Of all of the Stamp Stories issues I've seen, this is probably one of the most useful. It is also, by far, the largest of the issues, packed so full of content that it's almost impossible to put down.

There are articles on altered books with great illustrations, stamping with dense foam (or penscore, as it's also called) with examples that are haunting and beautiful. There are reviews of books and projects -- including the Goddess Project, which was a massive undertaking that yielded results that we all can share in thanks to Stamp Stories.

This issue is also jam-packed with projects. Foil borders, making a piano hinge book, a hand project, making copper patina on papers, creating a journal and a treasure box, and making a triangle box. There's even an interview with Sonja Idema, who makes gorgeous marbled papers, as well as a sample of those papers.

Best of all, there's an extensive article spread on the Print Gocco -- something that many small-zine publishers are lusting over. Laura Tompkins gives a great explanation of how to use it, shows us her own results and tells us where to get the thing. It's incredibly helpful.

As with issue #23, #24 may no longer be available, but joining the notify list for new issues by sending a blank email to stampstories-subscribe@onelist.com will be the way to find out. You can also write to Stamp Stories, c/o Laura Tompkins, #19 - 3039 E. 56th Ave., Vancouver, BC, V5S 2A2, Canada. If you can get hold of this issue, do. The effort is nothing compared to the inspiration you'll find if you do.

[ by Elizabeth Badurina ]
Rambles: 2 March 2002