Review of Stamp It! 50 Amazing Projects to Make, a Stamping Book for Children

Stamp It! - 50 Amazing Projects to Make

Stamp It! 50 Amazing Projects to Make by Joe Rhatigan & Rain Newcomb, is a stamping book that is packed full of ideas for stamping projects for children between the ages of 8 and 14 years old. This doesn't mean, however, that the projects are boring or super simple - there are a wide range of stamping ideas that will offer something of interest to even the most reluctant stamper. Boys as well as girls are catered for. Projects using bike tires and the soles of shoes to stamp designs onto t-shirts, in particular, will provide an introduction to stamping in its widest sense.

The projects contained in Stamp It! are far reaching. While some of the projects use traditional rubber stamps and stamping techniques, many more explore using other materials and techniques to stamp images. Each project is explained with step by step instructions with illustrations accompanying some of the more complex techniques.

While a few of the projects use rubber or foam stamps, one of the key focuses of the book is looking at ideas for making stamps from items such as vegetables and polystyrene foam. A diverse range of objects are stamped including dog bowls, gift wrap and lamp shades.

As you would expect, given the wide and diverse range of stamps and materials, the techniques are also far reaching. A lot more is covered here than simply tapping a stamp onto paper! In addition to some of the more traditional forms of stamping, youngsters are encouraged to think about other ways of creating stamped images. Rolling a bike tire over a t-shirt has to be one of the most novel ways of 'stamping'!

Some of the projects do use techniques that require adult supervision, however this is clearly stated in the book.

No! This is a fantastic book for adult stampers as well as children. The projects are both interesting and challenging yet written in an approachable style. This book would be ideal for adult stampers who are looking for new ideas and techniques.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would love to have had this book as a child. The authors allow the reader to explore their creativity without necessarily needing to be artistic (which after all, is one of the great things about stamping!). The tone of the book is perfect, neither talking down to or patronizing the young reader while also not complicating techniques with a lot of unnecessary detail. I found the approach refreshing and encouraging - I love the fact that children are encouraged to think creatively about making their own stamps. I was a little surprised at a couple of the projects, which I felt were quite advanced. The stamping on velvet project, in particular, is one which many adults would classify as challenging.

Many of the projects would work well with old or discarded items, or items that could be bought cheaply from garage or rummage sales. This means that many of the projects in the book could be undertaken cheaply - which is another key benefit.

I thoroughly recommend this book for creative children looking for a new challenge and, if you are lucky enough to know such a child, I also recommend taking a quick peek over their shoulder - I think you could be inspired!