About This Section
This section of the research guide was created to supplement the "Building Books By Hand" display in the LSU Main Library. The dates of the display are November 1 - December 31, 2023.
Models of handmade books that flap and stretch and unfold in unexpected ways were made by Caroline Ziegler and Michelle Melancon of LSU Libraries Special Collections. They both are continuously amazed by paper's ability to transform from a flat, everyday material into sculptural and kinetic forms. Using the bookbinding manuals that can be found in the stacks of the Main Library, they created models to inspire anyone to check out a guide, grab some paper, and start making books!
While building the models, the pair was inspired to create a large, playful, wall hanging composed of folds and stitches and the type of movement their book models displayed! In the wall hanging, you'll find accordions, pleats, freeform origami, and sewing using repurposed materials such as used parchment paper, toilet paper wrappers, and packaging material.
You can learn more about the book models displayed by browsing the books featured in this section, or you could sign up for a Book Arts course in LSU's Printmaking Department! In course Art 2381 / Art 4381 Book Arts, students learn how to make a variety of different book structures, experiment with letterpress printing, and visit Hill Memorial Library where they handle and take inspiration from rare and historic books as well as books by contemporary book artists. Locally, Screaming Into The Future offers a pop-up, zine reading room, and introductory bookmaking is occasionally taught, too!
What's in the Display? Handmade Models
Variety of Book Structure Models by Caroline Ziegler & Michelle Melancon
Star Accordion
Learn this structure in Benjamin Rinehart's Creating Books & Boxes: Fun and Unique Approaches to Handmade Structures.
Model by michelle melancon.
Blizzard Book
Learn this structure in Hedi Kyle's The Art of the Fold: How to Make Innovative Books and Paper Structures.
Model by michelle melancon.
Fishbone Fold
Learn this structure in Hedi Kyle's The Art of the Fold: How to Make Innovative Books and Paper Structures.
Model by michelle melancon.
Exposed Link Stitch
Learn this structure in Keith Smith's Non-Adhesive Binding series or Esther Smith's How to Make Books. (Note: This structure is often called "Coptic binding," but it is preferred to reserve that term for books made by Copts, the early Christians in Egypt.)
Models by Caroline Ziegler.
Japanese Stab Binding & Four-Sided Box Case
Learn this classic stab binding structure (Yotsume Toji) and box in Kōjirō Ikegami's Japanese Bookbinding: Instructions from a Master Craftsman.
Models by Caroline Ziegler.
Telescoping Ziggurat
Learn this structure in Hedi Kyle's The Art of the Fold: How to Make Innovative Books and Paper Structures.
Artist's book by Amanda D'Amico
Blizzard Boxes
Learn this structure in Hedi Kyle's The Art of the Fold: How to Make Innovative Books and Paper Structures.
Model by michelle melancon.
Snake Book
Learn this structure in Esther Smith's How to Make Books. (Instructions for this structure can also be found under the name "Maze Book" or "One Page Books")
Model by michelle melancon.
Triangle Accordion
Learn a similar Triangle Pamphlet Accordion structure in Benjamin Rinehart's Creating Books & Boxes: Fun and Unique Approaches to Handmade Structures.
Model by michelle melancon.
Blizzard Pocket Book
Learn this structure in Hedi Kyle's The Art of the Fold: How to Make Innovative Books and Paper Structures.
Model by michelle melancon.
Caterpillar Stitch Sampler
Learn these exposed binding stitches in Denise Carbone's Observations on the Caterpillar Stitch.
Model by Caroline Ziegler.
Pocket Accordion
Learn this structure in Hedi Kyle's The Art of the Fold: How to Make Innovative Books and Paper Structures and Esther K. Smith's How to Make Books.
French Link Stitch
Learn this structure in Tom & Cindy Hollander's Introduction to Bookbinding and Custom Cases: A Project Approach for Learning Traditional Methods.
Model by Caroline Ziegler.
Case Bindings
Learn this structure in Tom & Cindy Hollander's Introduction to Bookbinding and Custom Cases: A Project Approach for Learning Traditional Methods.
Models by Caroline Ziegler.
What's in the Display? Student-Made Artists' Books
Variety of Artists' Books by Students from the Printmaking Department
Broken, 2000
Like Ravens by Kathryn Hunter, 2000
How to Make a Hamburger by Shelli Post, c. 1996
Goblin Fears by K. L., undated
Sobremesa, undated
Pocket Baggage by LSU Printmaking Department, 2000
Stab-bound Flip Book by Tessa Mouton, 2002
[Star fold book], undated
City DNA by Duan Shiqing, undated
Starting Point... by Gianna Militana, 2022
Phases I, 2016
Grad Review Graphic Design Invitation by Kelly Mullins, 2012
KNOT a Problem: How to Tie a Munter Hitch by Sarah Nicholson, 2011
Beeswax Sketchbook by michelle melancon, c. 1996
Aunt Paula's Album by Leslie Koptcho, c. 2004
Spring 2021 Papermaking Album by Leslie Koptcho, 2021
Bookbinding Manuals & Related Resources
The Art of the Fold by Call Number: TT870 .K95 2018, Main Library (also available at Hill Memorial Library)ISBN: 9781786272935Publication Date: 2018-10-02The renowned and influential book artist Hedi Kyle shows you step–by–step how to create her unique designs using folding techniques in The Art of the Fold. Bookbinding and paper craft projects include flag books, blizzard books, the fishbone fold, and nesting boxes.
Written by the doyenne of artists' books, Hedi Kyle, The Art of the Fold is a wonderful insight into the work of a truly skilled artist. Hedi will show you how to bind a book and fold paper to create over 35 of her cut–fold book designs. The book is beautifully illustrated with Hedi's finished works of art.
Creating Books and Boxes by Call Number: Z271 .R56 2007, Main LibraryISBN: 9781592532919Publication Date: 2007-01-01Complete step-by-step instruction, full-color project photos, detailed step illustrations, diagrams, and tips.
How to Make Books by Call Number: Z271 .S63 2007, Main LibraryISBN: 9780307353368Publication Date: 2007-11-06From zines you can fold in a minute to luxurious leather journals and sumptuous sketchbooks, How to Make Books will walk you through the easy basics of bookmaking. Whether you're a writer, a scrapbooker, a political activist, or a postcard collector, let book artist Esther K. Smith be your guide as you discover your inner bookbinder. Using foolproof illustrations and step-by-step instructions, Smith reveals her time-tested techniques in a fun, easy-to-understand way.
Woven and Interlocking Book Structures from the Janus, Steiner and Gefn Presses by Call Number: Z271 .V38 2002Publication Date: 2002Bookbinding manual illustrating how to create non-adhesive woven structures.
The Elements of Pop-Up by Call Number: 736.98 C323E, Young People's Collection in the Main LibraryISBN: 9780689822247Publication Date: 1999-10-01Here at last is the definitive book on how to make a pop-up. Every aspect of the creation of a pop-up, known as paper engineering, is clearly and thoroughly covered. All types of parallel folds, angle folds, wheels and pull tabs are accurately detailed verbally and visually, flat and in dimension. Also included is a history of pop-ups and a step-by-step photographic essay on how a pop-up is made from start to finish. This guided tour is perfect for aspiring pop-up creators, paper engineers, students and appreciators of this unique art form.
The Pocket Paper Engineer by Call Number: TT870 .B2425 2005, Rare Collection in Hill Memorial LibraryISBN: 9780962775208Publication Date: 2007-04-01Elegant and accessible, this interactive handbook teaches crafters of all ages how to create kinetic paper art. The projects are complete with examples, formulas, and the essential instruction that allows them to be constructed directly from the book with simple materials on hand: paper, scissors, and glue. Pop-ups are grouped by type--box or triangle--and as the chapters progress, the techniques are combined and layered for more dramatic effects. With its thorough explanations and inspiring ideas, this book will bring color and motion to crafters' cards, scrapbooks, and invitations.
Japanese Bookbinding by Call Number: Z270 .J3 I3713 1986, Main LibraryISBN: 0834801965Publication Date: 1986-06-01A third-generation traditional bookbinder gives easy-to-follow instructions for making all the major, historically important styles of Japanese bindings as well as traditional book cases--the custom-made folding boxes that afford handsome protection for Japan's exquisite books. The authoritative text, written by one of Japan's leading professional bookbinders, has been fully adapted for Western readers. Both American and Japanese suppliers of traditional tools and materials are provided and substitutes are recommended for items not readily available. For centuries the West has admired Japanese books, but only now can we make them ourselves and take full advantage of their creative possibilities. Stunning and practical, these bindings are ideal for preserving calligraphy, letters, artwork, and poems, for adding a distinctive touch to limited-edition books, and for use as diaries or gifts.
Introduction to Bookbinding and Custom Cases by Call Number: Z271 .H73 2019, Main LibraryISBN: 9780764357350Publication Date: 2019-06-28The high quality of traditional bookbinding is renowned, and while apprenticeships are difficult to come by today, this step-by-step guide by expert hand-binders is the next best thing. Teaching you valuable beginning- and intermediate-level skills, using their trademark hands-on approach, the Hollanders explain the basics of the craft, then guide you through five projects.
Non-Adhesive Binding by Call Number: Z271 .S66 1999, Main LibraryPublication Date: 19993 volumes.
v. 1. Books without Paste or Glue
v. 2. 1-2- & 3- Section Sewings. Decorative sewing patterns
v. 3. Exposed Spine Sewings
Creative Bookbinding by Call Number: Z226 .J6 1973, Main LibraryISBN: 0295952679Publication Date: 1973Comprehensive, profusely illustrated guide to materials, equipment, papers, repair and preservation, many other topics. Over 600 photographs and diagrams illustrate step-by-step instructions. Introduction. Supply Sources.
Little Book of Book Making by Call Number: Z246 .R58 2014 , Main LibraryISBN: 9780770435141Publication Date: 2014-08-12Making books by hand has never been cooler, with this inspiring guide to 30 top bookmakers working today, plus 21 tutorials for essential techniques to make your own books.
Artists and Their Books / Books and Their Artists by Call Number: N7433.3 .R44 2018, Main LibraryISBN: 9781606065730Publication Date: 2018-07-10This stunning volume illuminates the current moment of artists' engagement with books, revealing them as an essential medium in contemporary art. Ever innovative and predictably diverse in their physical formats, artists' books occupy a creative space between the familiar four-cornered object and challenging works of art that effectively question every preconception of what a book can be.
The Book As Art: artists' books from the National Museum of Women in the Arts by Call Number: N7433.35 .U6 W37 2007, Main LibraryISBN: 9781568989921Publication Date: 2011Women have been pioneers in the field of book arts, crafting intimate and insightful works that blend word, image, and media together in exciting and unique ways. Whether produced as one-offs or manufactured in serial form, these volumes share a wonderful craft aspect that has broad appeal to fellow artists, collectors, and ordinary readers alike. Often highly conceptual in form, they stretch the boundaries of what constitutes a 'book.' This illustrated volume presents over 100 artists books held in the permanent collection of the Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C.
British Artists' Books by Call Number: N7433.35 .G7 B74 1984, Main LibraryISBN: 0853314748Publication Date: 1984
Breaking the Binding: American book art now : an exhibition of creative bookmaking produced in the United States since 1980, Elvehjem Museum of Art, 6 May-3 July 1983. by Call Number: N7433.35 .U6 B74 1983, Main LibraryPublication Date: 1983
- Secret Belgian Import Binding Instructions by Annette HollanderInstructions and diagrams for creating a hardcover book with woven lacing. Structure re-introduced by Hedi Kyle.
- Minnesota Center for Book Arts Instructional Videos"These paper-based projects can be assembled with simple household materials and are perfect for all skill levels! Follow along with Madeline Garcia, MCBA’s Education and Community Engagement Coordinator, as she gives step-by-step instructions for creating 11 unique book structures."
- DAS BookbindingDarryn Schneider's YouTube Channel on Bookbinding
- Resources by Big Jump PressCurated resource list of tutorials, bookbinding suppliers, lectures, etc.
- Booklyn Education Manual
"We make books to make change. We make books to be joyful. We make books to make our voices heard. In this ever-evolving education manual, we’ve combined bookmaking experiences and techniques from the world over that do all of these things. The Booklyn Education Manual is a combination of instruction sheets, lesson plans, and resources to introduce you to bookmaking or to complement the bookmaking you already do." -- https://booklyn.org/programs/booklyn-education-manual-2/
- Moe's Art Supply
4573 Bennington Ave., Baton Rouge, LA
Local art supply shop with a nice selection of bookbinding tools, papers, etc. Besides their Baton Rouge location, they can also be found in Covington and New Orleans. - TALAS
Conservation, archival & bookbinding supplier. - Hollander's Supply
Bookbinding and decorative paper supplier.