12 of My Favorite Books about Handmade Books and Journals

12 Favorite Books about Handmaking Books and Journals

August 15, 2022

 

A few of my handmade journals. Check over on my Instagram and Etsy pages.

I’ve been making journals and books for five years now! I learn something new every time I create a new book. I also am a member of the Handmade Book Club, a part of Vintage Pages Designs, founded by Ali Manning. Ali teaches new book forms and book bindings every month for her members. Both my experience and continued learning enable me to explore and improve my craft of hand making books.

 
Handmaking books personal library

Over the years, I have collected numerous books, instructions, and class notes that I refer to often when creating a new book or journal, as well as pieces of art.

12 Favorite Books about Handmaking Books and Journals

  1. The Art and Craft of Handmade Books — Shereen LaPlantz

    Divided into project books. eg. concertina (accordion), tunnel, pamplet

  2. The Art of the Fold — Hedi Kyle & Ulla Warchol 2017

    Folded paper books. Takes patience and trial and error at times to follow directions.

  3. Bound-15 Beautiful Bookmaking Projects — Rachel Hazell 2018

    Turkish map fold, concertina with pockets, Japanese stab binding, & stitches

  4. Bound-Over 20 Artful Handmade Books — Erica Ekrem 2015

    Vintage, nature, & leather books

  5. Bound by Hand — Erica Ekrem 2015

    Basic techniques & projects

  6. Cover to Cover-Creative Techniques — Shereen La Plants 2015

    Basic bindings. eg. Pamphlet, codex, stab, folded books

  7. Element of Pop-Up — David A. Carter &James Diaz 1999

    3D instructions for basic folds, wheels, & pull tabs.

  8. Hollander’s Flat-Back Bookbinding Instructions — Tom & Cindy Hollander

    www.hollanders.com 734-741-7531 Ann Arbor, MI

    Great instructions for cased-in books.

  9. Little Book of Bookbinding — Charlotte Rivers 2014

    Mostly art examples of books. Instructions and stitching directions at the back of the book.

  10. Making Handmade Books-100+Bindings, Structures, & Forms — Alisa Golden 2010

    Detailed instructions. eg. Coptic stitch, folded, glued, sewn, accordion, moveable, codex My favorite book for sewing directions (especially the Coptic stitch).

  11. Making Mini Books-Big Ideas for 30+ Little Projects — Kathleen McCafferty 2012

    Project oriented with lists of materials & directions for making.

  12. Re-bound-Creating Handmade Books from Recycled & Repurposed Materials

    Jeannine Stein 2009

    Unique projects & places to find recycled and repurposed materials.

I would love to hear about about your favorite instructional books. Please leave your comments and/or suggestions below.

 

Have a fascinating day!

Ann

Dragonfly Books and Art