Chris' Review	Stephanie's Review	Pomaika`i's Review	Donna's Review	Lynn Anne's Review

Review by Chris

If you like animal stamps or complex imagery with a Native American flair, you will love the new clear stamps from EarthArt International. Not a new company, EarthArt International has been selling these images on notecards, puzzles, jewelry and coloring books for years. Now, 24 of the most popular of these beautiful, finely-detailed images created by award winning Northwest artist Sue Coccia are available in large (approximately 3” x 4”) stamps made of long-lasting clear photopolymer.

Sue draws her inspiration from nature, the relationship between humans and animals, and the symbolism of animals in their natural environment. Contained within the design of each animal image, or totem, are smaller images which relate to the symbolism of the animal and its habitat. For example, within the image of the Hawk are mountains touching the sky, detailed eyes representing the acute vision of the hawk, mystical creatures of the sky, and a ladybug. The ladybug, representing happiness and good fortune, can be found in all the images created by Sue and is her “signature” mark. The Horse image contains images of adventure and power: the Spider, Snakes and a Bear, as well as changing seasons in the sky, and, of course, the ladybug.

These stamps are made of high-quality photopolymer. They are quite thick and have a finely detailed image which stamps clearly. Sue has an angel policy for use of her stamps to create products for sale. The company donates a portion of its profits to organizations dedicated to the preservation of animals and their habitat.

I received two stamps, the horse and the hawk. The stamps come on a sheet of clear plastic inside a clear hanging package with a cardboard insert that has an image of a cloud-filled sky on one side and information about the stamp and the company on the other. The detailed images can be stamped and then colored, stamped and heat embossed, or stamped on a variety of colored, inked or painted backgrounds.

The horse reminded me of the horses on a carousel, so I created a card with that design for my first project. I stamped the image on cardstock and colored in the various parts using fine-point markers. The image stamped clearly, preserving the detail so that it was easy to color with the fine markers. I added a saddle from patterned paper and a ribbon reign and now my horse is ready for its rider!

Enjoy the Ride card
Products used: Stamps (EarthArt International, horse; Making Memories magnetic alphas)
Ink (Ranger Adirondack pigment, black)
Markers (Staedtler, triplus fineliner)
Patterned paper (Prima, The Dude Collection)
Punch (StampinUp scalloped border)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech Permanent Bond Tape Runner)

I thought the soaring hawk needed a brightly-colored background. Using Ranger’s acrylic dabbers on Canson’s paper for acrylic, I swiped a multi-hued background on which I stamped the hawk using StazOn ink. I then colored selected areas with permanent markers.

Aspire to BE card
Products used (Stamps: EarthArt International, Horse; Inkadinkado, word stamp)
Paper (Canson, mixed media paper for acrylic)
Paints (Ranger acrylic paint dabbers, sunset orange, peach bellini, sunshine yellow, copper)
Ink (Tsukineko StazOn, jet black, midnight blue)
Markers (Bic, Mark-It)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech Permanent Bond Tape Runner)

I have a fondness for stamps. I believe they are a great investment and, if well cared for, will last a lifetime. These clear stamps from EarthArt International are some of the finest clear stamps with which I have worked. They are thick and finely-detailed. The images are beautiful, well-crafted and stamp perfectly. I like the totem concept incorporated into the image design. I know I’ll be adding more of these images to my stamp inventory.

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Review by Stephanie

When I first heard I would be reviewing Animal Spirit Stamps this month, I was quite intrigued since I had never heard of these stamps before. I headed over to their website to see the stamps and was amazed at what I saw. The stamps, created under the Earth Art International logo, were in the shape of all kinds of animals and within the shape were other animals. Similar to totem poles that were carved into varying shapes, these stamps follow that same avenue. Animal Totems, as these stamps are referred to, reflect a deep spirituality and a connection between all living things. These stamps are the creation of Sue Coccia who uses art and symbolism in her creations, just as she learned it from her grandmother, who is of Native American descent.

For my review, I received a Penguin stamp and a Frog stamp. Each stamp is approximately 3” x 4” and comes packaged in a 4” x 6” cellophane wrap. The image is stamped on the interior acetate with the image name, and can be easily replaced once you have finished your project. The backing of the package has website information, phone numbers and a photo of Ms. Coccia with her artwork. A notecard was included separately with each stamp and it portrayed that particular Animal Totem in its glory - the beautiful lines of the whale, the colors of the birds, the fur of the bear, the details of the feathers. I must say I did enjoy working with these stamps but there is no way I could come close to the work of Ms. Coccia. Her coloring is amazing. Perhaps if the images been a little larger, I would have found them easier to work with.

Ms. Coccia believes that frogs represent prosperity, healing and inner peace. The variety of included animals within the frog each has its own meaning. For example, the whale represents individuality, the dragonfly represents enlightenment and the bear represents strength. My first attempts at coloring the frog were not good at all. I tried watercolor pens and fine tip markers to color the images, but I couldn’t achieve the glory that Ms. Coccia did. Ultimately, I decided to create a paper pieced frog. I stamped the frog onto four different colors of cardstock and cut out the appropriate sections I wanted to highlight. This was definitely not what I had envisioned, but I do believe I was able to capture the essence of Ms. Coccia’s vision.

Title: Have a great day
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Intense Yellow, Suede Brown Dark, Frosted Kiwi, Majestic Purple Lt)
Stamps (Earth Art International, Stampendous)
Ink (Ranger, Stazon)
Stickles (Ranger)
Embossing (Provocraft, Cuttlebug)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

According to Ms. Coccia, penguins are purposeful creatures. They may give you a sense of purpose when you are lost and help you find the determination to get on with your life. Penguin energy has a lot to do with dreams, so listen to your dreams. This was the theme I went with to create my Believe card. I first stamped the Penguin stamp on a transparency. I love that the stamp did not smudge, that it was clean and crisp. I then added some color to specific areas with watercolor pencils, and backed the stamped image with Kraft cardstock. Adding some ocean-inspired pattern papers, I achieved the look I was seeking.

Title: Believe
Products used: Cardstock (Prism, Kraft)
Pattern Paper (SandyLion)
Ink (Ranger, Staz on, Memories)
Stamps (Earth Art International, Molly Stamps)
Pencils (Staedtler)
Punch (EK Success)
Other (Office Transparency)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

Another look through Earth Art’s website shows that besides the many stamps Ms. Coccia has created, there are also coloring books, jewelry, puzzles, notecards, boxed cards, calendars and journals, all of which reflect the Animal totems. All items are for sale on the website and proceeds from items are donated to organizations that are dedicated to the preservation of animals. Ms. Coccia provides a refreshing, new look to stamps and her vision is one that she can definitely be proud of.

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Review by Pomaika`i

Inspired by nature and her experiences with animals around the world, artist Sue Coccia has dedicated her life’s work to raise awareness in humans to the need for protecting our Earth’s animals. Her unique drawings have been turned into Animal Spirit Stamps so that paper crafters can also enjoy creating and using these images in our own projects. I have been familiar with these wonderful stamps for a couple of years since I live just a few minutes south of Edmonds, Washington where this wonderful artist lives. I particularly love her images of Orcas, Dolphins and other Pacific Ocean dwellers since both Hawai’i and the Pacific Northwest are close to my heart.

I received two stamp images for this review. Like I said before, I had seen these stamps before at CKC Seattle, and was very excited to know which ones I would receive. I was not disappointed when I found a Rooster and Polar Bear in my box. Upon close examination, you can see the Native American influence in these images. Each of the images has a myriad of other animal images within, the artist says that this symbolizes the ecosystem of the main animal. Sue also mentions that there is a ladybug in each image to represent good luck, prosperity and happiness.

Each stamp image is like a world within itself. Images and symbols abound. It’s like looking at a condensed version of the animal’s corner of the world. The images flow together in harmony and beauty signifying an interconnectedness that we humans often forget in our busy world.

These stamps are photopolymer stamps, not cheap acrylic like many of the more inexpensive stamps you will find on the market. This means that the stamp will peel off of the backing and off of your stamp block without fear of tearing. It will cling to your acrylic block for an accurate image every time, and it is durable and will be around, probably longer than you are. This also means that the stamps are more expensive ($14) for an approximately 3 x 4” image. This may seem steep for one stamp of this size, but when you factor in the time and thought the artist took to create this design, and the high quality materials, I think that this price is a fair exchange of value. I used both a solvent and a dye ink to stamp my images onto paper. The images were clear and crisp, and all the gorgeous details were visible.

For my first project, stamped the polar bear image with permanent ink and colored various parts in with glaze embossing pens. I used glossy paper for this image. As a background to the card, I tore some paper to simulate a polar scene, added some ribbon in coordinating colors to my bear image and embellished. Though the images are small, I didn’t have any trouble coloring within the lines with fine tipped pens.

Title:Polar Bear Card
Products used:Cardstock (Prism)
Stamp (Earth Art International)
Patterned Paper (My Minds Eye)
Ink (India Ink; Stewart Superior)
Pen (Sakura Glaze)
Button (Making Memories)
Sticker (Scrapworks)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

My second project is a card using the Rooster image. I used a regular dye ink on cardstock and colored the image in with watercolor pencils. I had a blast doing this. It takes time since the image is beautifully detailed, but it sure is worth the effort. I doodled a cloud and the ground to finish off my card. Another fun idea would be to stamp a card with an Earth Art Image and leave it blank so that the person you are giving it to can color it in themselves.

Title:Rooster Card
Products used:Cardstock (Prism)
Stamp (Earth Art International)
Patterned Paper (My Minds Eye)
Ink (Adirondak; Ranger)
Watercolors (Cretacolor)
Pen (Sakura Micron)
Ribbon (Offray)
Stickers (Heidi Grace)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I have coveted these stamps for a couple of years now, ever since I got my first look at them. Each image is beautiful, a work of art . The fun thing is that you can create any mood you want to by the way you color your image in, the framework has been created by a true artist. The artwork created by Sue Coccia is stunning and unique. These are images you will enjoy using in your projects be they layouts, cards or altered projects.

Lucky for us there are 24 gorgeous Animal Spirit Stamps to choose from. Sue Coccia has a gift for communicating the essence of each animal subject in her designs. By understanding them and researching them before she sits down to create, her art portrays the authentic sprit of these wonderful wild creatures. In addition to acrylic stamps, she has a variety related products for sale on her website that might interest you if you love her work. I highly recommend these stamps. They are high quality works of art that will make you feel good when you use them. Most of all, you will be able to create gorgeous projects to enjoy or give to others to enjoy. I will use these stamps in the future and look to adding my favorite ocean dwellers to my collection soon.

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Review by Donna

Embrace your inner animal spirit with Earth Art International’s unique animal stamps by award winning, Washington artist, Sue Coccia. Inspired by her grandmother who was of Native American descent, Ms. Coccia’s fine, intricate drawings depict different animals from all around the world, each one representing an aspect of deep spirituality and each of which has its own individual quality and strength.

The Animal Spirit stamps are good size, approximately 3” x 4” and are made of durable, clear photopolymer for mounting on an acrylic block. They retail for about $14.00 each and there are several designs to choose from, including “frog”, “dolphin”, “bear”, “crab”, “dragon fly” and “unicorn”, among many others. Note: There is a lady bug hidden within each one of these fun animal images – lady bugs, so it is said, represent happiness, prosperity and good luck!

For this review, I received two stamps, a “lady bug” and a “butterfly” (represents transformation, beauty and joy). The stamps arrived individually packaged in clear, 4” x 6” cellophane bags (the stamps are protected on both sides within the bag with soft plastic on card board). Also included with each stamp package was a colorful, larger note card depicting the intricate designs of each colorful image as well as a wonderful explanation of the history and meaning of that animal’s “spirit”.

Prior to this review, I had never heard of Earth Art International or of Ms. Coccia, so, I have to admit, I wasn’t sure what I would do with these stamps when I first received them but, after pulling out inks and paper and playing for a bit, creating really came with ease. The stamps are deeply etched and the details within each are amazing. I was thrilled to discover that NONE of those details were lost during the process of transfer from stamp to paper – I found a lady bug every time!

For my first project, I created a note card. I first applied pink Versamark ink to the butterfly stamp and stamped it on to a piece of white, glossy cardstock. Once the image dried, I colored in some areas of the butterfly with orange and pink felt tip markers and then cut the image out. I wrapped white ball trim around the center of the butterfly, added two baker’s twine “faux” buttons, cut the image into two pieces, and then adhered the butterfly pieces to the card. I was very pleased with the end result.

Title: Live
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Prismatics)
Patterned Paper (Autumn Leaves)
Sticker (Flair Designs)
Ribbons (Basic Grey, Doodlebug)
Pink Ink (Versa Mark)
Detail Pens (Rose Art)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

On the “love” card, my second project, I wanted to create a different look, something softer, so, after stamping the butterfly on to a transparency piece using white Staz-on, ink, I trimmed off a small portion of its left side and then added a few jewels to the center for accent. I was pleased again - the stamped image transferred to the transparency just as nicely as it had on the glossy cardstock.

Title: Heaven 2
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Prismatics)
Patterned Paper (Autumn Leaves)
Sticker (Flair Designs)
Ribbon (Autumn Leaves)
Bling (Heidi Swapp)
White Ink (Staz On)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I wanted the lady bug image to stand on its own, so, for my third and last project, I created another note card. Here, I used black Staz On ink and again, stamped the image on to a transparency. Using felt pens, I then did some coloring, cut the image out and adhered it to a piece of plain, white cardstock. I then added some ball trim and buttons. How fun – no patterned paper needed!

Title: dreams
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Prismatics)
Sticker (Flair Designs)
Buttons (Blumenthal Lansing)
Trim(Perwick)
Black Ink (Staz On)
Detail Pens (RoseArt)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

For all three of my projects I applied the stamps to an acrylic block and found that they clung to it nicely. The stamps didn't slip or move whatsoever, and, using a pad and a liquid acrylic stamp cleaner, they cleaned up quite easily. The thickness of each stamp seems perfect as well – they are sturdy enough to be “handled” without tearing or losing shape.

Although these images were certainly somewhat different for me, I really enjoyed creating with them. I loved that they were big enough to use either whole, or in parts and I was simply amazed at the detail contained in the images. Thank you Ms. Coccia, and thank you Earth Art International.

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Review by Lynn Anne

Earth Art International

Earth Art International designs are the heartwork of Northwest artist Sue Coccia. There are dozen of "animal spirit" images, with the twenty-four most popular designs available as clear photopolymer stamps. What makes these stamps unique are their designs, each one based on pen-and-ink artwork that incorporates tiny image after tiny image into the 3x4” composite image of the animal itself. I am looking at Bear as I type this: a few of the images within Bear are other animals, a thunderstorm (showing everything from starry firmament above stormclouds to the falling rain and earth below), feathers, a heart, Earth, and scales – along with the lady bug image present in each of the designs: "she represents good luck, happiness and prosperity." The intricate designs are surely a labor of love for this artist.

I have always admired highly detailed stamps when I’ve seen them in craft stores, but I can’t say I’ve had much experience using them. I wondered if the teeny tiny details would all show, or be obscured once the ink was applied. I wondered if I could get the entire 3x4" image and all of its little bits onto the paper without any blank spots. The one thing I knew was that I’d love coloring in all the little bits and pieces of the image …even if I didn’t know how addicting that would become.

The markers I had at the ready for coloring were Copic’s Ciao markers, which do better on nonporous surfaces than ‘regular’ cardstock, where they can sometimes bleed. Not good for such tiny-detailed designs! But I’ve had a cabinet full of freecycled ceramic tiles that I love working with, and the stamps were just the right size for a 4x4 white ceramic tile. I tried Archival Ink’s permanent pigment ink and the image actually worked on the first try – no blank spots, no major smudging or loss of detail. Pretty good for a thick ink that’s usually better used with less detailed images! I heat set the ink and colored in with the Copics, then finished off with a clear acrylic glaze.

Humming Bird Tile
Products used:
Humming Bird Animal Spirit Stamp, Earth Art International
Archival Brilliance Pigment Ink, Granite, Tsukineko
Copic Ciao Markers
Crystal Glaze (Krylon)
Ceramic Tile

The Humming Bird I’m sending as a gift, but I’ve been looking for an excuse to create a memo tile for myself for a while. We live in Black Bear country, so Bear seemed like the perfect fit for this project! The larger tile my five-year old chose for me wasn’t a smooth one, but he was so proud of his pick I couldn’t send him back out for the kind I had in mind. So, I tried stamping over the textured surface. Now, photopolymer stamps are meant to be used with acrylic blocks, which are sold just for stamping with clear stamps. I have a few around, but I generally open up a CD case and put the stamp on half of that instead – the surface is larger, and the flexibility of the thin plastic can be an advantage if it’s a project where I might have trouble getting the image into grooves – such as with textured cardstock, or now this textured tile. I won’t say it didn’t take me a few tries, this time – the tile was not suited for detailed stamping, for sure. But I got a nice image that was so black from the pressing-down that I actually didn’t mind losing some of the detail. I added black embossing powder, which filled him in more, and decided to leave the coloring out this time. Not the tile OR the effect I originally had in mind, but I rather liked the happy accident I ended up with.

Bear Tile Memo Board
Bear Animal Spirit Stamp
Archival Brilliance Pigment Ink, Granite, Tsukineko
Detail Embossing Powder, Black
Copic Ciao Markers
Ceramic Tile

I couldn’t leave Bear uncolored forever, though. Part of the fun of working with these stamps for me is the color! I thought I would try to use one of the background techniques that I like that doesn’t include coloring in specific pieces, like smearing chalk around and stamping over it, or scratching colored pencil and placing the stamp over that. I chose the latter, but I found that after my stamping I still couldn’t resist adding a few specific coloring details…and then a few more…and then a few more! For this project, I went with Ranger Distress Ink – a dye ink which dries slow enough to be heat-embossable – and also added embossing powder. The Distress Ink created a super crisp image to work with.

Bear Animal Spirit Card
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Prismatics)
Patterned Paper (Flair: Summer Daze)
Bear Animal Spirit Stamp, Earth Art International
Distress Ink (Ranger)
Detail Embossing Powder (black)
Colored Pencils (Artworks)
Copic Ciao Marker

The clear nature of the photopolymer makes these stamps easy to place ‘just so,’ and Earth Art International points out on their website that photopolymer is so durable that industrial stamps are usually made of the same material. Solvent inks are not discouraged by this manufacturer (as they sometimes are for clear stamps), as long as they’re cleaned from the stamp promptly.

Fans can also check out other incarnations of each animal spirit at the Earth Art International website, on notecards, a calendar, jewelry and more. Earth Art International clear stamps sell for $14.00 each on their website, with special currently on the page to buy-five, get-one-free. The designs are exquisite, and even though they’re stamp reproductions, it feels like you’ve gotten a piece of original art every time you use one – well worth the money to be able to use the image over and over (and over) again.

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Visit the ScrapFriends Earth Art International Gallery