No comments about Kids' Crafts: Stamp It!: 50 Amazing Projects to Make (Lark Kids' Crafts).

5 comments about The Art of Rubber Stamping.

1. Most rubber stamping books I've seen are one of two types; lots of beautiful samples, but little content to be of help to an inexperienced stamper, or good content instructionally with little to inspire. This book has ample amounts of both.

   The basic information is presented in the beginning, explaining supplies and techiques. Each technique is clearly illustrated, with supply lists and step by step instructions. The techniques run from bleach stamping through various applications for thick embossing powder, to stamping on art metals, to various brayer techniques. A beautiful sample of each technique is shown in each set of instructions, sometimes more than one example. At the back of the book is a gallery of sorts, showing what several stamp artists have been able to achieve with the use of some of these techniques.

   I did notice the missing steps mentioned by another reviewer, and would have liked the missing steps inserted somehow, as it is a technique I'd like to try sometime. Perhaps newer editions have corrected this mistake. Otherwise, whether Suze Weinberg actually created these techniques or not, I am appreciative of a book that has polished examples with clear instructions that even those like myself who are "stamping challenged" can aspire toward.




2. I consider myself to be an intermediate/advanced stamper, and I have not run across any other book yet that has intrigued me as much as this! I love the fact that it covers so many techniques, keeps the instructions simple and straightforward, and has great pictures to show you the results that can be achieved. I first got it from the library, and am now ordering it because I know I will refer to it again and again. Take a look for yourself--even get it from the library first for a preview--and form your own opinion. I think you'll love it!



3. After my initial purchases, I didn't buy many books on rubber stamping because most of them describe the same techniques and just show different examples. This book is different. As soon as I leafed through it, I knew I had to buy it. The samples in this book are works of art. The techniques are advanced, the photos are beautiful and the instructions are clear and concise. This is not a book for beginners. It won't teach you the basic stamping techniques but instead it takes stamping to the next level, from a craft to an art form. I consider myself an advanced stamper but for sometime I have been looking for something that would that would help advance my stamping skills. I think this is just what I have been hoping to find.



4. I like this book because it has a lot of good tips all in one book. I own many rubber stamping books with tips and techniques but they do not have such variety in contents and they are often bits and pieces everywhere across different books which made me end up with too many books on my book shelves. I do not mind if the ideas are originally from Suze or not (as one reviewer brought up)...at least Suze has recognised the need to compile and compact the ideas as much as possible into one book) which I find value for money beyond compare. Her book is easy enough to read and understand and I've been able to come up with successful projects that make a difference and that I'm a proud owner of. I truly have never seen an author so willing to put so much in ONE book for the readers and I'll have to give Suze the credit for that... 5 stars all the way! (This book complements the artsy side of rubber stamping)



5. This book is a gorgeous pictorial and includes step-by-step instructions for each technique shown. I have looked through it over and over just to enjoy the artwork. I've also been able to adapt the designs to my own style and use the instructions to succesfully recreate the projects shown. One of my favorite rubber stamping books.

4 comments about The Great Rubber Stamp Book: Designing * Making * Using.

1. Dee knows how to excite anyone who wants to try their hand at creativity through mail art. Her colors are often bold, and her technique easy to master. She makes sure that the reader is soon addicted and in need of a fix, MORE RUBBER STAMPS! There is no cure, why fight it? This book makes a great gift for the novice as well as the master stamper. After completing her book, you will begin your search for the finest papers, stamps, inks, as well as odds and ends that will spice up your creation. Thanks for sharing your creative ideas with all of us who are in need of inspiration



2. This was the first book I bought on stamping, and it almost turned me off to the craft. There is little guidance and no step by step instruction in this book. I still have no idea how to get the looks achieved in the book. As a beginner, I cannot recommend this book- I suppose the advanced stampers out there can glean some ideas from the book, but as a beginner, I'm totally lost as to completing the projects in this book.



3. If you want pictures of stamp art this is a good source. If you want a book to teach you technique and expand you're stamping ability, don't waste you're money here.



4. If you like REALLY BOLD colors and patterns then this would be a book for you, but most people will find it much too harsh I think. The book is primarily brayer techniques that seem like they are designs of 2 decades ago (in color and style). There are some good tips to learn from the book, but the design style put me off so much that I found I didn't want to read it much. I'd say keep looking for other stamping books instead of this one.

2 comments about Rubber Stamp Extravaganza.

1. Vesta Abel co-owner of a stamp company brings great talent and credibility to this book. This book provides easy to understand and step-by-step instructions. Vesta provides a list of supplies needed for each project. Vesta, also explores the use of textures with almost leather, paints, metal and wire in rubber stamping projects. This book takes you to the next level of creativity and though it showcases 16 projects it will influence many more. This book goes beyond cardmaking and teaches you how to stamp on other surfaces besides paper. Learn how to make beautiful boxes, jewelry and frames. This is a must have for any rubber stamp artist's library!



2. A first-rate book for intermediate and andvanced stampers! The project instructions are detailed, with many accompanying photos. Materials used are readily available at your local stamp store or online. I have made several projects from the book and they have all turned out superb!

2 comments about The Whole Megillah: Mitzvahs, Matso Balls and Everything in Between.

1. I really enjoyed this book. I'm not Jewish, but there are still some wonderful parts I can use, and the rest made me really appreciate what it means to be Jewish. Carla's poems are so funny and/or sweet--it makes me want to be invited to a bat mitzvah because I now have just the right poem for a card!



2. This book is a must have for every household! Carla's wit and crafty rhymes will inspire both young and old. Also a great gift idea.

No comments about Art to wear with rubber stamps (Can do crafts).

5 comments about Decorating Scrapbooks With Rubber Stamps.

1. Dee Gruenig, pioneer in the fields of scrapbooking and rubber stamping, has finally published a book on combining these two activities. Through bold and extensive use of color and style she gives many examples on how to liven up your scrapbook pages.

   Scrapbookers new to stamping will easily learn and enjoy the pictures and step-by-step directions of techniques used in rubber stamping, many of which are familiar to stampers from her previous books and videos. Stamps used in this books are Posh Impressions, ideally suited for scrapbook decorating.

   My only complaint on this book was the extensive use of sticker paper, using the rubber stamping mostly to make stickers and sticker frames for the photographs and not as much on using the stamped image to decorate the page itself. However, for the beginnig stamper and scrapbooker, this will probably be a much easier way to embellish the new family heirloom. For more advanced crafters looking for more elaborate techniques (layering, masking, etc.), I would advise you look for a more advanced rubber stamping book to use as a companion to this one.




2. This incredibly vivid book is packed full of ideas to enliven and personalize scrapbooks with stamps and other artistic techniques. Its highly worthwhile as a general purpose "how to" book for projects other than scrapbooks. Its formatted with a page illustrating a technique or multiple decorative techniques - the facing page has succinct instructions. This book is high on content. I think this book's a must for any rubber stamper or anyone whose just looking for ways to enliven their scrapbooks. I, however, only rated it 4 stars for one reason and that may be just personal preference - you might feel different. The scrapbook pages are so intensely decorated and vivacious that the photo(s) is over-shadowed badly. I myself would tone the decoration down a little to better showcase the photo.



3. I've really enjoyed this book, especially its vivid illustrations. It's given me a lot of new ideas for incorporating rubber stamping into my scrapbooks. I've only given it four stars, though, because no information is given on sources for the supplies used. The book depends heavily on sticker paper and certain rubber stamps, and I would really have liked to know how and where to order these. Only an addresss and phone number are given for requests for further information.



4. Everything in the book is for rubber stamps. There is no incorperating it into your scrapbook, its all stamped. I think this book would be way to overwelming for the beginner stamper. It does have alot of nice ideas but depends to heavily on just rubber stamping everything except your pictures. There is nothing showing how to do a multi-embellished lay-out with other things besides stamps. There is 143 pages in this book.



5. I love to see Dee doing projects on The Carol Duvall show so I bought this book and her first book.
   
   Sadly-Dee's teaching skills are much better on film than in a book.
   Dee's project are very involved and multi layered-but with just a small paragraph per project-it is almost impossible for all but the most experienced stamper to follow.
   
   Another problem is that both books start out very complicated-there is no simple projects to warm up on.
   
   While I love color-anyone who tends to like more muted tones will be overwhelmed by the bold, almost dizzying use of color in Dee's work-and probably turned off because there are no other versions shown-just the very colorful depictions so it is hard to envision these projects in any other way.
   
   I do understand the Dee has a couple of instructional DVD's out-I would suggest that you get those and learn her techniques on film before tackling her books.
   3 stars.

1 comments about The Fabric Stamping Handbook: Fun Projects, Tips & Tricks, Unlimited Possibilities.

1. I like this book most because it provides a wide variety of creative projects. The techniques also can transfer to mediums other than fabric. The one drawback is that some projects have better descriptions and instructions than others. The author provides a good description of the tools and materials necessary to do fabric stamping at the begining of the book, but the book does not give instructions for some steps that more experienced crafters might already know. Despite this drawback, I found the book to be inspiring. So, overall I think it is a good book, but those readers who are beginners might want to start with another book and come back to this one.

5 comments about Holy Moly Mackeroly! Reflections on the Business of Art and the Art of Life.

1. This book was such an inspiration to me and has profoundly influenced my own artistic journey. This isn't merely a card making business how-to book but, rather, it is an inspiring tale of one woman's journey as a writer and an artist and how she found her voice in the art world. Gloria shares with us in an open and honest way the good and the bad of creating cards and making a business of it. Unlike traditional business start-up books, this delves into the emotional side in a very personal way that invites the reader to explore and learn from the experience of a very successful and talented artist. It was a joy to read through this book and I keep referring back to it often for not only for inspiration and insight but, because it is encouraging as well. Every serious artist who is wanting to sell their work for profit should invest in the experience and lessons from someone who has been there and understands oh so well. As an instructor and professional artist myself, I recommend this book to all my students and have given away numerous copies as gifts as well.



2. This book offers a lot of ideas, even for people who are not planning to make art their sole source of income.



3. If you have ever wanted to carve your own rubber stamps and/or start your own business, this book is a must read. It is very down to earth - no fancy publishing here, but it gets to the heart of what crafters want and need to know about moving from a hobby to a successful national business.



4. This book is almost a journal of one woman's journey of taking her art from craft to business. It is packed with wisdom and told warmly from the heart. It is a book to be read and reread... just to make sure you didn't miss anything. This is NOT your traditional how-to book. I totally enjoyed getting to know the author through her writing and riding along with her on her journeys.



5. Memoirs can be inspiring. Memoirs can be guides. I looked forward to the arrival of this book. I gave it several opportuinites to catch me...but it never did...not as a guide or as inspiration. I am happy she was so successful. Her step by step coverage, however wasn't pertinent to me. May be the kind of book YOU need to read, if you have very little support otherwise.

2 comments about Annie Sloan Decorative Stenciling and Stamping: A Practical Guide.

1. Wonderful book for a stenciler who would like to learn all the different ways to stencil as well as stamping. Well written with lots of clear pictures and instructions. Highly recommended to the beginer as well as those who are tired of dry brush stenciling. All the techniques give wonderful results. I have tried every single technique in the book with great success the first time around.



2. Anne Sloan has surely done well with this book. Definitely a "practical guide". I have loads of these kind of books, but this is the first one to show so many ideas in easy to understand directions. Great techniques not seen in other books. And great suggestions for tools.