Book Review Monday: Book Binding for Book Artists: Keith Smith and Fred Johnson

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 This is Keith Smith's first book on book binding and a great one. All the styles he lists in this book require no specialized tools or equipment and can be made by anyone with patience and determination to create books. While this book was not my first on binding it is one to which I return to for clarification when I have a question. These styles of binding are those that once you learn them you'll be able to make them again and again without referring to the book or diagram.

The entire first section is devoted to paper and tools. It's an excellent introduction to basic bookbinding tools. In this section Smith gives the most detailed and best description and instructions on pasting I've ever read. The instruction starts with simple pamphlet sewn books and moves its way up to more complex styles.

This is an introductory book but it is an excellent reference book for those of us who have been binding for years. It's not the easiest starter book out there, but if like me, you tend toward liking clear excellent diagrams and detailed descriptions this is a good book to start with. I would also recommend it if you are simply looking for a good reference on binding or are looking for a great introduction to pasting your own book cloth.

I give this book 5/5 binder needles and 2 paint covered thumbs up.

You can find most of Keith Smith's books on binding at his website www.KeithSmithBooks.com

At the beach after work

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At the beach after work
Originally uploaded by lessherger

I don’t usually do much after work, Getting up at 5 am and getting home around 4:30pm and driving on 128? Sucks. But today almost home C called me from the beach wanting me to drive there. I almost said no, but then realized that I had nothing better to do than fall asleep on the couch. So, I went brought a couple of sodas and endured: ants, annoying lady screaming at her kid, and the wannabe bad ass kids talking about sex and getting drunk all thew while being obnoxious about he whole thing.

I also noticed that the posted time for allowing dogs on the beach is now 7:30pm rather than last year’s 7pm. Sigh too bad my dogs LOVE the beach and don’t poo all over the place, it’s one of the few places we can let Ruby run free. It almost makes me want to participate in town politics. Like I said almost. I’d rather be able to have my dogs on the beach and pay more for a park guard than not have my dog on the beach. As is my taxes are outrageous.

Book Review Monday: Caffeine for the Creative Mind by Stefan Mamaw and Wendy Lee Oldfield

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This book is an inspirational type of book. The subtitle is 250 exercises to wake up your brain. It is just that: a bunch of ideas to spark creativity and the thought process.There are numerous ways to light that spark- art exercises, writing exercises, thought exercises among other creativity revving exercises.

It's a great little book if your planning a class or need to get your engine running. The great thing about this book is that it's focused on exercises specifically for the artist rather than the graphic designer. Many of the exercises also make excellent journaling prompts and get creative day dreams running.

I give this book 4/5 binder needles and 1 paint covered thumb up.

If you're stuck in a rut this is a great book to pick up and check out, even if you only thumb through it at your local B&N.

Book Review Monday: The Decorated Journal: Gwen Diehn

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Gwen Diehn is another one of those authors that I’ll like just about anything they put out for me to read. This TDJ is no exception  to this rule. Her books are usually a good mix of instruction and inspiration, and this one is no different.

There are fantastic images throughout. This books differs from some of her other books in that there is very little bookbinding instruction, it’s mostly about making and creating an art journal.

If you keep a text only journal this would be a great book to pick up for idea and inspiration.

It’s got loads of ideas and material, how to use them to begin art journaling. One thing that I really like is the Diehn cautions a beginning journaler from buying every material and option out there, the keeping it simple and really learning your material will allow the artist to create a more evocative journal than using every material and option available. I like that, I like that A LOT!

Even for a more advances art journaler this books is a great inspiration. It’s jam packed and I find I can open it to any page and find a little inspiration.

The great things about Diehn is that she doesn’t rely on gimmick nor premade "stuff". So her books never read like an advertisement for a product or company. She suggests simple materials used well for fantastic results.

I give this books 5/5 binder’s needles and 2 enthusiastic paint covered thumbs up.

You can get it here on amazon.