Book Arts

Book arts is a broad term that encompasses the many processes that can be involved in crafting a book. Book artists today do everything from creating handmade books with traditional bindings to creating works that are fascinating variations on what we normally think of as a book. Each element of creating a book, the design, the binding, the making of the pages, the covering, or even the method by which the book opens and closes can almost be a work of art in itself. At the same time, a book can be as simple as a single folded piece of paper. Recently, there has been an explosion of interest in altered books, existing books that are modified to create new works of art. Artists stamp, tear, paint, cut, fold, and otherwise embellish the pages to make a new, unique book. The following resources offer views of existing art and inspiration for new book art to be created.

Altered Books: Books

Altered Art Books by Kerrie Carbary (2003): Information on techniques, how to choose a book to alter, copyright information and the history of altered books. This book makes clear the differences beween an altered book, an art book, and an altered journal.

Altered Board Book Basics & Beyond: For Creative Scrapbooks, Altered Books and Artful Journals by Jan Bode Smiley (2005): Examples and techniques using paint and texture to alter board books.

Altered Books 101: Everything You Need to Know by Beth Cote (2002): Take an ordinary book and create an extraordinary work of art with Cote's techniques for decorating, embellishing, and otherwise altering. In addition to instructions for several specific projects, you'll find a wonderful list of "great ideas for altered books and pages."

Altered Books 102: Beyond the Basics by Beth Cote (2003): Step-by-step look into more complex altered book structures and techniques. Techniques include three-dimensional acrylic pieces, image transfers, sewing flaps and folds, and how to use your computer in altered books.

Altered Books, Collaborative Journal and Other Adventures in Bookmaking by Holly Harrison (2003): Explains the process where artists use an already published book to create an altered book and collaborative works of art where many artists come together to create a single work.

Altered Book Collage by Barbara Matthiessen (2005): Original projects which illustrate a variety of techniques you can use to make an altered book.

Altered Books Materials Guide by Laurie Goodson, Betsy McLoughlin and Susan Pickering Rothamel (2003): Instructional book that demonstrates simple techniques to create pages with color, texture and appeal.

Altered Books Workshop: 18 Creative Techniques for Self-Expression by Bev Brazelton (2004): Detailed instruction for altered books combining bookmaking, collage, journaling, rubber stamping, and stitching techniques.

The Art of Fabric Books by Jan Bode Smiley (2005): Innovative ways to use fabric in scrapbooks and altered books. Projects that use paper, fabric, thread, buttons, and more in a variety of book styles.

Collage for the Soul by Holly Harrison and Paula Grasdal (2003): Wonderful resource for altered book artists. Sophisticated project ideas with detailed instructions provided by the artists.

The Decorated Page: Journals, Scrapbooks and Albums Made Simply Beautiful by Gwen Diehn (2002): Paint, stamp, collage and laminate existing book pages to reflect your thoughts and feelings. Not only does Diehn offer techniques and ideas, she also gives tips about how to prepare the pages for the materials you are applying to them.

Pockets, Pullouts and Hiding Places: Interactive Elements for Altered Books, Memory Art and Collage by Jenn Mason (2005): Directions on how to create three-dimensional elements for books and art journals.

Altered Books: Discussion Groups

International Society of Altered Books (ISABA) Discussion Group: This discussion is for ISABA members only, but membership to this group offers many benefits, including access to several online classes. See the site for information about other benefits and how to join ISABA. There is a membership fee.

Yahoo's Altered Books Group: A discussion list that is open to everyone and is designed for participants to "exchange information, share ideas, tips and techniques."

Book Arts Artists: Books

A Humument by Tom Phillips (2005): A Victorian novel which has been altered and turned into a work of art . The inspiration for many altered books today.

Two Hundred Books by Keith Smith: Book Number 200, An Anecdotal Bibliography by Keith A. Smith (2000): A chronology of Smith's first 200 handmade books with brief accounts of his inspirations, processes and results.

Book Arts Artists: Websites

Nina Bagley: Nina's Journal is the section here that will most interest book artists.

Nick Bantock: Bantock is best known for the Griffin & Sabine trilogy, unique books that feature correspondence of Griffin & Sabine as if you are opening the envelopes and receiving the postcards yourself. His site features a biography, descriptions of his works, and more. The library owns many of Bantocks' works (do an Author Search for Bantock, Nick).

Dan Essig: Grovewood Gallery's site features some fascinating books by Essig, describing him as "a gifted bookbinder who combines the ancient technique of coptic bindery with the art of modern creativity."

Susan Hensel: Read Hensels' FAQs to find out just what artists' books are. View pictures of Hensel's sophisticated and complex artists' books as well as her fascinating literary scuplture.

Michael Jacobs: You will find many examples of the artist's elaborate works in the Artistbooks section of the Creative Zone. You will also find many wonderful resources in the Inspiration section of the site. The library has Creative Correspondence, a book about how to make and send creative decorated mail.

Shereen LaPlantz: You'll find photographs of this artist's works on her site as well as some corrections and comments that she makes to her book, The Art and Craft of Handmade Books.

Book Arts Zines and Magazines

The following are just a few of the many zines and magazines on the topic of the book arts. We have included only zines that had websites that you could access. To see a list of many other zines, including The Observation and Altered Books: The Zine, you can subscribe to Yahoo's Altered Books Group and check out the items in their "Links" section.

ARTitude Zine: According to their site, this zine explores, "assemblage, altered books, collage, rubber stamping and much, much more!" and is about "getting your artwork out into the public eye, and building confidence in your work and in yourself." Lots of examples of art work are featured.

Cloth Paper Scissors: This quarterly journal covers various types of fiber arts and collage work including altered books and visual arts journals.

Dogeared Magazine: A Journal of Book Arts: Each issue of this magazine is devoted to a book arts topic. One issue has covered altered books, for example, while another was devoted to miniature books. You'll find subscription information at the site, or try the Resources section for links to various book artists and commercial resources.

The Gleaner Zine: Contact information and a brief description can be found at this page, which only hints at the magical qualities of the Gleaner, which comes complete with ephemera for collages, things to pull out and play with, instructions and hints for creating your own works of art, and the wonderful art work of its subscribers. You can also belong to a Discussion Group related to the zine.

Somerset Studio: The photographs are stunning in this bimonthly paper arts magazine, which now features a special section entitled, "The Book Artist." Each issue also includes many other topics of interest to a book artist, including collage, rubber stamping and lettering. This magazine is available at the Canton Public Library.

Tabellae Ansatae: Quarterly magazine of how-to articles for calligraphy, bookbinding, artists' books, and teaching calligraphy and bookmaking for kids. Step-by-step illustrations and photos of finished projects made this a valuable resource.

General Book Arts: Websites

The Book Arts Web: Comprehensive site with book arts links, a book arts gallery and reference materials.

The BookWeb: A List of Book Arts Web Resources: A resource from the Book Arts Program at the University of Alabama, this page offers links to artists, educational resources, and more.

Boston Book Arts: Established by book artists who wanted to share ideas about their work and exch.ange information about the art of the book. Features news, links to book arts sites worldwide and members' work.

Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild: Founded in 1983 to support the development of the book arts including bookbinding, artist's books, papermaking, calligraphy, letterpress printing & typography, wood engraving, paper decorating and conservation. At this site you will find a directory of book artists, exhibitions and information about each of the book arts.

Hollanders: Ann Arbor retail source for unique decorative papers, bookbinding tools and supplies, an ongoing book art exhibit and Hollander's School of Book and Paper Arts. The school has a large space for workshops and large equipment including letterpress equipment. Classes in the book arts, letterpress printing, papermaking, marbling, calligraphy, photo transfer and many other topics are taught here.

Princeton Online: A wealth of resources on the paper arts and bookmaking, including handmade paper, bookmaking, altered books and more.

The San Francisco Center for the Book: The wonderful online gallery of exhibitions is the highlight of this site. Other information is more of local appeal, including a calendar and description of classes.

Book Making: Books

The Art and Craft of Handmade Books by Shereen LaPlantz (2001): LaPlantz's advanced projects are truly art. Line drawings and photographs illustrate the project instructions, and variations and galleries of examples accompany most projects. Concertinas and tunnel books are two of the highlights. Also try the author's other book, Cover to Cover, which features some unique folded books and stick bindings.

Bookworks by Mary Maguire (2000): Maguire uses imaginative materials and a whimsical approach in these 25 projects. Dollhouse flowers brighten the garden notebook's cover, aluminum foil cutouts decorate a recipe scrapbook, and cloth and buttons cover a book of childhood memories.

Creating Handmade Books by Alisa Golden (1999): The perfect intermediate book, Golden moves from the basic (a fan book), to the more complex (an accordion book with signatures), to the still more complex (such as Jacob's ladders.) Another of Golden's works, Unique Handmade Books (2001) features extraordinary variations on materials used, embellishment techniques and book containers.

The Essential Guide to Making Handmade Books by Gabrielle Fox (2000): Includes several fun variations on the standard favorites, including a Jacob's Ladder book using bright ribbons and postage stamps, and a star book with a superimposed cutout.

Handmade Books: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Own Books by Kathy Blake (1997): This beginner's book features several standard projects, such as scrolls and Japanese bound soft-cover books. Some of its unique offerings include instructions for making your own bookcloth and your own memo pads.

Making and Keeping Creative Journals by Suznne Tourtillott (2001): Because these projects here are intended to be journals, they often feature multiple signatures or sections that are sewn together. Try one of the 15 projects such as the gardener's journal, the travel journal or the dream journal.

Making Books and Journals: 20 Great Weekend Projects by Constance E. Richards (2000): Features many small, quick projects that are suitable for those who already know a little about bookbinding. A wonderful folded mini-book with pockets and little "jelly bean" books are among the highlights.

Making Books by Hand: A Step-by-Step Guide by Mary McCarthy and Philip Manna (1997): Photographs accompany clear instructions for each project in this introductory book. Basic projects include a journal, an accordion book, and a post-bound photo album.

Making Books that Fly, Fold, Wrap, Hide, Pop Up, Twist and Turn by Gwen Diehn (1998): Many projects that are both simple and unique, such as a starburst book and a dos a dos book, which is really several books in one.

More Making Books by Hand: Exploring Miniature Books, Alternative Structures and Found Objects by Peter and Donna Thomas (2004): Interesting projects and step-by step instructions for beginning bookmakers.

The Penland Book of Handmade Books: Master Classes in Bookmaking Techniques. Bookbinding, Conservation, and Repair edited by Jane LaFerla and Veronika Alice Gunter (2004): Features 10 book artists who have taught at the Penland's annual bookbinding masterclass.

Sewn and Pasted Cloth or Leather Book-Binding for Book Artists Requiring No Special Tools or Equipment by Keith A. Smith and Fred A. Jordan (1998): For the serious binder, you'll find detailed instructions and line drawings for many different bindings. Also thoroughly covers many other aspects of book binding as art, including pastes, creating and organizing signatures, and making cases.

Unique Handmade Books by Alisa Golden (2001): A variety of handmade projects with unique structures.

Book Making: Websites

Concertina Book Instructions by Jeanne Drewes: Instructions for making a 4 x 6 inch concertina (or accordion) book that are easily adapted to make one of any size.

Creating Artistic Books: The San Diego Museum of Art provides instructions for making seven different artistic books, including a tunnel book, a pop-up book and a flag book. The lesson plans and instructions are in pdf format.

Folded Book: Instructions for a blizzard book, a small folded book with many pockets. At the bottom of the page, you'll find a link to instructions for the book's cover.

Make a Paper Bag Book: Create a book from a paper grocery bag (or a large piece of paper).

Single Signature Pamphlet: Make your own simple book with one section and a cover, all quickly sewn together with a pamphlet stitch.

Bookbinding, Conservation, and Repair: Books

Book Arts: Beautiful Bindings for Handmade Books by Mary Kaye Seckler (2004): Twelve book projects with color photos and clear instructions.

Bookbinding Basics by Paola Rosati (2001): A guide concerned with the technical aspects of bookbinding. It includes information on everything from basic rules about the grain of paper to sewing bindings using a frame.

The Complete Book of Bookbinding by Josep Cambras (2005): Summary of bookbinding techniques including tools, materials, the parts of the book and the binding, and protective features. Ideas for decorating the cover.

Non-Adhesive Binding: Books Without Paste or Glue by Keith A. Smith (1999): Demonstrates basic and elaborate bindings constructed without adhesives and requiring no presses or other heavy equipment.

Women Bookbinders: 1880-1920 by Marianne Tidcombe (1996): Handbookbinding as practiced by women around the turn of the century. Photographs of the bindings and their creators.

Bookbinding, Conservation, and Repair: Websites

The Book Arts Web Tutorials Page: Links to many other sites with instructions for various types of bindings and information about other conservation issues.

Bind it Fast by Brook West: Instructions for binding a book using an adaptation of Japanese bookbinding techniques.

Bookbinding and the Conservation of Books: A Dictionary of Descriptive Technology by Matt T. Roberts and Don Etherington: An exhaustive and technical dictionary that you can search or browse.

Preservation on the Internet: Links to a wealth of information about book preservation, including a list of vendors that offer conservation supplies.