never mind the press

NEW HOW-TO BOOK
A new how-to book by Alisa is available from Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.. Unique Handmade Books features more than forty projects and photographs and statements from fourteen artists: Julie Chen , Sas Colby, Betsy Davids, Marie C. Dern, Alisa Golden, Alastair Johnston, Lisa Kokin, Catherine Michaelis, Katherine Ng, Coriander Reisbord, Anne Hicks Siberell, Robbin Ami Silverberg, Val Simonetti, Anne Hayden Stevens (née Schwartzburg).

Here's what it's about:
Beyond scrapbooks and photo albums there is a world of art that exists in book form. From one simple folded sheet to painted, layered pages, Unique Handmade Books introduces you exciting book art possibilites. Learn how to design book art, add content, incorporate recycled materials, and collaborate with other people to make a playful and meaningful book. Create unusual, expressive artwork and gifts by following step-by-step instructions and diagrams. Included are photographs of works by fourteen book artists; read about the people behind the art and the process each went through to create the books.

Each project features a different book structure and suggests materials for creating a unique book. In addition to paper you will use cloth, canvas, wood, wire or netting. By sampling various art supplies you'll find materials that you like. The shape of the book may suggest the contents, the pacing may enhance a theme. Use your materials to strengthen your concept. Play with the materials and have fun. Improvise and customize your project for a specific person or event.

Whether you are making a book with only a few words, or binding a novel, you need to choose a book structure to hold it all together. Discover which book structure will suit your particular project, then make it.

See some of the book art from an exhibit at the San Francisco Public Library.

You can purchase this book online from bookartscentral.com, amazon.com or codysbooks.com. Local San Francisco Bay Area residents can find it at Cody's Books or The Caning Shop (see their Online Catalog under "Other Useful Craft Supplies, Books & Notecards: Book Binding). You can also try Pendragon or Pegasus Books. If you already have the book see some corrections. If you are wondering what it is about, see the list of contents below...

CONTENTS

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction:

Tool Box, Key to Diagrams

Shaped and Themed Books:

Ox-Plow Pamphlet, Ox-Plow Quilt Book, Brush Book, Box of Circles, Double Scroll, Four Pamphlets Joined with a Friendship String, Window Book, Themes

Accordion-Fold Books:

Miniature Tabbed Accordion, Accordion Book with Flower-Fold Pages, Triangle Book with Square Hard Covers, Layered Accordion Book, Back-to-Back Accordion Book, Back-to-Back Accordion Book with Tunnel, Flag Book with Fortunes, Three-Panel Jacob's Ladder Book

Pocket Books:

Paper Bag Book, Single-Page Book with Pockets, Pocket Triangle and Diamond Book, Pocket Frame Book, Stock Book, Stamp Wallet

Thick Sewn Books:

Decorative Stitch Book with Weaving, Exposed Stitch Book with Beads, Book on Sticks

Transforming Everyday Life:

Altered Books, Memory Jogs, Spiral Binding, Card File Book, Found Poetry, Spell-Check Poems, Inspiration from Daily Life

Cloth Books:

Canvas Books, Stuffed Pillow Book, Rug Mesh or Needlepoint Mesh Book

Collaborations, Compilations and Exchanges:

Collaborations, Collaborating with Children, Circle Accordion Book, Compilations, Tribute or Birthday Book, Alphabet Star Book, Compilation Suggestions, Editions, Exchanges, Exquisite Corpse Book, Organizing an Exchange Project, Rotating Notebooks

Layers and Recesses:

Layers, Painted Paper, Paste Papers, Pencil or Charcoal, Typefaces, Computer-Based Drawings, Transfers, Recesses, Distressed Book Covers

Containers: Protection and Display:

Removable Cloth Cover, Traveling Sketch Book, Matchbox-Style Box, Hardcover-Box Bottom, Display Stand for a Hanging Book, Book Quilt, Paper Mache

Materials and Methods:

Adhesives, Paper, Mock-Ups, Measuring, Scoring, Cutting, Folds, Sewing, Knots and Stitches, Covers and Dust Jackets, Parts of a Book, The Business of Book Art

Conclusion

Contributors

Index

Metric Conversion Chart