How to Make Books

Smith’s signature book and the best place to start. It covers everything from one-sheet folds and simple zines to multi-signature bindings and experimental book structures, all presented with clear photography and step-by-step instructions. The projects are sequenced so that each one builds on skills from the previous, making it genuinely possible to go from zero experience to designing your own book structures by the end.

Why Start Here

This is the book that Smith is best known for, and it captures her teaching style perfectly. She starts with the simplest possible project, a single-sheet fold that requires no tools at all, and gradually introduces more complex techniques. The tone is encouraging without being condescending, and the variety of projects means you will discover which types of bookmaking excite you most.

The book also reflects Smith’s background as a fine artist. She does not treat bookbinding as purely functional; she shows you how to think about books as objects with aesthetic and tactile qualities. This perspective makes the learning process richer and more creative than a straightforward manual approach.

What to Expect

A 128-page hardcover with full-color photography throughout. Basic supplies needed: bone folder, ruler, craft knife, needle, and waxed thread. Many projects require nothing more than paper. Expect to spend 15 minutes to an hour per project.