Learn to Make Your Own Books with The Art & Craft of Handmade Books

Of all the crafts I’ve undertaken over the years, one I have always admired but never tried is making books by hand. Anything more than a simple accordion seemed beyond my capabilities, but I’ve found inspiration in The Art & Craft of Handmade Books by Shereen LaPlantz (Dover Publications). Now I can envision myself making all sorts of handmade books for keepsakes and for gifting!

* Complimentary book received for review. This post contains affiliate links.

LaPlantz’s approach to bookmaking has creativity at its very core. Although making books involves learning and employing specific techniques for the different styles, LaPlantz encourages adding a healthy dose of individuality to those techniques, so that every handmade book is a reflection of its maker. Throughout the book are galleries of beautifully finished books created by talented artists to help inspire you to open your imagination to a multitude of possibilities.

The book’s introduction is a helpful primer on book arts, beginning with the very definition of what constitutes a book. Likewise, the following section, called Basics, provides essential information about making books, including vocabulary and a glossary to help you understand the instructions, an in-depth description of materials and tools you might use, and a discussion of some of the basic techniques needed for creating your handmade books.

Then it’s on to the projects! The first project is the Concertina, which is the accordion-style book I remember from my childhood. But LaPlantz takes that simple style and provides instructions and examples for beautiful and more intricate variations, such as an Inverted Concertina and a Concertina with Pop-Up Panels. Even the variations have variations, such as the Slit Concertina and the Interwoven Slit Concertina. And that’s just the beginning!

As you move through the book, the projects get more advanced as you build your book-art skills and confidence. Imagine making a book with an Explosion Page to surprise and delight your reader! The instructions are well-written and the illustrations are clear, so even the most complicated projects are approachable. All in all, there are over 25 patterns for 7 different types of books; add your own imagination and creativity, and the possibilities are endless.

Sadly, Shereen LaPlantz has passed away but her passion for art and creativity will live on, not only through those who knew her, but also in those of us whom she has touched through her authorship. She has enabled us to make works of art we can hold in our hands, and that is a wonderful legacy.

The Art & Craft of Handmade Books is just one of Dover Publications’ amazing craft books. Visit Dover on Facebook to get all the latest information on new releases, promotions, and giveaways.

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Giveaway: One lucky winner is going to win their own copy of The Art & Craft of Handmade Books, thanks to Dover Publications.

Giveaway Details: This giveaway is open to residents of the US ONLY age 18 and over. Please read our Terms of Service & Disclaimer Policy before entering. This giveaway will close on February 8th, 2019 at 11:59 pm EST time. No purchase necessary to enter or win.

Disclaimer: A. Bailey received a complimentary product for review purposes & feature on The Classy Chics blog. No monetary compensation was received. A. Bailey’s thoughts, opinions and words are 100% her own. Your thoughts may differ. Please read the blog’s terms of service policy before entering any giveaways. The Classy Chics are NOT responsible for prize fulfillment or shipping of any items won from this blog. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, we may or may not make a small commission which helps to support this website. Thank you!!!