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Book & Art: Handcrafting Artists' Books
Dorothy Krause is one of the authors of Digital Arts Studio, Techniques for Combining Inkjet Printing with Traditional Art Materials” a book that I love and have been recommending for years.
Dorothy's latest book surpassed my expectations. It only takes a quick glance through the book to discover the beautiful artwork and sophisticated layout. Slow down to read a few random sections, and you'll discover clear, well-illustrated, and numerous step-by-step instructions. Start from the beginning, and it’s apparent that this book is absolutely crammed with inspiration and instruction. While the book focuses on “art books,” many of the techniques can be used in other art – my thoughts are spinning with ideas.
Some of the techniques covered in the first 40+ pages include overprinting acrylic paste paintings, aging paper, printmaking options, gelatin monoprints (with recipe), inkjet transfers, working with text, transferring text, and more.
The book then dives into creating art books. Chapters include working with blank books and altered books, a variety of folded books and scrolls, various binding methods, side-sewn, single-signature, and multiple-signature books, covers, boxes and unbound collections. Helpful hints are included, materials listed.
Book & Art is beautiful and inspiring and is filled with instruction and ideas. If you have any interest in combining art with books, or are simply looking for ideas that you can apply to your art, I highly recommend this book.
144 pages, color, softbound, $29.95
Artists' Journals and Sketchbooks: Exploring and Creating Personal Pages
This is one of those books where you can flip to any page and fall into reading the words and admiring the art. While there are tips and techniques, the beauty of the book is peaking into the journal pages of the many contributing artists who share their insights and ideas.
The Decorated Journal: Creating Beautifully Expressive Journal Pages
A beautifully illustrated and written 128 page, full cover book detailed several journaling techniques with explainations of bookbinding technqiues. If you enjoy journal making, you'll enjoy this book.
The Art of Fabric Books, Innovative Ways to Use Fabric in Scrapbooks, Altered Books and More
Looking to make the leap from paper to cloth? Jan's attractive, 112 page book tells you how by explaining techniques and providing projects. For those who like fabric but not sewing, Jan provides alternatives.