Stamps Books

J.K. Rowlings never lets her readers down Harry's quest to be happy stays alive in this book. Also, he gets to meet the only family he has left which makes Harry very Happy at the end of this sequel!!!!

I read this book a few years ago, when the the thrill of Harry was in it's prime. I've seen the movie more times than I can count and I must say the movie is excellent but not as good as the book. I've just reread this book and can't beleive all I had forgotten. It's truly a page turner. From the start when Harry spots the Grim to when Mr Weasley warns Harry of Sirius Black's escape and hunt for Harry the reader is hooked. The Maurader's Map is a great addition to the Invisibility Cloak. The first 2 books were good, but you truly don't get into Harry until this book. Ron and Hermione's relationship is beginning to bud. Hermione is truly the goody goody in this installment. There were times I was mad at her with Ron and Harry. Getting the history of Harry's father's friends helped the story advance with background. This book also helps paint the picture of Snape and his hatered for Harry. The introduction of the Patronus is excellent. It's just as amazing in the book and the movie did a great job of reproducing it. All in all, I loved this book and recommend it to everyone who enjoys magic and fantasy reads.

This series is fun for kids and adults. My son and I are reading it together!

Good, solid storytelling. Ms. Rowling's third installment in the Harry Potter series continues to add interesting characters and create an even more appealing magical world for the reader to escape into. Each book has shown the gradual evolution of Harry from a neglected, abused child and mentored into a honorable young man. But the character-building journey is certainly a bumpy ride for young Potter. Moral messages and the complexities of the human condition abound as each new story has been introduced to the public. One of the underlying messages of the book is that most problems in life are not simply black and white, but more complicated. To convey this point in a fun, exciting manner is the sign of great writing. There's real heart to this series and deserves a wide readership.

I read this a long time ago and recently read it again. It is so good. I love the way that for once voldemort is not the center of this and I love the way you hear about the Marauders. I just have like, the perfect picture in my mind of them. This is one of my favorites in the whole series.

Donna did it again with this book and as with her other books, I am learning so much. I suggest this book to anyone who wants to take their polymer clay work to another level. Well written, great photos, easy to follow instructions. Thanks for another great book, Donna.

Madeline Faiella

As a statement jewelry artist [...] I work in polymer, glass and metals.

This book is really informative, great easy techniques that give really nice results. The pictures are great and she always
carefully gives you step by step, I have not done transfer but will try it now. For beginners start with her earlier books, then move on to this book.

This book is outstanding and extremely useful. It has great projects, detailed descriptions, and plenty of info on where to find suppliers for every tool and material used in the book. I found it very helpful.

I was totally new to clay working, heading for a class in the medium, when I purchased this book. I was absolutely delighted, and was able to start my class with some background and understanding of working the materials. I sit in awe of Ms. Kato's talent, and did find the techniques more difficult than they look. This aside, it is an excellent accumulation of many of the techniques that makes polyclay such a joy to work with. Ms. Kato does list several varieties of clay, inks, paints and other products, but I appreciate that she enumated which she found easier to work with, and why. I did expect some bias towards Kato Polyclay, as she helped develop it, but have also found this an excellent product to work with and have not been disappointed with its performance.
The book is a MUST HAVE for the beginner reference library, and is also an inspiration with the images from Ms Kato and other artist's collections. I'm pleased I purchased this book, and plan to keep it as a cornerstone for clay working.

I found the book just did not live up to my expectations. When will crafting books realize that photo transfers done with xerox machines hardly ever work as they are shown in books? The techniques of photo transfer, which is covered in this book as if it works, is really frustrating. Also, the use of translucent clays to good effect is iffy and the high polish acheived by the author on many of the pieces. I just couldn't get it to work.

New approch for rubber stamping with great usages and provides every step for doing them. I love it.

This book has fun ideas shown in steps and in color! There are 40 projects with material lists and great texture effects that most anyone can accomplish. Very easy to follow the directions and some projects even have variations for additional ideas!

A beautiful book on using texture in paper crafts (not just in card making).

This book goes beyond being a "basic rubber stamping book",which is why I bought this book. I have been taking paper crafting classes for a few years and it's good to have a book like this one on hand because many of the techniques shown in this book are used in the "upper-level stamping classes" I've taken.

So often I have taken a paper craft class and then after a few years I've forgotten how to create a certain texture. Well, this book is great because it will often jog my memory of those upper-level classes that require skill and detail---BEYOND just inking a rubber stamp and slapping the design on paper.

In order to create a card or picture with color and texture, it's good to know the techniques shown by Ms. Curry in this book. Then, after practicing these "texturizing techniques", an artist can apply his or her own style to their art product.

This is not merely a picture book, nor is it a long-winded teaching book. The teaching is there, done via a series of projects which involve the reader in using the techniques. I love the clear way the content is provided. And I like it that Ms Curry gives her preferences, and reasons, for specific products. Altogether a great book.

This is a must-have book for serious stamper's. Nancy's techniques are very detailed and creative. You'll be surprised how many supplies you have on hand and around the house when trying her techniques. I've read the book twice and I've tried all her techniques. Believe me you will not be able to put this book down. Definitely a stamper's bible!!

It's a neat book.But I need to work at doing more stamps more often.

If you are interested in learning how to carve your own art rubber stamps then you need this book as well as The Weekend Crafter:Rubber stamp carving.

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. But this book is much better of the two and I'd suggest this one if you can only buy one book on the subject of stamp carving.
The projects in this book are lovely, artistic and not cutesy or cookie cutter similar to everything out there. You will easily be able to begin carving right away with this book alone. Well worth the 15 bucks here on Amazon! I recommend it.
5 stars!

This book is my new stamp carving bible! The projects are inspiring and there are no hard to find tools required. Thanks to the detailed instructions carving a stamp from an eraser is easier than carving a pumpkin. A great book.

If you need some inspiration, I strongly advise reading this book. Before reading the book, I didn't understand and was very intimdated about carving. After reading Art Stamping Workshop, I am now carving and printmaking!! I also teach this form of art in various schools and art stores.

One of the reasons I advise my students and online members to read this book, is because it is both teachable and progressive. It is an excellent book to study for classes, workshops, and personal study. With each technique, Gloria Page teaches in a way that you are bound to understand, and you are not left in the dark or in confusion in any way.

In an online group that I host -Artists of the Round Table- we read this book from cover to cover, and tried each of the projects. "ALL" of the member LOVED it.....adults, as well as the children!!! Gloria Page was kind enough to make herself available during the workshop to answer any questions, and to give advise and commendation. What an "encouragement" this was to the members studying her book!

Loving author.....AWESOME book. A perfect combination!

Sincerely,
~Jacqueline F. Graham
President, Artists of the Round Table
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ArtistsOfTheRoundTable/

I have always wanted to make my own art stamps but never knew how or where to begin. Thanks to Art Stamping Workshop, all of my questions have been answered! After reading this fabulous book, I was able to create a stamp from items I had around the house. Gloria's instructions are easy to follow and the photos clearly show how each step is supposed to look as you go along. Gloria Page makes stamp carving easy and FUN! The variety of projects in this book are different from anything I have seen in other stamping books and are easily adaptable to any style.

Hsu fills in a niche which has remained empty for a long time. Chinese history written by self-styled western experts presents a real challenge for fairness and perspective. In Western eyes, the colonial period is often seen through rose colored glasses and this hampers their ability to present it objectively. With this book we can get a different perspective from someone who has lived the Asian experience from the Asian side. Good work!

This really is an excellent book. Although scholarly it is not dry and one might even call it exciting at times. It remains the definitive work on the period (most Oxford History books tend to have that distinction) and the latest edition (6th, I believe) contains additions and corrections well worth the bump in price.

The only reason I cannot give this book a full five stars is because in spite of the scholarship, it remains fairly light on ideas and when compared to other Oxford Histories such as "Battle Cry Of Freedom" or "What God Hath Wrought" it cannot hold its own.

Nevertheless, this book is a worthy addition to any historical library and is heartily recommended.

I needed a book for my university studies on China, and this was by far the best. It is detailed, sharp and well written. I cannot see much bias either way, or if there is the other side is shown.

A very good treatment on the subject.

This book by Immanuel Hsu used to be my school text 23 years ago! Now in its 6th Edition, I must say is an excellent piece of work. However, there are still certain words which are wrong, for eg, page 100, 2nd Paragraph, "...He was "found" of Adma Schall von Bell, whom he appointed..."
The word should be FOND and not "found"....
I have detected several similar errors in the book.... Otherwise, this book would almost be near Perfect!
Steven Lim. RSTN Consulting (Singapore).

While Spence's "The Search for Modern China" may be currently the most popular survey of modern Chinese history, Hsu's work is indispensable for the student of wants a deep understanding of China and the Chinese. I was fortunate enough to have studied the material covered with Hsu at Santa Barbara, while he was working on the first edition and still using the then only good English language Asian history by Fairbank (+ others) as a text. While I still have my copy of Fairbank's two volumes, which remain useful for Japan and Southeast Asia, it is to Hsu's text I still refer on matters of Chinese history.

This is a very nice book. I enjoyed the projects and got some good ideas, particarly the simple book and the shadow box which I will definitely be making. For my taste personally there was a bit too much stamping on velvet, material, and jewelry. I would have preferred more paper crafts. But it is "making gifts...". SO I will definitely dig up more books with stamping on paper by Sandra McCall. I also recommend Tim Holtz' An Altered Journey DVD. He makes a cool brayer embossing gift & cool domino book. I love Penny Black stamps, they are my favorite, so I'm always on the lookout for anything using those materials.

I'll keep this short. If you want to take rubber stamps to the next level and learn to make fabulous objects, buy this book and you won't regret it. It's a DEFINITE keeper!!!!

This book has become one of my favorites. It is packed full of wonderful ideas and easy to follow instructions. Sandra has gathered a book full of wonderful stamping projects that will make anyone a wonderful gift. Her jewlery ideas are tops. People will stop and wonder where you got some of these pieces. Her directions are easy to follow, and although the projects may look difficult they AREN'T. This book is also a wonderful idea book for stamping teachers. I love this book so much I gave it to my stamping friends as x-mas gifts. A MUST !!!!!!!

This book is FULL of gorgeous and creative ideas! The pictures and examples are stunning and the directions easy to follow.

I'm always looking for new ways to use rubber stamping in art and this book really inspired me.

The work of Sandra McCall has long been an inspiration to me, and to finally see it in print, and have such delicious photographs to keep in front of me is a real gift. The instructions are precise and easy to follow! And once again, Ms. McCall lends a new angle to the art and craft of stamping! Bravo!

I use this book in my classroom to help my kids start new projects. I would not trade it foranything, my fellow teachers have gotten their own copies.

This book covers many bases on printing on fabric all using things you probably have around. I have enjoyed using it immensely.

This book is spectacular! Whether you are a visual or verbal learner or any kind in between, Rayna's pictures and explanations make cutting-edge surface design methods approachable and dare I say...fun! This book is a must-have.

All work has come to a standstill here now that the mail carrier arrived with Rayna Gillman's new book, "Create your own hand-printed cloth: Stamp, screen & stencil with everyday objects." I am fighting the urge to lock myself in a room away from my kids (they can forage for their own lunch, can't they?) and read the whole thing non-stop. Gillman covers stamping and stenciling with found objects; random screen printing; gelatin plate printing; screen printing with thickened dyes; discharge painting; soy wax batik; and rubbings.

For each technique, there are lots of detailed directions and excellent photos to accompany them. She also provides supply lists (and websites where you can buy the supplies).

Within a week after getting this book, I met with a group of fiber art friends and we played with stamping using found objects, guided by the book. The results were great. This is a book I will really USE. And I can't wait to try more of these techniques.

This is a source for many many printing techniques. Each is explained in detail, and has plenty of examples. As an artist I don't necessarily want a book of specific projects, I want a book that will help me expand and learn. Rayna's book does that and does it well.

I live in Washington, and spend more time than my husband would like in "Impress", whose owner penned this book.
It is a great book for style and substance..but most of all, starters. The designs are not too complicated for the early - medium crafter, but will require specific tools.

Ms. Perkins has great creativity (or a fabulous design team), which is evident in this book - but the suggestions also utilize several items exclusive to the "Impress" line of stamps and products. This fact wasn't as helpful to the friend I sent it to in Hawaii. She really loved the designs, but was apprehensive about spending so much on products and shipping from the author's web store.

All in all, I do use this book, and add my own sense of personal style to the building blocks she has laid before us in "Stamping with Style". Worth a look. ~*~

I received this book from Amazon just today and was simply thrilled when I browsed through it. I have been rubber stamping for quite sometime now and have wanted to get books with cards that look "professional" (cards that look more like what you buy from stores than those that look like "kid's art"). I find this book to give me the inspiration I need when I want to make a good quality card for someone special. The cards are simple-to-make yet look elegant. A good buy!

Very classy stamping ideas in an easy to understand format. An appendix provides information on all the stamps used.

I recently started stamping cards and was so happy to have this book as one of the first in my library!! I loved the unique, classy designs - easy and fun to do!! The step by step instructions are great and the color pictures are very helpful. I shop at a local Impress store and love it! Each time I go in I have to control myself - they've got more great ideas in the store!!

It seems to be a great book for beginners with lots of neat card projects. The book is set out by months of the year and cards you could make that month. The card projects aren't as nice as I was hoping, but they definitely have potential and the instructions are clear and concise. There is even a section at the back of the book that lists stamping resources.

I didn't give it that 5th perfect star because I was hoping the card projects in the book would be nicer and more colourful. I also didn't give it the 5th elusive star because alot of the stamps used in the book are now discontinued and very hard to get a hold of.

This is a very interesting and helpful book. It has a wealth of information about US stamps and the full color illustrations are just great. After collecting for in excess of 50 years, this is a rare find.

I highly recommend this book for US collectors.

This book is a must for US stamp collecting. Use it often to find hidden information.

Encyclopedia of United States Stamps and Stamp Collecting is not intended to replace the requisite catalogue, but meant to supplement it. Its sixty-two chapters are divided into three parts. "Stamps of the United States" spans thirty-one chapters and covers definitives, commemoratives, special purpose stamps, and postal stationary. The first two chapters discuss postage before stamps and are well-researched and concise without being simplistic.

"History, Production and Technology" claims twenty-four chapters and covers the history of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, United States Postal Service, and technology of stamp production. The last seven chapters focus on related collectables such as first-day covers, metered mail, seals, and cancellations. Appendix A is a glossary of terms. It is unfortunate that this glossary is not available as a stand-alone publication as it would complement a catalogue well. Appendix B and C are print and web resources. Appendix D is a list of benefactors without an explanation of their generosity.

Each chapter has an almanac, a reference for additional information, and relevant quotes from that period. Some chapters have notes for collectors or examples of postal usage. All of these addendums serve to make philately more interesting for novice and seasoned collectors alike.

Curiously, this publication has no index making it difficult to cross-reference issues that are cited in multiple entries. The term "encyclopedia" would imply that the book contains detailed information on every US stamp issued (until its publication). In this regard it is a disappointment as some issues are not covered at all, and a large number are given perfunctory treatment.

Generally, an interpretative review of the socio-political factors that prompted an issue or public reactions to it is lacking in its depth of coverage. Technological factors essential in the production of stamps are adequately covered and well presented. While the glossy pages enhance the vibrant color reproductions, these pages are not conducive to writing personal notes.

One can debate if the book is truly an encyclopedia. However, it is packed with interesting facts and insights making it a wonderful companion to any philatelist's United States stamp catalogue.

Armchair Interviews says: Great for stamp lovers.

As a newcomer to American Philately I found this work to be

erudite,logical in its layout and,most importantly,very easy to

read.

This is a well put together book. It's very informative and entertaining. The full color illustrations are a plus. Overall great value for the money for any stamp collector, beginner or expert.

This is a great book for toddlers, very cute pictures, sparkly accents and cute story!

This is a great book. Each page has lots of different things to touch and feel. The pages are very thick and durable. The text is cute and I don't get tired of having to read it over and over to my 18 month old.

This really is a beautiful book and a favorite of my daughters when she was 1 & 2 yrs old. She is 4 now and she still enjoys looking at the pictures and touching everything. The book has held up extremely well and still looks practically new.

My 11 month old loves this book so much she squeals with delight! It is bright, cheerful, colorful and interactive, a must read for her bedtime.

I bought this book for my 9mnth old daughter and she loves to feel the different textures. Even my 3yr old loves to touch it. With all the colors and textures my daughter sits long enough for me to read it to her, because she can touch stuff. Very fun and cute book for little ones.