Book Review of By The Batch: Creative Cards, Postcards, Envelopes and More

Whether you are thinking of going into handmade card production, or simply want to make a few extra cards to celebrate a special occasion, knowing how to make cards 'by the batch' without losing the handcrafted look and character of a handmade card is vitally important. Judi Kauffman calls on her wide ranging experience to show readers how to make wonderful handmade cards in batches using rubber stamps and stamping techniques. While cards form the main focus of the book, there is plenty here that a non-card maker will find interesting and many techniques are easily adapted to a wide range of projects.

By the Batch: Creative Cards, Postcards, Envelopes and More, is the most recent book by stamping and craft professional, Judi Kauffman (for more information about Judi, including an interesting and informative insight into life as a designer and author, take a look at this recent interview). Judi Kauffman explores with readers how to use different stamping techniques to make multiple cards at a time. Judi explains which tools and materials to use to streamline the card making process without resorting to mass produced materials. Different techniques are explored in detail and these are put into practice throughout the 25 batch projects.

The book is laid out in chapters and starts with some important basics, including how to lay out a work area and arrange supplies to make creating cards by the batch more straightforward and to aid efficiency. One extremely useful section explains how to maximize the use from a sheet of paper to ensure that nothing is wasted. Illustrations show how sheets of 12 x 12 inch paper and 8.5 x 11 inch paper can be folded and cut to create cards, gift tags and more.

Both beginner and more experienced card makers will find the section on card composition useful. Here, Judi Kauffman explores with the reader different card layouts and notes the different design features of each. This provides a handy reference guide and also can provide inspiration for new ideas and projects.

The Batches

The techniques are broken down into sections and are used to create different batches of cards. Judi shows readers how basic projects can be adapted in different ways to create a variety of results. The techniques range from simple to complex and these are explained in illustrated step by step guides. This is useful as it means that even beginner stampers will be able to undertake some of the more unusual and innovative techniques.

Batches of cards, gift tags and envelopes are made and all of these can be mixed and matched so the reader can create their own unique masterpieces. The batches use a wide selection of materials and supplies, which helps to illustrate the diverse nature of the craft of stamping. Cards are created using cardstock, ready cut and folded blanks, pieces of die cut cardstock and even recycled gift bags. Judi uses ready made stamps as well as creating stamps using moldable foam and demonstrates the use of a wide variety of embellishments.

A complete list of materials is given for each batch, however readers can easily substitute their own stamps and other materials to create their own unique cards.

The book ends with a full supplier list including website addresses, as well as some useful templates.

By the Batch: Creative Cards, Postcards, Envelopes and More is a genuine delight. The book will appeal to long term stampers, as well as those new to the craft. While there are a range of techniques and projects to inspire and challenge, the vast majority can be undertaken without the need of expensive or special equipment.

There is a lot of information packed within the pages of the book, however this is balanced with plenty of useful and relevant photographs. On reading the book you get the impression that not one single space has been wasted and much thought as gone into creating a book that is both visually pleasing yet is also full of information and instruction. Judi Kauffman writes in a friendly and accessible style, giving full information yet never in a patronizing style. The book is peppered with Judi's own anecdotes giving it a very personal feel.

The book will make wonderful reading for cardmakers – however there is a wider appeal and stampers of all backgrounds will find plenty of great ideas that are simple to adapt within the pages of the book.

By The Batch is particularly recommended for:

• Anyone who is interested in making cards for sale, or even to give away, will find the advice and tips invaluable
• Stampers looking to make the most from their supplies
• Beginner or more advanced stampers who are seeking inspiration for new projects, or ideas for card layouts
• Anyone who thinks that 'stamping is boring'!

By the Batch: Creative Cards, Postcards, Envelopes and More will make a welcome addition to a stamper's bookshelves and at a cover price of $19.99 represents excellent value for money.

Further Information

• Title: By The Batch: Creative Cards, Postcards, Envelopes and More
• Author: Judi Kauffman
• Publisher: Watson and Guptill Publications
• ISBN 13: 978-0-8230-4508-2