Some of my favorite things are books. I regard some as old friends and visit often. In this year of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, I'm going through my bookshelves with an eye to weeding. These three books emerged as my favorite for very good reason. Check out the video below for more information.
Tops on book list is Shereen LaPlantz Cover to Cover. I know a lot of you folks feel the same way. I read it as a bookbinding virgin and clearly remember the wonder I felt while reading through the pages and examining the book models. It's not going to go out of style. There are prettier books but this remains by far the best in terms of variety of structures and detail in explanation. IMHO, natch.
You won't find any book on bookbinding to be clear at first read through. It takes time and sitting with a threaded needle and folded signatures. It's worth the trouble.Esther K Smith's book is a visual treat. There are solid forms in here along with clear (as can be) instruction. Great ideas and a wonderful graphic appeal.
What you have to understand about bookbinding is that the stitching can be complex. Read carefully and examine the illustrations while you read.
At Home with Handmade Books is a delight. Full of whimsy and some very easy forms. This may be for you if you'd like to stay in the easy books realm although there are some challenges here as well.
If you want to go pro in your bookbinding endeavors there is no one better than Keith Smith's books. In particular, go for the 3 volume set of non-adhesive bindings. There are stitch patterns in here that will keep you busy for a lifetime. But this is complex stuff. I don't say that to scare you off but instead to let you know that this isn't craft-level bookbinding.
If you'd like some inspiration, The Penland Book is amazing. Full of ideas and beautiful books. Thoughtful writing and information. I love this book.
Just to fill things out, I love Shereen LaPlantz The Art and Craft of Handmade Books. It's just lovely. She was ultimately unhappy with it because there were some pretty hefty errors in the instructions. She went ahead and self-published a hefty revision. I can't find it online at the moment but I'll let you know if I do.
There are more books in my collection and I'll share as I weed. Something tells me though that none of my binding books are going anywhere. I love em. Here is today's video.
If you watch on YouTube, please subscribe, like and share. That helps me loads.
Here are some of my bookbinding classes that you may enjoy.
See my previous post and YouTube video on My Favorite Art Supplies: Bookbinding here.
See my Bookbinding Classes:
Tacket Stitch: http://dianatrout.typepad.com/blog/2013/10/tacket-stitch-bookbinding-online.html
Longstitch 2 Ways http://dianatrout.typepad.com/blog/2012/10/longstitch-2-ways-opens-1122012.html
Rescue Book Journals http://dianatrout.typepad.com/blog/2011/10/rescue-book-journals-online-class.html
I've added a couple of other favorite books to this list: the book on Japanese binding and Alisa Golden's Handmade Books. Golden's book is stuffed but a bit dense and difficult to read. The other is wonderful but a bit academic. These are both very good books on binding. Remember that these are affiliate links and I make a small amount of money when you use them at no cost to you. That helps my small business so Thank You!
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Diana, I agree completely with Cover to Cover, the Penland Book, and Making Handmade Books. I also really like Bookcraft: Techniques for Binding, Folding, and Decorating to Create Books and More by Heather Weston. Thanks for all you do!
Posted by: Julie Filatoff | 01/04/2018 at 12:34 PM
Although book binding is not something that interests me I watched the video just because it is YOU! LOL Hope you are well and had a great holiday season. Happy 2018!
Posted by: Sharon Field | 01/04/2018 at 09:39 PM
I made all of the books in Alisa Golden’s book and learned so much.
Posted by: Bea | 01/05/2018 at 11:22 AM
Wow, Bea! That’s a lot of books. I’d love to see some of them. Do you have a blog or FB, IG?
Posted by: Diana Trout | 01/05/2018 at 07:08 PM
Sharon, You are so sweet (and funny). Still coughing alot over here but am slowly getting back on my feet. I hope you have a healthier 2018. Sending good vibes
Posted by: Diana Trout | 01/05/2018 at 07:09 PM