A refined sense of style and a superb introductory section set Rubber Stamp Celebrations apart from many others on the subject. The authors carefully walk us through all the tools and supplies, provide a good overview on understanding color and design, and explain a wide variety of techniques, with each step illustrated in full color. A number of these techniques are not often covered in other books: water embossing, paper layering, collaging, masking, stamping on modeling compounds to create a dimensional image, and embellishing with trinkets, ribbons, and other findings. Excellent step-by-step directions accompany a vast array of projects organized by theme: the subject of weddings, for example, brings us gold-embossed gift boxes, a photo album, toasting glasses, an embossed velvet handbag, and a unity candle. Christmas offers cards and ornaments galore, plus a charming plate and tumbler for Santa"s milk and cookies. For birthdays there are cards, wrappings, party hats, and gifts, such as a journal or a silk scarf. Each holiday is given its due, as are housewarmings, garden parties, baby showers, and everyday occasions that require just the right hand-crafted card. With lovely subdued colors and many touches of gold, the items have a sophisticated Victorian feel. Some projects are more advanced, but novices can probably handle many of them. And just browsing through the beautiful pages offers plenty of inspiration. --Amy Handy