Bookworks: Books, Memory and Photo Albums, Journals and Diaries Made by Hand (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "THE HISTORY OF THE BOOK IS RICH and varied, and so closely linked with the development of language, technology, and culture that it could be..." (more)
Key Phrases: Sue Doggett, Clare Bryan, Dividers Bone (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Many unique books can be made by building on just two basic structures, the Eastern-based accordion fold and the Western-developed codex (the kind with sewn pages). Artist and bookbinder Sue Doggett explains both methods in detail, supporting the step-by-step instructions with colored diagrams. The book stresses process over product; the 10 projects in the final chapter are as fully explained as the techniques and variations in the first six chapters, but the scope of the project section is far more limited and the photos of finished products less numerous than in some other titles. Newcomers or those with less time will find more immediate satisfaction with a choice like Marie Browning's Handcrafted Journals, Albums, Scrapbooks & More. But for those interested in an in-depth lesson on high-quality creations, this is an excellent guide to the subject. --Amy Handy

Product Description

Bookworks is a comprehensive introduction to the exciting craft of bookmaking. It takes the basic skills of bookbinding and combines them with contemporary bookmaking techniques, enabling anyone to create beautiful works of art.



The recent upsurge of interest in books and bookmaking has attracted both artists and craftspeople, culminating in an exciting array of innovative approaches to this time-honored handicraft. The book in its various forms, from albums and journals to notebooks and gift pieces, is valued here for its utilitarian functions as well as for being a medium for artistic expression. A book can be a blank portfolio for inserting photographs, artworks, and specially chosen words, or it can be a decorative work of art that uses the basic form of the book as its foundation.



Bookworks is divided into two sections. The first takes you through all the necessary materials and basic techniques, from accordion folds to Japanese stitching, with inspirational galleries of examples for firing your imagination. The final section is filled with ten unique projects that use the techniques developed earlier and include jazzed-up old favorites, such as a scrapbook and a diary, as well as more unusual forms, such as the theater and star-shaped books.
Cast your eyes over the wealth of stunning designs and develop your bookmaking skills to produce a wonderful library of artworks.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823004910
• ISBN-13: 978-0823004911
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #136,175 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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

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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

133 of 137 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this one, it's fabulous, May 7, 2000

By	Aisling D'Art "artist and author" (Portsmouth, NH USA) - See all my reviews

Ordinarily, I don't buy books that show specific projects and then give instructions. However, this book features truly unique and inspiring ideas for wonderful art/books. For example, star-shaped books (looking from above, not pages cut out in star shapes), books with three-dimensional pages (like classic Italian stage design), and books using innovative approaches, not just "pop up" stuff. If you choose rubber stamps that are "NOT cute," then you'll like this book. No, it doesn't have anything to do with rubber stamping, per se, but I'm making a point: Real artists will love this book. Within hours of just browsing through this book, I had already set up a major bookmaking project that is tremendous fun, and more personally expressive than most paperart projects I do. If you don't buy this book, please get your library to order it. This is a must-read if you're interested in paper and art.

77 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Full of fresh ideas for all, inspriational galleries, October 24, 1999

By	Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This is a wonderful bookbinding book. The projects here range in skill level from beginning to advanced. Step-by-step instructions accompanied by color illustrations guide you seamlessly through techniques & projects.

I like how the techniques, such as folding types, pamphlet sewing, multisection sewing, attaching covers & making containers to place the books in are taught before going on to the projects.

My favorite book is actually four books assembled with Japanese style stitches & encased in a wraparound box. It is really nice that it shows you how to rebind your favorite books as well. I have not seen this covered in other books.

I love two-page gallery sections that follow each book type. They are very inspiring. The supplier's list & bibliography are nice bonuses. With lots of fresh ideas, this book makes a great gift for yourself or a friend.

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great addition to my bookbinding reference library., April 16, 1999

By A Customer

Owning several bookbinding references, I still felt like I needed this one. Good, easily understood instructions, great gallery. Still has some tips for the experienced artist book creator.