Intern Grace’s Team Pick:
I think that we can all agree that books are pretty much the best things ever, correct? I like books because they feel real and permanent, like inked words are something real you can touch and that aren’t going to change. There’s a big difference between writing a thing on the internet and making a thing in real life that you can hold in your hand. You should bind your own books, is what I’m saying. Book lovers never go to bed alone, but book makers never go to bed because they’re making their own books.
Awesomely, GOOD posted this really thorough and wonderful how-to guide to binding your own hardcover books. It has illustrations! And really detailed instructions! It seems unlikely that you will mess this up beyond redemption! I haven’t made one yet, but I want to so much, you guys. This truly is the best of all possible arts and crafts.
An important aside: I was under the impression that making really awesome custom CD sleeves was the best way to win someone’s heart, but I am fairly certain that this is even better. Just something to keep in mind.
Related, here is also this gorgeous video from The Daily Telegraph of how Smith Settle bookbinders put together their books mostly by hand. Motivation.
Birth of a Book from Glen Milner on Vimeo.
It is also very important to me that you have seen this bookstore stop motion short.
Ok, someone make a book and then come back and tell me how awesome you are!
