Handmade Books and Cards

Over the last six months I have taught myself simple bookbinding and Kropper's Handmade Books & Cards has been one of my best resources. The diagrams for stitching bindings are excellent--clear and complete--and really have been useful to me as a novice bookbinder. If you're looking for well articulated techniques, as well as great ideas, this is a book for you.

This book starts out with a brief history and then goes on discusses materials, tools, typography, & printing methods. Instructions for making patterned papers & adding extra decorative touches are also included.Beginners will love the easier projects with clear step-by-step instructions accompanied by detailed illustrations, while advanced bookbinders will find plenty of unique and challenging book designs & techniques. You learn to make 6 different cards, hardcover albums, scrolls, fans, blinds, French doors & much more. Many bindings are also covered including the pamphlet, Japanese stab, crossed ribbon, concertina, & coptic.The many color & b/w examples are beautiful & imaginative. They really helped inspire me. A resource list of suppliers, groups & workshops is a nice bonus. If you can only buy one bookbinding book, this is the one to get.

This book covers areas and ideas that I have not seen in other books. Very original ideas and applications with found objects. A must in the library of a bookbinder, card maker or artist in general!

The logical layout and organization of the "how-to" information make this a well rounded book. The excellent photographs of many one-of-a-kind books make this a stunning resource.