For my birthday I received a couple of really excellent books. This copy of "Vintage Paper Crafts" by Anna Corba came in the mail today (thanks Scarlett!). Vintage finds have, of course, been very popular for a long time. But I think vintage art, at least for crafters, has only recently become very popular. I seem to find all sorts of books on altered books and altered art now, and I am not so sure how long it has been this way. I have only flipped through the book a few times now, but it looks really good. There are loads of color photos, great practical ideas, and even in the back the author includes "ephemera" that can be photocopied in your own art. It has a sort of shabby chic to it--nothing dark or heavy about it. There are even a few pages on altered books. Lots of good inspiration in this one.
I have never seen a book like this before. It is so cool. Another friend sent, "Front Cover" by Alan Powers (thanks Merribeth). There are so many things I think I would love to do. After working for ten years in an independent bookstore (and even prior to that really), I have loved books. Not just reading them, but I love how books are made and designed. Something I have thought would be fascinating to do is design book jackets. I know you are not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but an attractive cover will always at least catch my eye. This book seems to be primarily British book jackets, but it looks at the evolution of book jackets through the 20th century. Of course it is lavishly illustrated. It is interesting to see how the various art movements have had an impact on book jackets. I am not sure where my friend found this one, but if you are at all interested in book design or graphic arts, this is a wonderful book.