Handcrafted Journals, Albums, Scrapbooks & More

by Marie Browning

Book Overview

"Browning...has an artistic touch that sets her book apart....Her projects make good use of handmade paper, natural objects, and currently popular decorative techniques such as thermal embossing. Step-by-step instructions are given for making bindings and lacing entirely from scratch....Excellent addition to public library collections."- Library Journal.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0806939354
• ISBN13: 9780806939353
• Release Date: December 1999
• Publisher: Sterling Publishing (NY)
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 1.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 8.8" x 11.3"

Customer Reviews

Marie Browning Strikes Gold Again!

Marie Browning has the Midas Touch when it comes to crafting. On my most cerebrbally challenged "daze" (I have a huge family, toddlers under three!) I can go to any of her books and choose a project that is both challenging and creative, add my own panache and have soemthing that is uniquely "Alouette." Look at her basic pocket accordion book! She has two different examples (business card and stamps) that give way to more inspiration. She is elegant, she is whimsical. Some of her ideas are very masculine, others are delicate and lady-like. (Crafters often get stumped when coming up with ideas for guys-- she has no shortage of masculine ideas!)

The best book of its kind!

Of all the manuals that I have seen on handcrafted books, Marie Browning's is the absolute best! Her instructions are precise and easy to follow. She sets out a basic formula for making a book and goes individually through each material necessary. She illustrates the spectrum of materials that can be used for different parts of the process. A must-have for book artists!

A wonderful book!

I'm new to book making and this is exactly what I needed! The writing is clear and detailed and the illustrations are wonderful. You can easily see how she created each book and understand how to do it before you get started. Some books leave you with questions - or saying "huh, what the heck do they mean by that?" but not this book! And she has a wonderful section on decorating your own paper to use as covers. I compare this book to "Cover to Cover: Creative Techniques for Making Beautiful Books, Journals & Albums" and find this one much easier to understand and more inspiring. Perhaps that book is better for those more familar with the craft. The ideas in this book are so good you not only want to try each one but it gives you the confidence to do it!

Handcrafted Journals, Albums, Scrapbooks & More

I felt this was a wonderful book for a person who is just getting started in bookmaking and binding. It details methods for not only creating various bindings but also describes different methods for adding finishing touches- such as paper types, painting, ribbons, and fabrics- to give your bound projects added flair. I am enjoying the projects that are included in the book, as they provide ideas for future projects.

A Gorgeous Book That Will Inspire You!

I have recently become interested in bookbinding and this bookis very inspiring! The entire book is filled with large, close-up,color photographs of the examples! And the ideas are absolutely fantastic! Not only does she show you how to do brag books, scrapbooks, and journals, but she also gives wonderful and unique gift ideas as well that I'll be sure to try out, such as - Fragrant Bath Crystals Book (complete with a super-easy recipe for making the Bath Crystals yourself!), Seed Book and miniature books. I was also intrigued by her style of decorating the books. She has a section on different ways to not only decorate the cover, but the paper as well! Not something I have seen a lot of in other books about bookbinding.The only criticism I have is that there were not very many different methods of binding discussed - basically only 3 different kinds (perhaps this is best for someone just beginning). However, the wealth of unique decorating and project ideas more than makes up for this. The beginner as well as the seasoned bookbinder will get wonderful tips and ideas from this book. I own several books on this subject, but still feel that this book is a very valuable asset to my collection. The color photos make her directions easy to follow, and her unique ideas will inspire you!