Here are some key terms used throughout this site to describe artists' books. They may also be used as search terms.
Abaca (paper) - A paper-making fiber also known as Manila hemp, which is a species of the banana family. It is a popular material for handmade paper.
Accordion folds - When a continous piece of paper is folded back and forth creating a zig zag appearance.
Chapbooks - Small paper booklets usually made from a single sheet.
Coptic bindings - A binding technique where the gatherings (sections of sheets folded in half) are sewn through the folds. Usually, the spine is exposed so the stitching is visible.
Kozo (paper) - Also known as Japanese mulberry, it is a common ingredient in Japanese papermaking. Its long fibers create thin but strong paper.
Letterpress printing - A type of relief printing, which means that the shape of the letters in a plate are raised up, covered in ink, and then pressed into a piece of paper.
Linocuts - A type of relief printing, in which the print is made from a design cut into a mounted piece of linoleum.
Pamphlet bindings - A simple technique for binding folded pages. It is created by attaching the pages of a gathering (sections of sheets folded in half) through the fold, usually by sewing or stapling.
Pop-up and moveable books - One or more elements are folded or attached so that a three-dimensional structure rises when the book is opened or a tab is pulled.
Risographs - A printing technique that has been described as digital screen printing. It uses a high-speed printing machine for high-volume photocopying and is well known for its vivid colors.
Saddle stitch bindings - Single pages are folded and bound together with thread or staples. This is a type of pamphlet binding.
Stab bindings - Sometimes refered to as Japanese stab binding, this technique involves sewing through the front cover, all of the pages, and back cover of a book. This technique results in visible stitches on the cover and spine of the book.
Sculptural books - Books with a pronounced three-dimensional quality that still relate to the book in either structure or concept.
Turkish map fold - A sculptural book form created by folding opposite edges of a rectangular sheet together and folding in the side edges.