4 comments about Stamp Collecting for Dummies.

1. When you are American and want to start a collection of American stamps, this is the book for you.
   The book contains some really nice tips e.g. how to set up a reference collection. However, I would have like to see some more technical stuff e.g. on how to identify watermarks (and especially when its not straightforward). It also is a pity that the author spends a lot of time on American stamps (and I am not American :) ), askPhil and the fact that you can also start a thematic collection. In so many pages the author could and should have covered a lot more ground.
   So definitely not a book for intermediate level collectors or people interested in the world outside the USA.



2. This volume in the 'Dummies' series is written with a humorous light touch that makes it especially attractive to the Dummy who knows he is one and doesn't need to be reminded that he is one by being frog-marched through impenetrable jargon. In addition, Richard Sine or his editor have had the foresight to break the topics he treats up into very small sections and subsections.
   
   The result is a light-hearted but content-rich introduction to the topic, one that this reviewer is only beginning to explore.
   
   I cannot imagine a more effective starting point for the would-be stamp collector or - like me - the person who needs to know before he invests time and treasure whether this is something he's going to be able to manage.



3. I have always thought the Dummies series of books were some of the best-written "How To" books on the market. This one lives up to that reputation.

   Mr. Sine has produced a well-written, clear guidebook for both new and experienced collectors. He manages to cover the subject without getting bogged down in the jargon of the hobby. His style and wit are welcome in a hobby whose literature can at times be very dry.

   This is a good guide to a great hobby.




4. I have always thought the Dummies series of books were some of the best-written "How To" books on the market. This one lives up to that reputation.

   Mr. Sine has produced a well-written, clear guidebook for both new and experienced collectors. He manages to cover the subject without getting bogged down in the jargon of the hobby. His style and wit are welcome in a hobby whose literature can at times be very dry.

   This is a good guide to a great hobby.

No comments about The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps 35th ed (Postal Service Guide to Us Stamps).

No comments about Scott 2007 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue Volume 1 (United States, United Nations & Countries of the World) A-B.

No comments about Scott 2009 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue: United States and Affiliated Territories, United Nations, Countries of the World A-B (Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue Vol 1 Us and Countries a-B).

No comments about Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue 2009: Countries of the World G-I (Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue Vol 3 Countries G-I).

5 comments about The Weekend Crafter: Rubber Stamp Carving: Techniques, Designs & Projects.

1. If you are interested in learning how to carve your own art rubber stamps then you need this book as well as Art Stamping Workshop. Both books provide clear cut instructions on how to carve your own stamps to make artistic and fun stamps that are one of a kind. Well worth the 10 bucks here on Amazon! I recommend it.
   5 stars!



2. This book clearly details the ins and outs of carving your own rubber stamps, for those whose creative instincts urge them to follow their own path in the world of stamping. With clear, non-technical language, the author shows in words and pictures how even the simplest and most modest of tools can create lively stamped images which can stand on their own or be incorporated into larger and more complex works.

   This is a good "inspiration" book for either the novice entry-level artist/stamper or for the seasoned creator who is looking for new directions for their art. Luann strikes a nice balance with her presentation, with an instruction book that is user friendly and free of "tech-talk". The "how-to" instructions are clearly written and well complemented by excellent photos showing exactly how to proceed. This book will be appreciated by any who purchase it as a springboard into new areas and levels of creativity.




3. This book started me on yet another new craft obsession - carving my own stamps has turned out to be so much easier than I thought it would be!

   I don't think there's anything the author could have added in this textbook - there are already wonderful stamps, a gallery, thorough instructions that are beautifully illustrated and tons of inspiration. Also a nice section for troubleshooting and fixing mistakes when something goes wrong in your carving - very helpful!

   Very happy to have purchased this book!

   Zig




4. I think a new carver or Seasoned carver would be inspired to carve after taking a look at this book! Great job, Luann!



5. I've been a stamp carver and art teacher for many years. This book is the best instruction guide for learning to carve that I have ever seen. The author has described all aspects of carving soft blocks for printmaking. Her step by step carving instructions are beautifully illustrated with good, clear photographs. This is a guide that can be followed by an absolute novice carver AND is very useful to the intermediate or advanced carver. As carving teacher that has given workshops all over the country, I found many of her carving tips useful. If I ever write a "how to" book, I hope it would be as helpful as this one. This book answers and illustrates with excellent photographs all of the FAQ's (frequently asked questions) that have come up in the carving workshops that I have taught. I own or at least have read nearly every stamp carving pamphlet and block printing "how to" book on the market. This book is the best I've ever seen. Sure wish I had written it!!

2 comments about U.S. Stamp 2008 Pocket Catalogue (Scott U S Pocket Stamp Catalogue) (Scott U S Pocket Stamp Catalogue).

1. This book has just about everything you need to know about stamps. It's easy to find what you want and the illustrations are well done. For the novice, some things are not explained, such as "imperf." Don't think you could find a better one though.



2. This book has some really nice color photos and is very organized. As it is a "Scott" product, it uses the Scott numbers and is easy to use. My only concern is that it does not picture every stamp and that the pictures are sometimes 10-15 pages away from where the stamp is actually listed in the book. Still, that not-withstanding, it was well worth the money.

2 comments about Scott 2007 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue: Countries of the World: P-SL (Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue Vol 5 Countries P-Sl).

1. I was delighted with this stamp catalogue.The layout is fabulous and stamps are in colour so much easier to catalogue.I would highly recommend this product.Price was terrific and delivery speedy what more could a person want.



2. It was very informative. I really like the color photographs of the stamps. it is much easier to identify the stamps.

No comments about Scott 2008 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue: Countries of the World: C - F (Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue Vol 2 Countries C-F) (Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue Vol 2 Countries C-F).

No comments about Linn's Complete Stamp Collecting Basics.