Instant Gratification: Cards: Fast and Fabulous Projects [Paperback]

Carol Endler Sterbenz (Author), Genevieve A. Sterbenz (Author), Julie Toy (Photographer)

Book Description

Series: Instant Gratification | Publication Date: October 1, 2000

Nothing says it better than a handmade card, and Instant Gratification: Cards will help you send your message with flair and sophistication. Whether you're looking for a unique birthday greeting, or the perfect holiday card, this artfully photographed collection of 38 projects features elegant designs for every occasion. With readily available materials and simple step-by-step instruction, even absolute beginners can quickly create beautiful cards they'll be proud to give.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Choosing an attractive greeting card from the many available in the stores is not difficult, but how much more personal and meaningful to make your own, tailored to the recipient and the event. Instant Gratification Cards by noted craft designer Carol Endler Sterbenz presents 38 easy, stylish projects, organized by occasion, including birthdays, travel, holiday, and general. Most are very simple cardstock creations featuring cutouts, glitter, or glued-on embellishments like charms, ribbons, or paper scraps. A few double as miniature gifts in themselves, such as the Christmas card that becomes a decorative paper collar to slip over a votive candleholder. The book's exquisite design and patina of sophistication belie the simplicity of most of these projects; in fact, a number are almost too simple and some readers may feel a bit cheated. But beginners or others looking for very quick card designs will find some craft-worthy ideas here. --Amy Handy

About the Author

Carol Endler Sterbenz is a syndicated columnist, founder of Handcraft Illustrated, and author of more than 25 books. She lives in New York.

Genevieve A. Sterbenz is a Manhattan-based stylist and writer whose books include Holiday Decorations and The Home Spa.

Julie Toy is a Los Angeles-based lifestyle photographer whose work has appeared in numerous magazines.

Product Details

• Paperback: 108 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811828522
• ISBN-13: 978-0811828529
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,532,117 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Nice layout BUT..., August 2, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Instant Gratification: Cards: Fast and Fabulous Projects (Paperback)

No expense spared in the printing of this book. Well layed out, nice pictures taken with soft focus lense. All to make up for its lack of depth. Projects more suited for a childrens art and craft book. Not for the experienced stamper or card maker. Beginers would grow out of this book very quickly. Here is an example of why. One of the projects is to cut out the shape of a butterfly (and I mean basic shape)and then to stick onto it about nine shiny plastic gems. This project takes up two pages. You would be better off spending a few more dollars and buying Handcrafted Cards from Elegant to Whimsical by Paige Gilchrist.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully done!, November 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Instant Gratification: Cards: Fast and Fabulous Projects (Paperback)

A must for the person who loves to create their own paper greeting cards. Beautifully illustrated, there is a clear photo that accompanies each card project. New ideas are presented on each set of pages. The greeting cards are clever, classy and classic. Each card comes complete with a list of supplies needed to create the card as well as step-by-step instructions. This book is destined to become a classic and "must-have" for crafters who are interested in creating something other than the run-of-the-mill, ordinary country look.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Book with Ideas, March 7, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Instant Gratification: Cards: Fast and Fabulous Projects (Paperback)

I am glad that I bought this book. Although it doesn't give an introduction of materials used, (it does get into the details of the project from first chapter!) it is a very down-to-earth book that gives the reader plenty of ideas to achieve professional and sophisticated results in a card. These are the two main criteria that must be met when I buy a Stamping book.

I also recommend other stamping fans out there these other books which I enjoy reading:

- Stamp in Color (Dave Brethauer, Stamp with Style (Kathryn Perkins), Rubber Stamp Celebrations (this one doesn't have good instructions but it would be good to get the inspiration needed to make great looking cards!)