Customer Reviews

Unique Handmade Books

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

 

 

Ms. Golden's previous book, "Creating Handmade Books", was my introduction to bookbinding. I made my first books using her directions, so it was with great anticipation that I opened the cover of her latest book. I was not disappointed in the least here. Again, the book is chock full of both traditional and non-traditional binding methods. There are some really clever ideas in here, and the artists books she shares are wonderful. I spent an hour just looking at the pictures. I have made several books using the directions in "Unique Handmade Books" and had no problems following them and was very satisfied with the results. I own 20+ books on bookbinding, and this book will land on the top of the pile to be referred to again and again. This title is of special interest to those who create artists books - it is not about fine binding, it is about creating beautiful, original, "unique handmade books" and it is indispensible to anyone interesting in creating just that.

Let me begin by saying that I picked this book as a suppliment to my other craft projects. It's a delight, however, I mustn't mislead you, I don't have any other related books on the subject of book binding or creating, and even though I'm an artist, I didn't take a class on the subject in college. There may indeed be more comprehensive texts out there, though I have not gone looking for them.

That said, this is an excellent book in the sense that it contains projects which are unique, challenging, and very creative. The examples (all full color photography accompanied by illustrations in the directions) are VERY diverse and dramatic. Ribbons, fortunes from fortune cookies, paper grocery bags, playing cards, plastic, stamps, and leather are just a few of the funky materials that make their way into becoming part of the books. Furthermore, while some of the books are indeed sewn spines, others are accordian folds, scrolls, quilts, Jacob's ladder, pockets, card file, and exquisite corpse styles. There is a little something for everyone in here.

Much of what you'll find in the Unique Handmade Books, is what you put into it. Again, it is about projects - getting creative with papers, glues, some acryllic paints if you so choose, and the extent to which you feel good about variations that are sewn bindings, or other styles. This is also about YOU writing, drawing, and collaging what goes inside - which is at least half the fun. Take a look inside if you get a chance, as you'll see, the possibilities are thrilling.

This is a beautiful book, abundant with projects that are stimulating and easy to follow. What a pleasure to leaf through--so many inventive techniques and materials. I admire the craftsmanship of the examples and simultaneously plan my own versions of them. This book is inspiring--not intimidating.

I'm sure glad I ignored the negative comment noted here and took a chance. It's a wonderful resource!

I own and use in the classroom Golden's previous title, "Creating Handmade Books" already. For my art students who are interested in exploring beyond those bookforms in the earlier title, "Unique Handmade Books" provides me with an excellent companion book. Both titles are clearly written and beautifully reproduced, with lots of wonderful photographs of diverse bookform designs. I can't keep my students out of the books!

Now having 3 of Alisa's books, I have come to expect a book loaded with good projects and clear instructions. There is some repeat from book to book but not so much that each book is not worth owning. Also includes lots of great information on paper and other materials.

What a disappointment! Technical skills are sorely lacking here with poorly stitched books, flat colors, mitered corners that are not done well and photographs that do not reveal the clarity and light necessary for showing these three dimensional items. I see no types of books in this text that have not been detailed with better examples in numerous other texts....a waste of money and time.