[.ca] The Weekend Crafter: Rubber Stamp Carving: Techniques, ... (ISBN 1579903002)

Five stars from this professional stamp carver!:
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!!

Rubber Stamp Carving:
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.

Love it!:
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

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

Excellent, but not perfect:
The book refers you to its resources section (e.g. when discussing carving materials, it says to "\oc\check the Resource section on page 79 for more \oinfo\c"), which is a paragraph that lists only one resource ... the book's website. Instead of referring the reader to another page, it should've just listed its website in brackets. There was another flaw but I can't find it. It raised an important question, but wasn't crucial to understanding how to make a rubber stamp. This book is clear and thorough. After the intro, it doesn't waste space with filler comments, and it provides step-by-step photographic instructions in addition to the text. The photographs are good and not too small (they're mostly closeups).