Handcrafted Journals, Albums, Scrapbooks & More (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Craft designer Marie Browning has a knack for inventing wonderful books. Her exquisite creations are shown to great advantage in Handcrafted Journals, Albums, Scrapbooks & More in excellent photographs, and are well explained in step-by-step directions. Folded books, envelope books, and simple bound books come alive with decorative papers (for which she also provides instructions), textural covers, artfully threaded bindings, and lovely embellishments like metal charms, pressed flowers, clip-art labels, ribbons, embossed stamps, and more. Most projects are fairly easy, requiring more patience and time than advanced crafting skill. (For slightly more advanced techniques, consult a volume like Sue Doggett's Bookworks). Browning even includes some clever novelty books, such as wandering books (accordion-fold types that meander when opened) and elegant little covers for sticky notes and message pads. This is a beautiful book about making beautiful books. --Amy Handy

Product Description

“Browning...has an artistic touch that sets her book apart....Her projects make good use of handmade paper, natural objects, and currently popular decorative techniques such as thermal embossing. Step-by-step instructions are given for making bindings and lacing entirely from scratch....Excellent addition to public library collections.”—Library Journal.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (December 31, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806939354
• ISBN-13: 978-0806939353
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #222,490 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #31 in	Books > Computers & Internet > Graphic Design > Desktop Publishing
  #44 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Book Making & Binding

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gorgeous Book That Will Inspire You!, April 2, 2000

By A Customer

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!

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book!, July 17, 2000

By	"selket" (Maryland) - See all my reviews

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!

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Handcrafted Journals, Albums, Scrapbooks & More, July 16, 2000

By A Customer

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.