BOOK ARTS RESOURCES
This page is designed to provide an overview of resources associated with the book arts including information on other organizations, key publications, and links to useful educational materials.
The following list of resources is a collection of references recommended by our members. Many of us were new to book arts when we joined PSBA. We were searching to learn more about the art and craft of artists’ books. We also wanted to connect with the community of others fascinated by this unique art form. This resource guide is intended to be a starting point to explore the world of book arts. The annotations are taken from the websites.
We recognize the importance of supporting our local communities and meeting our neighbors. The local Puget Sound organizations or businesses are noted with an asterisk.*
Definition of an Artist Book
An artist’s book is a medium of artistic expression that uses the form or function of “book” as inspiration. It is the artistic initiative seen in the illustration, choice of materials, creation process, layout and design that makes it an art object... What truly makes an artist’s book is the artist’s intent, and artists have used the book as inspiration in a myriad of ways and techniques, from traditional to the experimental. The book could be made through fine press printing or hand-crafted, the pages illustrated with computer-generated images or cheap photocopies; books became sculptures, tiny and gargantuan; books were sliced up and reconfigured, made from all kinds of materials with unconventional objects incorporated, in unique or limited editions, or produced in multiple copies. With all sorts of ideas behind them, artists continue to challenge the idea, content and structure of the traditional book.
Book Arts Organizations
Some of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) organizations listed below share an overlapping interest in purpose, programs, and membership with Puget Sound Book Artists (PSBA) and occasionally collaborate with PSBA. Other groups listed are large national organizations reaching an expanded audience. Some offer studio space, large exhibition space, educational on-line instruction, or extensive resource lists.
Book Arts Guild* (BAG)
The Book Arts Guild (BAG) was started in 1979 and includes many Seattle and PNW regional book artists. BAG has hosted hundreds of lectures by major artists from all over the world, coordinated many workshops with master artists and craftspeople, supported exhibitions, and been active in regional book fairs throughout the group’s history. There is a collaborative membership overlap with PSBA and BAG. Many of their events are held at the University of Washington or on zoom. A collection of YouTube talks are also available.
The Center for Book Arts (CBA)
The Center for Book Arts (CBA) is located in New York City and promotes active explorations of artistic practices related to the book as an art object. Founded in 1974, it was the first organization of its kind in the U.S. The Center for Book Arts (CBA) is dedicated to uplifting and furthering the book arts & book art through education, preservation, exhibition, art making, and community building. CBA serves as a physical and virtual space for research, education, exhibition, practice, and community building. Their website has everything from open calls, to book art related events, to places to visit and learn, as well as other types of resources for artists and book-curious friends. They update the Opportunities section of their website weekly. CBA has an on line bookshop offering their publications, artist books and tools.
The Codex Foundation exists to preserve and promote the contemporary handmade book as a work of art in the broadest possible context and to bring to public recognition the artists, the fine craft and the rich history of the civilization of the book. Codex offers an International Biennial CODEX Book Art Fair & Symposium in the Bay Area, focusing on serving practitioners, scholars, curators, collectors, students, and book arts enthusiasts by bringing together the international community to share their work and to educate the public about the rich and diverse artwork being made across the globe today. Their focus is on work that unites craft and concept and engages all aspects of the book as a conceptual whole. Their book art fair is unique amongst art fairs as the exhibitors are largely made up of the actual artists, printers, and craftspeople doing the work. The next Codex Fair is February 2026.
College Book Arts Association (CBAA)
The College Book Arts Association (CBAA) is a non-profit organization fundamentally committed to the teaching of book arts at the college and university level, while supporting such education at all levels, concerned with both the practice and the analysis of the medium. It welcomes as members everyone involved in such teaching and all others who have similar goals and interests. The association aims to engage in a continuing reappraisal of the nature and meaning of the teaching of book arts. They have a comprehensive list of book arts related links on their website. Some PSBA members are also active in CBAA.
Focus on Book Arts (FOBA)
Focus on Book Arts (FOBA) is an inspiring, hands-on organization where creativity, craftsmanship, and camaraderie come to life. Their late-June signature event—the FOBA Conference—is a five-day, in-person extravaganza held every two years at Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon. With more than 200 attendees, expert-led workshops, a bustling Trade Show, an inspiring Faculty-Staff Exhibition, and lively evening events, this conference is a dream destination for anyone who wants to explore all the possibilities of handcrafted books. The 2026 conference is June 24-28.
The Guild of Book Workers* (GBW)
The Guild of Book Workers (GBW) is a national organization with a regional chapter in the Northwest. The Northwest Chapter serves the community of book artists, binders and conservators in the Pacific and Inland Northwest; the Chapter works to broaden outreach in the book arts community through workshops, collaborations with other organizations, and through engagement with their membership. All skill and interest levels are welcome to create, learn and share. Their website has an online gallery. The GBW publishes many resources in their GBW Blog and Newsletter. Their webpage provides links to their newsletter with resources and descriptions of the artists’ work. There is some overlap in membership with PSBA.
The Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA)
The Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) one of the larger book arts organizations. Their mission is to make book arts more accessible by providing tools, equipment, and knowledge. They support artists from different backgrounds and encourage creative growth. Through exhibitions and educational programs, they bring people together, inspire new ideas, and help shape the future of the book arts. They offer offer zoom workshops, lessons, materials lists, and a video tour of their studios. This is the link to their free instructional videos. Some PSBA members found their videos really helpful especially during the Covid years.
Puget Sound Book Artists* (PSBA)
Puget Sound Book Artists (PSBA) is a nonprofit organization composed of members ranging from those new to the book arts to professionals, to create a spirit of community among those who love and create books. PSBA was established in 2010, and over the last 15 years, it has grown from a small local grassroots organization based in Tacoma, Washington, to a vibrant and active regional organization. The organization strives to increase educational opportunities for individuals and organizations, fostering excellence through exhibitions, workshops, lectures, publications, etc. The organization sponsors a yearly members’ exhibition, lectures, salons, and a variety of workshops where you can explore, create, and share with others.
PSBA offers a variety of programs at all levels. We support mini-workshops that are generally 3-4 hours long on a wide range of topics, often associated with book construction and format. We offer 2-3 day workshops that feature in-depth work with experienced book artists. We also offer a vibrant series of lectures and host seasonal Salons which provide members the opportunity to gather and discuss current work, discuss designs, and learn from one another. Please check the calendar for upcoming opportunities and events!
San Diego Book Arts (SDBA)
San Diego Book Arts (SDBA) was established by a group of book artists in1996 following a presentation to the Artists Guild of the San Diego Museum of Art. Membership has grown to over 300 people in over 5 countries, representing many different fields including artists, collectors, graphic designers, bookbinders, conservators, librarians, teachers, writers, and printmakers. For its members and interested individuals, SDBA publishes a bimonthly newsletter. Membership offers a reserved video library of virtual demonstrations and Tips and Tricks, along with discounts for class registrations.
San Francisco Center for the Book (SFCB)
San Francisco Center for the Book (SFCB) is a non-profit organization that fosters the joy of books and bookmaking. They focus on the history, artistry, and continuing presence of books in our culture, as well as their enduring importance as a medium of self-expression. They offer more than 300 workshops annually both in-person and on-line from introductory classes to master courses. They also have four exhibitions a year, public programs, talks, and tours.
Puget Sound Regional Museums and Libraries
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art* (BIMA)
The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) has a large collection of artists’ books and is proud of its commitment to feature and display the unique and burgeoning world of Artists’ Books. BIMA’s goal is to help make this unique medium more visible and accessible. BIMA’s Artists’ Books exhibition changes three times throughout the year. They hold in-person tours of their artists’ books on the third Wednesday and third Saturday of the month. The tour is free but you must register on line. They also have a video library of the artists. Their collection includes books from PSBA member artists.
The Evergreen State College, Daniel J. Evans Library, James F. Holly Rare Books Collection*
The library’s collection testifies to Evergreen’s commitment to the preservation of history and culture through the art of the book. The collection is comprised of handmade and small press books, important first editions, miniature books and hand-printed ephemera, as well as trade books that are both rare and beautiful to look at, touch, and read. We also collect books with regional content and themes, including Northwest authors, Northwest history, and diverse antiquities donated by people who live in the Northwest region. To contact the Rare Book Room, reach out to rarebooks@evergreen.edu regarding hours open for drop-in visits or to schedule an appointment. Their collection includes books from PSBA member artists.
University of Washington Special Collections*
Special Collections brings together the University of Washington Libraries’ most rare and unique resources. From papyrus to born-digital, their holdings span history and the globe, and offer boundless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Students, faculty, and visitors are invited to examine manuscripts, printed works, artists’ books, photographs, maps, and other materials in the protected environment of the Special Collections reading room. Their digital collections are available on the web.
The University of Puget Sound, Collins Memorial Library*
The Artists' Book Collection of Collins Library contains many examples from PSBA members as well as a number of prominent book artists. There are several thousand rare books and artists' books in the Archives and Special Collections. These books are non-circulating and may be viewed in the reading room only. Many of the books are fragile and require special care when handling. The rare books and artists' books can be found in the library catalog, Primo. Artist books in the collection may be viewed here. The library is also home to the Shereen LaPlantz collection of books as well as books from PSBA member artists.
The following is a sample of other libraries outside Washington featuring Artists’ Books:
Getty Research Institute, Los AngelesLibrary of Congress, The Book Arts
Morgan Conservatory, Cleveland
Multnomah County Library, John Wilson Special Collection
Smithsonian Libraries Artists’ Book
Victoria and Albert Museum
Book Arts News / Educational Opportunities / Book Arts Resource Lists
Book Arts Newsletter published bimonthly by Sara Bodman of the Center for Fine Print Research at the University of West of England, Bristol, UK. This is an excellent compilation of book arts on an international scale.
Book Arts Web is a comprehensive website providing access to a myriad of resources including links to book arts organizations, publications, educational materials, online exhibitions, blogs, paper making, letterpress and printing resources, as well as basic copyright information
Community Print* is a member-run, community-supported printmaking studio and creative space operating in downtown Olympia, Washington. They provide introductory Letterpress and RISO classes, in addition to special subject classes related to printing, paper, book arts and more. Some PSBA members teach classes at Community Print.
Directory of Artists’ Books list provides links to academic, museums and public libraries. The list is in archives mode as of 2024.
The Guild of Book Workers has a list of most book arts related organizations, updated as of December 2024. The list includes links to book binders, book arts, calligraphy, schools, etc.
Helen Hiebert Studio’s mission is to share and expand the love of hand paper-making and paper crafts with newcomers and to expand the knowledge of experienced artists through artwork, online and in-person classes, retreats, videos, how-to books, a blog and a podcast.
Olyphant* is an arts supply store in Olympia. They also teach art workshops.
PSBAMedia, hosted by Puget Sound Book Artists* is a YouTube channel featuring recorded "Lunchtime Conversations," studio tours with renowned book artists, showcasing diverse techniques like paper weaving, collage, and printmaking, and tutorials, with videos accessible via their events page or directly on YouTube.
Books and Blogs dedicated to Artist Books
Many of our members have found these books and blogs helpful especially at the early stages of their practice. This section is divided into “how to” books and books for inspiration.
How-to books or online resources:
Alisa Golden’s Making Handmade Books. This is a good primer for the beginning book artist. It includes basic information about tools needed, size and grain of paper, adhesives, sewing techniques, and a list basic terminology.
Helen Hiebert’s Art of Papercraft. The book is a collection of 40 unique projects, each using just one sheet of paper. Combining decorative paper techniques like marbling, stamping, and stenciling with dimensional techniques like origami, cutting, folding, quilling, stretching, weaving, and pop-ups. More information on Helen Hiebert’s studio noted above.
Hedi Kyle and Ulla Warchol’s The Art of the Fold. Detailed instructions to create Kyle’s unique designs using folding techniques.Shereen LaPlantz’s Cover to Cover. The book offers seven basic book structures with examples and directions. She also offers a good explanation of what to know about the materials used in a book, including paste and thread; and basic techniques for working with paper.
Esther K. Smith’s How to Make Books. This book is especially good for beginners.
Keith Smith’s books offers a collection of books on binding, how to use text, and the structure of the visual book. His website has excerpts from each of his books.Heather Weston’s Bookcraft: Techniques for Binding, Folding, and Decorating is a comprehensive guide for creating beautiful handmade books aimed at both the beginner and advanced crafters.
Inspiration:
Johanna Drucker’s the Century of Artists’ Books. With the insight of the artist and the discernment of the art historian, Drucker details over 200 artworks, relating them to a variety of art movements of the last century and tracing their development in form and concept.Sandra Salamony with Peter and Donna Thomas, 1000 Artists’ Books—Exploring the Book as Art. Several PSBA artists are featured in this book.
Eileen Wallace, Curator of Masters Book Arts. Forty international book artists are featured in this collection.Book-on-Books You can sign up for a daily (almost daily) email entry highlighting exceptional artist books.
Book Arts Supplies
The businesses on this list have been used by many of members with satisfied results.
Acuity Papers is a family owned online retailer of Fine Art Paper. They have a detailed description of each of their papers. Their prices are competitive; they’ll match any other supplier.
Artist and Craftsman Supply* has a local store in Tacoma at 616 St. Helens Avenue and Seattle at 4350 8th Avenue NE. With two Stores in the Portland, OR area.
Carriage House Paper offers all the supplies needed for paper making. They also sell custom ordered paper.
Cave Paper specializes in creating particularly strong sheets of decorated paper prized for their strength, durability, and richly layered surfaces. They are ideal for book binding, embossing, collage, and design.
Colophon Book Arts Supplies Quality materials, tools, and supplies for book artists, bookbinders, paper makers and paper marblers. Colophon is owned, operated, packaged, fulfilled by Marty Uthuppuru, a book artist.
DickBlick* has a local store at 1600 Broadway in Seattle.
Hollander’s specializes in decorative papers, book cloth and bookbinder supplies.
Mulberry Paper & More specializes in paper: mulberry, washi, lokta, Italian, marbled, natural and Indian.
John Neal Books supplies calligraphers, lettering artists, illuminators, bookbinders, type and paper-craft artists with books, tools, and materials.
Talas offers book cloth, papers, adhesives, paints as well as conservation, archival, and bookbinding supplies.
Twinrocker Paper Making Supplies offers all the supplies needed for paper making.
Washi Arts carries an extensive range of the finest Japanese papers including handmade and machine-made papers of kozo, gampi and mitsumata fibers. Their website also has information about washi paper: its history, uses and choices.
Updated February 2026 by Diane Miller