PageSage Product Review
Stamp Art Inspirations with MaryJo McGraw
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| Randi's Review |
Andrea's Review |
Cathy's Review |
Kathleen's Review |
Melanie's Review |
Review by Randi
I have been very impressed with the educational DVD's from PageSage, and Stamp Art Inspirations with MaryJo McGraw is no exception. It begins on a humorous note. When the warning comes up from the FBI, you know the one that tells you that they will come and get you if you copy the movie? I typically ignore that part. Here MaryJo exclaims, "OH! Legal stuff!" That had me giggling, but when the movie then actually began, I was cracking up! We are then shown an EXTREMELY messy work area covered in stamps, ink pads, glue pens, etc. and we hear MaryJo say, "Oh are you ready? Ok....well...let me..... wait just a second..." and her arms reach in from two sides and just swipe the mess away to the edges. PageSage always seems to have something unexpected to capture my attention from the get-go! This DVD has a run time of 108 minutes and is jam packed with ideas, tips, and demonstrations. There are ten actual "classes" that range from very basic to quite advanced.
The first "class" on the DVD is called "Ink Basics." It tells about the three basic types of ink (dye, pigment, and solvent) along with some great buying tips for beginners. MaryJo shows us how to re-ink the different types of ink pads, how to store them, and how to ink a stamp properly.
The rest of the DVD contains primarily techniques that she uses in card making, though certainly one could adapt them to be used for scrapbooking embellishments. These techniques include
- Glazing with Glue
- Quick Collage
- Collage Veneer
- Glazed Metallics
- Faux Fresco
- Catalina Tiles
- Quick Cards
- Heirloom Cards
- Mini Book
Be sure to watch the extras included in this DVD. The gallery has over fifty projects, and MaryJo has additional things to share with us as the gallery photos are showing. Better yet, when you see a project that you like you can click on the stamp image that is in the corner of the screen. This takes you directly to the segment of the DVD with that technique instruction. There is a whole section dedicated to the tips that MaryJo pointed out along the way, and you can click on the tip you want to see and be taken directly to it. No need to watch the entire segment to catch that one tip you needed. Are you interested in a particular stamp that she used? You can also see the names and manufacturers of each one. And finally, don't skip the bloopers. They are good for a laugh!
I recommend this DVD to anyone interested in taking their stamping to a whole new level.
Review by Andrea
Nine jam-packed classes in one DVD!
The DVD from PageSage, "Stamp Art Inspirations" featuring MaryJo McGraw is aptly named! There are so many projects that you'll be wondering why the price for the DVD isn't higher. MaryJo McGraw is great to watch, not only for her obvious talent and ability but for her carefree and fun attitude. The projects fly by as you watch in awe at the skill she shows working with stamps, inks, paints and all types of paper. She is truly an artist!
The DVD comes packaged in a standard plastic clamshell case. The DVD itself has a color collage-style graphic on the top side making it easy to identify the DVD. The full-color graphic insert is fabulous. The cover is a collage of the different projects MaryJo covers with the back showing a short biography of MaryJo, a little about the DVD, a list of included projects and mention of an interactive gallery. The inside of the cover jacket is a gem indeed. It lists the projects with a supply list for each one. This is wonderful! The run time for the DVD is 108 minutes and it's chaptered, meaning that you can skip from one place to another on the DVD.
The start of the DVD takes into a terrific lesson on ink basics. An explanation of the different types of inks and how to care for them (storage of right-side up or upside down, reinking, etc.) is greatly appreciated, especially with all of the new ink types currently available. MaryJo works with many of them and passes that information to the viewer in this segment.
A couple of my favorite projects include Glazing with Glue, Collage Veneer, Faux Fresco and Mini Book instruction. All of them highlight stamping with different inks, different papers and different gluing mediums. MaryJo's style is refreshing and honest with each project packed full of tips and hints. I learned something new with every segment! A beginner stamper may feel intimidated by watching MaryJo complete some of the projects so easily, but with some practice and the pause button, I feel that they could complete any of her projects.
The "Extras" at the end of the DVD were very useful. Specific tips were compiled into a special section on the DVD so that you can refer back to it with one click. MaryJo's favorite tools and supplies had their own section too. The bloopers were wonderful to see the behind-the-scenes banter going on during the filming!
The extra pop-up notes during the DVD are great and would be caught more frequently if a short tone sounded to alert the viewer. I found that I missed some as I was taking notes. I would recommend watching the DVD once then watching it again to take notes for the projects. If my 7 pages of notes are any indication, I bet you can guess that I recommend this DVD! As a seasoned stamper, I found many tidbits of information very useful and projects that I would create using MaryJo's expert lessons. If you want to learn stamping or would like to expand your stamping knowledge, treat yourself to this DVD!
Review by Cathy
I just took a two hour stamping class with MaryJo McGraw, right in my family room. Actually, MaryJo McGraw was on a PageSage DVD. I absolutely love taking classes and learning new techniques. This DVD contains step by step demonstrations for creating artistic masterpieces with stamps and stamping supplies.
MaryJo begins by introducing us to the different types of inks. I found MaryJo easy to follow and a fountain of information. As the DVD progresses MaryJo introduces a topic; reviews the supplies necessary to complete the project (a really important part to me); demonstrates the technique; and then shows a variety of finished samples at the end. During the demonstration, MaryJo gives little hints and tips about techniques and products. Also during the demonstration, important points will flash on the bottom of the screen in a text box.
MaryJo, how did you know I have a package of Mica tiles in my drawer? MaryJo will have you digging in your supply cabinet for mica, diamond glaze, laminate sheets, shrink plastic and all of those inks, dyes, colors and beads. The techniques in this video are not really that difficult with MaryJo as your guide, but I definitely would consider these projects very advanced. I learned a lot of wonderful techniques including: Glazing with Glue; Quick Collage; Glazed Metallics; Faux Fresco; Catalina Tiles (made with shrink plastic); Quick Cards (my favorite); Heirloom Cards; and a mini book from using computer discs and the Catalina Tiles. I learned about different types of paper; how to use a water brush; how to work with unusual items like mica, laminate paper and more.
I can definitely give a thumbs up recommendation to this wonderful DVD. It is a great addition to any stamper's or crafter's library. I plan to try out some of the wonderful techniques I learned from MaryJo McGraw soon.
Review by Kathleen
I recently viewed the DVD released from PageSage titled ‘Stamp Art Inspirations’ featuring stamp artist MaryJo McGraw. This DVD is FULL of stamping information and techniques! I have watched this DVD several times and continue to learn something new each time. I was very appreciative of the first segment MaryJo presented when she taught the differences in the various inks on the market and the best way to use and re-ink them. I have been stamping for about a year now and this information was totally new to me and very useful.
The production is also very well done and each segment is set up so that it is easy to follow. MaryJo creates some interesting and beautiful projects and shows the viewer unique techniques. The techniques are advanced, but MaryJo takes the viewer through each step and demonstrates each project beautifully. Once the steps are broken down, even a beginner will find success.
There are nine segments in all as well as a Gallery and Extras menu. The project segments cover techniques such as glazing with glue, quick collage, faux fresco, and quick cards to name a few. Each segment begins with a supply list which is really helpful. The Gallery gives you the option of looking at the finished projects and the packaging boasts that this is the first of its kind. This is definitely a good addition for an educational DVD.
The DVD is one hour and forty minutes in length, which is a great length and I actually wouldn’t have minded it a bit longer (so I could learn some more from MaryJo!).
Another helpful feature is the packaging. When you open up the DVD case, the inside cover lists the technique and what supplies are needed. Even though MaryJo tells what you will need during each segment, this is a helpful reference.
As the host of this DVD, MaryJo is easy going and knowledgeable. The producers at PageSage made an excellent choice by featuring her and her genius at stamping.
As this is the second DVD I have had the pleasure of reviewing for PageSage, I am pleased to see that the production on this DVD is outstanding as well. PageSage states on their packaging that they are a technology company and they will change what we expect from an educational DVD. And they have. The production is great and the information is top notch.
I would highly recommend this DVD for anyone who is interested in learning more about stamping, as well as learning some fun and interesting techniques. ‘Stamp Art Inspirations’ retails for $29.95, and is worth it. It is an educational tool you will watch over and over again.
Review by Melanie
When I received PageSage’s DVD with MaryJo McGraw titled “Stamp Art Inspirations”, I wasn’t familiar with the stamp artist’s name. After watching the first couple of demonstrations, I realized that I had seen some of these techniques before - I have one of MaryJo’s stamping books. I’ve only been stamping about a year, so “names” in the industry are still new to me, but techniques and projects that I have “seen” stay with me. This 108 minute DVD starts with MaryJo talking about Ink Basics. It’s very thorough as she discusses different types of inks, size of packages, and re-inking your pads. It may seem “basics” to advanced stampers, but it’s good to refresh your memory, and also helps for those of you that teach others. I know I needed to see this segment.
The technique segments include Glazing with Glue, Quick Collage, Collage Veneer, Glazed Metallica, Faux Fresco, Catalina Tiles, Quick Cards, Heirloom Cards and Mini Book. MaryJo takes the time to demonstrate each project and tells you what supplies you need. For some of the projects, specific brands of items are needed. One of the projects I really wanted to try was the Glazed Metallics, but the project called specifically for Encore Ink Pads, and Matte Kote paper, neither of which I had. So I tried the Faux Fresco technique and improvised on the supplies. MaryJo used student grade liquid watercolor paint for this. I’m a watercolorist, and I have tons of watercolor in my studio, so I used the watercolor straight from my pallet (not even from the tube) and achieved desirable results. You can view the Man's Artist Trading Card here. The Quick Card segments shows you how to make cards in under five minutes. She even shows you how to make a mini-book out of... well, I won’t ruin it for you - but you won’t believe what it’s made out of!
The interactive gallery section has over 50 pieces of artwork. While the gallery is flowing, MaryJo gives tips and tricks as you view. You can click on any of the images and go right to the particular segment that shows that technique. I like the way she says “It’s just paper. You can always throw it away if it’s really, really bad.” I laughed when I heard that because I HAVE thrown away my bad creations.
The “Extras” section has several bits of information. Tips from projects are replayed for you. Each tip is labeled and it’s nice to be able to go back when you say to yourself "How did she apply that gold to the edges?" without having to watch the whole instructional segment. There is a listing for tools, supplies and stamps, and more products by MaryJo. And, believe it or not, there are bloopers. I about died when MaryJo’s “fake” fingernails started popping off. I had noticed how nice they looked throughout all the projects on the DVD. It’s nice to laugh at the reality of life.
I highly recommend this instructional DVD if you are interested in learning more stamping techniques. I’m an artist and I gravitate toward things that look artsy and use different techniques with COLOR. I love the beautiful collage stamps used on this DVD and am glad they provide a listing on where to obtain these. Since I already had one of MaryJo’s technique books, I can compare what it is like to have the book verses the DVD, and I can honestly say that seeing the techniques on DVD is far better than a book. You can watch the items as they are made, and there is definitely more visual material jam packed on the DVD. I just watched it one more time before writing this review, and I’m already planning on going straight to my scrap table to create another quick card! (Okay, I did another quick card, shown below).
Title: Dream
Supplies:
Cardstock: Prism Papers (Majestic Purple Light)
Gold Collage Paper - Unknown
Gold Pen: DecoColor
Bristol Paper: Bienfang
Ink: Stayzon (Tsukineko)
Watercolor Pencils: Prismacolor Stamps:
*Prickley Pear, Posies a Plenty (background swirls)
*Stampabilities: Serenity (face)
*Inkadinkado: Timepiece
Adhesive: Adhesive Tech, Fine Line PVA Glue
This DVD is well worth $29.95, which would be less than the cost to take a workshop showing these techniques. You will get tons of ideas you can use at whatever level of stamp artisan you are.
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