Making Memory Books & Journals by Hand

Rating:
Summary: Interesting book but NOT for learning the basics
Review: I don't recommend you buy this book if you're looking to learn the basics of how to bind books. Styles like coptic and codex are not specifically covered here in clear, easy steps. Instead, I have to go hunting for info and pull together a semblance of something useful from several of their silly (but creative) projects they've stuffed the book with.

Beginning bookbinder, don't be fooled by the description given for the book! You'd be better off searching for bookbinding information on a website such as Craftster.

Rating:
Summary: A good variety
Review: I really enjoyed flipping through the book and seeing all the colorful illustrations and designs. It comes complete with photographs and explainations. The first half section shows you different ideas you can use and then in the second half section, it shows you step-by-step instructions. It has introduction, the basics, choosing paper, materials and supplies, and tools (a good couple pages here), etc. It shows you how to make memory books, journals, and memory boxes. I plan to use the memory box idea to store my photos and make couple of journals with my girls so they can practice their cursive and even write stories in. This book comes highly recommended from a crafty person.

Rating:
Summary: Inspirational and Artistic
Review: This book is an excellent source of inspiration for those who like to fabricate blank books as well as those who like to write, paint, or sketch in journals. I know that I, and I am assuming many others, reach a point where insightful ideas are few and far between and it is hard to resume creating without some form of inspiration...this book provides new ideas for incorporating art into journals, ideas for different types of blank book creations as well as creating different embellishments for blank books. It also helps a writer or artist by offering tips and insightful ideas to write about as well as giving helpful tips to break through the worry for those of us who are perfectionists and worry about having a perfect and aesthetically pleasing journal. the only thing that this book did not touch upon to my satisfaction was book binding techniques, but ht einspiration and idea factor of the title was why I purchased the book. I highly recommend this book to those who dabble in book arts, both for the novice to gain insight on the amazing projects that can be created as well as the expert who needs a little push for inspiration.

Rating:
Summary: Inspirational and Artistic
Review: This book is an excellent source of inspiration for those who like to fabricate blank books as well as those who like to write, paint, or sketch in journals. I know that I, and I am assuming many others, reach a point where insightful ideas are few and far between and it is hard to resume creating without some form of inspiration...this book provides new ideas for incorporating art into journals, ideas for different types of blank book creations as well as creating different embellishments for blank books. It also helps a writer or artist by offering tips and insightful ideas to write about as well as giving helpful tips to break through the worry for those of us who are perfectionists and worry about having a perfect and aesthetically pleasing journal. the only thing that this book did not touch upon to my satisfaction was book binding techniques, but ht einspiration and idea factor of the title was why I purchased the book. I highly recommend this book to those who dabble in book arts, both for the novice to gain insight on the amazing projects that can be created as well as the expert who needs a little push for inspiration.

Rating:
Summary: Do NOT buy this book with "Making Journals by Hand"!
Review: This is a wonderful book for learning to make artistic journals and memory boxes. It is filled with exciting projects and a diverse gallery of artists examples to inspire the reader. Great for beginners or more experienced book artists looking for new directions.

But DON'T buy this book in conjunction with the book "Making Journals by Hand" by Jason Thompson. That is also a great book, but it is actually contained within this book. The last 100 pages of "Making Memory Books and Journals" is the ENTIRE contents of "Making Journals by Hand". And I don't mean it covers similar information. I mean it is reproduced page by page, word for word, image for image.

Both books are excellent, but just pick one.