5 comments about Great Rubber Stamping: Ideas, Tips and Techniques.

1. On first glance at the table of contents, this book may seem to be for crafters of all levels, but I think it is best for those who already know how to stamp. Overall I think this book is useful, but it has a few drawbacks mixed in with some good advice and projects.

   The first 17 pages of the Introduction could have been condensed into just a few. Also, I would have rather had pictures of the tools and techniques mentioned in this section, rather than just representations of finished products. I did think that the second half of the introduction was more informative. I especially liked the section on the elements of design.

   In the Simple Stamping section Ritchie does not clearly list materials or take you through the stamping process at the time you most need it. I can understand not doing this later in the book for the more advanced projects, but I wish she would have included more pictures of intermediate stages at this point. You might ask yourself how hard can stamping be? However, to newbies such as myself who do not know much about inks and papers and such, more information would have been helpful. I do like the general tips she has scattered throughout the book.

   The last section of projects is titled Frames and Backgrounds. This section contains the more advanced stamping projects. It is broken up into three smaller sections titled Embossing, Punch Art, and Special Effects. These projects all involve different layers of paper, ribbon, charms. By the way, all the projects in the book involve stamping on paper, but some of the techniques could be easily translated into projects using other materials.

   In the appendix there is an Illustrated Glossary which is very nice and a list of sources. These sources should be fairly recent because the book was published in 2001.

   I think people new to stamping may want to learn basic techniques from another book, but this book would be a good one to go back to after gaining some experience. This would make a nice addition to the collection of intermediate and advanced stampers because Ritchie has some really nice projects.




2. Lots of fun ideas, techniques (e.g. embossing, using a brayer, making envelopes,using windows), uses of different textures, etc. Has clear step-wise directions on how to do certain techniques. Not so complex that a beginner couldn't easily grow into this. I really like the discussion of visual appeal that is peppered throughout.



3. I love this book. It was delivered fast from Gary Smith as a used book. It was in A+ #1 condition. I appreceiatd the fast service. Thanks Gary!!!!



4. The book has nice photographs and examples of stamping, but doesn't have enough information about the techniques nor the supplies used. I didn't like it. I thought I would learned everything for stamping but this is not the right book. I think I would keep searching in other books.



5. I have been stamping for a year, and enjoy learning new techniques, getting tips, and seeing examples to get some creative ideas of my own. This book is organized, informative, beautifully illustrated, and has easy to follow directions and tips to make all my projects come out looking good. This book would be excellent for experienced or beginning stampers.

5 comments about Rubber Stamping for the first time (For The First Time).

1. I am new to Rubber Stamping and have bought a few books - this one was by far the best for me as a beginner! It clearly lays out many techniques, gives tips and hints and shows some nice project ideas. The techniques are laid out for each project, but they are easily adapted to whatever project of your own you want to do based on that technique. Not only paper projects, there are many others as well.



2. Scheffler is the Matisse of the rubber stamp world. She lays out her projects clearly and with skill. Fantastic "rainy day" ideas for kids--and grandma too. If you never though stamping was for you (like me) give this book a browse and you'll want to stamp everything in sight. (I wish my cat were slower!) This book is definitive and indispensible.



3. I just started rubber stamping and I bought four stamping books for ideas. This was my favorite of the lot. It included several techniques I hadn't heard of before but that were easy for me, as a beginner, to recreate. The photography is beautiful and the instructions are easy to understand.



4. I am not a expert stamper but have been stamping for awhile. But this book is helpful for people that have been stamping. Its like a Stampers Bible. The outline and pictures are fantastic, as well as the instructions very easy to use from the beginner to advanced. It's one of the best stamping books I have read.



5. I expected a lot more after referring to other customer reviews. This book is somewhat informative, but the projects depicted were not that exciting. The photos of the projects in the back of the book were nice, but no explanation given as to how they were done...only credits to the artists. I still feel I will need a more in depth, stimulating stamping book for further instructions. Overall, I would not give a recommendation.

1 comments about Rubber Stamped Greetings Cards (Greetings Cards series).

1. Rubber Stamped Greeting Cards is the kind of book on rubber stamping that you would pick up just to get a quick survey of rubber stamping techniques and how to combine them with other trendy crafts to create your own cards and gift accessories. Author Melanie Hendrick starts with a very basic introduction to the tools and materials and leads the reader by baby steps to try out simple techniques such as embossing with a stamped image. Then there are five projects outlined with photo illustrations, beginning with the easiest to the more advanced level at the end of the book. There are several sample variations pictured for inspiration.

   Style-wise, expect very artsy and collage-y results that may remind you of similar card designs by Maryjo McGraw. Lots of popular craft embellishments are used to achieve the look, such as eyelets, handmade papers and wire mesh. One of the "cards" caught my eye, which was a matchbox given new life as a decorated multimedia stamp collage/gift box with a concertina card attached to the lid.

   I found the book to be comprehensible and nicely done, but rather thin overall. The price led me to expect something a little more substantial than the five complete project outlines. Still, a person might be able to use this book as a jumping-off point for a new hobby in rubber stamps. Conditionally recommended for beginners.
   -Andrea, aka Merribelle

No comments about Discover Rubber Stamping: Learn the Techniques and Effects of the Simple Art of Rubber Stamping.

5 comments about The Ultimate Rubber Stamping Technique Book.

1. Until I bought this book I didn't think that I could create anything really interesting and professional-looking. Was I wrong! The Ultimate Rubber Stamping Technique Book provides excellent direction and, more importantly, really inspires you to try some new things. Even my husband has now taken a turn at stamping and found it to be far less complicated than he thought it would be.

   Bottom line: follow the directions in this book and you can be an artist, even if you can't draw!




2. Gail Green gives rubber stamping a new meaning with lots of fun projects available in the book. She makes everyone want to try their hand on some project that's fun and exciting even if they are not an artist. I throughly enjoyed trying the easy projects. I even enjoyed the project stamping bricks. This is a must have book for the true collector.



3. Not only is this book a must for beginners, but also for anyone else with any interest in rubber stamping. It has so many ideas and projects that it seems like anyone could find something they are interested in trying but haven't. For the beginner, it has very complete but very easy to understand directions for becoming a complete rubber stamper. I don't think a "How To" book could accomplish any more than this one does.



4. THIS BOOK IS THE BEST BOOK I'VE SEEN YET! THAT EXPLAINS HOW TO DO. MASKINGS AND BAYERINGS, AS WELL STEP BY STEP INFORMATION ON RUBBER STAMPING ON ANY SURFACE.
   I WAS JUST AT THE LIBARY TO AND I FOUND THIS BOOK AND SAT AND READ IT COVER TO COVER. I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN.
   I WOULD RATE BOOK AS EXCELLENT!!!!



5. I suppose this is a good book if you have NEVER rubber stamped or seen anything other that stamp on ink on paper. But I am rather inexperienced, and I thought this was not good at all for what I was looking for. If you are new to rubber stamping, fine. But if you have anything more than even the most basic experience, I'd pass on this and get something more advanced.

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.

No comments about Let's Play Tag: Creative Ideas and Techniques for Rubber Stamping on Tags.

1 comments about Art of Rubber Stamping.

1. This is a great book for a beginning rubberstamper, and it is a shame that it is so hard to find. It has step-by-step instructions, along with illustrations and photographs. Michelle has a second book which is EVEN BETTER, called Rubberstamping, Beyond the Basics. She includes many money saving ideas, as well as lots of inspiration

No comments about Simply Sensational Rubber Stamping (Simply Sensational (D&C)).

5 comments about Stamp Artistry: Combining Stamps with Beadwork, Carving, Collage, Etching, Fabric, Metalwork, Painting, Polymer Clay, Repousse, and More.

1. This Instructional Project Book offers wonderful projects by today's renowned top artists in stamping, clay, collage, etc. However typographical errors distract from the step-by-step instructions.
   Xyron is one of the most "top of mind" brands in the Arts and Crafts industry, but was referred to as Zyron several times throughout the book. I noticed misspelled words such as Dall instead of Doll and poor sentence structure.
   I do not blame the author, but the Publishing House for proofreading errors. This shows lack of knowledge and details for the art form in which they are representing.
   When I buy a book of this price point and with step-by-step instructions I expect top-notch editing!!!!



2. This book is delightfully full of creative uses of rubber stamps by talented artisans in many mediums. The author has explained every project in easy-to-understand terms. Projects are separated into sections, such as "for the home," which makes it easy to select a project, and each section has a well-written introduction by the author. I didn't find one project I didn't like or wouldn't want to reproduce. The photography is wonderful! Any little petty glitches, which you'll find in any book, are easily overlooked because of the innovative subject matter and the masterful photos. (Even the revered "Chicago Manual of Style" has typos!) If you want something a little different, this is the book I recommend. It's worth every penny I spent on it, and I look forward to more great books by the author!



3. Overflowing with ideas and insider technique tips, Rice and friends present us with bountiful inspiration in this enthusiastic, well-illustrated book. It's not just a must-read but a must-OWN if you're involved with paper and fiber arts. The tip about silk screen ink (for art on fabric) saved me weeks of reinventing the wheel, and that's just one very small note in a book chock FULL of fabulous ideas and projects. Thank you, Rice!



4. I have taken classes from Rice' and every class has taught me something new and inspired me creatively. I'm an experienced editor and agree better proof reading was needed but her examples and information and her association with other artists included in the book are the most important reason for buying it. If her name is on a book, buy it. She has a new book coming out in October 2004 and I am anxious to buy it too.



5. this book is awesome! there are so many projects and all of the doable! the colors, patterns, media and all the embellishments used make you want to do the projects. this one is a keeper for me.