Rubber Stamping: Brilliant Birthdays
By Francoise Read

     Rubber stamping, scrapbooking and peel-off fans will be familiar with Francoise Read’s unique style, and anybody in need of background papers won’t need to be introduced to The Crafthouse Press. Here is a book bursting with ideas for birthday cards that make use of many makes of stamps and other products, so even if you are not personally a fan of either of the aforementioned names there is something in here for you (or are you just too picky or what?!).

    Right at the beginning is a list of supplies, and each project uses particular items that you may or may not own or wish to buy. I found I didn’t actually have any of the stamps mentioned but that doesn’t matter really, as there are plenty of large photographs to inspire and some fairly detailed instructions. What I particularly admired was the exuberance of the cards depicted, fairly bursting with color (no, I don’t mean that they are gaudy) and unusual juxtapositions. Make cards of various shapes, use polymer clay, enameling, tag art, teabag folding and more. Collage is particularly in evidence here, with explosions of torn paper, grouped objects on a theme and the inclusion of things like sequin waste, raffia and tiny pegs. I found myself looking at my tired old rubber stamps in a new way – I expect that you will too. An inspiring and very user-friendly book.