Magazine Reviews
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are just my opinions, obviously, you might not agree with me so be sure to go
out and page through them for yourselves. Every magazine listed here makes me
smile when they show up in my mailbox, even if they aren't all equal in my
opinion. They are fun and they all inspire me...)
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This
one is my current favorite. Its more expensive than most of the others but worth
it. Its about $6.95 an issue/$33.00 a year. No ads. I like to open a magazine
and not have it cluttered with ads. I enjoy pure inspiration and think its
worth every penny. They
have mostly greeting cards with a few other projects here and there. The
instructions for each card are easy to find on the same opened page and are
written well. Every time I open an issue, I see something I didn't see before.
Or when I get a new stamp, I keep it in mind as I page through these magazines
and find many ideas for it since each stamp has its own possibilities. If you
are looking for a good deal, you can try Ebay.
I bought two years of issues at almost half the price!
This is also a very good magazine and one of the most popular ones. A well rounded publication hosting a variety of projects and ideas. There are quite a few ads but we all know that stamping ads can be very helpful too. They offer exposure to new products (because we can never have enough!) and show ideas for uses with those new products. They have project themes and articles on different aspects of stamping other than strictly the design of cards. They cover things like embossing techniques, coloring methods, and new ideas for embellishments. The directions written with the projects are complete and helpful. They also have "Regular Departments" in each issue like "Tips and Tricks" where seasoned stampers share ideas on a multitude of subjects. I love that section. Overall, a great magazine if you don't mind the plethora of ads! Currently running about $27.00 a year for six issues. Follow the link above for more information...
This is another of my favorites. A relatively new publication that is well organized with EASY to read articles. I don't feel like I'm lost in a sea of advertisements when reading it. Not as thick as some of the other issues, but every page is packed with great ideas and information. Focuses on a variety of stamping projects with very easy to read instructions. Also has ideas for scrapbookers. The regular departments are all great! "Inklings" is a tips and hints section from their readers. I'm always surprised at the handy information there. They also have a "Spotlight on Clubs" department which is fun and book and video review section to help you peruse in the bookstore or library. I think they've really worked hard to publish a very helpful and fun magazine...8 issues (1 year) will run about $29.90.
This magazine is a little more off the beaten path so-to-speak. Unique with its technique and artist articles. If I had to choose one word for this magazine it would be "thorough". The projects are primarily cards and are displayed with huge, easy to see pictures. The directions are very thorough and understandable. They focus on stamping artists and the interviews are fun to read. Birds of a feather! Right? They also have departments on book reviews, surfing hot spots, tips and techniques, new products, bulletin board and many others. If you like stamps and projects that are more unique, this is the magazine for you...Subscription runs about $24.95 for six issues...
Somerset Studio labels itself as a "Paper Arts" magazine and has many ideas for some more complicated and beautiful projects. These projects will demand some time but are well worth it. They also have an artist profile which is inspiring. Like most others, this magazine has departments for new products and book reviews. This publication is put together with the more advanced stamper in mind. Even though it is a beautiful magazine, I find it a little too centered on only one genre. (A tad over my head) A fantastic magazine for the collage stamper/artist. About $25.95 for six issues...One word for this magazine: elegant.
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