Customer Reviews

Re-Bound: Creating Handmade Books from Recycled and Repurposed Materials

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This book joins a growing list of swell DIY and how-to books on using what we already have to aid us in our creative pursuits. Many artists - especially in mixed-media have been repurposing and recycling elements gleaned from EVERYwhere for years. Re-Bound adds more clever and practical ideas to the mix, and directs them specifically to the creation of handmade books. If you are new to the bookarts community, Re-Bound will serve as as inspirational primer, and if you already have some bookmaking skills under your hat, it will direct you to some new cliffs from which you will definitely want to dive headfirst! There are 16 pages of patterns and templates, excellent step-by-steps with darling little line drawings to illustrate each how-to, and so many suggestions for repurposing your head may spin. I was especially intrigued with Jeannine's felted sweater journal, and the gallery rocks.

I must own literally hundreds of books on various art and craft subjects and I'm trying to downsize, let alone add more. So when I tell you how delighted I am to have found this book and bought it - you'll realize that this is one heck of a fine book. It's enough different from many of the other "make your own journal" books out there to deserve its place of honor on your shelf. Well, my shelf is already full, but it still got a place of honor in the stack on the floor by my chair! I have shown it to a couple of crafty friends and they went out and bought it right away as well.

This takes using recycled materials to a new level - the end results look like something you'd like to own, and to give as gifts. Funky, of course. A book made out of an old cereal box is not going to look like a store bought book - but the instructions produce a funky book that is darned cute. I have already begun planning some Christmas gifts based on the favorite cereal and cookie boxes of my friends. I can't imagine they won't get a kick out of the books, and these books are meant to be used, so they'll gain a journal or note book into the bargain.

I think you'll be very happy with this book if you buy it. Although, to be honest, if you require fairly straight arrow projects or seriously normal projects you might be happier with something a little less outside the box (pun only intended after I wrote this!)

Just when you think you've seen it all, this book opens up a whole new world in arts and crafts! I couldn't put it down. It's loaded with one-of-a-kind projects that push the envelope on creativity, each one accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions, detailed diagrams, and helpful templates. What's more impressive is this book shows you step-by-step how to turn simple household items into sheer works of art. Whether you're a beginner or a die-hard crafts guru, "Re-Bound" is filled with unusual and exciting ideas. As an avid scrapbooker, I can't wait to incorporate these inspiring ideas into my layouts. My personal faves are the purse journal and hot-water bottle journal. Easy to make and they wouldn't cost me a thing since I already have the necessary items lying around at home!

If you're a thing finder or stuff holder you will be delighted with this book as it inspires one to use many of their "treasures" in ways that makes you wonder why you didn't think of it then has you rummaging through your stuff. With the use of piano binding a stash of swizzle sticks can find a new purpose, left over rolls of tickets have a practical use, and the gallery at the end will give you ideas for those board games that are missing a few pieces.

This isn't exactly for the casual book artist with a stash of just papers but that creative person, young or old, with odds and ends at hand. This book and a box of stuff, take a peek inside and see if you have anything to help make a project or two, would make a great gift for that hard to shop for multi media artist.

As an artist and someone who's interested in -- and looks at -- crafts of all types, it's hard to surprise me anymore. But this book does! It's a great mix of well-thought out projects, each with a savvy twist on the hoary scrapbooks/journals I've grown tired of cringing over. Stein has a definite sensibility that somehow avoids the tired, yet, doesn't pander to the 'punk' aesthetic permeating crafting today either. Clear, concise writing and excellent photography really elevate the book from being a mere how-to. The mix of materials used was fun and inspiring and the finished products make both great keepsakes and gifts. New and seasoned crafters will find these projects easily adaptable to their own interests and can be great jumping-off points for projects of their own. This books a definite keeper!

i am a book making afficionado and own many books on making books and this is one of the few that i found to be both inspiring as well as informative and helpful. collage, scrapbooking, mixed media works has become very trendy and i do love that people are increasingly expressing themselves through art making. unfortunately many of the books i have seen sound good but have left me a little flat. this book does not. instructions are clear, projects have a sophistication and depth that takes it a step beyond basic.

"re-bound" is an amazing new book. As a nut for altered books, and just being obsessed by books, this one is spectacular. Not to mention it comes at a time when people are becoming more aware of the environment, not to mention their pocket books. As an artist that enjoys creating books and altered books, this fits just right in. If you have never created your own book, "re-bound" will help guide you down that wonderful path. This is a must have book, I promise you! You will not be disappointed by a single project, and if you have never created a book before, well now is your chance! Just do it!

Even if you've never made a book by hand, one glance through this gorgeous "how to" publication and you'll want to go do SOMETHING fun and creative--probably with things you find around the house or garage. Even if you're more into memory books or "just" rubber stamping cards and collages (as I am), you're going to be inspired. The photos are superb and the author includes very clear instructions along with helpful templates and even a drawn glossary of stitches. Mostly I like to thumb through the book and marvel at the imagination behind these projects. And you can't help but smile at the author's wit--I mean, a "paint-by-numbers" book project?!

Found this book at the library and after reading it I knew I had to have it in my personal library because I knew I would be referring to it again and again. The author shares many fun techniques on making books from recycled materials. The directions are clear and easy to follow.

I'm interested in binding my own books for myself and personalized presents, but even more interested in recycling. I love this book, spells it out for tools, etc. Worth the investment.