Making Great Impressions
by Katie Hacker and Mary Lynn Maloney

I love this book! As a stamper, I've long been intrigued with all the cool ways to stamp on polymer clay— yet I never really knew how to get started. What should I know about stamping on clay? Could I emboss? What kind of glue should I use? And most important, what sorts of things could I make with polymer clay and rubber stamps? Katie and Mary Lynn to the rescue: They cover all the must-know techniques of polymer clay, like rolling, flattening and blending— then dive right into over 50 incredible designs, from wineglass charms and jewelry to decorated journals and mini books. There’s a chapter for Garden, Home Office, Jewelry, Sweet Sentiments and even one called Tres Fabu (who could resist?). There’s also a very cool Asian-inspired chapter called Harmonious Home, which includes decorated vases, collages, boxes and more. Well worth it for stampers, poly-holics, or anyone intrigued by this funky, artsy look. Get this book online for just $9.99.

Reviewed by Sara Naumann

The Four Agreements
by Don Miguel Ruiz

Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, author Don Miguel Ruiz offers four simple ways to lead a freer, more gratifying life: Be impeccable with your word. Don't take anything personally. Don't make assumptions. Always do your best. His inspiring words go into great detail and offer sound advice for living a life of freedom and happiness. The agreements are words to live by and to share with others. Since reading this book (and re-reading it over and over), I have found the freedom to pursue my dreams and live my life more creatively.

Paris found her copy at Amazon.com for about $10.00.

Reviewed by Paris Dukes

The Book of Me
by Angie Pederson

I love this book. It’s one of the best “get you started” books on the market. The book is about getting more of yourself into your scrapbooks, but it also gives ideas for pages about the people in your life. The book is broken up into themes from childhood to friendship and personal power. Each theme is then presented with journaling prompts; for example, one of the questions from the childhood section is “what would your 16-year-old self tell your present self??Each section also contains quotes and ideas for photo opportunities and memorabilia. I find the journaling ideas to be great kick-starters for pages that I want to make more meaningful. The nice thing is that all the idea can be translated not only to you but to your children, friends and family as well. The book also contains helpful listings of websites that might help you scrapbook a page. This is a book that addresses one of the hardest things to do well in a scrapbook: to tell a story. Retail $14.99. Available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com, or visit Angie's website to order a signed copy.

Reviewed by Brookes Hunt-Gilman