Let me rephrase that, I have learned to convert my old books into beautiful pieces that were functional and original. Thompson did a great job at giving a clear overview of items needed to construct certain projects which prepared me in advance for my two favorite projects. I particularly liked the "Book to Bloom" project which used book pages to create flower blossoms that could be set up in neat arrangements. "Papier (and Clay) Mache" was another great project that used decorative book pages to create small woodland creatures that could be embellished to your liking. This project is great to do with kids who may even have old picture books laying around.
In all, Playing With Books is great for anyone who is a book collector or who is artistically creative. Even the not so crafty person will enjoy this book for its visuals alone.
Its a great buy!

As someone who looks for ways to re-purpose old books and magazines, I couldn't wait to receive my copy. When I got it I was not disappointed. I must have read it 3 times the evening it arrived (and several times since). First, I enjoyed flipping through the photographs, then reading the instructions, and lastly prioritizing the projects I want to try.

Beautifully organized with easy to follow instructions and lovely pictures, it is a book I'll use many times for reference as well as inspiration.

This book is one of 4 that I found in a local bookstore that I adored but refused to spend so much money. When it arrived in my mail box I found it to be well worth the full price and rockin' at the discount.

Wonderful ideas, promotion of recycling, beautiful images, simply explained instructions, lovely creations that won't take an eternity. I adore this book. Due to budget costs and the rising costs of books, I've only bought 5 books in the last two years and this is one of them. LOVE IT!

I really enjoyed this book. Definitely for the more artsy type; however, who doesn't have books sitting around somewhere. As a college student this book is a great way to take what we all have and cherish and reuse it in daily life. As a college student it is an absolutely fabulous way to be creative but money conscious at the same time. From wrapping presents, to creating pencil holders you can be savvy and artsy. The artwork from other artist is great for personal inspiration and the beginning of the book includes a mini tutorial for certain types of adhesives, cutting tools, laminating, and a how-to on manipulating books/paper. Some of the projects are for the more skilled artists but they all include what materials are needed for each individual project and some considerations for each project which makes them easier to tackle. It's quite an inspiring book!

I am obsessed with this book. I'm doing all the paper folding projects and thoroughly enjoying them! The beatiful photography in the books is equally inspiring. This book speaks to me so much, that I've been spending my saturdays, since I got the book, cutting and folding book pages..
I teach art to kids, (along with being a professional artist) and I'm going to show the kids how to do some of these projects. My dad taught me origami when I was a kid.....
here are pics of what I've done [...]

When I first saw this book, I fell in love with the pictures. Then, several weeks later, I just happened to be driving by a small, neighborhood library and saw a box of books sitting under the eaves, getting drenched by a thunderstorm. Now, had this library had a copy of Thompson's book, the books would have been donated to the nearby school so that they could be re-incarnated into some beautiful art and craft.

I have given this book to several friends and, like me, each has told me of the hours and hours of fun they have had with loved-ones: grandchildren, life partners, school children and even a group of senior citizens. This book shines with creativity, imagination, and hope for a greener world.

I can't wait to dive into my next project.

As a bibliophile who hates to part with books, I no longer have to carry out the distasteful task of throwing them away. Unfortunately, most of us have books that we don't want. Every year, libraries are forced to discard old text books and extra copies of has-been bestsellers. Jason Thompson, in Playing with Books, offers a clever way to recycle, or, "upcycle," books that even the library used book sale doesn't want. The book features numerous projects for those unwanted books and passé texts. Instead of reluctantly tossing books into the recycle bin--where only a small percentage are recy-cled anyway--even an amateur can turn pages and book covers into objects both useful and beautiful. Some projects require only scissors, glue and a pair of eager hands. More complicated ones might necessitate a router or a jigsaw.

Although some can be constructed by a child, others are sophisticated enough for one adult to give to another. Envelopes and boxes assembled from book pages make fine enclosures for gifts, and the author even includes instructions so you can top off your gift box with an exquisite bow fashioned from yet another page. Decorative book pages are converted into a book bag--an old book carries your new books!

Thompson's imagination has taken flight. Every time I pick up the book I am amazed at a project I missed before.

If you're looking for examples of paper crafts and book art, there are other books that are more comprehensive, like Papercraft: Design and Art With Paper or Masters: Book Arts: Major Works by Leading Artists. But Playing with Books is fantastic for people who like to get their hands dirty. There are lots of tutorials on crafting books into other forms, and making fun and creative things with book pages.

Most of the projects are easy even for beginner paper crafters and lovers. How about folding a nice sheet of paper to make a special envelope? Or cutting up some paperback covers into postcards? Too easy? All right then, try making your own billfold, beads, bag, flowers, ornaments, mobile, gift box or wreath. The photo-accompanied instructions will help you do all that.

There is also a gallery of book artworks that are a feast for the eyes. If you like to make things with your hands, this book is definitely fun!