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Book Arts: Beautiful Bindings for Handmade Books

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Book Arts: Beautiful Bindings for Handmade Books (Paperback)

by Mary Kaye Seckler (Author)

4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)

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7 new from $29.77 5 used from $15.92

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The term ‘book arts’ is used to describe handcrafted books of all types. When we think of books, the standard case binding is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Those are the books that you find in libraries and book stores everywhere. They have a charm and richness all their own. This book is a must for everyone who loves the creativity of paper. Learn how to make books from scratch with this "how-to" guide and idea book. The binding process is broken down into simple terms with an abundance of clear illustrations and diagrams. All the most popular bindings are featured... piano hinge and accordion, stab binding, concertina and more! Ingenious closures, beads, papers, and personal treasures highlight every project. The book arts world is waiting for your creativity, so let it fly!

About the Author
Mary Kaye Seckler's introduction to books arts came a number of years ago in a series of classes taught by Gayle Burkins and Pam Sussman that she took on a whim. Her passion for books and the creative arts made her an instant connection as she toiled her way through one new stitch after another. Pam and Gayle revealed a whole new artistic world to Mary that fall week-end in a way that was clear, logical and at the same time great fun. Over the years, Mary has learned many of the basic structures you will see in this book from them, and she is grateful for their creativity, patience and humor. Mary urges you to take a class with them if the opportunity arises. You won't regret it!

Product Details

Paperback: 51 pages
Publisher: Design Originals (January 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1574215302
ISBN-13: 978-1574215304
Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.2 x 0.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 8 ounces

Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)

Amazon.com Sales Rank: #313,023 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	37% buy the item featured on this page: Book Arts: Beautiful Bindings for Handmade Books 4.1 out of 5 stars (14)
	19% buy 500 Handmade Books: Inspiring Interpretations of a Timeless Form (500 Series) 4.6 out of 5 stars (26) $16.47
	17% buy The Penland Book of Handmade Books: Master Classes in Bookmaking Techniques 4.6 out of 5 stars (7) $13.57
	17% buy Hand Bookbinding: A Manual of Instruction 4.8 out of 5 stars (13) $10.36

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Customer Reviews

14 Reviews

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

Average Customer Review

4.1 out of 5 stars (14 customer reviews)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very clever designs., November 25, 2004

By	Atheen M. Wilson "Atheen" (Mpls, MN United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)

Although I sort of went crazy and bought several books on handmade books and paper crafts, when it came to actually selecting designs I wanted to try for Christmas gifts for my friends this year it was Book Arts: Beautiful Bindings for Handmade Books by Mary Kaye Seckler that had the most novel and attractive designs. Some of the ideas were similar to those illustrated in other works, but Ms Seckler's actual presentation was impressive. While some of the more elaborate designs in other books were attractive and clever, they left me as a major beginner a little daunted. Book Arts allowed me to produced satisfying results despite my status as novice.

Some of the actual patterns for weaving the signatures together were a little confusing to me. I'm used to fiber crafts like tatting and bobbin lace which have very complicated designs, so I felt that had the illustrations been a little clearer it would have been easier to do. Where the needlework was more straight forward, however, I found the assembly of the book more easily accomplished. Although I've yet to try all of the patterns, I hope to make each one at least once.

Of all of the styles offered, my favorite was the Geisha's Hideaway. It includes a small pencil box and a novel closure. I made a practice run with scrap paper and cardboard backs from tablets during a quiet episode at work and managed to complete the thing in about an hour. I've since made three others using brocade fabric and taking more pains over the precision with which I cut the covers and pencil box, and each took considerably longer, about three hours with gluing and clamping the materials. The results, however, were stunning.

I modified the author's version of the Chinese Star Book by making it a little larger and making a changeable story out of it by placing alternate outcomes from which the reader could chose into pockets at each stage of the story. I got the idea for the story from another book on making books, but chose Ms Seckler's design for the actual book.

By learning the basic techniques of each of the books and altering them to suit a desired purpose, the student should be able to come up with hundreds of clever designs. For those of you used to stamping and to scrap booking, the embellishments you might add to your product through your knowledge of those sources are legion, and you should be very satisfied with the results. .

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29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, November 3, 2004

By	Apple Grey (Australia) - See all my reviews

The quality of the projects presented in this book is astounding. They are all innovative, creative, inspiring and incredibly beautiful. The different types of binding used in the projects are ingenius and unique. This is definiately one of the best book binding books on my shelf, and is great for people with a some experience. The instructions are set out in blocks of text, so beginners could easily get lost in them. Also, the layout of the pages and instructions are a little disorganised and cramped, but the calibre of the designs far outweigh the slight cons of the book.

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17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An inspiring book..., May 16, 2004

By	Nancy A. Staab (West Virginia USA) - See all my reviews

I continue to be impressed with the caliber of books produced by Design Originals, and "Book Arts" is one of their finer efforts. I particularly like that the author, Mary Kaye Seckler, has included not only clear instructions, but templates. The photography is beautiful and her book art is inspiring. This book deserves a place in your reference library.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific book
I bought this book on the recommendation of a friend. I was admiring the wonderful books she had made and she told me about the book. Read more

Published 17 days ago by M. Reid

4.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat confusing but worth the money
This book was a bit problematic, as there weren't enough photos of actual binding/stitch methods. Some of the instructions have to be read very carefully while referring back to... Read more

Published 8 months ago by arlee barr

3.0 out of 5 stars Just okay
This book was a bit of a disapointment. My daughter and I love to make books together and are always looking for new creative ideas. Read more

Published 9 months ago by Elli T

4.0 out of 5 stars A plethora of ideas
Ever since I turned from journal connoisseur to journal maker, I've been trying to find those rare books that teach me how to make interesting styles of books without the... Read more

Published 15 months ago by Jaymi Elford

1.0 out of 5 stars Wasted money
This book is not the one that will teach you how to bind a book. It is more like a photo album of "artistic" book designs, but they are too artistic to be really used as a binding... Read more

Published on February 19, 2007 by Ing Peter Bezemek

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Bind
Of the several titles on this subject I've recently acquired, this one might be my favorite. It's a little warmer in tone than some I could cite, it covers a wide range of books... Read more

Published on January 25, 2007 by Penny Dreadful

2.0 out of 5 stars Brief. Not what I expected
This book is rather thin for the price, although there are full color photos on nearly every page. The bindings were neat, if you're into the style suggested by the picture on the... Read more

Published on January 21, 2007 by Glacial Spain

5.0 out of 5 stars perfect for Artists Book class
Perfect for Artists book class, a bit more advanced than the scrapbooking fad/craze. Would encourage all true artists studio and student to buy!

Published on July 4, 2006 by x

5.0 out of 5 stars Book Arts: Beautiful Bindings for Handmade Books
I have made 2 of these books. Easy to follow directions for making the books.

Published on June 28, 2006 by qadgetqueen

5.0 out of 5 stars Book Arts
This book is inspirational for anyone who enjoys creating different types of books. The projects are challenging and fun, while catering for beginners through to people who have... Read more

Published on April 17, 2006 by Samantha Marshall

› See all 14 customer reviews...

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