The Artful Storybook: Mixed-Media Artists Create Handmade Tales (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

For almost everyone, the thought of storybooks conjures up warm memories of childhood and of much-loved tales. Personalizing stories and storybooks can be a unique way to make these memories even more special. The Artful Storybook is part artist showcase, part how-to book, with a little bit of storybook historical information and a great boatload of inspiration thrown in for good measure. Taylor starts with the basics, giving a little background on the history of children’s books and the various techniques of bookmaking and -binding. The real gem of this book, though, is the featured artist projects. Each creation features descriptions of the artist’s working process, techniques, and summaries of the stories and is accompanied by lavish photos of the completed works. A real treat, this should make any crafter want to start working on stories of his or her own. --Tina Coleman

Product Description

Once upon a time… storybooks held a special place in our lives, filling our hearts with wonder.  Thanks to this extraordinary crafting anthology we can experience that magic again in a marvelous new way by recreating and reinterpreting the picture book. An overview outlines a variety of structures and techniques, from simple collage to gluing. But above all, these highly visual pages offer ideas and inspiration, with talented artists presenting lovingly designed story spreads and covers.  Take a fantasy vacation via a travel booklet fashioned from vintage, nostalgic postcards. Follow The Queen of Tarts in a story that unfolds in a miniature puppet theater motif. And two different artists offer their revised versions of a classic: The Princess and the Pea.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books (July 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600591434
• ISBN-13: 978-1600591433
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #210,435 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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

  #38 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Book Making & Binding
  #73 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Scrapbooking
  #88 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Other Media > Mixed Media

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars I had great hopes with this one but...., September 8, 2008

By	Suzy W (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

I bought this book on the premise that I would see a couple of good interpretations of the Princess and the Pea fairytale plus other innovative arty book ideas based on popular tales. Instead I got what seems to be an overworked trend : no new illustrative/modern design qualities but loads of overcrowded ephemera collage and vintage bits and pieces.Somehow the concept of storybook and fairytale has shifted to personalised journaling ("Hunter's 10th Birthday")which has the same appeal as being made to sit through someone else's holiday slide night or scrapbooking projects, unless,in this case,you are Hunter's owner.Been there, seen that.These are not children's storybooks or tales. It's a pity that some really great ideas in this book are sacrificed by the
paste/stamping/photo album presentations that are as old and tired as the images used in them. There are some original items in here that do depart from this -Knitting is the passion of Sarah Flocks, Hansel and Gretel.Does everything else have to look worn or vintage or recycled? It's time to move on!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Have!!, July 2, 2008

By	Dawn Lippincott "Dawn Marie of ARTifact and w... (Minnesota) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a MUST HAVE in your art library! Many well known artists come together to show you there own kick of well known story books. I am a long time follower of Catherine Moore and Sandra Evertson and both have rose to the occasion as expected! This book shows you some simple book making techniques as well as ideas for your own books to make. LOTS of eye candy as well as how to's and ins and outs of book making. I made my first hand made book following the simple instructions and am truely pleased with the results! Next i am going to try my own style doll book! This is a good book to sit and relax and take your time and read and get inspired!!! WELL DONE! Buy this book then go make your own to cherish!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great companion to his other books, July 28, 2008

By	K. Reed (United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The first thing that drew me to this book was the project on the cover. Already having other books by Terry Taylor, and especially loving Artful Paper Dolls: New Ways to Play with a Traditional Form I was curious what projects lay inside this book. Already having mixed media and home book binding experience I didn't find any truely new techniques but there are many pages of inspiration.

The project on the cover, The Queen of Tarts, has already got me thinking, as well as the retelling of Hansel and Gretel. Seeing how the artists worked has helped me give direction to one of my projects.

If you have other books by Terry Taylor this will go nicely with them. Looking for a gift for an artist old or young combine this book with the paper doll book or Altered Art: Techniques for Creating Altered Books, Boxes, Cards & More and let the creative juices flow!