Unique Handmade Books [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

by Alisa Golden (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Most people visualize a book as the standard set of text-laden pages bound between two covers. But this traditional format is simply one of the nearly infinite possibilities once an artist gets ahold of the concept, as Alisa Golden ably demonstrates in Unique Handmade Books. Against the backdrop of her own work as well as the contributions of 13 other book artists, Golden explores various approaches to creating one-of-a-kind handmade "books."

Dozens of project instructions teach you how to make assorted book forms, including accordion-fold constructions, pocket pages, simple binding methods, and more unusual forms such as tunnel books (layered boxed scenes resembling dioramas) or Jacob's ladder books. You'll also learn less tangible skills such as how to find ideas, play with design concepts, and make a collaborative book. Since these creations are often more like mixed-media sculpture than volumes to be read, the projects serve more as a general guide for exploring our own creativity than making exact duplicates of Golden's offerings. Experienced crafters, and even very adventurous beginners, will find a wealth of inspiration here. --Amy Handy --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
Every one of these astonishing and original projects will redefine your idea of how a book should look. No simple rectangles here, but one-of-a-kind volumes folded like an accordion; shaped and themed, with windows and envelopes; thickly sewn and decoratively woven; dressed in "wedding netting" for a bride; and made out of paper bags. There are even containers for protection and display, and they can enhance the meaning of a book's text. Along with advice on paints, inks, stencils, transfers, and distressed covers, you'll find fun ways to make collaborative books, including ones to create with a child.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Sterling; illustrated edition edition (March 28, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402706146
• ISBN-13: 978-1402706141
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #125,980 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another excellent manual from Alisa Golden, November 18, 2002

By	Kara Bay "bookarts" (San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Unique Handmade Books (Hardcover)

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.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars ***Experiment making your own handmade books***, March 3, 2004

By	J.P. (SF Bay Area) - See all my reviews

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.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring!!, March 19, 2003

By A Customer

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!