5 comments about Wacky Packages.

1. Now I have that stupid song stuck in my head. But this little gem of a book brought back a lot of laughs long stifled since my childhood. We went nuts for Wacky Packages and we swapped and we traded and we bartered and all of that stuff. My neighbor had some real old vintage ones on her refrigerator that I would go crazy for. But it seems like they haven't included ALL of them. There has to be a sizable number of images that didn't make it into this book. Perhaps I'm mistaken and this book only offers up a few volumes in the series....I know there is stuff that I had that's missing from this book. But - anyway, if you grew up in the 60's and early 70's and you remember purchasing these things for 10 cents or so, this is a wonderful book that looks back on adolescence and hits the funny bone hard. It's short on words and descriptions, but that's fine. The laugh-out-loud images are enough. This book brought a huge smile to my face that didn't go away for a long time. It brought back a wave of great memories and for that, it's worth twice the price!!! I love it!



2. This is (at least one of) the logical extensions of Warhol, to the extent that the representation and/or the "idea" of the product is theoretically no different than the product itself. Actually, it's more interesting than Warhol; it's satire that is automatic, mass produced, and not the least bit funny.
   
   Yes, the reproductions are unreasonably beautiful, and I'm not just saying that because I had a Wacky Packages fetish when I was a kid. "Hawaiian Punks" has always been my favorite. There is something about the red and green mushed-up glob of a former human being, as he seems to ooze off the sticker, that is just as transfixing to my adult eye as it was to my far less discriminating 10-year-old self.
   
   This is cultural detritus raised to an utterly undeserved level. I feel like tearing all of the pages out and framing them properly. The apocalypse will be arriving when?



3. I was born in Philadelphia and when I was growing up in the 60's, one of my vices was.......Wacky Packages! These fun sticker trading cards were like "crack" to kids in my neighborhood! The twisted parodies were all done by some very famous artist and today the stickers can empty your wallet faster than you can chew bubble gum!
   
   I am a collector of many things and I am also a complete-ist! Which would make collecting these stickers very expensive! I collect Monster and Super Hero statues, figures, magazines, trading cards, films, and way too much more! I also collect other items from my youth and I was going to venture into Wacky packages, but after some research, I found it would be too costly to complete the collection.
   
   There is also a lot you need to know before you start buying/collecting these cards, spotting counterfeits and re-released versions is just part of the chaos and then finding them in good condition from reputable sellers is another.
   
   This book will solve the problem for most nostalgia hunters and definitely for me! The book is laid out so that every sticker is presented on it's own page. The pictures are beautiful and clear and are in order of release separating each series with a divider page. It's a sweeeet little book that measures 7 1/2" tall and 5 3/4" wide and the dust jacket looks like a Wacky Packages wrapper to boot!
   
   This Hard cover book has very little text and only covers the first 7 series of cards, but it's well worth the price if you like these stickers. I can only hope that there will be a second volume with series 8 through 16 included! I'll buy it and I'm sure anyone who bought this volume will too!
   
   As a bonus there is a collectors pack of four classic "Wacky Packs" stickers! Very Cool!



4. This book may be one of the most pointless things I ever needed to have. The production is gorgeous, down to the waxy Topps paper the dustcover is printed on. If you're looking for a lot of scholarly insight it's not here. Art Speigelman's brief intro tells you everything you need to know, the rest is pictures of the stickers. For a designer, this book is pure inspiration - wacky wordplay, pastiche, essence of package design, etc. And the price is terrific.



5. Wacky Packages
   
   This is a great book. It's the next best thing to having a Wacky Packages sticker collection, the image quality is very good. Everything from the creative hardcover design to the wax paper cover and the package of rare stickers...Awesome!

4 comments about Vintage Collage-Works: Artful Ideas with Antique Ephemera.

1. This book is a beautiful journey into the world of vintage images and ephemera with some very creative project ideas! I really enjoyed it!



2. I bought the book based on the title and the cover and how lucky to hit the jackpot. This book is brimming with inspiration! Offers step-by-steps for the less experienced artist but the step outs aren't so overbearing that a more seasoned artist can't take the projects and explode in a frenzy of creativity. Several pages of clip art in the back for scanning and using - a great addition for those who are just beginning their ephemera collections.
   
   I would say this book, quite aptly, caters to every level of collage or mixed media artist who loves working with ephemera. Love this book! One of my favorites.



3. I love this book! I am an admitted fan of Maryjo Koch's work since discovering her feather art on some wrapping paper. Unlike many other books on collage I own, every image in this book appeals to me. Her "technique" instructions are helpful and there is a great section of clip art images to cut out or scan in the back of the book. I also like her ideas for easy, tiny projects like collaging matchbook boxes.



4. I was somewhat disappointed with this book. It is a nice take on mixed media collage with tips on painting, but not as new or innovative as I had hoped.

2 comments about Twelve Old-Time Cats Bookmarks (Small-Format Bookmarks).

1. It's so handy, and better than dog-earing my books.
   
   I love buying this because when I just need another buck or two to push me over into the $25 range to get free SuperSaver shipping. I don't get why I have to pay the extra buck in processing fees though...



2. These are very cute. My only gripe is that they are only printed on ONE SIDE, and I like my bookmarks to be printed on both sides.
   But, they are very cute, and I gave these as a gift.

5 comments about Firecrackers: The Art and History.

1. This is a good source book on firecrackers from China to the world. It was well organized with large pages of colorful photos in rare package labels. The chapters on the origin, evolution and manufacturing of firecrackers were concise and informative. Of significance was the chapter on Chinese celebrations. For more than a millennium, firecrackers have been there from weddings to dragon dances, from funerals to store openings (p.27). For the Chinese, firecracker is a must for festival tradition celebration especially to welcome the Chinese New Year (same as firing guns at New Year Eve).
   
   However, Chinese Christians celebrate Christmas with firecrackers (p.36) is a doubtful assertion as the authors failed to provide where, China or US. The same page said firecracker is celebration and sadness. To Chinese, firecrackers never are associated with sadness. It can mean scare off the evil spirit, negative chi and bad luck.
   
   It is a great book to read and enjoy the colorful labels and package with different themes, ranging from Chinese mythology and folklores to western tradition. The Chinese knows the American market well. The nude angel with wings (p.76) is a case in point; others included are battleship (p.121), Red Devil, thunder cloud, dinosaur, Robinson Crusoe, King Kong, cowboys, Indians, aquatic animals, astrospace and explosives (atomic bombs), bullfight, woman boxers, baseball, football, circus, auto race, military and Dixie boys. The un-named artists were impressive. Labels from Guatemala, Indonesia and India are included as well. Of special meaning were the two package labels related to WW II - four Chinese soldiers with weapons on hand, a firing tank, a Chinese flag and three double decked fighter planes heading East resisting Japanese aggression (p.100); a young Chinese soldier in green uniform, gun at back and bullet case belt with a raised right hand V finger sign, an obvious V- J Victory celebration (p.101).
   
   This book gave good information. However, the authors failed to mention that firecrackers and fireworks, the Chinese invention are intended celebration for prosperity, happiness, luck and peace as well. But once introduced to Europe, they were turned into weapon to wage war against Chinese as recorded in history 150 years ago under the free trade in China's favor excuse.
   
   Next time, when you light up a package for July 4 celebration, think about the excitement and joy this Chinese gift brings.



2. My husband was looking for a book on firecrackers and I tried the local book stores, i.e. Barnes and Nobles, Bookmart, Books a Million, but no luck. I browsed the internet and the reviews on firecracker reference materials were few and far between. Finally I came across this book on Amazon and took a chance it would please him.....he's quite picky about his reference library. This soft-cover book is GREAT! It is packed with beautiful, vibrant full color photos of the common labels all the way up to the very rare. The book layout is dotted with photos and the glossary is helpful to even the intermediate collector. The section "Interview with a Collector" gives a nice insightful look into the pursuit of fireworks labels. The history of firecrackers is also discussed, giving the collector a great back-story to the industry. No price guide, but that is fine with my husband, as it tends to date a book after a couple of years. This is an informative addition to the Hubby's library......he's happy and I'm glad.



3. Bright, colorful pages packed with color illustrations and photos chart the art and history of the firecracker, from their construction and advancement to the making of labels and items promoting them. Beautiful drawings pack an illustrated history which invites leisure browsers as much as researchers, and which is very highly recommended for general library collections.



4. This book shows great insite into the history of the firecracker and the intricate artwork involved with the packaging of them. The clarity of the illustrations are wonderful, its hard to believe some of the labels are as old as they are. I highly recommend this book to anyone who can remember the excitement of being able to "set off" these firecrackers on the 4th of July, without worrying about breaking the law. Those of you who were not as lucky to experience this thrill, will definitely find this book fun.



5. Excellent beautifully illustrated book well worth the money. The illustrations and layout are extremely well done. This is easy reading that covers some terrtory not well documented anywhere else (Vietnam.) Some historical inaccuracies especially in the history of the manufacture of "Chinese" crackers in the 20th century. Overall an excellent job! Highly reccomended to anyone who has an interest in the subject, or who just likes the imagery of the old labels.

4 comments about Arnold Grummer's Complete Guide to Easy Papermaking.

1. Since the local craft store carries the Arnold Grummer supplies for papermaking, I decided to buy his book - Arnold Grummer's Complete Guide to Easy Papermaking. (Mr. Grummer also has a website.) The instructions in the book are very clearly illustrated by photographs. Many variations in colors and textures are shown. You'll need a frame set and cotton linter both available at the craft store, a blender and paper scraps. Easy to recycle old envelopes or paper (discard the black print which will turn the paper grey). Variations: Colored paper tints the pulp. Add dried flowers and leaves. Emboss wet pulp with brass stencil. Hot tip: When pressing out the excess water from the wet pulp, use a rolling pin!



2. There's an old adage that says, "Never judge a book by its cover."

   That was certainly true for me when I first looked at Arnold Grummer's Complete Guide To Paper Casting. My initial reaction to the cover (& many of the 'projects' was--How 70s can you get?

   Fortunately, I followed the adage's advice and read a few chapters. Result? I found a valuable addition to my how-to library.

   The authors (Arnold & Mabel Grummer) have created a work which is rich with detail. They offer techniques, tips, history, ideas & more in such an easy to read manner that whatever your interest &/or skill level, you will find yourself casting pulp before you know it.

   Saavy enough to recognize that many crafty types want to get started without reading 'War & Peace', the authors provide readers with a quick start-up in Chapter 2. I made my first paper cast within thirty minutes of reading the instructions--(took me twelve minutes to find the blender!)

   From that point on, I found myself enjoying (& learning) so much. I picked up a vocabulary without needing to consult a dictionary; began exploring additives & molds & generally having FUN with paper casting in ways I had not considered.

   With the current trend in paper crafts/arts, I heartily recommend this book to scrapbookers, altered-bookers & collagists. I also recommend it to anyone who has ever asked 'What If?'




3. I love this book. Arnold Grummer is fantastic. This book explains everything you need to know about paper, and making paper, in a very simple way. I especially love the beginning of the book where he gets into the technical aspects of what IS paper and why we can make our own. There are also many full-color samples of handmade paper that I found very inspiring. This book will keep you busy trying all the embellishment and inclusion techniques, too, including botanicals, pin drawing, and coloring. I'll be using this book for a long time, and I recommenend it to everyone.



4. The day I recieved this book I could not put it down, I had to read the entire book! From the start, it is an encouraging and creative book to be used in every aspect of the papermaking process. Unfortunately the only parts I felt were weak would be for paper artists who want a totally acid free paper. His comments on that though, do need to be believed because He is the curator of the Dard Hunter paper museum and a paper chemist. He feels that the best way to make that type of paper is to start with recycled paper that is already acid free. Those artists who create from plants alone may not find enough information to please them,yet many of His techniques can still be applied with their experience to create very artistic paper. Even beginners can tackle the most professional results with this book in hand. I feel even children could achieve surprising results with the processes he shows, step by step, using mostly home supplies. He shows you how to make your own mold and deckle too! The "moon paper" recipe he shows you how to create is worth the price of the book alone! Out of my entire library of paper books, this does stand on its own for the most part and for that reason, I recommend it for all beginner and intermediate artists and every papermaking teacher.Your creative juices will flow with this book!

5 comments about Old-Fashioned Halloween Cards: 24 Cards.

1. I ordered this booklet of postcards for my boyfriend because he loves vinatge halloween postcards and other collectibles. I was surprised when I received this booklet because it has 6 pages with 4 postcards on each and they are perforated for easy removal and are very glossy. My only complaint is that I would want the postcards to be heavier stock i fear of them tearing or crumpling in the mail. I would recommend getting two of these books, one to tear out the cards and mail them to friends and family and the other to keep as a coffee table book. It will surely bring back memories of Halloween and keep your friends talking about old memories. I was very impressed with this buy as was my boyfriend. :-)I definetly recommend it!



2. These old-fashioned Halloween cards are spooktacular enough to make any recipient smile. A great way to say Happy Halloween in style!



3. If you like old fashioned Halloween graphics this book is for you. The format is made to allow you to tear out the cards. If you can bear to part with these gorgeous cards they can be send US mail. Or if you love Halloween as I do you will want to keep these to use as inspiration in costumes and perhaps decorating. Very pretty graphics.



4. I was thrilled when these arrived.
   They are so lovely I almost wish I had ordered another set to cut out and use while saving the other.
   The cards are a nice quality stock and have a shiny finish to them.
   The colors are bright and cheerful.
   I am beyond pleased.



5. 4 postcards per page, printed in beautiful rich color on heavy stock. perforations between cards - you will probably want to use a paper trimmer to get a nicer edge before using them. A nice variety of wonderful vintage halloween designs featuring children. great for postcards, or as decor!

5 comments about Stereo Views: An Illustrated History & Price Guide (Stereo Views).

1. This is a "must-have" book for the serious collector of stereo views and those just now getting interested in this fascinating subject. Waldsmith really knows his stuff. Highly recommended.
   
   -David Burkhart, author of Earthquake Days: The 1906 San Francisco Earthquake & Fire in 3-D.



2. This is an excellent history of the 19th and early 20th century phenomeon "stereo views" in which two copies of a photograph were produced on a letter-sized card and viewed through a hand-held viewer to see the picture in 3-D effect. You still see these old photo cards occasionally at flea markets and antique shops and they have been avidly collected for generations although this form of entertainment died out around the 1920's. Mr. Waldsmith gives us detailed listings of many of the stereo view cards, price value, and information on many photographers. A wonderful bonus for the baby boom generation is the inclusion of the history of Viewmasters, the "updated" version of SVs a fond memory for children for over 50 years and still being issued today. Waldsmith includes a complete list of Viewmaster photo reels and packets issued up through the book's publication as well as the less popular rivals of Viewmaster in the past. Highly recommended even if you don't collect either stereo views or viewmaster reels and invaluable if you do.



3. The revised edition is excellent, apart from forming a useful catalogue of stereographs to seek out, it is also a wonderful history of the many subjects photographed in 3-D over the years. I rated it at 4 stars rather than 5 because I consider the reduced content of the index to be a retrograde step. Having said that it is a 'must have' for all stereographers.



4. There are prices listed, as well as tips about how to grade collectibles. While prices are always debatable, it is still a great reference. With more than 300 photos on a total 336 pages it is also a wonderful book to browse.

   A true "must have" book for any stereo collector!




5. This is a brand new, year 2002, 336 page book with over 3,000 detailed listings of stereo view collectibles. It has more than 500 black and white photos with a wealth of useful and interesting text on this popular collectible. Chapters include care, condition, and dates of views, evaluating views, leading photographers and publishers and much information on modern era 3-D visual collectibles, including Tru-Vue, Novelviews, View-Master, GAF and more. The volume is completely indexed for easy location of items. Very comprehensive updated value guide. This updated edition is a must for stereo view enthusiasts. Add it to your library.

3 comments about Antique Trader Vintage Magazines Price Guide.

1. I've been interested in old magazines for a few years now, and have been looking for a helpful price guide. I just bought this, and I highly recommend it. There's a lot of information, not just about the magazines most of us are familiar with, but also about many lesser knonwn older magazines that have great value due to authors who published their early work in them--e.g. Edgar Allen Poe. It's not just helpful information as a price guide, it's very interesting reading! Lots of great color photos also. I looked through another magazine price guide in a bookstore, and this one is much, much better.



2. I picked up this book to learn more about vintage ads and magazines I was interested in. I was pleasantly surprised that not only was the book a complete guide to magazines but had great analgoies and stories the "editors" wrote within.
   Great information on a subject that seems to be little explored.



3. When we moved into our 1920's home,we found boxes left in the attic filled with old fashion magazines. My husband was ready to trash the lot, but being of the pack rat variety I found a home for them in my office.
   
   With the help of The Antique Trader Vintage Magazines Price Guide the door was opened for me to the world of old magazines. The beautiful color photos helped me to easily identify my boxes of "trash" and give them a value.
   
   Most important, the love affair the authors have for magazines comes across in their historical entries. The unique way they organize collectible magazine people into Sleepers like OZ artist W.W. Denslow or Stars like F.Scott Fitzgerald makes me want to haunt local yard sales. My major problem with the book was that I became so fascinated that I wanted more. The book could easily have been double in size and information and kept my interest as both a reader and for use as a desk reference. With what I've learned, our next home will hopefully be an 1890's Victorian with a basement full of Godey's Lady's Book magazines.

1 comments about Collector's Guide To Cookbooks: Identification & Values (Collector Books).

1. Looking forward to sorting out my collection and getting all of it in order.

3 comments about Old-Fashioned Santa Claus Cards: 24 Cards.

1. Nice Clipart...some good old classic generic clipart.
   I scan it in...wish it was already scanned in.
   
   Great price...
   You should be happy.



2. This is a very beautiful way to share Christmas with others. The old fashioned pictures in a high gloss finish are so bright and cheerful and very Christmasy. Everyone who received one of these cards really appreciated them.



3. I was under the impression that these cards were regular Christmas cards and not postcards. Hence the 3 stars, otherwise I like them alot.