Product Description

Customer Reviews (12)

not a beginner
Reading it now and loving it.For someone who has been doing metal clay for a while, there is a review of working with metal clay rather than basic how to. Having learned from another instructor, I am learning techniques that I was not familiar with.I have not tried any of the projects I am looking forward to it.

Finally! A book with some new ideas!
It's nice to see a book that has some ideas beyond the beginner. Hollow form beads are great and these are wonderful ideas. The projects are fresh, exciting, and DIFFERENT! The book is well written. All of the projects have directions that are easy to follow. Everything is well illustrated and the photos are fantastic.

Inspiration to Reality
Barbara Becker Simon's Metal Clay Beads is at the top of my list of favorite Metal Clay Books. Her work is simply gorgeous to look at and her instructions are concise and easy to follow.This is a great college level textbook for the serious metal clay artist.

Becker Simon leads the reader through different techniques to help the reader develop their personal vision. If your are new to metal clay the first two chapters on the basics are clear, precise and easy to follow. She devotes a whole chapter on different techniques for developing you own texture plates.Her information on different materials that can be incorporated into metal clay is well documented. Her chapter on "Adding Stones, Glass and More" specifically states what stones and materials can be used and at what temperature they can be fired.All this information will lead the reader into creating his or her own personal vision into reality.

The second half of the book is devoted to projects that will expand your technical expertise with this media. At the time of this review, I have tried three of the projects in this book.I started with the basic wrapped bead, it was easy fast and fun. The "Lentil Bead" was my next project and the "Complex Core Bead." The results have been excellent, and I look forward to working on some of the other projects that Becker Simon presents.

Silver Metal Clay is a very expensive material to work with.The excellent instructions will encourage and inspire you to create beautiful work with great success. This book is an investment that every aspiring metal clay artist needs. It has inspired me and given me the courage to create larger pieces of work with confidence. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Silver Metal Clay.

Information Plus
Ms Simon's book is a great addition to a metal clay library.I probably would not recommend it to someone just starting out.But for someone who has already worked with metal clay, it is a must have book.This is another one of my books that I return to over and over again.The projects are unique, well photographed and for the most part easy to understand.There are a few places where the directions may be a little confusing, but Ms Simon is always ready to answer any questions through email.I have many, many, many metal clay books and this is one that I feel was definitely worth the money.

Not just about beads!
I have to agree wholeheartedly with all the other 5-star ratings here! This book is not just about creating beads; it's got lots of info on many aspects of working with metal clay, from tools, to forming and texturing, as well as combining metal clay with other materials. There is extensive information on how to create your own original texture plates using a variety of methods and media. I've never been fortunate enough to take a class with Barbara Becker Simon, but the fact that she is not only an artist but a teacher comes through loud and clear in this book. Techniques and processes are described --both verbally and visually--in such a way that they make perfect sense. (I'm a teacher and I know what it takes to write clear, step-by-step instructions on a specific process; Simon does it extremely well!) Well written with lots of beautiful photos! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Loved this book
I have many polymer clay books, but when I saw this book, I knew I had to have it.The cover was cute enough, but when I saw the view from inside with the little bird, I was hooked.This book is hard to find, and even on ebay, it was like a gazillion dollars.Loved it.Can't wait to try the projects. Thanks

Brilliant!
This is a fantastic & inspirational instructional book.
Great photos & fun ideas & creatures to make.

Another Birthday Gift
Recently I gave my grandson this book for his birthday. Here are his comments "I'd say both rate around four stars out of five, or an 8 (scale of 1 - 10)"
Somewhat terse, but then what do you expect from a 15 year old boy? I had seen the book, lent to me by a friend, and when I heard that my grandson was interested in clay figures I thought this would be an ideal book as there were lots of weird characters that would appeal to someone of his age. Don't get me wrong, this is a book for adults mainly, not just for kids, but I thought he would be inspired by the creatures within.

A Polymer Clay Fantasy Figure Book
A cute book for anyone who likes to dabble in the fantasy world of polyamer clay.

Great step by step explanation
The characters in this book are somewhat goofy, however, the author provides excellent basics on armature building for creatures like horses and dragons. If you are looking for a lighter side to the fantasy world and would like to sculpt some fun creatures, this book is perfect. I think that kids will really love how achievable the sculptures in this book are for them. ... Read more

Product Description
Learn how to handle Art Clay and manipulate it through minimal stages, ending with a nearly pure silver heirloom. 18 gorgeous silver and gold jewelry pieces you can make in a day or less. Great tips on how to add stones, cabochons, and wire. Clear, easy step-by-step directions and abundant photographs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

18 Pieces to Make in a Day!
It is pretty much nonsense that you can make these pieces in a day-- some of them maybe yes, but mostly no.Some of the directions given don't work, and then if you want to make the piece you are on your own.But there are some interesting new ideas.

Find a better metal clay book
Like Jackie's later book Metal Clay: The Complete Guide, she totally ignores the fact that there is more than one metal clay product on the market.Why?Because Jackie does not distribute Precious Metal Clay® (PMC) made by Japan's Mitsubishi Materials Corporation; she runs Art Clay® World, USA, Inc, distributing Art Clay®, a metal clay product made by Aida Chemical Industries, Ltd.At the very least, she might have discussed the pros and cons of the two companies' products.To ignore PMC® altogether seems too mercenary an approach to writing a project book.I said my peace when panning Jackie's book Metal Clay.

The projects shown are somewhat inspirational but the "faux raku" project stands out as just plain economically silly.For "faux raku," Art Clay® Silver paste is applied over terra cotta then, after firing, liver of sulfur is applied for a raku-like patina.It occurred to me that it would be a whole lot less expensive to actually make raku pottery than to make "faux raku" with jewelry-grade silver.Yes, you can do it with Art Clay® but why would you?

New Ideas
The instructions were good and I found the advice great. I am just starting to apply my self to PMC. This book is just what I need.
Thanks

Art Clay Silver and Gold 19 Unique Jewelry Pieces to make in a day
Great book.Easy to use. Great ideas for projects.Taught me things that I did not learn in a class I took

All skill level book
This art clay (trade name) book covers what everyone should know that is going to use the Art Clay brand metal clay. The first sections/chapters get the basic stuff down so one can move on to the fun parts making the projects. The pictures are of a good size with large numbers to correspond to the descriptive blurbs. They are of the close up type with little background of the work surface visible. (I do hate it when they show more work surface than the item they are making.) The material lists are well thought out in their content. The glossary and the gemstone characteristic chart is a nice touch. the chart really important in selecting stones to bake with the clay. I own it ... Read more

Product Description
Combine the charm of miniature houses with theeasy-to-use medium of polymer clay, and you've got a fun hobbyeveryone can enjoy! This book contains 12 delightful, hand-sizedprojects, starting with simple cottages and progressing to elaboratemanors, a church, a grocery store and more.To help ensure greatresults, each project follows the same basic sequence of assemblageand includes detailed step-by-step illustrations, patterns,color-mixing recipes, and a photo of the finished house. You will alsolearn how to detail your villages with trees, flowers, fences,walkways and other special touches. Includes suggestions to help youcreate your own, unique variations--even miniatures of your own home! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

For the architect in all of us
If you like miniatures like I do, then this is an excellent book for you.Excellent pictures and good detail are provided.If you've done things with clay before or made gingerbread houses, so much the better; lots of the same type of detail involved.They really are quite small houses though they may not look like it, so make sure you understand that before purchasing this book.I love the book!

Good deal!!!
The item was priced reasonably, arrived quickly, well packaged. I'm happy with the transaction.
Tom

Fun and inspiring polymer clay techniques
I enjoyed this book and its unpretentious step-by-step procedures for making miniature houses out of polymer clay.I would have liked to see a bit more variety in the projects offered, but there is certainly enough technique demonstrated that an imaginative reader would have no trouble extrapolating whatever design he or she can dream up.

Great book!
I borrowed this from the library and had to buy it. I am waiting on its arrival impatiently. The details are great, the instructions are clear and the pictures couldnt be better. The only real problem I have is the pattern placements could be better. From the fourth project on, many of the pattern pieces are located near the spine, not the outer edge of the page, so they are difficult to photo copy, and even tracing a few is challenging. But I still think this problem is small and the book is well worth the money.

Totally Wow
This book has great details and instructions in how to make miniature houses. It also was extreemly inspirational to go on from the author's instructions and create better and more detailed houses. I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (17)

Good Intro to Caning
As newbie clayers, my daughter (9) and I have enjoyed this book together. While it is mostly about the construction of canes to get various effects, syndee holt makes it easy to understand (with humor!) and the photographs help immensely. We also got better info on basics like conditioning the clay & best methods for baking than from other resources we've used, and the gallery of projects is really firing our creative imaginations.

Fantastic Book
Syndee does a great job of teaching basic and more detailed ares of polymer clay work. I am not a beginner and loved the way she put the sections together helping a person step by step to creat wonderful designs. The examples help you to take the lessons further.

Very instructional!!!
I love polymer clay and I love books!!! But this book is really very instructional and I use it to lend to friends that want to learn how to work with polymer clay!! Very good!!

P9olymer Clay fir the first Time
Consise and to the point ---lots of good ideas wish had seen it sooner

Polymer Clay For the First Time-Book
I am very happy with this book.The seller shipped it fast and it's in excellent condition.I would definitely buy from them again! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (6)

fantastic input for ideas
even though i am using these books for pottery they were very helpful, for using with children and adults with limited mobility, they were great for new ideas.I recomment these books for anyone who is teaching, and wants to have a continous flow of ideas.

So MUCH FUN!!!
This book rocks! It is awesome, they teach you everything so simple that you are able to make all the figures in relatively no time.

One of the things I really liked of this book, is the fun way they wrote it, each character has a story and makes the learning process even funnier.

Sculpting Mythical Creators out of Polymer Clay
The book is really fun.I find the faces are rather disturbing but the details about building sculpting frames and then applying the clay are very good. I really want to try a Centaur.

Too good to be true!!! :)
It is incredibly easily to learn how to make anything from polymer clay with that book. I spend many pleasant hours to make strange creatures without really to understand when the time went. If you like to do something with your hands, this book will help you to find a different and funny way to fill your free time.
p.s.
To Boris and Dinko
Excellent job guys!!! I think you have to write another one. :)
I wish you good luck!

Myrhical Creatures Dinko & Boris' newbook
This is a wonderful tool for learning to sculpt with polymer clay. The instructions are well thought out and clear and the authors inject a bit of humor while explaining their techniques. I would highly recommend this book as well as their first one "Creating Fantasy Polymer Clay Characters". Both were extremely helpful to me and very instructive and entertaining. I hope The Tilov's come out with another one! ... Read more

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Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

VERY, VERY, HAPPY!!!
I received this book just as it was described. I am very happy with it. I can't wait to get started![[ASIN:1560105542 Modeling with Polymer Clay.

Miniaturist and dollmaker
I found the pictures and descriptions very helpful.Good ideas and easy to follow, even if this is new to you.

MUST BUY BOOK
I was very frustrated when I was looking to but miniature dolls because they are so expensive.I'm a do it yourself kind of person and this book really helped me through the entire process to make my own dolls.The book starts with a description of all kinds of polymer clay and the author makes her recommendations of clays suitable for miniatures.The book has patterns to make women, men, girls, boys and babies.There are different variations for the different periods (for example the position of the breast to fit better the different styles of dresses, the shoes, etc.)It alsohas variations to make the dolls look older.The diferents periods represented in this book are: Tudor, Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian. It comes complete with patterns, fabric guidance and full instructions on how to dress the dolls and how to make the wigs.A lot of photos of beautiful dolls in a doll house setting.Do not get discoreage if at the beginning you don't get good results, the author herself advises topractice until your skills improve.It really doesn't take much. Buy this book, you won't be sorry.

Just Fantastic!
Very clear directions and instructions with lots of pictures. This should be the first book that anyone buys, if they're wanting to make dollhouse dolls... simple enough for a beginner. Historical details.

Excellent even for beginners
I do a lot of different handwork, including very occasional polymer clay, but I bought this book because my then 5 yo daughter loved it.Everytime we went to the store that carried it, I browsed patterns and fabric, she lusted over this book.Finally, I just had to give in to her before someone else bought "her" book. :-)

We haven't been disappointed.The illustrations are very clear, and very much to scale.I love having clothing patterns for the dolls available- they're worthwhile even if you never make one of the dolls. The clear directions make it almost easy to make a face that actually looks like a face.The supplies lists are very straightforward and doesn't include anything you can't easily pick up at your local craft supply stores.

I highly recommend this book, even for children.A 6 yo is a little young to be able to carry out the project on her own, but working together with an adult is very possible. ... Read more

Product Description
The Polymer Clay Cookbook celebrates favorite foods with 20 tiny, deliciously realistic food charms to make from polymer clay and fashion into unique jewelry. Styled as a cookbook for the beginning miniaturist "chef," the introductory chapters discuss the "basic ingredients" and techniques used for polymer clay and jewelry-making. The remainder of the book offers 20 "recipes" grouped by category: fruits, breakfast, lunch and dinner, sweets and snacks, and holiday foods. Each recipe has a list of"ingredients," step-by-step directions with photographs, and suggested variations. Each piece is presented as a particular finished jewelry item, such as a necklace, but readers are encouraged to adapt the piece into any type of jewelry they choose. Each chapter also includes one of the authors' own cherished recipes for real food, including Sunday Morning Cinnamon Rolls, Grandma's Pasta Sauce, Decadent Raspberry Chocolate Cupcakes, and Mom's Holiday Sugar Cookies. Throughout, the authors--who are sisters--share their enthusiasm for family, sisterhood, and the tradition and feelings surrounding our favorite foods. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Polymer clay-tiny food
This book is very interested.Love looking at the pictures much less reading it.

Ploymer Clay Cookbook Review!
I really loved this book! When I bought it I was so excited! I was a complete beginner and the pictures are great! They show you everything step by step! And everything is just SO cute! I'm practicing every day and, as soon as I master it, I am planning to sell them on the web! I also LOVE how the book has a life size ball of clay (printed oon the page)that you need for each project (in each color needed). GREAT for beginners or people who want to improve and learn more!!
The only thing I didnt like was the part of the book that explains how to attatch hardware(headpins,eyepins,wire,etc). And that was because I have watched MANY tutorials on YouTube (another great source on how to make charms:)!!)and they simply just get the wire, fold it over, stick it into the charm, and put crazy glue so it will stay there. The headpins can be pretty pricey, so I prefer the wire method better.
But other than that I <3 this book 100%!!! :) I'm soo happy with it and would deffinatly recomend it to a fellow craft buddy or buy it again!!

Polymer Clay Cookbook
Very fast shipment!After reviewing the book I really didn't care for.
I guess I didn't read the reviews enough.But still...the seller was
great in shipping out the book fast!!

Great book for beginners
I am just starting to get into making miniature polymer clay foods for various uses-such as jewelry. I got this book and read it front to back as soon as I got it in the mail. It is very easy to follow and read, and visually appealing. There weren't a whole lot of "recipes" but it gave you the basics and know how to get you going on the right path. I would recommend it to someone who wants to know the right way to get stared with this craft!

I waited eagerly for nothing...
I was excited when I first read about this book. I couldn't wait to get a copy. Finally it came out and I waited until my local bookstore had a copy for me to look at before buying. I ended up putting it back. I'm a beginner at polymer clay and still wasn't impressed.
It's really directions you could figure out on your own, just by looking at the picture. The treats are overly simple--what you see is what it is--a flattened squish of clay on top of a rolled up ball. There's no special textures or techniques you couldn't find with a search on yahoo if you needed to - a ball tool for dimples, a spatula side for lines. There is nothing more detailed than sesame seeds. (I specifically was looking for things like the look of piped icing on cupcakes, or the messy smeared icing and crumb texture of a cake slice - you won't find it here.) Also, the treats on the cover are pretty much all that are in the book - maybe 15 projects. I was surprised by the book's small size when I found it on the shelf.
Maybe buy it for your 7 year old who wants to start making some gifts for her friends.
... Read more

Product Description
Polymer clay is one of the most versatile craft projects on the market -- you can cut, carve, stamp, mold, sculpt and add texture, all to create individualized jewelry. With easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, and the author's "can do" attitude, success is a sure bet. Shirley Rufener will guide you through basic techniques and 25 projects. Discover how to simulate the look of glass, enamel, fine porcelain and chalked ceramics, without the use of an expensive kiln. As a bonus, techniques include creating your own homemade, translucent, custom rubber stamps to use on clay and for traditional rubber-stamping. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Great Packaging!
I will continue to buy from this seller because of the nice cardboard wrapping the book came in. Thank you.

Polymer Clay Mixed Media Jewelry
This book is a little too "basic" for what I wanted - not enough in depth information. It seems aimed at the crafter instead of the artist.

Book delivers on its title
I recently purchased this book to add it to my PC collection which is quite extensive. I was pleasantly surprised to see that there are indeed some fresh techniques in the book, enough to keep you busy and also inspire your creativity. The pictures and instructions are clear and the finished pieces look professional. I would recommend this book to beginners and advanced clayers alike.

Excellent Instruction by a Master of Her Craft
This is the second of Christi Friesen's instructional books I have purchased. The first, on Dragons was great, but this one is by far and away the best of those two. If you wish to sculpt beautiful, fatastical jewelry of your own, using the simple media of Polymer Clay, this is a great book to have! Especially for those you love birds! I would not call this a book strictly on sculpting birds, but rather on techniques easily usable for a variety of sculpters! I recommend this book very, very highly!!! A++++

best for beginners, but some new ideas for experienced pc'ers
Shirley has produced a book that captures some of the best ideas that have been recent polymer clay buzz - using alcohol inks , pastels, liquid polymer, extruded clay,micromosaics- and walks the reader step by step through interesting how-tos.probably best for the beginner, I found no new techniques for me (but I'm a polymer class-book 'junkie'), but Shirley's explanations would be extremely helpful for someone new to the media and the gallery pieces were very inspiring. ... Read more

Product Description
•A one-of-a-kind resource that shows polymer clay artists how to use historic design ideas in their work

• More than 30 exciting techniques and projects illustrated with clear step-by-step photos

• Features the work of today’s biggest names in polymer clay, including Donna Kato, Pier Voulkos, Kathleen Dustin, Ford + Forlano, and KLEW

Thousands of crafters have discovered that polymer clay is versatile, easy to use, and just plain fun. Now they can use this exciting medium to create remarkable new work inspired by the decorative arts of the past. Polymer Clay Creative Traditions lets both beginners and experienced artisans draw inspiration form painting and drawing, ethnic carving, quilting, ceramics, sculpture, glass, metalwork, and more. Thorough 300 stunning photographs and fascinating text, author Judy Belcher reveals how these influences can be exptessed in polymer clay. Introduction on the history and handling, plus tips and techniques throughout the book, make Polymer Clay Creative Traditions an invaluable guide to creating works of art that blend a great material of today with the greatest design ideas of yesterday. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (39)

Great Book
This book is a great addition to any library. Plenty of projects and examples of professionals work that you could actually do. You can really get a lot of ideas to to create your own art work. I really like the book.

Needed help answered
Just started this technique.Very well illustrated and the photos will get you enthusiastic about the craft.Hope I get as good as these photos.

not what I expected
I should have paid more attention to the other 3-star review. I am behind the times and am pretty new to claying. (Right now I am interested in only jewelry.) While this is a beautiful book, perhaps it is more suited to those with more experience (or wider interests in clay.) The book cover features only jewelry and while the cover pieces do appear in the book, full directions for these pieces were not always included. In addition, many of the other pieces in the book are not jewelry (they are boxes, purses, wall art, free-standing sculpture) and those appealed to me less. Also, while the book does include some techniques and projects, overall it is more of a gallery-type book which I didn't necessarily expect given the book's title. The techniques and tips included are sometimes very basic, even for a newbie like me (making Skinner blends, different brands of clay require different firing temps, watch out for air bubbles)and at other times, the instructions for the specific faux techniques were very sparse (at least to me) or entirely absent. I would not have purchased this book had I seen what was in it first. However, I did get a few inspirations from it so all is not lost!

Interesting and fun...
but i think i wanted more instructions on the techniques. In at least one case, the instructions provided created alot of extra work and expense, at least for me, which is why i gave the book only 4 stars. But overall a good idea for a book and nice effort, which will provide many with new techniques and ideas.

I Love This Book!
This book has so many ideas and projects that if I never purchased another book, I would be busy the rest of my life! It is good for every level. it has good basic instructions as well as inspiring pictures.I love it! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Gotta Have this 1!
We borrowed this from the library a couple times but discovered it is so useful and causes more creativity than many books like it - we had to buy it!

great for kids
My 10-year-old nephew always asks to play with my polymer clay stuff when he visits so I got him this book with his own little tackle box full of clay and tools for Christmas.The projects are perfect for his age and he loved it! ... Read more

Product Description
Everything you need to know to work with the new polymer clays is covered clearly in this book.Excellent working diagrams show how easy it is to make the most complex looking designs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

book review
Love the book.It is a more current issue than the one I had seen.

Polymer Clay book purchased from Amazon.com
Very good book for those who are just starting out with Polymer Clay.
The history of this clay is very interesting since the medium
is actually a plastic. This is my 3rd book I have purchased on
this craft and it is the most informative.

The Best
This book may be an 'oldie', but it is still the bible of the medium.An absolute MUST-HAVE for all clayers!

Old book, basic information
If you are curious about polymer and want in depth reading then you will enjoy this book. I like projects and applications. I have read parts of this book but it didn't tell me what I didn't all ready know or didn't much care about.

Sarah understands us--the judgement jumpers.....
Sarah hit the nail on the head, so to speak.I made exactly that mistake (looking at the pictures when it arrived from Amazon) and since I wanted to make jewelry, boxed it up to send it back.It said "Jewelry Making" on the cover but had pictures of everything but jewelry.I was very disappointed.

But I procrasinated.I had waited too long to send it back so I sat down with it and began to read.Praise be!

Nan Roche completely explained her choice of photographs and just about everything else I need to know about polymer clay.She is clear, concise and has a way of commenting on her personal life that makes you think of her has a friend or well-loved teacher.This book was the first and best. ... Read more

Product Description
Polymer Clay Inspirations gives readers all the tools they need to explore the endless artistic possibilities of polymer clay to create fashionable and great-looking wearable art, jewelry, and home accessories. Patricia Kimle provides an easy-to-follow guide that covers all the fundamentals of working with this extremely versatile medium, showing readers how to:

* Adapt ideas and inspiration from other artistic mediums including fabric and fine jewelry to polymer clay

* Create polymer clay pieces inspired by nature, such as semi-precious stones including mother of pearl, jade and turquoise

* Use polymer clay for projects including a desk accessories set, a bathroom set, a checkerboard set, and a memory book cover

* Develop their own unique style to create customized polymer clay projects

With all this and more, readers will want to get their hands on Polymer Clay Inspirations! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A Great One for Your Polymer Clay Library!
I've been working with polymer clay for several years and like most people, I purchased many books in the first few years.I had not added any to my library for over two years, when I saw this one in early 2006.It has many original ideas and techniques and is easy to follow.It does not repeat what is in other books that I have.It has a short beginner's section, which I appreciate, because, after getting past the beginner stage, I no longer purchase books that devote the first 25% to beginner techniques.Patti Kimle's art work is original and impressive and I am grateful she shares some of her techniques with us.

Awesome
This book is great for beginners and experts alike. Lots of great inspirational ideas with step by step instructions.

Wow!!!
This book is a great inspiration to anyone intested in Poly clay! I was blown away by the pictures of the projects in this book.

The Fabric of Polymer Clay and Imagination
Here is one book that can answer the question " All you wanted to know in polymer, and didn't ask!"
Pat feeds not only the artist in us but the scientist as well.
From what finishes will work best, to seeing and making unique patterns from both fabric as well as from Mother Nature.
This book like a really good bottle of wine, improves with age. The more you savor it , the more fulfilling it is!

Inspirational and Instructional
Truly an inspirational book of polymer clay possibilities.Patricia Kimle provides detailed instructions for 20 projects in the book.Each project is explained with text, and photos of each project in progress.The information is well written.The techniques lend themselves well for use in making other projects. Ms. Kimle also explains her inspiration for each project, and encourages the reader to take another look at the world around them for polymer clay inspiration.

The blurb on the back of the book states that this book is great for complete beginners or experienced polymer clay artists, but I do not recommend this book for complete beginners.I think the minimum experience level with polymer clay for the projects in this book is advanced beginner.A complete beginner would do better to start with the Polymer Clay Techniques Book, by Sue Heaser.

I am frustrated by one omission in the book.There is no instruction for completing the inside of the Surprise Goose Egg Box.The instructions for the exterior of the egg box are detailed and complete.The finished box is then shown opened just a little, and might be lined (I can't really tell from the photo), but there is no explanation about lining the interior (use clay? fabric? paint?), or what the edges of the egg shell look like when the box is open (clay covered? fabric covered? painted?).Hopefully, there will be some sort of addendum, maybe on a web site, explaining how Ms. Kimle finished the interior of this project when she made it.Despite this omission, I do not regret purchasing this book, and I recommend it. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (20)

very instructive
This book is very unusual in its detailed how-it's-done photos and explanations. It is extremely helpful to the student ceramist.I will refer to this book again and again.

A good "how to" book
This book follows several artists and shows with good photos step by step through the process of making their style of figures.Of course they make it look easy and the level of skill required to make something similar is high but it does give you a good insight into the processes.Also shows photos of other artists works for inspiration.

A fly on the wall in a master sculptor's studio
This book was on my wish list and it was selected by my brother and his wife for a birthday gift. When I looked through the great illustrations, I was so very pleased with the detail and content of the techniques that were covered. I am a potter who is going more toward sculpture every day, and I know this book is going to be one of my favorite resources.

An Inspiring Guide
As a newcomer to clay sculpture, I found the nine projects used to demonstrate technique well beyond my ambitions. The simple step by step dscriptions and generally excellent illustrations however, were highly informative and relevant to anyone interested in this field. Each sculptor is introduced by their own account of their approach to their work. I found this only marginally useful although it will interest some.

More than Pretty Pictures
So many sculpture books show you only the final results.At best, you read the author or sculptor waxing poetic about the process, but this book shows step by step how large complicated pieces are produced.Is there an armature in there?Is it slab-built or solid and hollowed-out?Is that paint or glaze?This book tells you all that stuff.My only complaint is that it could be a little better organized.The editor also seemed really drawn to extremely dark artists, but it's not terribly distracting.Overall, beautiful book with a wealth of information. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

awesome instructions
for anyone wanting to make lifelike animals, this is the book to get. she explains it easily and even if you make the ball larger, she shows you how to adjust the body to fit. Each step is clear and easy to follow. Highly recommend this book for clay workers.

LOVE THIS BOOK !!!
LOT'S OF TALENT WENT INTO THIS BOOK. Everyone needs to get this book if they are interested in working with clay. Great Book what else can I say ?

The Book To Have At Your Side!
This is exactly the type of book I was looking for to guide me through polymer clay in animal works. Not only are the steps detailed down to the finished painting process but at the back of the book are tips on how to reposition the animal. Just a great, great reference book for the beginner or serious hobbyist to perfect their techniques. I was so banking on it being what I needed I had it shipped post haste! and was not disappointed. I can only thank the author by doing her book justice with my works!

Great true to like looks animals
When I opened this book I could not believe how true to life the animals are that Katherine Dewey has made for this book. It made me hope she comes out with another book on other animals she has created. My favorite in the book is the fawn and in another area of the book she shows a different way to create a laying down fawn instead of a standing up one by making the legs differently for the body base.

I suggest this book for those who love animal statues that look like they are ready to walk off your table or shelf.

animal reproduction
this book is wonderful to look at. gives lots of instructions, but still need some talent to pull it off like the photos. haven't tried it yet, anxious to get started ... Read more

Product Description
Forget the glass and ceramics; just put polymer clay through a pasta machine to make very thin sheets, cut that into small squares, and voila! Crafters have mosaic tiles in whatever shape and color they want, perfect for gluing onto any surface for beautiful decorative objects. And because the polymer weighs so much less than ceramic, these tesserae work better on smaller projects, and offer more flexibility. Simple instructions and color photos present all the basics of this appealing craft, and the great projects include jewelry, mirror decorations, house signs, coasters, tabletops, garden items, and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent book with interesting project ideas
An excellent all round book on the subject of polymer clay mosaics. Good clearly illustrated introductory chapters and a wide variety of projects. Apart from the sample project, all the other projects in the book only have a finished picture, the step by step instructions just being in writing. This may put off some 'visual' readers, who like to see step by step photos for the making of a project. The 'creative quotes' scattered through the book are a nice touch.

great clay book
Love clay, love mosaics-this is a book that combines both and has beautiful things to make and enjoy.The pictures are beautiful and the instructions are clear.

Krista's Mosaic Magic
Krista's work is well known and much admired, not the least by yours truly.So it was with ill-concealed impatience I awaited her Mosaic book once I heard it was in the offing, expecting her usual top-notch standards and high calibre expertise.I wasn't disappointed.She exceeded my lofty expectations and then some.This book's a proper touch of class: mouth watering eye candy with the lid off, clear and concise instructions, and enough variety of projects to keep me out of the malls and off the Shopping Channel for quite some time to come.Smashing stuff, beautifully executed; I'd recommend this superb volume of work to anyone. ... Read more

Product Description
The latest in our best-selling Encyclopedia of Art series focuses on one of the most popular and versatile mediums available to crafters. This comprehensive guide offers directions on making decorative boxes, mosaics, and miniature models, as well as beads, buttons, and jewelry. Large, clear photographs demonstrate over 50 techniques, including basic skills such as rolling, color mixing, marbling, and baking; progressing to more challenging methods of shaping, molding, and sculpting clay. A 16-page gallery of work by renowned polymer clay artists demonstrates what can be achieved and provides crafters with inspiration. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

The Encyclopedia of Polymer Clay Techniques
This book is full of information for the beginner.It also has some excellent projects for all levels.It is a great book to have for reference on many of the different clay techniques.

Better Books Out There
This book is well illustrated but most of the techniques are incorporated into projects I wasn't interested in and some very important layering techniques were not shown. I was also looking to replace a book I had on clay "formulas" for imitating various types of semi-precious stones and other materials. I would recommend "Making Polymer Clay Beads: Step-by-Step Techniques for Creating Beautiful Ornamental Beads" over this book. It is also well illustrated but covers most of what I consider to be the important techniques for working with Polymer Clay.

the Encyclopedia of Polymer Clay
a very well presented and displayed book, as a novice to Polymer it did give me great intro to it

Expand Your Creativity!
This is a great book for someone who is just getting started with Polymer clay or for someone who is looking for new ideas. It is easy to understand and shows so many techniques that even the most experienced artist will find endless possibilities.

GREAT
I really like this book, good pictures, good instructions, good ideas.I would recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (45)

Creating figures in polymer
WOW! is this ever a great book.If you are interested in creating figures in polymer, get this book.There is so much detailed information and many pictures.You will be inspired!

Everything you ever wanted to know...
I plan to spend many winter days sculpting with this great book.Techniques are simple to in-depth and very well illustrated.I'm excited to add this title to my art library.

Amazing book
This is an absolutely amazing book.I am by no means a beginner when it comes to polymer clay,and yet within half an hour of reading this book, I've already doubled my knowledge on the tricks of the trade.Great for those who want to simplify and sculpt anatomy accurately.Full of tons of pictures and do it yourself sculpting tools, this book is wonderful for beginners as well as experienced sculptors.

amazing clay techniques
this is an excellent book giving detailed illustrations of how to create perfect figures in Polymer clay. it is amazing to see how layering up the clay can give the illusion of muscles, to make the figure look real. the guidelines included help to fully understand how the clay works, and how to work with it. i learn something new every time i read it !

great techniques for doll making
this book really gave me the guidelines how to create perfect human like bodies for dolls, how to make the details, which tools to use... I thought I knew a lot but learned quite a few new things! ... Read more