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This fun book/activity kit, Stamp Art, along with the stamping supplies that come with it, will show you how stamping can be so much more than inking up a rubber design and pressing it onto paper. You will learn how to use a clear stamp block and see through stamps to create your own stamped pictures and crafts. The techniques and designs shared in this book will not only give you plenty of practice to master the stamping skills, they will inspire you to stamp all day long.

Not only will you find 52 pages of stamping instruction, tips, and projects, but you also get the supplies you need to practice your stamping skills and make the projects in this book. As is customary with the Klutz line of activity books, you get a collection of see through stamps, a clear stamp block, an black ink pad, and colored pencils; and you don't just get a few clear stamps with this book, you get 64 stamps in a variety of shapes and sizes.

As I mentioned previously, the stamps that come with this book are see through. The stamp block is also see through and made especially for child-sized hands. They are made this way so you can position the stamps onto the stamp block and still be able to see exactly where they are so you can make sure the stamps goes right where you want it to go on the page. The stamps magically stick to the stamp block and peel off easily when you are done stamping with them. This book shows you how you can create pictures by using one stamp on the block at a time or by grouping together several stamp shapes on he block (they call this the "One-Stamp Picture Trick").

While the first several pages of this book explain what stamping supplies are included, how to use the different stamping supplies, and some stamping tips and tricks, most of the pages share themed pictures you can make and also fun crafts you can make using your stamped pictures. Themes in this book include the garden, the ocean and beach, the jungle, and outer space. Learn how to create flowers, bugs, sea creatures, jungle animals, spaceships, aliens, and planets. You can also make your own mini dog show, pet portraits, colorful menu, and - my favorite - magical mandalas.

Make sure you also follow the book's instructions for cleaning and taking care of your stamps so they last a long time. You are provided with a piece of thin plastic you can use to store the stamps on. When you are done using a stamp, make sure you clean it with a damp paper towel. If that doesn't quite cut it, you can use a little soap and warm water on the face of the stamp or even a baby wipe! You will also want to make sure you protect your work surface and anything else the ink might come in contact with, even though the ink pad is full of washable ink.

I think both girls and boys alike would enjoy this Stamp Art activity kit. I think once they take time and enjoy playing around with all of the themed designs and project in this book, they will be motivated to grab some plain paper and start creating their own designs and creatures. Before long they will be using their newly acquired stamping skills to create greeting cards, bookmarks, ornaments, and even custom coloring book pages. This is great family fun for every one!



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