Printing by Hand: A Modern Guide to Printing with Handmade Stamps, Stencils, and Silk Screens

The book is thorough, interesting, well written, fabulous photographs, with that cool spiral binding which makes craft books practical. Love it, will return to it frequently, as a permanent resource. The techniques covered are stamping, stenciling, screen printing, so if you are interested in any of those three, you will be covered. Each project shown has a list of tools and materials, a very thorough step by step how-to, and large, clear photogrpahs illustrating each step. Diagrams are also clear and helpful. Projects include a baby quilt, a sheet set, upholstery, lampshades, pouches, tablecloth, napkins, and more. Additional general printing advice, recommended reading, and resources add to the usefulness of Printing by Hand. I do have a complaint with Amazon. They either over pack, or not at all. This book was ordered with a hard page book for a child, which arrived fine, but did quite a bit of damage to Printing by Hand; all the corners are totally bent and the cover was torn. I doubt it was in that condition when it was shipped. I don't want to return, as there is no EXCHANGE policy. In other words, I will have to return it, wait to be refunded the original price, then re-order. Too much hassle and time. So while I am happy with the content of the book itself, not so happy with Amazon.

Beautiful book. Just received. In leafing through, it's very informative with excellent photos. While reading through some of the projects, the directions are clear and concise, very doable! Tons of nice quality projects that I've already got marked down to do! From the first page to the last, this book is stock full of great projects, beautiful artwork, tons of inspiration, and each project I can actually do! Great teaching projects too because from each one you learn something new. It's one of the best hand printing books I've seen. Plus the spiral binding is extremely helpful when book will be opened and directions being following during the actual "doing" phase. LOVE!

This book is an excellent guide for beginners or anyone who already has printmaking experience - there's very helpful charts that guide you through ink / paint mixing for different media, as well as images of what each type looks like when printed. Inspirational for someone looking for hints and new project ideas, and very detailed for someone who wants to just follow the projects in the book (it even comes with the designs all in a back pocket). I also really like that most new craft / art guides are being made in the lay-flat and easy to read format of spiral bound encased in a hardback! This is a great size for reference, and it lays flat so you can leave it on the table while you're working!

I wanted to do fast and dirty printing on fabric and this book has the easiest ways to do that (other than having someone else do it for you). There are several methods to get paint onto fabric and the designer walks you through them. I think the supplies are easy enough to find and use and the pictures are good to help you visualize the processes. It's a good book if you want to create some unique table linens, totes, or home accents without breaking the bank. Very do-able project options and good directions. And you don't have to use your potatoes to print with.

Of all the books I have seen so far (many), in the realm of DIY printing on paper and fabric in your own home, this one stands out as the most accessible. I make relief prints on linen with linocut and carved rubber blocks, primarily. The projects outlined in the book are simple and attractive. Each project takes you from #1 "Prepare work surface" to " the final step: "Clean up." In between there are many innovative tips for printing at home without expensive equipment. The comparison charts included in the book are also extremely helpful. There is one for Choosing Inks and Paints for the various surfaces you are printing. Very helpful since inks vary wildly and produce very different results! There is another chart for choosing which print method is best for your project (stamp printing, stencil, screen printing, etc.) And another chart showing colors. This all sounds simplistic but the charts can save you a ton of experimenting and mistakes and expense in inks (believe me, I know.) Even if you are well-practiced in printing techniques, you will find the text and photos user-friendly and comprehensive. An envelope attached to back inside cover of book includes a bonus: paper design templates for all the printing projects in the book. I create my own images, but the templates are good to have to understand scale and/or incorporate into your own work. And the best part of this book? It is spiral bound. Have you ever struggled with trying to refer to a DIY book while immersed in a project?? The spiral binding allows the pages to lie flat and loose and easily turned (even with inky hands), as you follow the steps for your printing project. I think we tend to gravitate towards books where the author's design-sense corresponds to our own, in some way. That is the case with Lena Corwin's book, for me. However, I think most would find her designs and projects entirely appealing and enjoyable.

I received the book but have not had time to try any of the processes recommended. Hopefully I shall be able to do so soon. The directions seem pretty detailed and clear. Hoping this will be a fun outlet for creativity.

I enjoy a variety of arts and crafts and always love combining mediums. Printing on fabric seemed like a great next step and I bumped into this book in the store and immediately put it on my wish list. One long year later, I finally bought this book for myself and I had totally hyped it up in my mind. Still, somehow this book totally blew my mind ... it comes with great charts about what medium to use for different materials and fun in-depth explanations of a number of different kinds of printing. I'm a graphic designer by day but never took printmaking. This book is the perfect book for me but I also thing it will be easy for beginners to try a new medium. Wow, I absolutely love this book and am finally not intimidated to start creating my own fabric creations. Thank you, Lena for a most inspiring and beautiful book!

I waited untill I actually used this book to write a review. I like it a lot. She explains what type of ink you should use on what type of fabric and which technique to use, all on a handy chart. This is very handy and helpful when deciding on what to do with a project at hand. I decided to do some stenciling on canvas. I found the book to be helpful on what materials to buy (she even explains why you use it) and the technique. The only problem for me is that she uses fogged mylar and I cannot find that anywhere. I found clear ones but I wish she would have listed where (the references on the back were not of much help) but everything else I could find at an art store or Hobby Lobby/Michaels. The projects included in the book are really cute too. I'm going to try and make a baby blanket for my cousin.