Michael Jacobs

 We are sad to report the news that Michael Jacobs, a well-known book artist, died in September of 2025 in Washington State. Michael taught bookmaking and paper craft workshops in the United States and Canada.

He was born in California and grew up in Santa Monica. At the age of 11, he received a leather craft kit, and this was the beginning of his interest in creative arts. He took workshops and training in photography, paper making, metal work, bookbinding and other arts. In 1988 he obtained a Commercial Art Degree with Honors from Seattle Central Community College.

His career progressed from being the owner of The Leather Works in Santa Monica (1968 to 1975) to working in mixed media crafts and sculptures (1975 to 1986). He was the owner and designer of Dimensional Graphics in Seattle, making paper sculptures, props and signage (1988-1993), the Co-Owner and Art Director of The Creative Zone in Seattle, producing, multi-media artist books, sculptures, and paper craft kits (1993 to 2009).

His artist books have been in private collections across America since 1973. In 1990, Michael designed and fabricated the World's Largest Photo Album (including 7,500 photos and weighing 228 pounds) for the Kodak Goodwill Games.

 In March 2008, NORBAG was privileged to have him come to Eureka to teach 3 workshops: "Spirit Book" “Strap Journal" and "Offbeat Books".

 Michael wrote three books on book projects published by North Light Books:

     Creative Correspondence, written with his wife, Judy Jacobs (2003)

     Cards That Pop up, Flip & Slide (2005)

     Books Unbound: 20 Innovative Bookmaking Projects (2006)

 Michael was an excellent and inspiring teacher and a kind, supportive and positive influence. He was 77.