Product Description
Lindly Haunani and Maggie Maggio are renowned for their courses and workshops on color as well as for their outstanding polymer clay work. In this book, they offer instruction and inspiration that focuses on polymer clay as a learning tool that readers can use to explore their own color instincts and preferences and develop their own palettes.

Each chapter investigates a specific color principle, with the discussion supported by a related exercise, a “studio tool” assignment or demonstration, a polymer clay jewelry project, and a profile of a prominent polymer clay artist. Sample topics include:

•The Complexity of Color
•Three Properties of Color
•Choosing Your Palette
•Mixing Colors That Flow
•Matching Colors with Precision
•Games Colors Play
•Orchestrating Color Combinations
•Color Composition: Placement and Proportion
•Playful Patterns
•Tantalizing Textures ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Beautiful and useful
I wasn't sure about getting this book because I have others which cover color mixing recipes. However, I am glad I did because it will help me to make decisions about color choices. Don't be put off by reviewers who say this is not for beginners or that it's a college level text. If you are absolutely new to using polymer clay, you will need a different book or two to help you learn the basics. This one can be added to your collection to help you understand basic color theory, and what will make or break your design, whether jewelry or sculpture. Color theory is explained in simple terms and there are plenty of pictures which will help. And there is nothing like the exercises to really help you "get it" from hands on doing.The book includes color mixing as well as techniques like Skinner Blends and millefiore. This is a valuable addition to the polymer clay artist's library.

not for the beginner!
This is a Fabulous book although I do not recommend it for the beginner student of polymer clay! Not unless you are prepared to do some serious color work at a college level. It has great lessons, samples, gallery photos, and everything needed to really intensify and advance you in the area of color work. I learned a lot more than I did when I took a color course in college!!

Lots of color info but not too many projects...
This book DOES have good info on mixing colors, hues and tints,values, etc.So if you're very anal about precise colors you'll love it.My problem with the book is that all the beautiful things on the cover are just pictures of other people's work!I was fooled into thinking that these items would be projects that you can make.They are NOT!So don't be fooled.The projects in the book that they do show are DUMB!!I feel like sending this book back!My first book was titled' Clay techniques with a pasta machine 'had more and better techniques in it....even mokume-gane.Hope this review was helpful.

Polymer Clay Color Inspiration
It's a good book - however, I thought it would have more color mix "recipes" - If you are just starting in polymer clay and looking for recipes to unique colors this is not the book.

Excellent!
A beautiful book, on time! I've enjoyed reading an starting to create my jewels. Thank you very much! ... Read more

Product Description
Now crafters can re-create popular mosaic styles in polymer clay! Sue Heaser shows them how, with easy-to-follow instructions covering materials, tools and techniques. Here is all the information readers need to successfully complete fifteen creative projects in four popular styles: - Classical tiles, box, vase, tray, sconce and key holder - Miniature mosaic barrette, pin and snuff box - Pietre dure necklace, box and pin - Tile mosaic coasters, picture frame and flowerpot Perfect for beginners and advanced crafters, this book will inspire readers to create unusual and imaginative gift possibilities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good book but spoilt by small print
My first reaction when I eagerly opened this book was `what small print - can I be bothered to read it'. The introductory section in particular has a really small font size which, even with reading glasses, makes it a chore rather than a pleasure to read. Judging by the spacious layout on the pages, I am sure there was no need for the font size to be so small.

Aside from this criticism, the book gives clear instructions, with lots of step by step photos, for creating four different styles of mosaics with polymer clay. It has a good introductory section on working with polymer clay and gives several projects for each style of mosaic. The Pietre Dure mosaics are definitely my favourite.

you must have it!
Don't miss this book! It has 15 terrific mosaic, micromosaic, tile and "pietre dure" mosaic projects, including jewelry, home accessories and gifts. Pietre dure mosaics are done with thin layers--really amazing things. There are lots of clear, step-by-step close-up photographs with the instructions for each project, and there are very good tools and techniques sections at the beginning. The unique projects and excellent quality of this book make it a must-have for every polymer clay enthusiast. Patterns are included. The projects look so professional but simple too!

Gorgeous book and great projects!
These are beautiful mosaics - from classical style to modern - square tesserae to teeny little micro-mosaics, this book has a very nice mix of different techniques. There are even instructions for making simple milliefiori canes.

Starts with basic polymer stuff, then basic info on assembling and finishing a mosaic, then on to specific patterns. I love the section on pietre dure the best - they remind me of the very beautiful examples I saw in Italy.

One pattern (grapes & leaves) mimics the style and colors of the mosaics found in the ancient palaces in Rome - and the gold-leafed tesserae on the sconce project is right out of a Byzantine basilica. More modern-looking projects include a Celtic dragon barrette on a beautiful background and a "fossil" tile frame.

You can easily take any of these projects and substitute your own patterns and colors and even changing the size of the tesserae, making the design more or less complicated to suit your level of patience and available time. Some of the work is going to be painstaking and time-consuming, but for myself, I find that kind of work is very soothing sometimes.

The book is well-illustrated with lots of pictures to show the steps and the instructions are well written and easy to follow. Another excellent reference from a very prolific polymer clay author.

zig ... Read more

Product Description
Liquid Sculpey[registered] is a new medium with endless possibilities, and these two recognized experts have developed a considerable following for their handcrafted jewellery and accessories. Now they share their original sculpting techniques, so everyone can explore the exciting crafting opportunities offered by liquid polymer clay. Each chapter provides information on the development of the techniques and the medium or art application that inspired it. Twenty-two projects teach crafters how to combine polymer clay with beads, metal filigree and antique glass cabochons to create 11 unique jewellery and 11 home decoration items. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Liquid Clay....what will they come up with next?!
This is a really neat technique that I've yet to try. I am constantly adding to my polymer clay book collection and this was the only one I found on the uses of liquid clay. Very good instructions and lots of ideas in here.The liquid clay is something anyone can make themselves in the colors you want.
Great used book too.I was very, very pleased.

Wonderful
This book is just wonderful :)

I had it only 24 hours but I know it is the best written creative book I have so far.
I sculpt with polymer clay and new ideas are always welcome and I truly did find some really good ideas.
SUPER!!!

Excellent!
I borrowed this book from the library, and had to purchase. The most useful book on liquid polymer clay I've seen to date. VERY detailed instructions and photos for projects, with inspiration for your own. Superb!

Well written and structured
I have been a polymer clay artisan for many years, and just recently became curious about what I could do with liquid polymer clay.This book was VERY useful in supplying me with information about the many uses of liquid clay.It is easy to read and is structured in a way that you can start at page one and go from there, or simply look up the technique you are most interested in.

I was most impressed with the MANY step-by-step photos offered along with the written instructions for the different projects and techniques.Concise and comprehensive.It does a superb job of covering the lessons presented.However, there are a couple of techniques mentioned in the beginning of the book that I would like to have seen explored in more detail (like using a heat gun to quick-set liquid clay).

Highly recommended for anyone who is already familiar with regular polymer clay and would like to explore a new direction.Moderately recommended for complete newbies - it does leave a lot of questions unanswered if you are totally unfamiliar with using polymer clay.

Valuable PC Resource Guide
If you've never used Liquid PC, get this book and get started!As a PC artist, I found the uses of liquid PC staggering.The world of the PC artist is a very sharing and caring environment.That's one of the reasons I enjoy the craft so much as the artists are all very generous with their techniques and knowledge.The authors of Liquid Polymer Clay are no exception and have a wealth of tips and tricks within the pages of their book.Novice and Advanced artists alike will benefit from the Mitchell sisters' wealth of knowledge.Kudos to you both! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (21)

THIS BOOK IS WONDERFUL!
This book is worth every penny. It has good instructions and beautiful pictures. Makes you want to break out your clay and get creative right now. You won't be sorry you bought this book. Go for it!

Great book on surface techniques
Lisa Pavelka begins her book with a disclaimer. That given all the possibilities of polymer clay, it's impossible to write a truly complete book about it.
What she does try to do in this book is to provide instruction for a lot of the techniques used in working with polymer clay in an easily understandable format with lots of photos. She reassures people new to the medium through out that getting professional results happens quickly with practice.
It looks a little intimidating for an absolute beginner, don't be intimidated. If polymer clay is something you've been interested in working with, this book is an excellent introduction to many of the things that can be done with it. The focus of the book is on embellishment rather than sculpting and the techniques can used to make truly impressive beads, focals and cabochons for beading.
She starts with an introduction to the medium, a brief history, the types of clay available,color basics, making color chip charts, the sorts of tools you'll be using and improvising with and how to handle, cure and store clay.
After that you get into the playing with clay parts of the book. Starting with the Skinner blend and the sorts of canes and techniques you can do with that. Each chapter covers a different technique, and how it can be used in application. Millefiori, image transfers, mokume gane and many other techniques. There are a bunch of faux effects so you can learn how to make an impressive simulation of wood veneer inlays, ivory, cinnabar or one of my favorites, dichroic glass effects.
The last part of the book has a few projects that can be stepping stones to your own creations, a gorgeous gallery that shows how many fine jewelry and art techniques can be done with polymer clay, and a troubleshooting section.
I really like this book, and it will have a permanent place in my polymer clay books.

A great resource
The Complete Book of Polymer Clay is a valuable resource for anyone interested in working with Polymer Clay.Informative for beginners as well as those more experienced, I found this a fine addition to my craft library.It proved invaluable in helping me to reacquaint myself with using this highly popular product.With a wide variety of projects suitable to all levels of experience and numerous high quality photographs, you won't be disappointed.

Her chapters on image transfers and stamping gave me ideas to ponder for future gifts.I cannot recommend this book enough.If you want to learn the art of Polymer Clay, Lisa Pavelka is a great teacher.

Fantastic Adventure !

What a fantastic gift! I have all of Lisa's books and this one is the latest addition to my library.I think it is a great book for beginners and also for intermediate polymer clay enthusiasts.
I am receiving so much enjoyment from the information in the book. I have read it cover to cover, and then some. It is not just a book of techniques and applications.Lisa's instructions are very clear and easy to follow.I particuliarly am enjoying the information about the history behind a particuliar technique, like Mokume Gane.As well as the variety of options for such techniques as the Skinner Blend, Mokume Gane and Mica Shift.
Yesterday, I followed the directions under Junk Canes.It was like having the author alongside of me. I am very pleased with my cane.Next, I need to decide what I am going to make with it.
I think my next project will be something with the Sutton Slice.
So many techniques, so many choices!

The Complete Book of Polymer Clay

I can't say enough about Lisa's latest book.I have many polymer clay instructional manuals, including two of Lisa's prior books.If I had received this book first, I wouldnt have needed the others!

I was inspired to make some things I would never have attempted before and I am so pleased with the results.In fact, I was so enthusiastic about these projects that I agreed to present a class for our County Extension Homemaker's group.None of the students had ever worked with polyclay, but they were all thrilled with their results.A mother and daughter were so excited that after the class they headed to Michaels Craft store to buy equipment and supplies so that they could keep going.

Lisa is the "Queen" of polymer clay.I can't wait to get started on some of the other projects. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (20)

whimsy
Loved the images in this book -- I produce functional tableware so it is always a treat to see handbuilt pieces that inspire. A lot of smiles and chuckles while looking through the book.

glad i bought this book!
Am very glad I bought this book...very inspirational and fun to look at and dream of my future projects!...in addition i have another one of the books in the "500" series and it to is excellent and i plan on buying the others too!

Animals and Clay - a menagerie for potters and sculptors
This a terrific book with good quality photographs of the pieces and some interesting information on clay, temperatures,glazes etc. There are also some brief reflective comments from the artists. Good value and a great present for ceramists and sculptors who are into careful observation and modeling, quirky anthropomorphism or reinterpreting earlier representations from many different cultural perspectives.

a lovely book
More a coffee table book than a how-to, this offers inspiration and inspires admiration. It does not tell you how to make 500 things, however.

500 Animals in Clay
Really comprehensive collection of clay animals.This will be of great benefit to my classes.Inspirational and fun!!Certainly stimulates the imagination. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (34)

faux surfaces in polymer clay
This book is incredible. So many great ideas for working with polymer clay. If you are a beader or someone who loves clay, this is the book for you. Kathi

Faux Surface in Polymer Clay
Great book, well written with lots of photo's making it easy to learn how to do various craft and jewelry projects resembling elements found in nature.

Out of the ordinary Polymer Clay
This book has some really fascinating ideas for clay.I would suggest it is for intermediate or advanced clay fans. If you are a beginner get another book to fill in the info on materials and tool usage.

An Astounding Book!! Easy Enough for Beginners!
I can't recommend this book enough!! It's AMAZING!! The way Irene is able to imitate precious metals and gemstones astounds me! The instructions are detailed and easy enough for a beginner to try out. I would say this is a good book for a noob to start with and a fun book for the most experienced PC artist. The faux stones and metals look very much like the real thing!=oD

Great ideas and easy to use.
Faux Surfaces in Polymer Clay is an easy to read and use book. The author provides easy to read instructions and illustrations. The projects make for a unique way to create gifts for yourself and your family.

Each idea is a beautiful way to be an artist at any level. I would suggest this book to anyone interested in polymer clay as a great reference to what you're doing right and what you're doing wrong.

... Read more

Product Description
Detailed instructions help the reader to create little characters, from "Grandpa" to "Saint Nick". ... Read more

Customer Reviews (36)

Book how to make clay figures
A good book and is in really good shape considering it was used.Will study the book, have not had much of a chance to use it as of yet.However, it shipped quickly.

clay characters
Great book for beginners.My daughter has been working with clay and found this very easy to follow and understand the techniques they implemented.She is only 8, but was able to follow many of the suggestions and her work actually matched the pictures.Highly recommend if starting out and wanting to create characters in clay.Book has many big pictures and easy to follow steps.

How To Make Clay Characters
Maureen Carlson is obviously a very talented clay artist and she clearly explains every step in the process of making her designs.By following her directions, I think anyone could create wonderful clay characters

My Daughter Loved It!
My daughter loves polymer clay and my wife saw this book so she told my daughter about it. My daughter got so excited she couldn't wait to order it. When we got the book, it was in excellent shape. Maureen Carlson is a awesome sculptor and my daughter said she does not know how Maureen created those realistic faces even though there are steps for it!

Great detailed instructions
Maureen is such an amazing artist. If you are wanting to make figures in clay, then her books are a great place to start.I have several of her books now, and I love them all.Each one teaches you something more.Also this book came in great condition for a used book.Really good seller. ... Read more

Product Description
Hot New Jewelry Making Material

*Features innovative metal clay techniques not found in any other books*Perfect for every skill level--covering the basics through the cutting edge

Polymer clay and jewelry artists are experimenting with metal clay more than ever, but there are few books on the market to show them how to use this exciting new medium. Highlights include:

*19 fashionable step-by-step projects, including a variety of styles provided by both the author and talented contributing artists*An easy, skill-building approach that teaches readers a new technique with each project*A wide range of creative techniques--from carving and setting gems to making clasps and mixing found objects with metal clay ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Revealing Beauty of Metal Clay
True inspiring and awesome works of metal clay are really INSIDE the book. This book shows techniques and design options not found in others(I have three other books by three different artists and authors). Many exquisite projects and a definite recommend for the metal clay enthusiast!

Working with metal clay - providing you have a kiln
As a newbie to the world of metal clay I was thrilled to be given this book as a Christmas present after placing the book on my 'wish list'. However, it wasn't until reading well into the book that I realised I would need a kiln before I could try any of the projects. I feel that this fact was not made obvious in the publisher's review and anyone thinking of buying this book should be aware of this.

Thorough overview
This book "makes the creation of fine silver and gold objects a possibility for non-metal craftsmen."Indeed, Louise gives very precise instructions how to work with metal clay for someone who has never taken a class -- but -- it's still better to take a class for safety considerations because firing requires using a torch or kiln.A class will also help you to plan your design before opening a package of metal clay; once exposed to air, metal clay dries very fast, so it's important to know what you will need to accomplish before firing.

Metal clay is a relatively new product.Invented by Japan's Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, it is 99.9% precious metal and .1% binder.Jewelers in the US learned about the product in the mid-1990s and embraced it as enthusiastically as versatile polymer clay had been earlier.Like polymer clay, metal clay can be molded, rolled, stamped, and folded.Gemstones and glass enamel can be a part of a design in metal clay.

Louise carefully describes the various forms of metal clay and provides an excellent chart of temperatures and times needed to fire different clays.Although there is no waste with metal clays because you can re-hydrate scraps, you must be careful not to mix two clays that require different firing temperatures.

Twenty projects are shown in detail, from simple to more difficult.Jewelers who have struggled with solid gold granulation will be shocked to see how easy it can be accomplished with metal paste.A metal clay class and this book will certainly inspire you.

Wonderful Book
This book has wonderful photos and projects!If you work with metal clay, you need to have this one in your library!!!AWESOME!

The Absolute Best Book I've read on metal clay
I recently started working with metal clay. As a result, I purchased a series of books in order to learn more. This book is by far the best I have ordered. I really enjoyed it because it is full of innovative, very creative techniques yet it also covers all the basics in detail. The directions are clear and don't make the beginner feel intimidated. This book guarantees that you won't be bored after you master the basics. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (43)

Excellent resource!
This book is awesome! I'm a long-time polymer clay lover, and though I know the basics such as conditioning, curing, safety, tools, and a few helpful tricks, I never really knew how to achieve all the amazing effects true clay artists use. Now I do.
This book covers a variety of effects, such as the three-dimensional illusion, several different image transfer methods, faux-enamel, and more. And to make it even more perfect, it isn't a project book, and it's not a technical book: it's both. It focuses on teaching you the techniques, but at the end of each chapter, there's a single project that shows you how you can use what you just learned. It's the perfect combination!

The Art of Polymer Clay Creative Surface Effects and Featuring Transfers, Stamps, Stencils, Inks, Paints, Mediums, and More
Donna Kato is at it again. She has many books out on many subjects. She has incorporated so many different techniques in this one book. She is a talented artist and it becomes evident in this, her latest book. She sparks my creative juices. Great Book.

Polymer clay
This book is a very good book for people who already know how to work with clay.It was to hard for me as a beginner.Alot of pictures and no instructions.

All books from Mrs. Kato are excellent
but this one is my personal favourite.
I have a lot of polymer clay books. Unfortunately very often books repeat themselves and one cannot find many new and interesting informations. This book is full of wonderful inspiration and techniques brought into perfection. If you are interested in polymer clay and want to learn and understand it - Donna Kato is the best book-teacher. After going through this book you will see more of possibilities hidden in polymer clay

Absolutely fantastic book
This is the first book I have bought of Donna Kato's. It is absolutely fantastic - I cannot find fault with it. Well written, beautifully illustrated and full of inspiring project ideas. Donna's skill shows through in the quality of her work. I am a perfectionist and truly admire her standard of craftsmanship. I will definitely be buying Donna's other books. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Technical book
I'm not an expert in formulating and assembling glazes. But, I wanted to have enough information to do so when I had time to look into it more thoroughly.

This book is not entertainment, there are no pictures and it doesn't lead a newcomer by the hand and educate. It's more a recipe book, a listing of components to assemble to make a particular glaze. It's an amazing compendium, but geared toward those with depth in the discipline.

I look forward to exploring it, but don't have the expertise to make it readily accessible now.

Chapple: Clay and Glazes
To simply put it...a Spectacular compendium of the art of ceramics
from a world reknowned master potter.This volume is a MUST HAVE along with the new Glenn C Nelson 6th edition.Only negative ... I would have preferred colour pictures of test tiles for a lot of the glazes.Hopefully the next edition will include them even though the price of the book will triple but be well worth it to make it the best on the market.

excellent resource...
...merely a tool, which definitley involves work on behalf of the reader.There are no pictures or test tiles to rely on; you have to try them yourself... a refreshing change from the results usually included in glazebooks because you have to experiment and come up with your own results.Iused the 1970's edition of this book as an undergraduate, which includedthe original recipes - not revised to exclude toxins - and while therevised edition is informative, it lacks the conversions for the"toxic" ingredients which many of us still use for the stunningresults they provide.As a result some of the best recipes have beenexcluded from the new edition, and unfortunatley, the replacements andsubstitutions produce nowhere near the results gained from earliereditions.Still a good tool for the potter who enjoys glazeexperimentation, but if you can score a copy of an unrevised edition(thereare two- and they are out of print), you are sure to be pleased!

very promising , but delivers little .
Many of these glazes are from other sources , same for clay bodies , but have been altered slightly to be presented anew. No real emphasis on glaze toxicity . Fritting Barium and Lead does not guarantee safety in thefinished glazes . It's a case of user be aware . No guidelines for glazeusuage on functional wares or decorative . Is the glaze able stand tableuse - who knows ? Another in the long line of Artistic Glaze books , HoHumm.

Lots of details but very few illustrations.
I was disappointed by this book due to the lack of illustrations even if only of test tiles. If the author has tested these formulae I cannot understand why these illustrations were not included, but without themthe reader is left having to conduct his own test to determine the effectsachievable. If the author has not tested,then the book is little betterthan the lists of glazes available free on the internet.Either way thereader is left with a lot of work to do. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Great book for teachers working with kids and clay!
As a longtime ceramic art instructor working with children of all ages, this is a fun book to refer to and I've added it to my list of books to tell the parents about with many students wanting to continue to work at home on projects. It's also a good book for adult beginning ceramic crafters. You just need an electric kiln or access to one. I really enjoyed the book!

Great book for playingin real clay!
I love this book and highly recommend it. It could help craft or school teachers, studio owners or adults who want to work in clay. There are great step by step photographs allowing you to make delightful projects inminutes. Handmade Clay Crafts is written for theperson who likes to makecrafts not the serious potter unless they want to have fun with clay.I'vemake most of the projects in the book and I amplanning to sell them craftfairs. The author's second book is a soft cover version of the first bookwith almost the exact information in both so buy one or the other, notboth. ... Read more

Product Description
Provides an introduction to polymer clay and instructions for creating basic shapes and using them to make the characters that appear in the accompanying story, "The Magic of Storyclay." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Great figures, easy to follow instructions
I bought this book to use as a reference for making fondant figures for cake decorating.The figures are cute and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. Very happy with this purchase.

Not just for Kids!
Oh, I enjoyed this book so much. It was one of my first polymer clay how-to books and taught me about supporting the clay character shapes with aluminum foil and even cardboard. I revised the dragon character and made dinosaurs with lots of animation. They have all sold (to grown-ups)and I'll be making more soon. The story line is great for Moms looking to connect reading with a craft. A must have for new polymer clayers.

incredible use of imagination
This book is great for those kids that are creative and love to make things with their hands.The examples are good and instructions are very easy to follow.This opens up an entire world of abstract thinking when being creative.

Clay Characters for Kids
Fantastic book. It was hard to tell what it was like when ordering so I took a bit of a punt.But it was all I wanted and more.Fun clay characters for kids to make with polymer clay, with step by step instructions and clear photos, showing you how to make each element and then put them together.

A Birthday gift
This book and one other were birthday gifts for my 15 year old grandson, so I e-mailed him to get HIS opinion.
He was very concise,"I'd say both rate around four stars out of five, or an 8 (scale of 1 - 10)"
I had seen some of Maureen Carlson's work so I figured the book would certainly be a good introduction to clay figures.
... Read more

Product Description
New techniques and all new projects from the authors of the million-selling Incredible Clay Book.Comes with eight blocks of colorful polymer clay and a ton of terrific ideas. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Great Beginners Book
Very nice book for beginners and the clay is included so you can try out your skills before you buy larger containers of clay. Good Instructions.

Intro to PolymerClay
I bought this book nearly 10 years ago now and I still recommend it. I found out about polymer clay through this book. An instant start. As an adult I enjoyed the projects and it was a great way to jump in to a new hobby that became a way of life. This year I bought it for my ten year old niece and now all she wants is polymer clay.
Easy way to start claying.

Wonderful gift
My daughter has enjoyed making so many things from this book.It's also a great way to build the muscels in the hands.Klutz books give great simple instructions in a fun way.Kids loves to get these Klutz activity books as gifts.My favorate is the Klutz Artrageous book.

Simple and Easy
Was looking for a simple approach to clay sculptures that I could use to as a foundation for another medium.This book worked very well.

Cute Ideas
Very nicely layed out. Great photography. There could be a little more detail on technique but overall it is a very nice book ... Read more

Product Description
In some sections of the ceramics industry, more hasdeveloped in the last 45 years than in the previous 4,000. To addressnew information and possibilities presented by advances in theindustry, noted ceramist, teacher, and author Robin Hopper has updatedand simplified where necessary Daniel Rhodes’ seminal book onfundamentals of ceramic technology. This revised and expanded editionadheres closely to the editions published in 1957 and revised in 1973,with added sections devoted to health hazards and computer calculationprograms and increased color information and expanded photographicimages of both historical and contemporary work.

-250 color photos plus numerous illustrations and charts.
-New sections on health hazards, computer calculation programs.
-Expanded color information. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

A Long time Friend in Ceramics
I have the first edition of this treatise by a distinguished master potter, and this new edition is EVEN BETTER, MUCH BETTER and beautifully produced.HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

not a recipe book
This book is not a simple recipe book, but rather a book that goes into the origin of the clays and glaze materials.It is nicely detailed and gives the origin mineral/rock names of the rocks or the locations of origin.

This is a nice book to have with details.It makes you want to go and get your own clay and rocks from nearby and grind and make your own natural ingredients.

Some other good books:Out of the earth into the fire, The ceramic glaze handbook, High fire glazes.

It is astonishing every potter should know it
It is astonishing every potter should know it
It say most news that other book don't write in a way simple and undersatndable even for the novice.
I find that is complement is another book on the glaze spectrum written by robin HopperThe Ceramic Spectrum: A Simplified Approach to Glaze and Color Development.

THE best book on clay
This is the best book to start with and never part with if you are a clay artist.

Definitive reference book
Everything you ever wanted to know - and more - about clays and glazes.If you just want a quick introduction to the topic, you should skip this book.If you want a well-written, very thorough, and very clear explanation of basic ceramic principles, this is it.If you want to go even further, delving into the intricate complexities of specific clay and glaze formulations, that's all here too. ... Read more

Product Description
You can achieve great results with polymer clay! With the50+ techniques in this book, you can create polymer clay buttons orboxes or anything in between. Starting with the very basics (such asrolling, baking and gluing), Sue then moves on to more advancedmethods: marbling, texturing, millefiori, bead-making, faux-stoneeffects and more. Feature spreads show exciting ways to combinetechniques. You'll find this a comprehensive guide to the medium,complete with everything from a listing of necessary tools andmaterials to inspiring examples of polymer clay art.Amazon.com Review
It's hard to imagine a material more versatile than polymer clay. What other medium yields perfectly convincing simulations of everything from marble, wood, ivory, and jade to metal, porcelain, mosaic, enamel, and semiprecious stones--not to mention flowers, food, and sculptural forms? With a thoroughness rarely found in other books on the subject, Sue Heaser explains all of these methods and more, supplementing her excellent instructions with good, clear photos. Although she includes a number of full step-by-step projects, this is primarily a techniques-driven presentation. Beginning with the preliminaries of materials, preparation, color mixing, baking, and other basics, Heaser then moves on to clay manipulation (beads, millefiori, molds, vessels, frames, flowers), sculpting (simple animals, faces, armatured figures), embellished treatments (stamping, painting, metallic effects, image transfers), and simulations (stones, antique effects, wood, miniatures). Chapter-opening spreads showcase exquisite works by a variety of polymer clay artists, and a helpful appendix compares the handling properties of all the leading polymer clay brands. Beginners will most likely be more comfortable with a more project-oriented approach, but anyone already bitten by the polymer clay bug will find this an essential idea book. --Amy Handy ... Read more

Customer Reviews (44)

Outstanding intro
I've never used polymer clay before, so I was looking for a book with easy-to-read directions for basic techniques. This profusely illustrated reference blew the doors off my expectations. It shows clear, step by step directions for more techniqes than I knew to ask for, as well as helpful hints for all the more obvious-seeming manipulations. Different techniques require different tools, so you can start with just a few basic ones and add more gadgets as you broaden out into more ways of using the material. Of course you can always improvise instead of using store-bought tools, and this offer plenty of suggestions along those lines, too.

The best way to start any craft is with a patient mentor. Lacking that, this book looks like the next best way to get started with polymer clay.

-- wiredweird

Good overview of what can be done with Polymer clay
This book is an excellent overview of what can be done with polymer clay.It has lots of ideas and shows a few techniques from the 5000 ft. level.It was my "gateway" into polymer clay.As my interests with clay evolve, I have invested in books that are more specific to my interest (it's a very versatile material) but this is an excellent starter book.

Underlined from beginning to end
I have hundreds of craft books in my hobby areas of sewing, photography, and jewelry making. I read them all, carefully, and with a pen in hand. I circle photos of projects I might like to try, underline key points, and write occasional comments, like "cool!" "try this!" or "amazing!". Well, I just had to drop by Amazon and write this review because I'm halfway through this book, and it is completely covered in ink. I've underlined half of every paragraph! I can't believe how much useful information the author was able to pack into limited space. Each page is a masterpiece, describing one particular technique, with each building on the next. If you have a friend who is in a funk, bring her some polymer clay and a cookie cutter and try the simple millefiori technique on page 34. It is impossible not to be delighted.

One of the Best!
This book is one of the best books ever on polymer clay! I have been a clayer for three years, and have taken a lot of classes and read a lot of books and have come up with some fun techniques on my own... but I still refer to this book frequently (to remind myself of some technique or review a new one I'm lerning or simply for inspriation and/or to get my creative juices flowing). For new clayers or old pros, there is a lot to be learned from this book!

Perfect first book for polymer users
I got into polymer knowing nothing. This book gives a wonderful overall look at what tools you need and what you can do with the clay. As a first learning book I think it is great. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (21)

Best polymer clay book ever.
I loved this book and teacher. Everything is explained fully and in a way that actually makes sense to the novice. It is totally hands on, forgiving, and affirming as it actually turns out!!! Helps you feel like you are well on your way .....and you are!

The style is organic and a imagninative and I invites you to be the same. Wear them and have fun with all the compliments!! A DVD is also available in polymer and wire work at interweave .

Fabulous!
I was not into polymer as the class I took focused on flowers and canes and I just do not make that type of jewelry. Now with this book I am creating pieces that have my kind of style and make a statement!!

I love this book!
This book contains detailed instructions that a beginner can understand for creating jewelry that looks like a professional toiled for weeks to make. I highly recommend this book for polymer clay beginners or dabblers (like me).

cool, different style
I loved the originality and uniqueness of the projects here. They are all the same basic style--if you like the piece on the cover, you will probably like the book. Some of the projects include wire work, which is a nice variation on the usual polymer bead work. I'm not really into polymer clay with all the zillion steps it usually takes to makes canes, etc., but this book takes a very loose, organic approach that takes the intimidation out of trying to make perfect beads.

original BUT...so great
it is fantastic how this author creates with very few technical skills but a lot of talent!she has her own style.
it change from the other books where you see all the time the same way to do skinner bland, flower cane and millfiori...her work is very well described in numerous pictures.
with simple tools and tips she make the necklace gorgeous.
easy to reproduce, and so rewarded to wear what you did. each piece I made from her book, was rewarded with "WOW THAT is beautiful!".
even if you don't like every thing she makes, you will be inspired for ever , like me , with the way to do your jewelry.it is a 90 degree turn in polymer clay, and I have a lot of books on the subject, but it is the only one I wanted to leave a good feed back on!
she doesn't talk only about polymer clay, she makes you doing your own wire work (clap, ear wire...)to keep your piece handmade by yourself, and unique! ... Read more

Product Description
• A top-seller by the biggest name in polymer clay
• Classic introduction to polymer clay techniques
• Polymer clay is easy and fun to work with—perfect for beginners

When The Art of Polymer Clay first appeared in 1997, polymer clay was undergoing a revival in the U.S., but its full creative potential had yet to be explored. With this book, author and artist Donna Kato helped change all that by introducing crafters to the vast range of polymer clay techniques, from millefiori to imitative to sculpture. Today millions of people enjoy creating with exciting, easy-to-use polymer clay. This season, Watson-Guptill is pleased to present the book that helped start the craze, in a new format at an affordable new price. Updates on clays, tools and supplies, conditioning, and safety make this the definitive book in the field—and one that everyone can afford to buy and enjoy.Amazon.com Review
Available in a tremendous array of colors and easily cured by baking in a home oven, polymer clay is a unique medium for creating a variety of beautiful items. In The Art of Polymer Clay, noted artist Donna Kato explains the basics as well as many unusual techniques, including imitative methods that can be used to create the look of semi-precious stones, woven fabric, carved wood, metal, and realistic flowers. Kato's sense of style and color is superb, and her directions are clear and concise. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

Excellent all round book on polymer clay
I bought this book to complete my collection of Donna Kato books. It is a 2006 reprint and up-date of an earlier (1997) book which, although quite old now, is still a good introductory book. Donna's subsequent books cover different techniques in more detail but this is an excellent all round book on polymer clay.

It is well photographed, with instructions, and full of ideas for projects to make. You need to remember that she uses Kato Polyclay, which bakes at a higher temperature than other brands, if you are following the instructions but using a different clay. I admire Donna's work and would not hesitate to recommend this book to someone starting out. Hopefully they will find it inspiring enough to buy her other books.

Polymer Clay Crafters Essential
Donna Kato is the recognized expert when it comes to crafting with polymer clay for a reason.If this is your hobby, this book is a must for your library.It is full of inspiration and instruction is thorough.

Don't buy this one -- Donna Kato has a better one than this one
While this book covers a variety of Polymer Clay techniques and is a good start for a beginner, I would recommend Donna Kato's book, "The Art of Polymer Clay: Millefiori Techniques" over this one.

This book shows different techniques and has some good projects but doesn't go in the depth the other book goes into.

I would buy this book to supplement the other books by Donna Kato and other Polymer Clay Artists.

Donna is the best!
The Art of Polymer Clay: Designs and Techniques for Creating Jewelry, Pottery, and Decorative Artwork (Updated Edition)

I have learned so much from this book an I don't want to put it down.There isn't one wasted word and the photos are outstanding.If you have any interest at all in polymer clay, Donna Kato, is, if you don't already know, one of the best!!!Donna, thank you for this book.I can now take myself to another level of polymer clay work.

Madeline Faiella

The Art Of Polymer Clay.....
This polymer clay book is an updated version of one Donna Kato did several years ago. This book is a wonderfully written and illustrated book about how to use polymer clay to make many things around your house. The steps are clearly explained with photos clearly showing each step. I wish all craft books were as well written and illustrated as this leading founder in the polymer clay industry is. 5 gold stars for Donna Kato!!!! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Some really pretty beads
I like this book because the designs really are beautiful, and they employ techniques I've never thought of before.The instructions will tell you exactly how to reproduce what's on the page -- they are very precise, so if you like that, you're in luck.Personally, I'd prefer more flexibility in the directions, but that's just me.The layout of the book is also very lovely, with full page pictures of each project.

Very basic projects, somewhat amatuerish
I have many polymer clay books and, in comparison, the projects in this book are not only very basic, but somewhat amateurish-looking. None of the projects inspired me to recreate them on my own, and unfortunately, I will not be keeping this book in my library. If you are an intermediate to advanced clayer, you would be better off spending your money on more clay! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (37)

The Art of Polymer Clay Millefiori Techniques: Projects and Inspiration for Creative Canework
Just when you think you have seen it all, along comes a book to spark you inner creative "child". I was at a standstill with creativity. Not anymore. I would have wanted to see more on landscape canes. That is my want. Still great book. Not just for beginners either.

Wonderful book by one of the medium's great artists
Donna Kato is a legend in polymer clay, her gorgeous beads are coveted and collected for their intricate canework, and as you'd expect, her 3rd book, The Art of Polymer Clay- Millefiori Techniques is incredibly well written with beautiful photographs.
When you make a cane, it's the same design all the way through, and you cut off slices of the cane to decorate your items with. That's the emphasis of the book, making gorgeously detailed canes to decorate polymer clay items with.
The introduction chapters have a lot of information about the different clays, working with them, and tools that come in handy for creating canes. She introduces you to cutters, bead rollers, extruders, and racks. She also explains the best methods for curing pieces, how to keep harmful fumes out of your oven if you are curing in your home oven, and tells you about specialty tools and methods for curing beads so they don't wind up with a shiny spot on them. She also briefly covers the best way to finish a project, and what sorts of glues to use.
After you get through all the information in the first 30 pages, she goes on to explain some of the history of millefiori, which in Italian means "thousand flowers", originally a technique for glass cane work, it's translates into working with polymer clay in a great way. Polymer clay canes are a lot easier to build than glass canes, and you can get an almost painterly effect with shading by blending clays. She explains very well color blending, color theory, and how contrast can affect a piece.
Then she goes into really simple canes, and explains reducing, which is how you start with a short fat cane put together almost like a mosaic, and make it a long thin cane with that same design all the way through it.
After that, it's the yummy part of the book, the inspirational part. Projects using what you have learned. The projects build on each other, so if you are an absolute beginner to working with canes, and work them in order, you'll find you've built skill sets for the next project, and the projects themselves are brightly colored, satisfying, and inspirational. You'll get lots of ideas for what you can do with what's you've learned.
In short, I love this book, and think it's well worth buying if you're interested in polymer clay

Must have for polymer clay canework
Do not pay attention to the negitive review.This is the best book on canework.I have just finished a cane after purchasing this book yesturday.I read the whole book last night and it is great.The commenter who complained about picture size and lack of detail and not giving instructions to the really cool canes needs a clue.Just by using this book and learning what is in it and making canes it will be clear to all but the very limited few that the intricate canes are easy to make and you do not need each step spelled out.Take this book, use it as a starting point and you will be an expert caneworker in no time.Of all the polymer clay books I have this is a must have.Buy this book.Half the fun is the learning and it goes fast with a book like this.Love the information on cane reduction much better information than you can get anywhere else and the information on color mixing is the best I have seen to date.The look inside the book on the web does not do this book justice.Buy it now at this price it is worth it.I got it for cover price at local craft store and I am happy even at full price.Glad I have it I just could not even wait for shipping.It is that good.

Fabulous book - so inspiring
This is my third Donna Kato book and it does not disappoint. It is a fabulous book - so inspiring - I did not know I could get that excited by polymer clay! Brilliantly detailed photography and instructions, I just cannot wait to try out all the techniques. The project ideas are really interesting and as usual, Donna's work is executed to the highest standard. It is also nice to see examples of other artists' work to illustrate certain techniques. If you want to make canes and learn millefiori techniques - this is the book.

wonderful book
this is a constant source for inspiration- wonderful - cant get enough- great pics and directions. ... Read more