Product Description
The Craft and Art of Clay, by leading ceramics teacher Susan Peterson, is the most comprehensive available guide to modern ceramics, packed with step-by-step illustrations of ceramic techniques to guide the beginner as well as inspirational ceramic pieces from contemporary potters from around the world. This completely revised fourth edition contains more than 150 new illustrations and includes profiles of key ceramists who have influenced the field, new material on marketing ceramics on the internet, and added coverage of paperclays, using gold, and alternative glazes. This is the one book no ceramist, whether novice or expert, can do without. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Gorgeous art book
I got this as a text for a college ceramics course, but it is far more than an ordinary text book. Not only is it informative on a variety of ceramic styles and techniques, but features lovely color illustrations of ceramics from a variety of times, places and artistic traditions. It is as much a coffee table book as a text.

The Craft and Art of Clay book
This book is an excellent reference for different levels of clay/ceramics work.It is a beautiful "coffee table book" as well.
It came in perfect condition.

Very Informative
I am really enjoying this book. It is full of information and covers just about every aspect of ceramics you can think of. I am teaching a youth ceramics class this summer and am looking forward to having this as a reference!

Excellent Text for Potters of All Skill Levels
If you are just learning, or are stuck in a rut, this book is a great reference for potters of all skill levels.

Very Comprehensive Survey of Ceramics Techniques & Materials
This is a large book chock full of information, and provides an in-depth survey of ceramics.There are many photographs about techniques and many illustrations of beautiful artistic ceramics pieces.Also it contains lots of technical information, tables, etc.

Since other reviews have covered the merits of this book quite well, I'll mention a few issues:

First, there are lots of sample photos of different clay bodies under different firings and different glaze colors and combinations, etc., but they are all *way too small* to really see the characteristics of each sample.Also sometimes there is a series of photos, e.g. throwing a pot, building a kiln, and when they are all arranged on the page, each one is too small (and many are b&w, from previous editions?)Otherwise the book is very well illustrated with a wide variety of work.

The glaze discussion does not cover the properties of glaze bases and coloring oxides much at all, which is something I would expect in a book of this comprehensiveness.It does spent some time on commercial fritted stains and Mayco glazes, which other books don't, and can be useful to some, especially for low-temp work.But if you really want to get into glazes, this is not the book.

For many advanced topics, she has just a mention that leaves mehungry for more.E.g. lusters she briefly mentions using and making, but Rhodes has a much more thorough discussion of making lusters.Paperclay is mentioned briefly but not enough to really tell me how to make it or use it.For many of the topics in the book, more detailed discussions are possible and likely available elsewhere.However she has assembled lots of brief mentions of different and experimental work that you might not encounter in other ceramics survey books, so it is useful for knowing what else I want to look into.

[This review pertains to the 4th edition, 2003.] ... Read more

Product Description
These 25 polymer clay projects are just right for beginners--both adults and kids. Each one is easily completed in a single sitting without a lot of fuss.

The finished polymer clay pieces can be used as magnets, pins, buttons or decorative figurines. Each one is theme-based by season, including:
* Winter: skiing polar bears and snowflake pins
* Spring: a leprechaun and shamrocks
* Summer: a bunny on the beach
* Fall: smiling witches and Pilgrims

Readers will also find simple formulas for creating their own ideas along with invaluable advice for making pins into buttons and magnets. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

cute
i havnt made anything yet but wanted to share that the projects look very cute and the steps look simple enough, i hope. i like that it has the projects sorted by season/holiday. plus i think that these projects gave me ideas/techniques for other cute gifts. directions are simple and most projects are quik enough to make several in one sitting (if desired). i like that i could spend an afternoon and be able to finish more than one 'gift' or project. in a nutshell: cute, fast gifts. not a bad investment

Worth 5 stars
I am giving this book a 5-star rating because it has such wonderful descriptions of every step. The pictures make it easy to follow what the author is teaching. The variety of figures demonstrated in the book is awesome. Great for a rank beginner or a more experienced crafter. The faces on the characters are delightful and are easily achieved following the instructions in this book. Makes me feel like a pro even though I am a beginner.

Making Gifts in Polymer Clay
Very good book with lots of large, color, close-up pictures. Book is broken into several projects for each season. Even has intructions for simple canes, making molds and pasta machines. The simple styles are endearing and the techniques are transferrable to your own projects.

Great little book!
This book has clear instructions, many helpful tips, great illustrations, really cute things to make and an altogether enjoyable book.

Informative
At this particular time I have only browsed through this book but the projects are clear and concise and I will be having a lot of fun making some of these projects.I find the instructions and ideas great for cake decorating too. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (61)

useful and descriptive manual
This book on making polymer beads is really great...colorful, detailed directions and inspiring.I have found it to be very helpful in creating beads.

This book is the best ever!
I have a lot of "how-to" polymer clay bead-making books in my library, and I think "Making Polymer Clay Beads" by Carol Blackburn is the best one ever! Not a lot of useless gab but lots and lots of great photos and step-by-step tutorials on exactly how to create some awesome looking beads. She also has some very valuable tips and a great list of essential materials. This book would be perfect for a beginner as well as a pro.

THIS BOOK IS WONDERFUL!
If you follow the beautiful step by step photos you can't go wrong. There are so many different techniques in this book, I just look at it over and over and still see something new every time. You definitely get your money's worth. This book is all you need to get started in making clay jewelry. The cover doesn't do it justice.

Love the Book, Love the Service . . .
Hello Polymer Artists

I have really enjoyed this delightful book on Polymer Bead making.I am fairly new to polymer, but no mater what level or what medium I am working in, . . . I seek out the best imformative books, CD's, videos, and online information available.This book is laid out very well with step-by-step guides, photos and variety.

Carol Blackburn has created a wonderful how-to book, and a masterful reference book.I hope it will find its way to many artist book shelves.

great book
this is a wonderful book.The directions are easy to follow and they have given me many ideas. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Not just for kids...
This book is not only good for kids, but a good book for adults who are just getting started with polymer clay.I've been using polymer clay for years and got some great ideas for my own art from this book.My kids love the variety of projects and are excited about working with PC.

Great! Fun! Super!
This is a wonderful book. It is GREAT! And not only for kids. It has inspired me even though I'm WAY past the kid stage :o) I've done countless craft programs with various ages of children in the past 10 years, so I know what it takes to work with children. This book is wonderful for kids to use on their own or for adults to follow. The directions are clear & everything is easy to understand.I LOVE the kids in the book. Lark did a great job with the photos. They look like they are having fun :o) My favorites ideas are the"Makin' Faces Face Plates" (what a riot!), "Pushpinzzzzzzzz", "Fine Feathered Friends", and "Spirit Dolls". I'm planning to give a copy of the book to a friend's 9 year-old daughter for Christmas.

Way better than five stars!
I was so happy to participate in making some of the projects in this book and with Irene Dean writing it, I knew the book was naturally going to be good.

But, when I received it, I was totally floored at the quality - hardcover, great paper, clear pictures, well-written instructions. It was so much better than I'd even anticipated.

This book was written for someone much younger than I am, but I found it completely entertaining, throughout. Very thorough "basics" section, including a look at making simple canes, then on to the projects. Lively and colorful from cover to cover.

Jazzy, upbeat writing, hip kids in artful demonstration, wonderful photography, lots of humor and cool fonts surround each of the thirty projects. There are beginner items to advanced - critters, jewelry, things to make for gifts, from simple to sophisticated - kids are going to absolutely love this book! And just in time to give to a young person before the appearance of "summer doldrums," too. :)

But, I don't think its appeal is limited to the 8-14 years-old age bracket because IMO, most adults would find it fun, too. I'd recommend this one to beginning clayers of any age.

Congratulations to Irene and her terrific editor for a fabulous, fun book!

zig ... Read more

Product Description
This is an exploration of the many possible ways of conditioning, shaping, curing and mixing colours of polymer clay. This book includes practical advice on choosing the brand of clay and the most suitable tools, a guide to appropriate glues and how to use them, and tips on storing polymer clay. Ten step-by-step projects are included, ranging from simple to advanced.Amazon.com Review
With half of the text devoted to thorough coverage of the basics, this guide provides an excellent introduction to an increasingly popular medium. Polymer clay is readily available and easy to work with, but must first be prepared properly. New Ways explains everything from conditioning to adding texture to working with various tools to baking procedures. The second half offers 10 step-by-step projects, including boxes, picture frames, jar lids, and a variety of ornaments. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

good as a resource, not good as a project book
I was a bit disappointed in this book.This book showed some very nice projects, however, often only one item from the multi-itemed pictures was actually detailed in the book.So, if you flip through this book and think you're getting instructions on all the beautifully detailed projects that are pictured,- beware.It is usually the simplest item in the picture that actually has instructions included.For example:A beautifully elaborate "candy box" is shown with faux chocolates.The instructions for the box are not included, just the directions on how to push the brown PC into a candy mold to make the candies...
However, the author did a very thorough job of explaining the different types of PC on the market and detailing the properties and strengths of each.I do believe this is a valuable reference for all levels of PC artists.Her discussion on glues was also helpful.For this information, I have given the book 3 stars, but I think people should be aware of what they're buying.

Very disappointing book
I was eagerly waiting for this book to learn more techniques. 1/2 of the book is just explaining where polymer clay comes from and then jumps to projects that are not relative to what you just read. I don't recommended at all. Not even for beginners.

Exactly what I was looking for!
I am relatively new to polymer clays and was feeling abit overwhelmed not knowing what to do next.This book caught my eye after having looked at several books that were just abit too 'newbie'.Kris Richads bridged that gap between 'newbie' and what the heck do I do now phase with this well written book:)The basics section in part one was more than just basics, which was exactly what I was looking for and the projects in part two are simple but could be modified to the intermediate/semi-advanced with ease:):)All around great book and worth every red-cent:)

Disappointing
I was VERY disappointed with this book.This is for beginners.The title claims the techniques are new and it's the 'next generation.'Okay, so it's a few years old--but everthing in it has been written about before this came out.Directions are not complete.Ornaments are 'cutesy.'Get the Weekend Crafter book if you want good projects to learn techniques.

A must have for your Polymer Clay Library!
As a Polymer Clay artist and a person who tries to help many other people in real life and on the internet learn more and more about Polymer Clay, Kris Richards Book "New Ways with Polymer Clay" is on my SHORTLIST, of must have books for the PC beginner! If you have a question, youwill get an answer from this book! Kris Richards has been writing aboutPolymer Clay for many years and all of her books give you a wonderful basisto build your knowledge of this incredible medium! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (9)

Must have resource for any polymer clay artist
I am so glad I got this book (on recommendation from another polymer clay artist). It is a comprehensive collection of `recipes' for polymer clay surface design. Although described for all levels, this book may appeal more to those with some experience of working with polymer clay, due to the vast array of techniques and other materials (in addition to polymer clay) that are used.

Personally, I like the format of the book, concentrating more on the different techniques, rather than just being full of projects to make. It is well illustrated, with plenty of colour photographs, and has suggestions for variations on the recipes given, encouraging you to experiment further. It is a fantastic book for inspiration and ideas, and a must have resource for any polymer clay artist. Having read the book from cover to cover, I cannot wait to get working with my clay.

Ok, but not that great
This book had some interesting techniques in it, but for the most part this isn't something that will get a lot of use.I'm not all that into uing paint on my clay and this book has several paint treatments.So for me, this book wasn't that great.

Inspiring
I really like this book for the fact that although i do not use polyclay often, this books ideas on color, scheme, and technique can work for most media.i thoroughly enjoyed the eye candy but savor it mostly for the secret recipes on coloration.i would recommend this book for all involved in visual arts.

Polymer Clay Surface Design Recipes
Great information, I would recomend it to anyone who likes Polymer Clay.

Great information!
This book needed writing!Thank you, Ellen for sharing years of experimentation and innovation. as you created your art.The specific information contained within its covers could well save an artist much time and money.

Great information and a must have resource on surface treatments and polymer clay.

Donna Kato,author of The Art of Polymer Clay ... Read more

Product Description
A colour illustrated craft book containing ideas for projects using clay. It contains information on different types of clay and their firing temperatures as well as advice on tools, techniques and colours. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Bummed in Marietta
I am very dissapointed with my book.The condition is ok, but it is an old library book with stickers and stamps throughout.

The best beginners primer on clay I have read.
This book is so complete.I have wanted to work in clay for some time but was a bit intimidated by the process.The clear and colorful photos of all steps with text that includes every detail makes this book perfect for me.I was impressed by the sheer creativity and number of projects that can bemade just by handbuilding.I am wildly inspired. The whole book is sojuicy!

Fun, informative and easy to understand.
I found this book packed with inspiration.Explains projects thoroughly and has lots of pictures as well. The projects are cute and fun to make.I think is a great book for a beginner. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (8)

ctrygalk at heart
I am enjoying this book.I am juat beginning to use the polymer clay.This book gives me some things to think about and projects that as a beginner I think I can handle.Its a good book to start and some intermediate work.

Gift for Mom
My Mother makes all kinds of beautiful jewelry from polymer clay. I bought her this book for her birthday. She loved it!

Nothing new
If you've got other books by any of these artists, you may want to re-think buying it.It is repackaged material.If you're new to clay or don't own a lot of other books, it's a wealth of information.Otherwise, it may be a waste of your money.

Add this to your polymer clay collection of books!
This is an amazing book.There are so many things in here that can help the beginner and someone who is more experienced.Me, I'm the beginner and I found soooooo many items I am going to try.I know I can grow as a polymer clay artist just by following and making some of the projects in this great book.

Great Book
I love this book.It is great if you're interested in making gems, pearls, or other precious stones using Polymer Clay.The techniques are very clear and easy to understand.This is really a great book.

... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (21)

Great Image Transfer Book
This is a great informative book on how to transfer images from linoleum blocks, screenprints, decals - to clay. The detailed pictures show you step by step how to do each process. I would highly recommend this book.

clear instructions
This book covers a range of simple print techniques in a clearly described and illustrated way.

Image Transfer on Clay
Inside you'll find quite a few different methods for transferring images onto the clay surface.All of the suggestions are accompanied by pictures and photos.I would highly recommend this book if you're interested in experimenting and exploring new techniques.If you're looking for specific advice on a certain kind of image transfer this may or may not be the book.Some of the more basic methods are explained really well.If you're looking to learn to silkscreen, you're going to need some additional information.If you want to experiment with decals, this is a great intro.Overall, I've found myself referencing this book on a number of occasions.

Image Transfer on Clay
Image transfer on Clay is so informative, but I did find it a little difficult to understand, even though I've been in ceramics for some time. I think it would better suit someone who has advanced knowledge in ceramics or some knowledge of screen printing processes.

Disappointingly Short Book
I checked out this book to find out more techniques for transferring images to my pots. The areas covered were fine, but there are more ways to transfer images to pots that are left out. Specifically, I wanted information on making transferware. The book also does not include much information about the types of slips that can be used. I'd rather have recipes for slips than the Orton cone chart that was included. ... Read more

Product Description
Fun, innovative jewelry ideas for popular polymer clay

* 25 beautiful projects--something for everyone
* Step-by-step instructions and clear how-to photos

Polymer clay is probably the most versatile, most enjoyable craft medium of them all. It can be sculpted, carved, molded, stamped, textured, sanded, and then baked in a regular oven. How easy is that? Now Polymer Pizzazz makes working with polymer clay even more fun and rewarding--by introducing beginners to basic tools and techniques, then presenting 25 beautiful jewelry projects. With clear step-by-step instructions and helpful color photography, anyone can learn to make bold, bright beads, playful fish-shaped pendants, elegant faux stone necklaces, and much more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Polymer Clay Pazazz purchased from Amazon.com
Another great book that shows step by step how
to create these fabulous beads and jewelry from
Polymer Clay.

Polymer Pizzazz: 27 Great Polymer Clay Jewelry Pro
This looks like a super book.I haven't had time to try any of the projects yet but have looked through the book.It has some great inspirations.Instructions are thorough.

Great Collection of Magazine Articles
This is such a great book and a great concept.It's an entire book of the best of Polymer Clay magazine articles.I love it.I like that it includes easy to follow directions, and I think it would be a great addition to any Polymer Clay enthusiast.

Fun projects by a variety of talented artists.
I very much enjoy this book. The projects--by different polymer clay artists--are varied, and all are presented clearly with many photos. Even the projects showing jewelry I don't care for included techniques that are worth knowing and that can be applied in ways I do like. This book's a keeper!

A MUST HAVE FOR ALL CLAYERS!
This is an awesome book for clayers of all levels.I just love it.You won't be disappointed with this book.The pictures are beautiful, and the directions are so simple to follow....... ... Read more

Product Description
In this book you'll find clear and concise instruction on how to model figures using colorful polymer clay. With an emphasis on human and animal caricatures and characters, you'll start with a simple ball of clay and finish with a striking work of art. It's easy, creative, and fun. Now everyone can learn to sculpt as author David Kracov demonstrates each step of the way.

o Discover why polymer clay is such a user-friendly medium

o Find out what you need to start modeling right away

o Master rolling, blending, baking, gluing--even using a pasta maker to roll out sheets of uniform thickness

o Use templates to create clothing in clay

o Learn to add realism with detail--those all-important wrinkles, creases, and folds

o Follow along step by step to create 6 wonderfully wacky characters ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

i-clay, Fimo, Plasticine Art
I purchased this book for my daughter, who likes to make
i-clay figures.
It is a very good book, with explanations and photos of how to work with the material.
However, there are only 4 or 5 figures. (I thought there would be more)
They are very complex figures. (not sure it fits a 12 years old child)
Since a new book is very expensive, I decided to buy a used one, and I'm very pleased. It's in great condition.

New Sculpting Book
I first got this book out of the library and now that I've read it, I'm going to buy it. The book demonstrates a cartoonish but not cutesy style of sculpting. I've always wondered how to make that style of eyes and brows and it showed me exactly. Might not be the best book for someone who has never touched clay before but definitely worth reading for anyone with even a little experience.

New Polymer Clay Book on the Market
I recently discoverd this book by David Kracov and had to purchase it to see how close I could come to duplicating his sculpting technique.So far I am very happy with the results, and considering the fact that he uses a clay that I have not used in the past, I consider this a good selling point for his book.I would not recommend this book for someone just getting into clay sculpting as he leaves out some vital information (or so I believe) and some of his instructions are very vague.But if you've learned the basics of sculpting characters from another source or are a natural artist, I think you should be able to glean some very useful design concepts from this book.Mr. Kracov is very talented and I hope he publishes another book soon.I will be watching and waiting for one. ... Read more

Product Description
A world of polymer clay magic, all in one book!Features 15 step-by-step projects for creating clay fairies, gnomes, trolls and other enchanting figuresAll materials are readily available at local craft storesThe whimsical creatures of fantasy spring to life through polymer clay projects in this beautiful instructional book.Readers will learn to create an entire fantasy land, from the secret door to enter this fantastic realm to the trolls, gnomes, fairies and mermaids who inhabit it. Step-by-step photos allow for re-creating the characters exactly, and readers are inspired to make their own imaginary creatures through a gallery of the author's own figures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

Scuplting Book
This book is very informative.Have already created a sculpted head.The book is in A1 shape and was shipped very quickly to me.I would recommend this book for others who are wanting to scuplt with clay.

Another great Carlson polymer clay guide

As in all of her books on polymer clay figure-making, Carlson gives clear and concise instructions on creating amazingly charming little people out of lumps of clay. Even in this book, which is purportedly about making fantasy characters, she gives enough directions about figure sculpting techniques to allow one to make creatures fantastical or realistic. Another hidden gem for those wishing to learn how to model figures with a wide range of facial expression, human or otherwise.

Making Poly Clay figures
Although I have only scanned through this book, it looks very detailed. That is what I need. I can hardly wait to start making clay figures.

Making polymer clay figures
This book is very well written and the characters included are really cute. I have already used the techniques outlined to create my own figures.

cool pics!
I got this as a gift for a friend and she seems to be enjoying it a lot. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (18)

Inspirational and lots of fun!
I've been working (playing) with polymer clay for several years now, and Christi's books are the best one's I've found for jump-starting your own creativity rather than just reproducing projects.The difference is in her writing style.It's more like chatting with a good friend about a mutually beloved subject than being in a class and trying to follow instructions.I recommend this book to all those who love creating with their hands.

Excellent instruction book
I've worked with polymer clay for a while but this wonderful book helped me take my work to a new level.Not only is her teaching style very entertaining - I love her sense of humor but she doesn't leave out any important details like so many other instruction books do, many just seem to assume that you somehow have a crystal ball to figure out the steps they leave out.

Polymer Clay and Mixed Media
This book was purchased as a gift for my sister. She is a big fan of Christi Friesen's work and of her books. She will use the information in her many wonderful creations.

What's the problem?
For years I've been purchasing from Amazon, and for years I've been using the 'search inside this book' feature. Now, quite suddenly, I am told "Your web browser does not support this feature." Bur it always did before. I have a mac and use Safari, and if I can't see this feature, it's Amazon's fault.

Such an inspiration!
What I love about Friesen's book is that the instructions are so easy to follow.Every project seems so "doable."I have completed more of her projects than I have any other instructor's. ... Read more

Product Description
Renowned contemporary sculptor Bruno Lucchesi takes a single life-size head through all the stages of rough in, modeling, refining the surface, and finishing and texturing, enabling the reader to see exactly how he positions and models every detail. The book demonstrates not just highlights of the creative process, but every step from beginning to end. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Face 101
The best book on the perspective of the human face for someone who wants to create expressive anatomically correct faces in any media.Well worth the bucks.

Gift for my uncle
I bought this as a gift for my retired uncle who has recently taken up sculpting. He loved it!

Modeling the Head in Clay


This is one of the best books to show others how to begin the process of sculpting heads in clay.The book is very well designed and organized.The format includes plenty of black and white, clear close up photos of the artist's clay works in stages of progression. All the pages have useful, visual details of an art lesson in modeling the head.I recommend art teachers to buy this book to help students, including beginners or advanced art students, who have never done an modeling of the human head with clay.The artist is also one of the finest clay sculptors I have seen.All the figures and heads are classical and realistic.

Good but not great
I have read both Peter Rubino's book and Bruno Lucchesi's book.Both are similar in nature with a large amount of spaced black and white photographs showing the sculpting process.In my opinion I think Rubino's book gives the reader more insight into how the author's mind is working when he is setting up the sculpture.Rubino divides the face into various planes and shows how he delineates them step by step while Lucchesi does not.Rubino also has a section in back of his book where he shows you how to make patinas. This section unlike the rest of his book and Lucchesi's book is in color.Probably a student of clay portraits would want to learn something from both books, but if money is the issue stick with Rubino.

Excellent resource
An excellent learning tool for the amatuer or professional. Illustrated with many photographs of the processess, as well as finished work, this book is both instructional and motivational. ... Read more

Product Description
Polymer clay has established itself as an exciting and versatile craft material that is used by professionals and amateurs all over the world.In Everything(r) Crafts - Polymer Clay for Beginners, seasoned crafters Barbara A. McGuire and Lisa Pavelka provide detailed, step-by-step instructions for buying materials and working with tools, as well as professional guidance on caning, stamping, painting, and baking polymer clay to create fun and original projects. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great Book
Great book, easy to follow instructions, great for learning the ropes of crafting with polymer clay.

It should be in color
This was such a disappointment.I expect to see a lot of color in an art illustrated book, but it is almost entirely black & white.It really takes away from the integrity of this book.
I have other books by both of these authors, and the others a beautifully illustrated.
This was not a good idea.

Needs more color
The book gives you a rundown of what kinds of clays there are, what tools to use, and walks you through various craft projects. Though there's pictures for just about every step, they're all in black and white. The pictures don't really do much for such a colorful medium like polymer clay.

The table of contents doesn't reveal much about the book's contents. Chapter titles like Sentimental Circle, Bangle Beauty, Cute as a Button, and Crazy Daisy are cute enough, but you have to browse through the book to find out exactly what all these things are. Browsing would be more fun if the pictures were all in color.

There's not that much focus on technique and how to make your own unique projects. It's mostly about how to make various objects in a very specific way (a starry clock, a haunted candle, etc.), though I suppose there's nothing to stop anyone from tweaking the projects and taking away ideas or tips that can be reused.

Overall, it's not a book I'd recommend.

very dissapointing
i bought this book because of its two great authors but when i got it i found that other than the finished product all pictures are B&W which is a shame when doing a book on polymer clay which is such a colorful medium.
in addition, most of Barbara's projects shown in this books are projects that i have from her other (very good) book "stamping with clay" ... Read more

Product Description
Seven easy-to-follow demonstrations show crafters, petal by petal, how to create lively roses, daisies, cherry blossoms, pansies, daffodils, and more. A detailed chapter on materials and basic techniques is also included. 300+ color illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Play with clay
I am new at using clay for my miniatures.The book looks excellent. Can't wait to get started.

Miniature Flowers
I love the book.It is filled with pictures and diagrams that make it easy to understand.Am hoping I can make as beautiful flowers with my big fingers as they can.

So-so
This is the only book on this subject that I know of, so it's better than nothing.But it's frustrating throughout because the photos depict the author's hands better than the items she is holding.The verbal instructions are fairly good, but in this topic better pictures are a must.Maybe there will be a second edition with this problem corrected.Meanwhile, enjoy her pretty hands.

The perfect book for scaredy cats.
This was the first book I ever bought on polymer clay. I barely knew what polymer clay was - I looked in the book, thought "I can do that", bought some polymer clay and by that evening was making fabulous roses. This was the perfect introductory book - the books I have subsequently purchased and used would have scared me off. This is the basics, how to condition the clay, roll it into balls, make the shapes, assemble them, bake, and maybe paint a little. No color palettes, skinner blends, no fancy equipment - just clay, your hands, some wax paper, cornstarch, scissors, toothpicks and an oven. The instructions are incredibly detailed, the pictures perfect - Quast doesn't leave you to try to figure out a single thing. No matter how "uncrafty" or unartistic you are, the projects in this book will make you think you were born for the art of polymer clay. The book covers roses, dogwood blossoms, daisies, cherry blossoms, pansies, daffodils and irises, and ends by showing you some great jewelry and decorative household items you can make.

Must-have polymer book, flowers are beautiful & easy to make
This is a must-have book for anyone wanting to learn to make beautiful miniature flowers. It is great book for all levels, even those who have never worked with polymer clay.

At first glance I though it would be hardand very time consuming. I was wrong. I was amazed at how easy it reallywas. In less than two hours, I had a very impressive looking rosebud.

The author first covers materials and how to work with polymer clay.Included templates help you judge size & shape. Each part of everyflower is then explained step by step. Numerous color photos help to guideyou.

Flowers covered include roses, dogwood, daisies, cherry blossoms,pansies, daffodils, and irises. There are a few projects in the backshowing you how to frame the flowers and make jewelry or ornaments out ofthem. ... Read more

Product Description
Vessels. Purses. Clocks. Pots. Furniture. Polymer clay can be used for much more than beads and dolls! Now, artists and crafters can learn how to unleash polymer clay’s functional side with this comprehensive guide. Besides covering the basics, like tools and supplies, author and artist Jacqueline Gikow teaches readers in-depth techniques for making pinch pots, bowls, coiled containers, and crocheted objects. Chapters on covering existing containers, mold-making for vessels, free-form vessels, and constructed containers each include projects that reinforce the principles explored.

- More than 20 inspiring projects, including a book cover, puppet, and lamp
- Covers a wide array of techniques and creative approaches
- Features pieces by some of the world’s best-known polymer clay artists ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Polymer Clay: Creating Functional and Decorative Objects
If you only buy one book on Polymer clay make sure this is it! More history and information than I could have ever found out. By far one of my best investments.

GREAT!!
I checked this out from the library last night--and HAD to order a copy for myself this AM.It has all the projects I'd thought about doing and haven't done yet plus many more to inspire me.One of the best PC books yet.

Absolutely Awesome
I have just about every book published on polymer clay, but I have to say this one is the most unique.Most books cover the same things, using different projects to demonstrate techniques.Ms. Gikow presents many techniques and projects never covered before.Most, if not all, are 3D objects.Shetackles subjects such as hinges and clasps and points out using a mold to form your object doesn't necessarily mean your object has to look like the mold.She encourages experimentation and creativity.I can assure you, this book will show plenty of wear and tear in the not too distant future.

One of the most creative PC books I've seen!
As a polymer clay artist for three years now, I eagerly await every new book on the subject. Jacqueline Gikow's book was worth the wait. It is beautifully organized and sumptuously illustrated with lovely pictures and helpful drawings (the best I've ever seen in a craft book). The projects she suggests are wonderful, but in fact the book is far more helpful as inspiration than simply as a "how-to" book. I highly recommend this book for intermediate to advanced PC crafters and artists. Congrats, Jacqueline!!

Excellent!
I'd thought this was going to be a book mostly about vessels, but this book is so much more! The author starts with some basic information about working with the polymer clays, and then digs right in to some of the most advanced ideas about what this clay can do. Top notch work by some of the best polymer artists. Vessels, yes, and bowls and boxes and vases and bottles. But also miniature books, ocarinas, flutes, clocks, a foot stool, lamps... incredible work and wonderful pictures. The instructions are clear and include measurements when necessary. The projects and pictures will give you tons of ideas for making your own functional and beautiful pieces. I'd recommend this one to any polymer clay fan - what a font of inspiration to keep in your clay room. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Disjointed
A valiant effort, but I found this book hard to follow...many of the essential steps seem to be missing...perhaps the book is geered towards only the advanced. I was dissapointed by the characterish results of the approach and was hoping for more of an attempt at "fine" art.

good likeness
The author gives a step by step approach for modeling a likeness in clay.Very helpful and good at using calapers to get the correct demensions to start with.I would recommend Bruno Lucchesi's books also as he is a modern day master.

A must-have for aspiring sculptor portraitists.
Mrs Grubbs has lots of talent, being a pedagogue is not the least of them. As she shares her technique with the reader, every step is thoroughly illustrated and commented. Numerous examples of specific situations areshown in detail along with the sculptor's comments.

The first sectionsestablishes the general principles governing the achievement of a likeness,going step by step through the measurements and accurate mass and volumeplacement, with practical demonstration.

Further sections detail theprogress of the work, and the end sections are practical examples ofdifferent portrait renditions of models which vary in age, sex, ethnicfeatures, all being taken from actual work carried out by the artist.

AsMrs Grubbs favors kiln-firing of her clay portraits, readers interested inthis technique will also find very valuable information, and will learn howto properly prepare a portrait for this purpose. ... Read more

Product Description
For thirty years, Modeling the Figure in Clay has been an indispensable anatomical resource for people who think, see, and understand form best in the round: sculptors. In the thirtieth anniversary edition of this classic work, master sculptor Bruno Lucchesi invites you on a guided tour of the human form. Follow him as he creates a figure in clay—literally from the inside out—starting with the skeleton, laying on the muscles to show male and female anatomy, and finishing with a complete figure sculpture with every detail of face and hair carefully modeled.
 
BRUNO LUCCHESI’s work has been added to the collections of the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Dallas Museum, among many others. Lucchesi has received awards from the National Academy, the National Arts Club, and the Architectural League. He was a Guggenheim Fellow in 1962-1963, he won a Gold Medal award from the National Academy of Design in 1990, and was awarded the Polich Tallix Foundry Prize from the National Sculpture Society in 2009. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Better titled "Anatomy for Artists"
I was looking for a book with better instruction on the technique of figure modeling.Ended up returning this.This is just a walk through of human anatomy demonstrated in clay with very little information provided.Even as an anatomy book it's poor.First make a skeleton from clay, then apply muscles, then skin/subcutaneous tissue and voila! a perfect figure.This is really the extent of instruction provided here.The sculptor seems to be trying to demonstrate that essential characteristics of the finished form should be established from the very beginning of work - so it's noteworthy that in the book he's working on a clearly MALE skeleton and ending up with a female form at the end.

Great book!
This is a perfect book if you want to learn how to build a sculpture form bone, muscle, to skin.There are beautiful pictures of works he has done before I I like the detail that was put in each step.I loved how you can see the wonderful process from start to finish.It is amazing how much I have learned from the steps he takes here.So far I have a work-in-progress sculpture but it is turning out great!

Modeling the Figure ib Clay
I went to several bookstores in search of a good book on modeling the human figure in clay and was very disappointed on their awful selection. After a few minutes on Amazon.com I found the perfect book.

Interesting perspective
I actually didn't think this was really a book about the artist's method, despite what he might say - I think he was trying to show that to accurately portray the OUTSIDE of the human body, or ANY living thing, we've got to know what's going on INSIDE, and this was his way of learning the human body from the inside out. I'm more inclined to think that he uses fills like many of us do, because if he tries to fire that sucker, it's going to blow up in the kiln. If he's going to do a mold, he's got the undercut issue to deal with. What he probably does with THESE clay sculptures is what artists do so often that the rest of the world can't imagine - he puts it back in the slip bucket and recycles it!

Two lessons in one
This excellent book teaches you accurate anatomy at the same time as providing quality instruction on figure sculpting. ... Read more