Bound: Over 20 Artful Handmade Books

by Erica Ekrem

Overview

Discover how beautiful and functional a handbound book can be with this “fresh look at an old art” featuring 20 creative and approachable projects (Library Journal, starred review).

In Bound, graphic designer and professional bookbinder Erika Ekrem explains everything you need to know to create your own beautifully handcrafted books. With her whimsical and stylish approach to traditional techniques, and the use of upcycled and repurposed materials, Ekrem has devised creative fun for book artists of all levels. Dividing projects into three categories—Vintage, Nature, and Leather—she takes you step-by-step through the process of making books from mason jars and seashells; a classic leather-bound photo album; and other works of art.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781454710837
Publisher:	Union Square & Co.
Publication date:	11/22/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	146
File size:	23 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Erica Ekrem is a professional bookbinder and graphic designer living on Orcas Island, off the coast of Washington State, USA. She was recently a featured artist on Etsys blog. This is her first book.

Editorial Reviews

As traditional books give way to their electronic progeny, the book as object becomes more significant, and the utilitarian evolves into art. Bookbinder Ekrem shows how to produce all sorts of handmade books and related accoutrements. Simplest of these projects, a bookmark comes into being by recycling the spine of a damaged or otherwise repurposed book. A decidedly retro book strap, simply and artfully embellished, requires little more than a length of leather, some metal D rings, and binder’s thread. An old sweater metamorphoses into a luxurious soft cover for a personal journal. Seashells make unique and ideal covers for a little nature journal. One board-bound and leather-wrapped book makes a perfect tool for pressing botanical specimens. Ekrem gives explicit instructions and inventories of materials as well as detailed color drawings and template designs to empower motivated artisans to use their imagination and explore the world of handmade books.” —Booklist

*“Bookbinding and book creation have a long and storied history. Graphic designer and artist Ekrem pushes the boundaries of that craft in her debut book. Readers are first introduced to the materials and tools needed. The components of a book are described with excellent illustrations, along with a quick overview of traditional bookmaking. The proper way to deconstruct an older book, styles of stitching, and tying together pieces of the item are also well displayed and explained. The projects are grouped by materials used: vintage, nature, and leather. The incorporation of nontraditional materials or elements makes for a wild degree of variety that is sure to appeal . . .  VERDICT This fresh look at an old art will be in demand and is highly recommended.” —Library Journal (Starred review)

From the Publisher

★ 03/15/2015
Bookbinding and book creation have a long and storied history. Graphic designer and artist Ekrem pushes the boundaries of that craft in her debut book. Readers are first introduced to the materials and tools needed. The components of a book are described with excellent illustrations, along with a quick overview of traditional bookmaking. The proper way to deconstruct an older book, styles of stitching, and tying together pieces of the item are also well displayed and explained. The projects are grouped by materials used: vintage, nature, and leather. The incorporation of nontraditional materials or elements makes for a wild degree of variety that is sure to appeal. While Ekrem delves into new book creation, the topics of repair and restoration are not included. See Josep Cambras's Bookbinding Techniques and Projects, which addresses restoration and ventures further with designs on protective cases and boxes. Similarly, Heather Weston's Bookcraft offers a great foundation in bookmaking. VERDICT This fresh look at an old art will be in demand and is highly recommended.

Library Journal