Polymer Clay Books

I was just playing around with making polymer clay beads, and not having a lot of success. So I ordered this book! Not only doesn't it inspire you with great ideas, but tells you EXACTLY how to accomplish each look. There's an incredible section on tools you need, and each technique is detailed in depth with wonderful photos. This is the only book you need on this topic--very comprehensive!

I found a lot of very useful information in this book, especially in the "Faux Techniques" section (it joins "Faux Surfaces in Polymer Clay" as being my current favorites in this category). The steps are not only listed and explained, there's very clear pictures to guide you along the way. Very helpful when you're trying to match what you've got in your hand with what they say it should look like! It's got the usual basics for the beginners, but I would say it's even better for those who already have a basic understanding of polymer clay. Definitely a keeper...

A great book for making a variety of simple shaped polymer clay beads. Some of the finishes are not very exciting or artful but it is a great starting book for polymer bead making.

I wanted to learn more about the making of clay beads. This book is informative in both the explanations and pictures. It gives a broad over view of the different methods to create beads and the tools needed for each technic.

This books is simply fantastic. It's quite comprehensive and offers some amazingly eye fooling techniques. Carol's Faux Abalone is simply the best I've ever seen. The book is well conceived, written and laid out. It's a wonderful resource even if you aren't making beads. It's a definite go to manual for many universal and new techniques that anyone can run with in their creative endeavors. Carol Blackburn outdid herself with this one. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who does clay, or any creative pursuit.

One of my best buys as this book provides a full and robust insight into tools, and materials.................just what I needed and I will be using this one for my apprentiship LOL
I doubt if I would ever get going without this buy.

I have a few books on polymer clay but this book teaches everything from simple beads to how to make figures. I wish this was the first book I bought . Very inspiring

This book is an excellent reference for the beginner in polymer modeling. Just keep it at hand, you'll find in it all the help you'll need!

highly recommended. For every beginner this is a very good choice, it covers ALL of the basics.

The projects included are more or less useful and fun but the instructions are not. They are often incomplete or badly thought out and written. The publisher, North Lights,should have had a decent editor check the galleys with the author and these errors would have been corrected- not a big deal, a few sentences on pages 25, 40 and 91, and maybe a few things added and clarified. Also, in common with many polymer clay books is the confusion over its safety. They claim that polymer clay is non-toxic but warn you do not have it near food. Okay, but then they give food accessory projects! Also they practically scream at you not to burn it as it emits very toxic fumes- this appears to be a poisonous product. I really wish that they would decide about the clays toxicity then let us know. People create and bake the clay in their kitchens at home, children use it at home and at school and they all know it. I really can not hardily recommend this book but it may give you a few project ideas.

As some reviewers already mentioned, this book gives wonderful photographs of the authors "signature style" with ideas for changes and creating your own unique style. The ideas truly are wonderful and whimsical. I didn't expect the dragons to be so flat though! I was expecting a true 3 dimensional sculpture-type dragon. Instead, the dragons are flat on one side. She does give some clever ideas for turning her flat dragons into nice (though large) focal beads.

When I received this book was one of the happiest days of my life. I adore dragons and dreamed of been able to do them. It is really amazing, I haven't done any sculpting before and I was amaze how easy it was to do my first dragon with all the explanations and instruction. When I finished I only could wander "Did I do this wonderful dragon?" I didn't know it was that easy, it seemed more difficult, but Christi's explanations make it easy. This book is really my favourite one. I love to have a look at it from time to time for inspiration.

Such a fun book! Christi is highly entertaining. Her lovely personality comes shining through Loud and Clear!!! I have a great time pulling out these books and following along with her step by step. I am always very satisfied with the results. And usually I am not a step by step kinda person. I am more of the no rules/color outside of the lines kinda gal but, Christi makes it fun to follow along! I can't wait for the rest of the series. So far I've made a few frogs, a dragon, a sea-horse, and some flowers, vines and foliage.

I recommend the entire series. Even my young nieces and my mother-in-law creating projects from these books!

I just recently decided to dabble in polymer clay. I bought a previous book on "how to" and techniques. Then I bought this book. This is not a book for someone who has never dealt with polymer clay. She gives ideas on how to make dragons. As for things on mixing clays, tools, etc you will need to find in another book. After I read the first book I bought, I then read this one. I started and finished my first dragon last night. I used Christi's directions from beginning to end and was extremely pleased on how my dragon turned out. I couldn't believe that I made it myself. Christi's book is very detailed and explains what you need to do step by step. She also adds some humor to it which makes it a lot of fun to read. I highly recommend this book.

Christie Freisen/s claying books are entertaining, informative but above all, she encourages you to explore your own creativity and it works. I love all of her books. They are an entertaining read and a great how to books, full of humor and other good stuffs. Keep up the good works Christie....... We clayers here in St Louis, MO love you.

Ms. Mika is a very generous artist. She has shared all the techniques here that have made her colorful mosaic pieces so popular. This is a truly mixed media book with instruction on using glass tiles, found objects, ceramic tiles, polymer clay, paint, rubber stamps and more. The polymer clay techniques alone would be valuable. Most mosaic books rehash the same traditional techniques with glass and ceramic tiles. Laurie punches up those traditional tiles with paint and ink and shows mosaics in many different color palettes. Many photographs of her work are included as inspiration but I also felt free and able to make anything in any style with tiles that I customize. She also shows the possibilities of producing practical objects such as tabletops. Buy this book if you like working in mosaics, polymer clay, mixed media shrines, rubber stamping or want to try something new. You won't regret it.

This book has been an incredible inspiration to me since I began doing mosaics. I now have experimented with polymer clay, making my own tiles like the author does. Her creativity and artistic ideas have encouraged me greatly. I find this particular book to be the most exciting and original over many other mosaic books I have ordered. A definite keeper and highly recommended!!

This is a fantastic book loaded with great information about how to make your own tiles out of polymer clay. It is clearly written and the pictures are helpful.

I really liked the book. Great ideas. It was really specific, and I learned some new techniques to use with stuff that I already make. Great purchase for me.

I am not a mosaics type of person but I actually wanted this after I saw my mom's copy that she brought on her visit....I do recommend it!

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

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

This book is absolutely fabulous! It describes a lot of stunning techniques and provides many high-quality photos in the Gallery section which you would never see otherwise. The book has a charming language and will definitely push your inspiration further.
Whatever books may you have on polymer cay, this one is a must-have and a great value for money!

She knows all the ins and outs of using polymer clay. She can make it gorgeous and, with easy directions, she can show you how to as well. I have followed the signs and, in the end, unlike many others, my pieces look just as good as hers!! Miracle!

At first I was not interested in "creative traditions". After a friend showed me a copy I decided this was a must have. The photography is excellent and step-by-step instructions are clear. I was surprised and pleased by how Judy Belcher's techniques could enhance my most contemporary work and with the wide variety of "traditions" she presents.

Donna did it again with this book and as with her other books, I am learning so much. I suggest this book to anyone who wants to take their polymer clay work to another level. Well written, great photos, easy to follow instructions. Thanks for another great book, Donna.

Madeline Faiella

As a statement jewelry artist [...] I work in polymer, glass and metals.

This book is really informative, great easy techniques that give really nice results. The pictures are great and she always
carefully gives you step by step, I have not done transfer but will try it now. For beginners start with her earlier books, then move on to this book.

This book is outstanding and extremely useful. It has great projects, detailed descriptions, and plenty of info on where to find suppliers for every tool and material used in the book. I found it very helpful.

I was totally new to clay working, heading for a class in the medium, when I purchased this book. I was absolutely delighted, and was able to start my class with some background and understanding of working the materials. I sit in awe of Ms. Kato's talent, and did find the techniques more difficult than they look. This aside, it is an excellent accumulation of many of the techniques that makes polyclay such a joy to work with. Ms. Kato does list several varieties of clay, inks, paints and other products, but I appreciate that she enumated which she found easier to work with, and why. I did expect some bias towards Kato Polyclay, as she helped develop it, but have also found this an excellent product to work with and have not been disappointed with its performance.
The book is a MUST HAVE for the beginner reference library, and is also an inspiration with the images from Ms Kato and other artist's collections. I'm pleased I purchased this book, and plan to keep it as a cornerstone for clay working.

I found the book just did not live up to my expectations. When will crafting books realize that photo transfers done with xerox machines hardly ever work as they are shown in books? The techniques of photo transfer, which is covered in this book as if it works, is really frustrating. Also, the use of translucent clays to good effect is iffy and the high polish acheived by the author on many of the pieces. I just couldn't get it to work.

I am truly amazed at the current price for this book BUT considering the quality and the knowledge I gained over the past few years, I have to say this is the BEST book for producing life-like figures, not only in polymer clay, in many different art media. Luckily I purchased this book about two years ago and should have reviewed it right away due to the high quality of the images and information provided. Artist Dewey has an excellent understanding of the human figure (in many different shapes and sizes) and fully shares her knowledge through her techniques within the pages of this book. Practicing these techniques has given my own type of figures a more solid and natural appearance than other books providing information on developing clay figures. I prefer the natural, not the puffy, wildly artistic interpretations of the human figure or even the fantasy art seen with some polymer clay figures. Obviously Dewey's work clearly shows she prefers the natural form, too. This book demonstrates her skill to the fullest and should be in every sculpturers' studio library (not just for polymer clay artists). A definite must-have book for all who appreciate the human form, in all varieties, in a scuplted format...or even if you pursue figure art using paint/pencil/other media.

This book is just great for beginners and experienced sculptures alike. Very informative with step by step instructions including measurements and patterns. Inspires me to create and sculpt life like beautiful sculptures. Love the Book. "M"

I received this book and have been using it ever since. This is an amazing book! The condition that I received it in was great, which is important, because its totally necessary to be able to view all of the details in the pictures. Thanks for the great and timely service!

I find this book very helpful and full of interesting and wonderful pictures of works, as well as the process one goes through to make little clay beings come alive. Anyone interested in making clay dolls would be interested in the process, and this is extremely helpful in that regard.

this is an amazing book, if you were afraid before to try life like figures before this book will get you going. there are step by step information for even the worse scary cat. this has to be one of the very best books on the market today. love 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!

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.

I have four of Maureen Carlson's books. They are all fantastic.
This one is my favorite. Very clear instruction. Gets you started and wanting to sculpt all the time. I love it!

Indeed a marvellous book you should have as one of your clay-book collections. Maureen has good eyes and different angles when seeing new things, and new thoughts to convert them into brilliant figurines. I love her ideas of how making the snakes and the dragons, and her tricks to get new color mixtures are awesome.

I almost bought her books entirely, and have no regrets so far. Thanks to Amazon for superb service, even though I must bear waiting for a month and so for my orders.

My advice, you always can give your book collections to your kids when you no longer need them.

How to make clay characters by Maureen Carlson is not available to buy in Australia. I had it on loan from my local library but only for limited periods and it was never long enough. I am happy to say that although it may have been printed initially a long time ago I am delighted to have obtained it as it has such excellent instructions and lots of handy hints for the polymer clay first timer onwards.To anyone reading this revue who wants another hobby to try (even in Australia) buy this book and you will be hooked.

The mere fact that it is still in print is a sign of how good it is for any age. Easy to follow and great fun all you need is polymer clay your imagination and this book.

I got this as a gift for a friend and she seems to be enjoying it a lot.

I am a firm believer in Mrs. Carlson as a teacher of the polymer clay craft. She explains everything step by step in clear language not only in her books but also in how to use her other products when you purchase them from her web site.

This is a great beginners book to this craft.

My daugthers love this book
Now the can make there own dolls for there dolls house

This is a great book! It is easy to make the projects because every step is clearly written.

The step-by-step directions are great!! I was able to complete most of the projects with ease the first time. I am new into the world of polymer clay so it was nice to have success without too many problems!

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

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

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

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

This book is full of great projects and techniques for sculptors just starting out creatign animals with polymer clay. Plenty in it for more experienced artists as well. I highly recommend it.

I have been working in polymer for 37 years as an amature and decided it was time to get some professional tips. This book is full of great ideas and easy to read. The illustrations are numerous and very helpful. Even if your polymer art is very different I would recommend this book.