Review    -


Review   Quilting Arts Magazine - June 24, 2008
"In Create Your Own Hand-printed Cloth, the fabrics are wonderful and inspiring, the instructions are easy to follow, and the ideas are abundant. Not only does Rayna teach readers the basics, she provides them with the information and tools needed to take their fabrics as far as creatively possible.

Rayna draws on both 'standard' methods and new ones in her printing process. She also uses many materials that readers may have right at hand but wouldn't necessarily have thought to use in printing. With Rayna's lists of possible printing tools and the variety of printing techniques, readers are sure to find their way to wonderfully unique fabrics."


Review   Stacy Sews - July 1, 2008
"Create Your Own Hand-Printed Cloth is a 95 page book that deals with all sorts of techniques ranging from stamping, stenciling, and screenprinting to discharge printing, rubbings and creating batiks. The instructions are written in a way that anyone, even a novice (such as myself), can make their own designs without difficulty. Best of all, every section of the book is loaded with photographs - not just to help you understand the technique, but also motivate the reader to try these methods as well."

Review   Fiber Art News - July 1, 2008
"Rayna creates wonderful visual textures on the fabrics that she uses in her art, and in this book she shows step-by-step how to use a variety of easy techniques to make your own hand-printed cloth. She covers stamping and stenciling with found objects (my favorite is the pattern she creates using a potato masher), random screenprinting, gelatin (as in jello) plate printing, discharge, soy wax batik and rubbings. What sets this book apart from others is her attention to illustrating how each step changes the look of the fabric she’s creating. The directions are clear, and the examples are inspiring. Rayna also gives advice about such critical topics as 'Knowing when enough is enough – stop and wait overnight before adding more' and 'How to go back in when the fabric is just plain ugly – try cutting it up and using the pieces.' This book will definitely entice to you into your studio to play with your own collection of everyday objects."

Review   Judy in the Dyes - July 5, 2008
"...it is fabulous! There are lots and lots of recipes and helpful hints, and it is chock full of pictures of beautiful pieces. If you don't already have it, treat yourself and get it now...and while you're at it, buy one for a fiber friend of yours: you won't be sorry!"

Review By: Susan Brubaker Knapp,   Blue Moon River - June 30, 2008
"All work has come to a standstill here now that the mail carrier arrived with Rayna Gillman's new book, Create your own hand-printed cloth: Stamp, screen & stencil with everyday objects.

I took a class with Rayna at Quilt Market in May, and got a sneak peak at the book. And now, I am fighting the urge to lock myself in a room away from my kids (they can forage for their own lunch, can't they?) and read the whole thing non-stop. Here are the things she covers: Stamping and stenciling with found objects; random screenprinting; gelatin plate printing; screenprinting with thickened dyes; discharge painting; soy wax batik; and rubbings.

For each technique, there are lots of detailed directions and excellent photos to accompany them. She also provides supply lists (and websites where you can buy the supplies).

I can tell that this is a book I will really USE. And I can't wait!"

Review   SAQA - July 16, 2008
"Rayna creates wonderful visual textures on the fabrics that she uses in her art, and in this book she shows step-by-step how to use a variety of easy techniques to make your own hand-printed cloth. She covers stamping and stenciling with found objects (my favorite is the pattern she creates using a potato masher), random screenprinting, gelatin (as in jello) plate printing, discharge, soy wax batik and rubbings. What sets this book apart from others is her attention to illustrating how each step changes the look of the fabric she’s creating. The directions are clear, and the examples are inspiring. Rayna also gives advice about such critical topics as 'Knowing when enough is enough – stop and wait overnight before adding more' and 'How to go back in when the fabric is just plain ugly – try cutting it up and using the pieces.' This book will definitely entice to you into your studio to play with your own collection of everyday objects."

Review By: Russ Little,    - July 16, 2008
"I think you hit the sweet spot--that gap in the market. You did a great job of giving the novice designer a good start and sparking the interest and imagination of the experienced designer at the same time."

Review By: Judy Rys,    - July 16, 2008
"Your book is incredible! I expected it to be really good, but this far surpassed my high expectations. Well done . . . this is going to be a great reference book and inspiration for many, many years."

Review By: Jamie Fingal,    - July 16, 2008
"It is fabulous.  I have dabbled in some surface design, mainly rubber stamps and block printing, but your book may push me to branch out in new territories.  I love how colorful it is - how the cover invites you in and then keeps your attention on every page.  It is a work of art, beautiful!  And step-by-step visual instructions - I can't wait to play!" 

Review By: Gerrie Congdon,    - July 16, 2008
"...was worth the wait. It is every thing I have wanted at my finger tips. It has wonderful luscious photographs. You have been so generous in sharing your wisdom and humor with us."

Review By: Laura Cater-Woods,    - July 16, 2008
"What I like so much about this book is that it is like having coffee with Rayna while she explains a fun process. The whole tone is personal and conversational. The layout details are great, color is good and there is exactly enough information to get anyone started on a fabulous adventure."

Review By: Leslie Jenison,    - July 16, 2008
"Rayna's book is just as wonderful as she is in person. This is such a great book for those who have little or not experience playing with surface design, as well as great tips for those of us with a bit of experience. In addition, I would encourage you to take a workshop from Rayna if you ever have an opportunity to do so.  She is a very giving instructor, and you are guaranteed to have a fun experience!"

Review By: Marni Goldshlag,    - July 16, 2008
"My copy of Rayna's book arrived the other day and I have spent a bunch of time reading, looking at pictures, etc. Now to take it to the studio and start USING it. It's wonderful!"

Review By: Terry Grant,    - July 16, 2008
"It's a beautiful book and Rayna has shared all her tips and tricks and secrets. Highly recommended."

Review By: Mary Ann Mauney,    - July 16, 2008
"...I already love, love, love it! I can’t wait until I have time to play."

Review    - July 16, 2008
"...I stayed up late one night looking through every page. Amazing amount of information - I love the tips and recipes. The photos look great. I'm going to make a date with my calendar and do some playing!  But where to begin???? So many techniques, so few weekends in a year!"

Review By: Pam Morris,    - July 16, 2008
"This is a terrific book with clear and excellent pictures and directions. you are to be congratulated for putting so much info into people's minds ."

Review By: Barbara Delaney,   Quilting Arts - August 1, 2008
“There is a lot to look at and lots to learn in Create Your Own Hand-Printed Cloth. The fabrics are wonderful and inspiring, the instructions are easy to follow, and the ideas are abundant. Not only does Rayna teach readers the basics, she also provides them with the information and tools needed to take their fabrics as far as creatively possible. Rayna says, 'Anything is fair game for printing if it has texture, bumps, holes or an interesting shape.' She uses both 'standard' methods and new in her printing process. She also uses many things that readers may have right are hand but wouldn't necessarily have thought to use in printing. With Rayna's lists of possible printing tools and the variety of printing techniques, readers are sure to find their way to wonderfully unique fabrics.”

Review By: Judy Rys,   Color My World - July 15, 2008
"If you don't have a copy of Rayna Gillman's new book 'create your own hand-printed cloth', you need to get one quick. It's Fabulous! The photography is pure eye candy and Rayna's fun loving personality comes through loud and clear. The instructions are well written and the samples are fantastic. I LOVE books and own a vast collection, however, there are 12-15 books that are very special to me. Rayna's book instantly jumped into this special collection."

Review   Tiedyejudy's Weblog - August 2, 2008
"It's great! I'm about half-way through, and I can tell that her instructions and ideas are going to really help me to loosen up and really enjoy myself in the studio!"

Review   Going to Pieces - August 8, 2008
"...This is the very technique that sounded too bizarre and icky to me to want to try, until I read Rayna's book. And it really did seem like the very tactile sort of art that Caroline loves. So last night I mixed up two pans of gelatin per Rayna's instructions (which took all of two minutes), and this morning we were good to go. What fun this was!...As Rayna explained would happen, the gelatin started developing cracks and softening (because of the heat, maybe -- it's HOT HOT HOT here today) but that just added to the texture...I really got into these thread-mess prints and made a bunch of them...
It was pretty fascinating to work with the gelatin, I have to admit, and not as weird as I thought it would be. It was quite firm, but soft enough to take pressure in an interesting way. I was surprised at how easy it was to wipe it down with a damp paper towel to change colors, too...So, a good time was had by all and now I've got some very fun fabric to play with."

Review By: Pullen Kate,   About.com - August 1, 2008
"...looks at many ways of making unique cloth designs using different techniques including stamping. Many stampers enjoy stamping on fabric as well as paper. Stampers who are interested in exploring the craft of stamping in its broadest sense will find plenty of inspiration in this book...Create Your Own Hand-Printed Cloth is a book of techniques that can be applied to cotton, silk or rayon. The finished one-of-a-kind decorated textiles can be used as decoration, for instance to make wall hangings, or to create quilts or wearables. There are eight techniques that are explored in detail. Easy to follow step by step examples are given along side each technique as well as photographs of many different variations. Most of the techniques use materials and equipment that keen crafters and stampers will have to hand, such as brayers, paint brushes and scrap paper to use as masks. The emphasis throughout the book is on using 'found materials' (a potato masher creates some quite amazing designs!). Shop bought stamps, however, would also work well.
Fabric dyes, fabric paints and acrylic paints are used in many of the techniques while other techniques use easily sourced materials include gelatin and bleach. Some of the projects use more specialized materials, such as a screen for screen printing. The author, Rayna Gillman, encourages the reader to explore their own creativity. Therefore the instructions are not overly prescriptive giving readers plenty of opportunity to develop the techniques further in different projects. There is a whole section at the back of the book that discusses in more detail ideas for things to do if things go wrong or the results weren't quite as expected. Rayna has a friendly and accessible style of writing. This makes the book easy to read. Rayna's obvious empathy those new to printing and stamping on fabric is clear. This is a great read for stampers who are interested in exploring their craft further and those who are interested in surface and textile design. Stamping on fabric is an exciting way to use basic stamping skills. Create Your Own Hand-Printed Cloth - Stamp, Screen and Stencil With Every Day Objects takes the idea of stamping on fabric and mixes in printing and surface design techniques.
While no prior knowledge of working with fabrics is required, it would certainly be useful. Although brief descriptions of different materials is given, there is no glossary of terms, for instance, which might mean that readers who are inexperienced of working with textile art techniques might require further information. This can readily be found on the Internet and in more specialized books, therefore this should not prove a problem for creative stampers.
Create Your Own Hand-Printed Cloth - Stamp Screen and Stencil With Every Day Objects is extremely well illustrated and the photographs are clear. The range of fabrics and designs is extensive, providing plenty to inspire a stamper looking to try new things. This book is ideal for stampers who are seeking new ways of using their craft. Stamping on fabric is becoming increasingly popular and Create Your Own Hand-Printed Cloth - Stamp, Screen and Stencil With Every Day Objects offers an excellent introduction to creating hand printed and hand stamped cloth. One excellent feature offered by the publisher, C & T Publications, is the 'look inside' option on the CT Publications website. This handy feature allows readers to take a look at some sample pages of the book prior to buying. This is a particularly useful feature for stampers who not sure if a book will be a useful addition to their bookcase."

Review By: K. Grace Howes,    - August 18, 2008
"LUV THE BOOK! Way to GO! You don't know what kind of phenomenon you have started with your book. My art group recently used it to have a painting adventure...This book has me so excited to do more. I love the way you present the information in such an accessible way. Thanks much."

Review By: Carolyn Anderson,   Front Range Contemporary Quilters - September 2, 2008
"This well written and beautifully illustrated book is a terrific resource for any fiber artist. Gillman covers printing, stamping, stenciling, screen printing with paints and thickened dyes, plus hard-to-find instructions for the deconstructed screen-printing and gelatin monoprint techniques that are so popular now. The final chapter, Going Back In, where she guides you to redeeming boring fabric, brightening dark fabrics, or relating pieces with similar colors, is particularly useful. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more painting and dyeing techniques, and to teachers: There are great projects for all ages."

Review   American Quilt Retailer - September 1, 2008
“…looks like so much fun! Rayna offers eight techniques for creating one-of-a-kind fabrics to use in quilts or garments. The techniques include stamping, stenciling, screen-printing, using dyes, batik and rubbings. Then the final chapter is how to fix even the worst fabric mistakes, turning 'uglies' into usable beauties. None of it looks too hard, either. You could hold a multi-session Saturday event and tech a different technique each time. Then gather a couple of months later to see and showcase what everyone has made with their own hand-printed fabrics. There's a good supply list in the back of the book…”

Review By: Anne Scott,   New Zealand Quilters Magazine - October 1, 2008
“Creating your own colored and printed cloth using a wide range of techniques is the focus of 'Create Your Own Hand Printed Cloth'. The author is well established mixed media artist and writes for 'Quilting Arts' magazine. Using everyday objects, techniques covered include stamping and stenciling, screen printing with thickened dyes, gelatin plate printing, batik, wax rubbings and discharge printing. An improvisational approach is encouraged and the effects are complex and exciting.”

Review   Total Embellishment Newsletter - August 1, 2008
“If you love to experiment on cloth you're sure to be inspired by 'Create Your Own Hand-Printed Cloth: Stamp, Screen & Stencil with Everyday Objects by Rayna Gillman. This great resource shares eight can't-miss techniques for creating one-of-a-kind cloth for wearables and quilts, and I love the fact common objects from junk drawers and hardware stores form the tools necessary for Rayna's techniques. This great resource will give you the information to get started and the confidence to step out of the box and let the creativity flow.”

Review   Crazy Art Girl's Musings - October 6, 2008
This book is by Rayna Gillman. I got this book because I got the QA DVD about gelatin printing. This book is for people who are serious about making cool, funky pieces of fabric. There are a lot of great picts and some very simple ways to do this. You can use some very everyday stuff. You do need to invest in some specific fabric dyes. Amazingly, I saw a lot of it available at my local Dick Blick in Wheaton, IL. It is going to be so much fun doing technique backgrounds on fabric like I used to do on paper. I have recently realized that I am tired of paper backgrounds. Pretty much have done it all - nothing really new. Since I am still pretty new to fabric, I am enthusiastic about working on this medium. What I can do on paper can be done on fabric with some adjustments. The richness in color and the textures are out of this world. What might be old for some textile artists are pretty new to me. There are a lot of tips in this book with simple, easy-to-understand directions. This will be a great summer project for me. Can't wait to play. Would make for great swaps as well.

Review By: Von Biggs,   Nuts Over Fiber - October 22, 2008
"I received my new book by Rayna Gillman. I have drooled over this multiple times already. There are several books that I have in my library that are my mainstay's. Meaning I refer to them often. I have to say this is certainly one of those books! Rayna has done a fantastic job breaking down the steps and takes the "worry" from creating such amazing cloth. The details and the pictures all in this one book definately becomes one of those encyclopedia type books that will be referenced by me for many years to come! One day Rayna I'm sure we will get to meet one another. The writing and how you have put this all together is just top notch! Click on Rayna's name above and ask for a signed copy! What a way to keep a treasured book to come!"

Review By: Marilyn League,    - October 27, 2008
"I can surely understand why Rayna Gilman's book won a prize. It is GREAT! She makes all the projects fun and the directions are easy to follow. Plus, I felt she was guiding me to do "my own thing" not just copy hers. I spent two weekends playing with fabric and have to make myself get other stuff done--like work and cooking laundry, etc. If you are the least bit interested in surface design you MUST have Rayna's book!"

Review   The Last Door...Down The Hall - October 31, 2008
"This is an incredible book. Rayna Gillman goes through every thing you need to know - from start to finish, tools and supplies, the whole scha- scham. I have read the book at least three times and I cannot find anything that she left out. It is well written, beautifully illustrated, and full of money saving tips. This book is for the novice and the experienced.
Since I have been sewing a lot the past two years - finally have a designated space - the idea of painting and dying my own fabric is something I want to become a reality. This book has shown me I can do it, and cheaper than I thought. I might not ever be an expert or do it to the extent that the author does, but it is something that I will spend some time at. I am recommending this book to anybody who paints or dyes fabric to use in their art work. You can also see Rayna Gillman's studio in the new Paper Cloth and Scissors Studio magazine."

Review   Quilters Home - January 1, 2009
“What we have here is a fabulous work-shop-in-a-book about how to alter fabrics with paint, dyes, wax, and discharge agents Art quilter goddess and fellow New Jerseyan, Rayna Gillman uses a tool box filled with brayers, stamps, homemade prints, found objects, and more to make the fabric she uses in her creations. I don't know about you, but if I were to jump into creative lessons offered by Rayna, I'd call up a bunch of my amigas and set up one side of the sewing room for all of these playtime exercises and the other side of the room for the food. Once you dive into these techniques, you'll be committed for a while because the set-up and clean-up could be bigger than Guy Ritchie's divorce settlement. So, make a playdate out of it with your buds and get jiggy with it.. Should you but it? Totally! Sooner or later, most quilters want to stretch their creative wings and this book will jump start you on that flight plan.”

Review   The Professional Quilter Online - January 1, 2009
"If your New Year's resolution includes expanding your quilting or fiber tool box, then this book will do the trick. Rayna Gillman takes ordinary objects, such as corrugated cardboard, leftover fencing, yesterday's newspaper or bubble wrap, and shows you how to create your own fabric using eight different techniques. Techniques include stamping, gelatin plate printing, soy wax batik, discharge printing and more. Her directions are easy-to-follow and accompanied by excellent up-close photographs. A wonderful resource for expanding your horizons at surface design."

Review   My useful resouces - January 27, 2009
"If you don't have a copy of Rayna Gillman's new book 'create your own hand-printed cloth', you need to get one quick. It's Fabulous! The photography is pure eye candy and Rayna's fun loving personality comes through loud and clear. The instructions are well written and the samples are fantastic. I LOVE books and own a vast collection, however, there are 12-15 books that are very special to me. Rayna's book instantly jumped into this special collection."

Review By: Kit Robinson,   Machine Quilting Unlimited - June 1, 2009
Rayna Gillman's fabric art pieces amaze the viewer with their complexity of layers and designs. In Create your Own Hand-Printed Cloth, Rayna shares her methods of stamping, stenciling and otherwise marking your fabric, using objects that can be found at hardware stores, garage sales, and even your own junk drawers. She explains screen-printing, gelatin plates, discharge, soy wax and much more. Surface design for fabric had never been more fun or more rewarding.”

Review   Debra's Design Studio - August 23, 2009
"I felt like I was finally able to read about all the surface techniques in one spot. I've collected snippets about various techniques here and there but having them in one book and with Rayna's low cost, let's just have fun attitude, I am now glad I bought her book as an inspirational book. I rarely buy books so when I do, I want them to be what I want. Rayna's book is another book like Laura Lee Fritz's machine quilting book: everyone can do it, everything is fun, inspiration is everywhere. Both books take the timid and turn them into powerhouses. I like that! Nothing was sacred in my supplies yesterday... I've always kind of wanted a list from someone I trusted and quite frankly, Rayna is someone I can trust. Anyone who suggests collecting garbage for rubberstamping is my kind of gal!...dare I say it, she is real and struggles with design issues just like the rest of us."

Review   Art Quilting Studio - December 1, 2009
“When it comes to imaginative and innovative surface treatments, art quilter Rayna Gillman knows the way. In her book…Rayna shares numerous techniques utilizing affordable and available items from everyday, to transform ordinary pieces of cloth into extraordinary fabrics. In each section, Rayna roll up her sleeves and demystifies processes involved with stamping, stenciling, screen-printing, gelatin plate printing, discharge printing, and so much more. It's more than a book. It's a timeless resource of anyone interested in working with fabrics.