66 of 66 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Shaking up the artistic muse in 30 minutes or less, February 12, 2003
This review is from: 30-Minute Rubber Stamp Workshop (Paperback)
The kids are at the neighbors, the spouse is at the tennis court, the house is clean enough for your mother-in-law to walk in unannounced...and you discover you've got an entire hour to indulge your creative muse without interruption - Halleluiah! This is precious time and the deviously creative mind of Sandra McCall has developed a very special collection of interesting projects that will appeal to the neophyte and veteran art stamper alike to take advantage of this rare free time. Although the projects don't take a bunch of time to complete, each one make it look like you spent an entire afternoon in the craft studio. The instructions are clear, concise and the illustrations easy to follow. The only thing better would be to have Sandra in the room with you showing you each step.
Here's how you make this book work best; right before sleep overtakes you, look over the projects and pick one that interests you - scan the directions and illustrations. Go to sleep and let the project soak in overnight. The next day, kick the family out, turn off the TV, make a pot of tea, grab the necessary supplies, review the directions and dig in!
The other way to approach this book is to use it as a resource when you need to make a hand-made gift for a friend or loved one...like the morning of the party or get together! McCall provides you with the guidance you need to maintain your reputation as the "artistic friend" or "creative cousin" who always wows `em with unique, hand crafted creations.
Oh yeah, I should mention that the projects tend to be on the artistic side as opposed to the "country craft-cute" side...which is code for "much more classier than most of the cheesy projects you'd find in other craft books." McCall's projects remind me of the kinds of things you'd find in higher end artisan shows or stores. They are unique and cool without being weird...a distinction you'll understand when you see the projects.
Most of the projects are easily expanded and include techniques that invite experimentation and application to other projects. The book is FULL of ideas...when you break down all of the ideas, it comes to less than .50 cents each. Even at full price, this book would be a bargain, folks.
Suffice to say, I am once again impressed with McCall's work. I like her style, approach and artistic sensibility and highly recommend this book for any art stampers or crafters who want to keep abreast of the latest and best trends in stamping and craft.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
30-Minute Rubber Stamp Workshop, December 23, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: 30-Minute Rubber Stamp Workshop (Paperback)
What a fun, idea filled book! The step-by-step- photos and instructions are easy to follow and beautifully printed. I bought this book for my niece who is a new stamper because I thought the title referred to a rubberstamp workshop where you learn how to do all the basics in 30 minutes. Boy! How wrong was I? As soon as I saw the book I had to have one for myself too. There is so much information on both product and technique. There are also lots of time saving hints for those of us who need them. The whole book is written in an informal, entertaining style that is irresitable. I read it cover to cover and I RARELY do that with an instructional book. You will definitely get your moneys worth with this book. This artsy book is on "making gifts" and not "stationary" although there are some excellent stationary ides in the book. I've used several of McCall's ideas as a jump off point- tweaked them to make them my own and they have since become best sellers at my craft shows! Thanks McCall!
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18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Be careful purchasing this item . . ., September 24, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: 30-Minute Rubber Stamp Workshop (Paperback)
Unfortunately I read the reviews and very excitely order the "30 minute stamp workshop" and while the style is definitely artsy, the proposed projects are very goofy. Sorry, I just don't know anyone that is going to wear the stamped barette I make them or use the cardboard stamped clock. I really was looking for a book showing "non-cute" greeting card, stationary and journal designs that I can whip out in 30 minutes or less thanks to step-by-step instructions. Yes, many of todays paper art magazine like Inspiration do show artwork and list supplies but I wanted more than that, like this book, but in stationary form.
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