What are the different types of handmade books artists make? Here is a basic guideline of a five types of handmade books, along with brief explanations of each:
Accordion Pocket BookletThis art book is created from one sheet of paper. First, artists fold the paper one quarter of the way up the sheet. Then, the booklet is folded into an accordion. Mixed-media elements include adding ATCs, adding embellishments, creating a cardboard cover, and writing journal entries. Artists also glue several of these accordion pocket books together to create a thicker presentation.
Binder Ring Books
Rather than creating signatures and sewing them together, attach single sheets of paper with a hole punch and binder rings. This allows the book to expand quite a bit during mixed-media page creations. Because the binder rings are so durable, a sturdy cover works well for this book’s construction.
Booklets Within Books
Create the book as normally planned, but add some extra interactive elements. Make at least one small booklet (one or two pages sewn together) for every ten pages of the handmade book. Glue them into the book in random areas for extra mixed-media art and writing opportunities.
Glued Accordion Books
After folding an accordion book up, it’s simple to see what it would look like if it were to open like a standard book. Glue together the sections of the accordion to create a standard page booklet. Repeat this until the book’s desired thickness is complete. In the case of using cardstock, this project soon takes on the look and feel of a board book. For those interested in a whimsical look and true board book feel, fold up cereal boxes to use as the glued accordion book’s signatures.
Sketched Edge Books
For those book artists creating thick handmade books, there tends to be a thick block of page signatures. In this case, keep the book closed and sketch along the edges of the book’s block. This takes a steady hand, time, and patience. However, when it’s complete, it’s a lot more interesting to look at than a white block of pages.
Many of these handmade book ideas are easily incorporated into art journals (store-bought) and altered book projects. For example, sketch along the edges of art journals and altered books. There’s also opportunity for adding accordion folded elements directly to the pages of these books for added workspace and writing areas. Use of imagination, as well as library book references further add to handmade book making experiences.
For more information:
- Art Journals for Mail-Artists
- Make Scribble Books
- Altered Book Cover Art Project
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