5 comments about Rubber Stamping Artist Trading Cards.

1. This book is a visual feast! It offers ideas and techniques and is sure to stir your imagination.



2. If you have never seen Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) before this book is filled with wonderful examples done by rubber stamp artists and is a great place to get an education about these mini works of art known as ATCs and mega inspiration to begin creating your own!



3. I picked this up as a newbie to the ATC world. It has some great ideas, but is just a little limited.



4. I also enjoy just thumbing through this book and making mental notes of different techniques, items and wording to try. There are so many designs you will also want to try many of them too.



5. I loved this book! I have looked thru it a million times already!!! I love the upclose pictures of the ATC's and the fact that most of them look pretty simple to do!! I would reccommend this book to anyone who wants to know moreabout ATC's!

5 comments about Card Design: Rubber Stamping With Colored Pencils and Water Colors.

1. This is a great book for people looking to learn more about water color and pencil techniques. The samples have great design ideas and the instructions are clear and easy to read. The colors are vibrant and the photos very good.



2. First of all, this book is almost identical to his earlier book on the same subject, Stamp In Color. There are some differences and maybe one or two techniquest but frankly I thought they were similar. However, the gallery of cards in this book features all new, and stunning cards. There are lots of beautiful cards to view for inspiration. The first chapter has some coloring techniques, familiar to you if you have Stamp In Color. Then there are many examples of cards using his techniques. The design section is misleading, there isn't any "design" info, just a sentence or two with each sample. I was disappointed in the book, it was mostly eye candy with very little how-to.



3. This is a fabulous companion to Stamp in Color, another great technique book by the same author that is about 10 years old. Card Designs showcases cards that are relatively simple compared to cards displayed in papercrafting magazines, but the point is to show you exactly how the stamped image is colored. There is a technique to coloring well with pencils and certainly with watercolors (he shows you how to use watercoloring pencils, markers, inks and paints). With a little practice and Dave's instruction, you'll feel really proud of your projects and progress quickly.
   
   The specific instructions for each card are grouped together in the back, leaving the front free to display the cards more as works of art. Though there are a lot of specific details on each card, there is not as much coverage of basic stamping topics as there was in Stamp in Color (ie. instead of explaining heat embossing at the front of the book, it assumes prior knowledge,) so if you're a total beginner in rubber stamping, I'd definitely recommend buying Stamp in Color: Techniques for Enhancing Your Artwork (Pastimes) or another stamping primer first. Simply Cards by Sally Traidman is a great place to start and covers some of the basics beautifully but is not (and wasn't meant to be) an encyclopedia of stamping techniques. Grace Taormina's book offers very thorough coverage of almost all stamping techniques, but the look of the projects and stamps featured is very dated because the book is probably a decade old.
   
   The book features stamps from Rubber Moon and Savvy stamps and cards/papers from Memory Box--product lines you will want to know about if you are someone who likes to replicate a project exactly, which you can here with very professional-looking results. Have fun!



4. I found this book to be very informative with lots of neat & simple ideas. It was worth the purchase.



5. The examples are beautiful and limited. Main problem is that the directions are in the back of the book, making it difficult to follow directions and look at the picture for a model. It would have been so much easier to have the directions on the same page.

5 comments about Creative Stamping with Mixed Media Techniques.

1. Again, Sherrill has produced a book worth examining for wonderful pictures, and step-by-step techniques. My greatest concern is once again finding the trademarked material TYVEK utilized in craft work. The makers of TYVEK specifically have stated it is never to be heated or used other than for what it is specifically designed for. Deathly toxic, once more it is appalling to find it used with a 'heat outdoors' statement attached. Does the company know this material is being used this way??? As an art educator I must not only be aware of this safety info for myself but for my students. Poor editing let this one slip by.



2. If you love rubber stamping and painting on fabric, you need just two books: this one and the author's first, Creating with Paint. I have both books and love them equally-and, more importantly--I USE them extensively in my own artwork.
   I have also taken two workshops with the author, Sherrill Kahn, and highly recommend them. Take a workshop with Sherrill if you can! She's a very encouraging, supportive and inspiring teacher, and all of these qualities come across in her two books.
   One of my favorite aspects of Creative Stamping is that Sherrill shows you in step-by-step photos how she layers dyes, paint and stamping techniques to arrive at her highly complex fabrics. It's easy once you see how she does it, and that's why Creative Stamping is a must-have for any fabric painters library.
   Lots of information, inspiration, and some great how-to projects make Creative Stamping well worth the investment.
   Check out Sherrill's web site: www.impressmenow.com.



3. Creative Stamping with Mixed Media Techniques is another valuable resource and creative inspiration book from Sherrill Kahn. Both books by Ms. Kahn are full of outstanding photographs to inspired dozens of mixed media adventures. Her work is bold and colorful, and incorporates numerous mixed media techniques that are easily accessible to all readers. There are dozens of project ideas in the book that will satisfy crafters, and even more valuable are the demonstrations of painting and stamping techniques that readers can explore and adapt to their own artwork and projects.



4. If you love stamping and sewing like I do, this is the book for you. Clearly written and leads you to your own creativity!



5. Sherrill has no fear of color therefore her books always just 'grab' me. Techniques are new and interesting.

No comments about Rubber Stamping (A Passion for Paper).

5 comments about Creative Rubber Stamping Techniques.

1. Great pictures of elegant projects will give you lots of creative ideas. Very nice and quite artistic - nothing too "cute." Step by step instructions make it easy for anyone, though I think this book is most useful for advanced-beginners and up. A good book and worth the price.



2. I was really inspired by this book. Maryjo shows us several unique techniques that are more than just basic cards. If you are looking for great artsy projects, you need to get this book. Maryjo shows us all how to look at our stamping supplies in a different way. If you want to create stunning one of a kind works of art, this is the book for you!



3. I have just started making craft projects and this book was a lifesaver. Besides offering very creative projects, this book provides all the basic techniques of stamping. The author earns my gratitude by showing each method in a step-by-step manner, with photos at every step. However, this book also will satisfy the more experienced stamper.

   In the first chapter, the author gives a detailed list of helpful tools and materials, a small library of quirky images, and the basics of inking and cleaning stamps.

   In the second chapter on embossing, the author first lists basic materials and tips. Then, she gives "receipes" and instructions for particular projects. Some are more complicated than others. Finally, the author gives an "endless possibility" section that provides instructions without the step-by-step photos. This is because these projects all build on the basic tecniques so it would be redundant to include them. My favorite project in this chapter is the Deco-Roman-looking flute player superimposed over sheet music.

   The third chapter follows the format of the second chapter in how it is set up, but all the projects involve embedded stamps. This method is "a bit tricky" as the author says, because it involves heat, but looks impressive. It gives a 3-D effect to the stamped image.

   The fourth chapter describes how to add vellum to your projects. This chapter also has basic techniques and tips upon which are built more, but do-able, projects. I like the use of tassles with the vellum.

   Chapters five and eight describe embellishments and how to combine previously mentioned techniques. Chapter five focusses on beading and sealing wax. Chapter eight titled ornaments does not describe stamping Christmas-like ornaments, but rather how to make clay ornamentation. I would have liked to see more variety in the embellishments in the two chapters, but there are still some nice ideas. I especially liked the heartstrings card in chapter five.

   Chapters six, seven, and nine describe ways to add a finish to your project. The chapters present the methods of antiquing, paper metallics, and brayers, respectively. Antiquing is easier than I thought it would be with the author's simple instructions, but adding a metal finish is another tricky method that involves heat. Chapter nine describes how to change the appearance of your project using watercolors, bleaching, textures(like bubble wrap), and a brayer.

   In the last section the author gives useful information. She provides a list of stamp companies and publications. Thankfully, she also provides a list by page number of all the stamps, and the companies that make them, used in the projects.

   I look forward to trying all the projects, and would recommend this book to crafters at all experience levels.




4. Tips on using different types of media like velllum, using wax stamps and embossing powders, making antique finishes. using metallic papers, and an especially fun one - using brayers and bleach - these (and more) are all in this book - really lots to inspire plus good instructions.



5. I have loved all of the MaryJo McGraw stamping books that I've read. This is most likely my favorite. It is very creative. My favorite part about her books is that the cards actually look pretty, like something I'd want to duplicate myself. With other stamping books I didn't like the cards, and there was no way I wanted to use them as a guide even if their tecniques worked. Also the writing is fun and interesting, and not dull or preachy. My one problem with it is that to be able to make the cards you have to buy a lot of supplies. Overall the book in itself is very inspiring and worthwhile although it asks you to use many different supplies.

5 comments about Stamp in Color: Techniques for Enhancing Your Artwork (Pastimes).

1. I was looking for a book that showed how to add color to stamping and this only pretty much covers watercoloring stamp outlines. I would have preferred to have known that is all it was about. I think in that aspect it does a good job. It is a very narrowly focused book that I paid too much for.



2. I have been stamping for awhile and wanted to get into watercolor. I am so glad I found this book! After reading the book (the step by step instructions were easy to follow), I got results that were truly amazing. I did not know how to properly use watercolors until this book! Also, many of the stamps I had on hand were easily substituted for those used in the book. It was a great purchase!!!!



3. Great examples of making invitations & cards. In addition to the watercolor tips (don't expect a class in watercolors its more of an intro to the idea of using watercolors with stamps) there are also ideas on using your computer to print up words for the invitations etc. Colored pencils are also discussed in the book as well as blending techniques.



4. The author is an artist who works/worked for Impress rubber stamps and his book shows in great detail how to amp up the possibilities of your rubber-stamped artwork. You learn how to layer color, do a color wash, and to generally add dimensional color to rubber stamped and embossed art. There is such thorough coverage of every step and product used that you get the feeling that you could produce identical, beautiful results, too.
   I'm especially pleased with this book because I couldn't find beginner-to-intermediate watercoloring instructions for rubberstamping anywhere else; all of the other books assumed I wanted to paint a Monet on a 3-foot square canvas instead of a stamped 4x6 card.



5. I was first introduced to this book when I walked into an IMPRESS store in Seattle and saw all the wonderful card samples that were created by the author of this book.
   
   A person would really have to see the author's cards (in person),in order to fully appreciate his skill and creativity.
   
   This book shows all the techniques that the author uses in making his wonderful cards,---step-by step.
   
   I appreciate the author taking the time to show the reader each step in the process, since, as the previous commentator said, the cards are "simple and yet complex". (There is more to the eye....).
   
   The other thing that I like about this book is that I've been a big fan of the classy rubber stamps created and sold by the "RUBBERMOON" Company, and many of the stamps used in this book are from RUBBERMOON.
   
   Therefore, by purchasing this book, not only will you be introduced to the author's style of coloring and painting, but you will also be introduced to the authors' delicate stamps, and also those sold by RUBBERMOON.
   
   PS: I just checked, and as of today (October 2007) the company called RUBBERMOON is still active and making stamps,--- should you be interested.

5 comments about Making Greeting Cards With Rubber Stamps.

1. I'm new to stamping and am quite impressed with this book, as it provides enough information for beginners like myself to really understand how to do the techniques, and has also helped familiarize me with the stamping terminology.

   My only criticism is that someone obviously goofed in putting the book together, as the first pages of the "Getting Started" and "Special Effects" chapters are reversed. I almost put the book back on the shelf at the store when I saw that, figuring the rest of the book would have problems like that as well. Fortunately, it's the only problem I've encountered... it's just a little disconcerting!




2. I've learned alot from this book. This was the first book I bought when I got into rubber stamping. I truly recommend this to anyone who really enjoys rubber stamping. The book comes with me when ever I travel. I bring it out alot when holidays and b-days come along for some ideas I can combine with a card to make.



3. This is a great book for beginners and has excellent explanations and step by step instructions for the techniques involved.

   The only thing that stopped me from giving this book 5 stars is that the designs in the book are a little dated looking, and the list at the end of the book of what stamps were used and where to buy them was not nearly complete and explicit enough.




4. I was thrilled with this book. I am a novice at rubber stamping and I wanted to make my own Christmas cards this year, so I bought Ms. McGraw's book hoping it would be what I needed. It is perfect for the beginner (and probably those who know some about stamping but want more ideas and information). The book is laid out in a format that is easy to follow and not overwhelming or confusing. It is written with specifics in mind. It offers plenty of options giving you room to stamp as fancy or as simple as you like. I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves stamps!



5. I am just getting started in the hobby of stamping and card making. This book was nice, but I have seen better. Maybe once I start doing more and become an avid card maker/stamper, I will appreciate this one more.

No comments about Making Cards With Rubber Stamps: Over 100 Illustrated Projects and Inspirational Ideas.

1 comments about Stamping Fun for Beginners.

1. This is perfect for beginners. The author offers a short list of basic must have items, she discusses different types of ink, what they're used for and how to use them. The same goes for rubber stamps, paper, etc. She describes different techniques and give clear directions and the photos are great. I highly recommend this book for beginner such as I. You can't go wrong. Buy this book before you spend too much money on material you may not need yet. Di

2 comments about 100 Great Ways with Rubber Stamps (101 Great Ways).

1. I've been looking around for a good book on how to use rubber stamps for beginners for quite some time.When I first saw this book,I told myself,'This is it!'Not only the designs are pretty,the instructions are simple to follow and they even show how-to by having pictures showing step by step.Not just on papers/cards,the book also mentioned how to stamp on other materials like glass and wood.There's even a section on how to make your own stamp! Get this book.You will not regret it!



2. I've been stamping for a few years, and I keep going back to this book and Read's other book, Rubber Stampers Bible, for inspiration. My other craft books are not as helpful and informative. It even lists suppliers from UK, USA, and Canada (including address, phone, and website). All pages are in color with numbered & illustrated steps. Includes 7 design templates in the back with corresponding project names and page numbers.