My favorite publisher of artistic paper craft magazines is Stampington & Company. Over the years they have continued to add more and more magazines with cutting edge trends and beautiful work. Their magazines are not cheap, ranging from $6.99 per magazine to $19.99, so it pays to be sure which ones interest you the most before you purchase a subscription.

Stampers’ Sampler is a sampling of art, more art, and even more art. The June/July 2008 issue boasts to have more than 175 samples inside. Each issue contains a challenge template, techniques to learn, and artist samples to view. The April/May 2008 issue claimed that this is a new beginning for them. They are experimenting with a new cover look that is supposed to be cleaner and fresher. On the inside of the magazine, the samples have been made larger to see all of the details easier. Christen Olivarez, managing editor, claims that the common stamper found many of the samples to difficult to follow, so the next issue will include easier versions of the artist’s work. She did not state whether there would be directions included, but in this issue samples had a brief explanation of materials or techniques used, and then you were on your own to try it out.

Stampers’ Sampler is not for beginners. There isn’t instruction; there is an assumption that you already know “how to”. The samples talent in each issue is amazing. The layout of each page is beautiful.

The June/July 2008 issue has thirteen different departments that will appear in publication. The departments include mail, new products, online shops, and submissions guideline. This is one of the few magazines that make it entertaining to read the mail. Photos are included of artists work that came in the mail, and it is fascinating to look at. The samples included beautiful envelopes that were decorated before mailing. The issue had seven feature stories that were a more in depth with some new ideas and technique suggestions. In addition, there is also a department for challenge results where you can review how other artists handled previous challenges.

I love seeing other artist work in these issues. They encourage me to try new things, and make me think that I can do it too. And as I look at all of the samples included in each issue, I keep dreaming that one day I will be able to submit my work and see it on these special pages. Isn’t that what inspiration is all about?

The Stampers’ Sampler is published bi monthly by Stampington & Company. An annual subscription for six issues can be purchased for $32.99. As with all Stampington Publications, it is very hard to find a discounted subscription, but the magazine is treasure and well worth the $6.99 cover price.