Rating: 
Summary: Great ideas, easy to follow instructions, lovely photographs
Review: I loved this book! It had great ideas for a number of different types and constructions of books, but all of them are accompanied by excellent instructions, suggestions for variations, and photographs that further illustrate this craft. Great for beginners, or for those looking to expand their papercraft skills to bookmaking
Rating: 
Summary: I don't understand what they see in this book.
Review: I recently found myself making a blank book to fit a leather cover after searching everywhere to find an unlined book that was of the proper dimensions. This is the book I turned to for inspiration and instructions. Only to be sadly disappointed. Most of projects in here were interesting but the "how to" parts of the book were confusing and vague to the point of absurdity and the pictures only made things worse. As a veteran crafter and owner of well over a hundred craft books and a person perfectly capable of programming a VCR or assembling IKEA furniture even when the instructions have been lost. I don't think the fault is with me especially since I had several other people try to decipher the instructions for these projects with no success. I was not happy with this book and if I could do it over again I would never have bought it. There are many fine books on bookbinding but in my opinion this is not one of them. Thank You
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful ideas to help scrapbookers!
Review: I'm a scrapbook enthusiast. The colorful photos in this book caught my eye immediately. It is filled with detailed instructions and ideas to create journals and scrapbooks or embellish existing ones. I love it! I must say, though, many of these projects are fairly detailed, and require some patience. But they are so worth it! And the projects make terrific gifts!
Rating: 
Summary: Odd Books & Journals
Review: Richard's book contains numerous photos, easy, concise instructions, and several book types to make. The instructions are easy to read and understand and few should have any trouble completing the projects.The techniques all are geared towards each of the specific types of books to make. This is definitely not for the beginner who wants useful books. The biggest minus with this book is the types of books being created. Many of them are smaller in size. Few have real value for the journal or book maker. While the recipe book made from faux fruit on the cover is interesting it has no real practical value. Where do you store a pear shaped book?? Definitely geared towards the "art" bookmaker.
Rating:
Summary: Confused
Review: The auther is not consistant in how hinged book covers should be measured and cut. I am no math wiz, but the Wedding Album directions were very confusing. The measurements just don't add up right. If you have any sence of how these types of books go together, you should be ok.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent for Beginners
Review: This is an excellent book for the beginner in book binding, but don't expect boring flat books in spite of that. Richards presents numerous clever techniques including the faux fruit recipe book shown on the cover. You'll be making beautiful and interesting pieces in a single afternoon!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful and unique books!
Review: This is an excellent book for you if you want to create a book thats not the "norm". Easy to read instructions, lots of full color photographs and many many unique ideas. I bought this book to make mini books to include in my scrapbooking, but I'm beginning to believe I may have found a new hobby in bookarts!!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful and unique books!
Review: This is an excellent book for you if you want to create a book thats not the "norm". Easy to read instructions, lots of full color photographs and many many unique ideas. I bought this book to make mini books to include in my scrapbooking, but I'm beginning to believe I may have found a new hobby in bookarts!!
Rating:
Summary: More of an idea book, or an OK beginner's inspiration book.
Review: This is not a great bookbinding manual for anyone who's the slightest bit serious about making books, but I like the fact that it does make bookbinding seem *approachable* for the beginner. Heavy on the crafty/scrapbooky influence, which isn't necessarily a cheesy thing, but if you've been making books for any time at all you probably won't want to go out of your way for this one.
Any book that shows different book forms, i.e., the piano hinge or various fold-out books, or that uses non-traditional materials and textures that might get someone realling thinking about the possibilities of books can't be a total loss. This was a good book for me when I just starting to think about making books, but I very quickly moved past it.
I give this one three stars mainly because I do keep it in my stack of books to flip through while brainstorming about a new project. The gallery photo spreads, which do include examples by Gwen Diehn, are worth the price of this one, the used price at least. Definitely don't buy it for something like Coptic binding instructions, though, because the instructions are in no way complete or coherent.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring!
Review: Very inspiring. I made two books shortly after I received the book. Easy instructions and great illustrations. I teach art classes using rubber art stamps. I can't wait to utilize some of the new techniques I learned.
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