5 comments about Print & Stamp Lab: 52 Ideas for Handmade, Upcycled Print Tools (Lab Series).

1. This book is so fun. It is full of great ideas and all using items you probably already have or can at least get your hands on very easily. I've already completed 6 different tools and that's a record for me considering I usually buy the books, love them, but don't follow up on them. Traci Bunkers is so creative!



2. I am an art and craft book junkie. I scour the bookstores and websites looking for books to inspire me and help me create. I can without doubt say this in the BEST book in my library. The ideas are simple, do-able and extremely resourceful. The items you need are probably in your house or just around the corner. Imagine creating with ease seriously beautiful stamped images with humble everyday stuff. Then imagine your kids turning away from their video games to join in on the fun! I am absolutely enthralled with this book and very excited about the potential for me to grow and take my new found skills to the next level! It is all here. Don't hesitate to purchase!



3. The author has a plethora of ideas for creating your own surface design tools- stamps, stencils, and my favorite, roller stamps. She uses items that are thrown out or easily found at the dollar store. Lots of visuals so you can see how her ideas look on paper using both stamp pads and paint. Her ideas are also very applicable to fiber art, which is what I do. If you create on paper or fabric, and want your designs to have your individual 'mark' on them, this book should get your creative juices going. Best of all, trying them out won't put a big dent in your pocketbook.



4. "One of my superpowers is that I can turn just about anything into an interesting stamp, printing block, or tool," writes Traci Bunkers, author of this thoroughly enjoyable and highly creative how-to manual that lays out cool printmaking projects for every week in the year. Each project comes with clear instructions, detailed materials lists, well photographed examples, and expert tips. Perhaps the most important thing that Traci brings to this book is a spirit of adventure, an artistic license that offers the reader permission to have fun and get funky with colors, textures, and patterns.
   
   As an experienced printmaker, I was a bit skeptical whether this book was right for me, but I find Traci's projects engaging, her instructions clear and precise, and there's a little something on every page to inspire me to kick it up a notch and have some fun. She offers practical tips about foraging for materials in every unlikely "art supply" store you can imagine --from Home Depot to the Dollar Store-- and provides excellent suggestions for upcycling tired, old items into beloved art pieces.



5. I have bought a fair number of how-to books on the topics of mixed media and paper art, and I have to say that this is one that I will be using on a regular basis. The ideas are simple enough to implement in minimum time and with everyday materials (mostly), but lend themselves to endless invention and creative twists.
   
   This is not a book about how to make complicated, single-purpose artistic inventions, nor does it focus on a printed gallery of artwork. Instead you can think of Print and Stamp Lab as a manual, one that you can grab from the shelf to be creating awesome layers in your artwork in no time flat.

5 comments about Printing by Hand: A Modern Guide to Printing with Handmade Stamps, Stencils, and Silk Screens.

1. I would be doing all projects written in this book. Picture references are helpful and descriptions are written well.



2. I wanted to do fast and dirty printing on fabric and this book has the easiest ways to do that (other than having someone else do it for you). There are several methods to get paint onto fabric and the designer walks you through them. I think the supplies are easy enough to find and use and the pictures are good to help you visualize the processes. It's a good book if you want to create some unique table linens, totes, or home accents without breaking the bank. Very do-able project options and good directions. And you don't have to use your potatoes to print with.



3. I waited untill I actually used this book to write a review.
   
   I like it a lot. She explains what type of ink you should use on what type of fabric and which technique to use, all on a handy chart. This is very handy and helpful when deciding on what to do with a project at hand. I decided to do some stenciling on canvas. I found the book to be helpful on what materials to buy (she even explains why you use it) and the technique. The only problem for me is that she uses fogged mylar and I cannot find that anywhere. I found clear ones but I wish she would have listed where (the references on the back were not of much help) but everything else I could find at an art store or Hobby Lobby/Michaels.
   
   The projects included in the book are really cute too. I'm going to try and make a baby blanket for my cousin.



4. I have been wanting to enter in the world of printing fabric, but had no idea where to start (what fabric, what paint).
   This book not only clearly describes how to do a handful of painting techniques, it does it in such a clear/helpful way. There is no guessing involved, the author has put down all the information you need to know.
   
   I highly suggest this book if you are interested in learning how to print (fabrics, papers, etc). This is a truly great book.



5. Saw this one at an art museum gift shop -couldn't wait to get on Amazon and buy it! So useful!

5 comments about The Rubber Stamper's Bible.

1. I have enjoyed reading this book,I collect stamps and now use them in my scrapbooking and card making.



2. "The Rubber Stamper's Bible" is always the book I turn to first when I'm starting a new greeting card project. Although stamping in all of its different forms is the main technique described, Françoise Read also works a whole range of fasteners, embellishments, and other card-making methods (such as beading and working with vellum) into her book. This was the book I used to buy my first stamping supplies, and I am still using it to design new greeting cards.
   
   All of the +75 card projects are described, and shown in step-by-step photographs that are very easy to follow. Multiple cards are produced from each technique, such as brayering or working with metal foil, so that the reader will find it easy to create her own original designs. The only chapter I've never used is the one on `Style Stones.' (Maybe that's a uniquely British method of decorating greeting cards).
   
   The beginning stamper will find a basic stamping workshop (profusely illustrated) on how to ink stamps, produce prints, and then clean up the stamps afterwards. There are also directions on how to fold a card.
   
   More advanced stampers can experiment with techniques using velvet paper, shrink plastic, or tile sheets. There is something for everyone in "The Rubber Stamper's Bible." I highly recommend it.



3. This is one of the best books for the beginner or experienced stampers. It introduces tools, materials, surfaces, and color without compromising your undiscoverd talent.



4. This truly is the bible for rubber stamping. It is full of wonderful ideas and techniques. I can not recommend it highly enough. I have owned and looked through dozens of these type of books and this is the best book I've seen about stamping. It is 4 color with glossy pages and FULL of beautiful and helpful photos.
   
   The Rubber Stamper's Bible explains in great step-by-step detail with photos and written instructions how to complete each technique, beginning with basic stamping and progressing to advanced tips. It's rare to say this and mean it, but this book truly is for both beginners and advanced stampers. Everyone will learn something from this.
   
   She begins by providing a specific list of materials to buy, including the manufacturer names. She provides basic lessons in stamping and then teaches advanced lessons in how to stamp using a wide variety of materials including embossing, masking, vellum, plastic, metal foil, acetate and chalks. She demonstrates each technique by completing a card and showing the steps along the way. If you enjoy the advanced techniques and materials from this book then I also recommend the book "Tantalizing Textures". It's full of really unique and cool looking ideas!
   
   One of my favorite features of The Rubber Stamper's Bible, is that it lists brands and how they stack up against each other. I recommend Tsukineko Versafine ink, but the author also lists many others you can try.
   
   This book will get you so excited about stamping! I dare you to not stamp right away after flipping through this gorgeous and colorful book.



5. I was so bored and I was really looking forward to help as I just started stamping. It was no fun at all and it should have been!

5 comments about The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Word: Quotes - Titles - Poetry - Tips - Words.

1. Do you ever know what u want to say but r stuck with how to express it? I pick up this book and the energy plus inspiration start flowing. It is definitely a good helper to finding the words to make your project more interesting. The price is not bad either.



2. Excellent, very happy with my order! Would order another book
   from then, love the suggestions of what was often ordered with it!
   Very usefull info! Nice Job!



3. I am always looking for the right message to touch the heart. I have it within my reach.



4. no matter if you scrapbook, or make cards this book is a must have use it all the time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



5. Really like the layout of this little reference book. It can be used quoting word for word, changing certain words to fit your need, or triggers something in your own mind using your own words! Not only do I use it for scrapbooking, but also for short personal notes on greeting cards, or my personal journaling.

5 comments about Treasury of Tips & Tricks (Leisure Arts #15947) (Paper Crafts & Stamp It).

1. This book is just as awesome as the other by Paper Crafts & Stamp It!. Lots of techniques along with their instructions, so glad I bought this!



2. Lots of good ideas here. If you have ever looked at a commercially made card and wondered "how'd they do that?" this book will help you recreate many of the neat tecniques used by the big name card companies.



3. I love this book!. It has lots of beautiful and creative and useful tips that all levels of papercrafters can use. I highly recommend this book!



4. This book is a collection from Paper Crafts & Stamp It magazines of tips, tricks, techniques and project ideas. It's organized by techniques! Making it so easy to find the technique you're looking for. There's even patterns for those projects that require it.
   
   I love to create and have used several of these techniques over the years. But I'm looking forward to trying some the other techniques and to see what additional tips and tricks I can learn to make my crafting quicker and more fun.
   
   Quite a few techniques are using sewing or other supplies I already have but haven't used in years, so I'm really excited to pull them out and use them in my card and paper crafting projects!



5. I have tons of books on stamping , cardmaking and scrapbooking, but this one really surprised me.
   I bought it based on the good reviews, and I don't regret it!
   
   I do papercrafting all the time, and there are so many creative technique ideas in this book that I couldn't imagine!
   
   The moment I received this book, I opened it randomly and the first page I read was on "how to make scented hot embossing"!
   I thought - wow! This book seems cool...
   
   and I had the perfect first impression.
   It's really really cool!

5 comments about The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Card: Prose-sentiments-poems-expressions.

1. I am always looking for the perfect touch to the card that I have made.



2. This is a really good book I am new to card making, you can use the sentiments-poems- etc on scrapbooking pages also.. I also have the Ultimate Guide to Scrapbooking Pages..



3. I have recently started making my own cards. This book is very helpful. I have been able to find the perfect verse for each of the cards I have made.



4. I had high hopes for this book and was excited when I finally received it. It's really not the "ultimate" guide though. First of all, the font used in the book is along the lines of childlike print and gets annoying after several pages. In addition, the author has several, numerous quotes of HERSELF and a lot of the others are from her friends. I found that to be pretty cheesy. I think some of the quotes and expressions might be useful, but not nearly as helpful as I had hoped.



5. I make my own cards and this book is alot of help for suggestions to put in my cards.

3 comments about Simply Beautiful Rubber Stamping (Simply Beautiful Series).

1. I am relly into rubber stamping and this book has wonderful ideas for me. It is very detailed and organized. I have enjoyed first reading it and then putting the ideas into practice.



2. The bulk of the projects are cards that encompass a variety of stamping techniques, some of which are quite unique. There are simple and more complicated projects, including "holiday favor cube", "flip-flop box" and "heart folio." Ms, Seaverns does a fantastic job of explaining the procedures for each project. She shows you how to use some of the most common tools in stamping. The pictures are clear and make completing the design easy.
   I've read many card-making and rubber stamping books and skipped quite a few but this is a nice addition to my personal collection. I'd recommend this book for both beginners and seasoned stampers.



3. I had the priviledge to meet the author at Stampfest in Orlando this summer when I took her watercolor class using rubber stamps. Kathie is a wonderful teacher so I was excited to buy her book when it was finally published. I can honestly say it has surpassed my expectations!! I have been addicted to card making and rubber stamping for just over 2 years now so I've read many books and magaiznes on papercrafts and this is by far one of the best books I've come across! The book is full of beautiful projects and full of color photographs with step-by-step instructions that a beginner can easily follow but the book also has projects that will appeal to more experienced stampers as well. This is a great book for both learning and will provide inspiration as well. I'm giving it as a gift to my rubber-stamping friends this holiday season. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in rubber stamping!!

5 comments about Rubber Stamped Jewelry.

1. I LOVE this book!!!!!!! There are so many great ideas. shrink plastic earrings,vinyl tubing to hold beads for c harms,collage pieces, etc. There is a treasure on every page. SO MUCH FUN!!!!!!



2. Ms. Miller has amazing vision into designs of various media and it is great to see her compile some of her work previously published in Belle Amoire and other magazines...plus additional pieces not seen elsewhere. Going over the basics of jewelry construction is VERY basic for the most part (e.g. how to hold open and closed a pair of jewelry plies - with images!) and I feel this was unnecessary for the caliber of the book. Following this are tips on using stamps, polymer clay, shrink art plastic, metal, etc. and put them to use with jewelry designs. These sections are covered well for the beginner and good review for the intermediate to advanced practioners. Almost all steps discussed are complimented with a picture - nice to have. I had to balk at the work done using fibers, primarily as a component for the necklaces (i.e. replacing chain/beads with fibers). For the most part, this style just looked messy to me, although some may find it quite bohemian in appeal. The numerous projects were creative and often inspiring me to go in a new route with my own designs...and this fact is the key for a good book on design of any medium - inspriation/creativity. Some of the pieces/projects were a little much - too many charms, or dangles, and loose fibers - while others were simple, unique and what I would prefer to wear if I had the piece. Therefore - I would consider this book for the beginner to intermediate jewelry artist wanting to explore techniques and products other than just beads/pearls/gems/crystals/wire/chain for their designs. Plus it is great for those of us, me included, to use our abundant rubber stamp collections for implementation using various media (e.g. paper, shrink plastic, polymer clay, dominos, metal - my favorite) into our jewelry designs. I often forget this and by having this book near my work space where I make my jewelry, it is a great reminder when my creative process needs a boost.



3. I bought this as a book to get me started with some basics. The first section is very detailed on basics other than stamping - some of which came in handy and I used immediately. I like the projects - although some are a little intimidating - such as the polymer clay projects - as I've never used that medium before. A little on the advanced side.



4. I am not a rubber stamper but I used to own a lot of them. Now that I have read this book, I really wish that I had held on to them! I am inspired by the author's use of a craft tool in a totally unexpected way. It makes me want to rush out and get new rubber stamps and try them to make some great looking one of a kind jewelry! Sharilyn Miller is a highly respected jewelry designer, and her books are always filled with great how-tos and super pictures. Who knew that rubber stamps could be so cool?



5. Lots of ideas well supported with clear instructions for the techniques required. I was particularly impressed with how well the techniques were illustrated. This is a real plus for clarifying text.

5 comments about Creative Stamping with Mixed Media Techniques.

1. This is an excellent book. It provides lots of nspiration on creating art or decorating objects with rubber stamps. It is well written and the instructions are easy to understand.



2. "Creative Stamping with Mixed Media Techniques" is a great book and it was everything I thought it would be! It gave me many great ideas. As an artist of hand crafted note cards this book is of great value to me.



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



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. 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.

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

1. This book is filled with wonderful ideas for making your own cards.
   
   The two sections, Colored Pencils Basics and Watercolor Basics, provide a good base for understanding how to work in these two mediums. The graphics help to define the written instructions.
   
   There are cards to make for every occasion. After each section, the card ideas are shown. The written instructions on how to create the cards comes in a section at the back of the book.
   
   Upon reading over the instructions, I found that a glossary of terms would have been helpful. I haven't a clue what tooth, mask and analogous mean in relationship to card making. These words I had to look up. I also would have preferred to have the card and the card making instructions together rather than having to flip back and forth.
   
   If you are a veteran card maker, this book will be a dream for you. If you are a beginner, you may want to have a dictionary on hand.



2. This book gave me lots of inspiration for making my own cards. The instructions for achieving the desired results for both watercolor & colored pencils were easy to follow. I liked the simplicity of it all. A very good book.



3. 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.



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



5. 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!