How do I do what I do??

I have been asked by three different people to figure out how I do what I do.

You know the book thing.  So let me tell you how it works. 

1. I have spent hundreds of dollars on books that tell me how to make books.  Some I get just for the pictures some I get for the instructions.  But my rule is that there must be at least three things in the book that I can see turning into more than one thing when I am done.
2. I look for books with good detailed instructions.  There are way too many books out there that do not have the correct stitching details.  Yes, in spite of what you believe, the editors allowed them to go to print knowing that the instructions are just flat out WRONG.
3. I look for books that are referenced in other books.  I must admit that if someone I like is writing a book and they make mention of another book (this is generally found in the introduction or in the forward), I go looking for that book also.
4. I have not found one book that does it all yet.  So I still spend on books all the time. And if I can remember to save the receipt and I really don't like it, I just take it back and keep looking.

So having said all that, here is a list of my staple books that I go to all the time.

Suzanne from Quietfire Designs has some of the best instructions that I have ever seen in my life. I actually tried out for her design team so that I could get closer to her and her books. I purchased the instructions before I ever knew that she was having a call of DT members. I have seen instructions before, but if you want to do most of the stitches that you see me do here, you will want to get them from her.

The Harlequin Stitched is the one that I did on the Copper Etched Book. 

So here is a link to her site for the Bookbinding Kits.  Buy the kit because you have everything that you need to practice and then once you have it down, go ahead and kick it up a notch!!!

The first book that I purchased which is a good place to start is Book Arts by Design Originals. I used this to make the Chi-Chi Star Book, the Piano Hinge (third from the right on left row) and Tag Flag Book.

The second and third by Keith A. Smith Non-Adhesive Binding Books Without Paste or Glue Volumes I and III.  OK, the first questions is why not Volume II? Vol II does not have as many stitches. Now, I will say this, they are extremely technical. He is verbose and at times text heavy.  The instructions are impeccable.  The diagrams have so much detail, that you may need to stare at it just to finally see the simplicity. Volume III is where I learned the caterpillar stitch (the last six photos).

Fourth is Books with Girth by Cherryl Moote. She does some great paper folding techniques and adds stitches to each in a very unique way.  I like this book.  I have to admit that I have not done any thing from this book.  I do love all the ideas.  I just may have to do one this week to show you.

Finally Cover to Cover by Shereen LaPlantz.  I love how she uses various materials.  I also love how she can take even the simplest pamphlet stitch and turn it into a piece of wonderful art. I guess that is the best way to say it.  All of her books and the samples that she shows are actually works of art.

In order to make it easy for you, I have added a widget for you to go directly to amazon and purchase these titles.

I will make sure that I keep a regular review going.  And it is now a new category "How I do what I do?"

until we meet again,

Comments

[Nancy]

So ... since there isn't a really good one-source answer out there, have you considered writing the book? You could do it!

[Lauren Nwachukwu]

Hmmmmm......

love ya like cooked food

[Valonda L.]

Lauren,
Thanks SO MUCH for all the info. I'm sure that all of this will be helpful, although I haven't had time to sort through all of it yet. Unfortunately deadlines supercede play time.
I really appreciate this!
Valonda L.