A number of different artists contributed projects for this book.

I myself make beads from both wool (wet feltmaking) and polymer clay, so can vouch that these two sections are written by true experts and the projects are worthwhile.

Jorie Johnson is an American feltmaker based in Japan. I highly recommend her book, Feltmaking and Wool Magic.

Irene Semanchuk Dean is highly regarded as a polymer clay artist and author. Her bead projects for this book are all delightful and they are different to the projects that appear in my all-time favorite polymer clay beadmaking book: Making Polymer Clay Beads by Carol Blackburn. [Link]

I thought the paper section was disappointing.

Metal work and glass bead making are highly specialized and require expensive equipment. You probably can’t teach yourself these particular skills from a book, though if you’ve already done classes, this book might be a useful reference.

There is a cursory discussion of findings at the end of the book, but it really isn’t a book about making jewelry. It is about making beads.

Making Beautiful Beads would certainly suit a person who is interested in making beads generally, and wants to explore the possibilities of using these very disparate materials.

Or you might be like me, and buy the book simply for one or two of the materials covered.

Is it good value on this basis? You have to be the judge of that for yourself. I’m guessing that most people would prefer to invest in a book that sticks to bead making in one particular genre.

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Making Beautiful Beads: Glass * Metal * Polymer Clay * Fiber
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In addition to the standard sections on tools and basics, Nan provides a little information about color theory and design. Most of the instructions relate to cane and loaf construction though there are short sections on surface treatments, collage and sculpture.

I frequently refer to the appendix “About Plastics and Hazards” as, for many years, it was the only reference I could find about the chemical components of polymer clay and what we, as handlers of the material, need to be aware of.

The layout and photography is looking dated when compared to books produced today, but not to the extent that it detracts from the content.  It is interesting to note that Nan’s brother Chris Roche took all the photographs and her mother, Sue Roche capably completed the illustrations, which are bountiful.

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The New Clay: Techniques and Approaches to Jewelry Making
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You’ll find lots of jewelry projects in Stamping Polymer Clay & Wire, including three variations on art doll brooches.

There’s a project for making window cling transfers.

You’ll also find instructions on covering tins with clay, and then decorating them.

I like the polymer clay postcards and the natural stone look beads. Many of the projects have a metallic sheen.

If you are a fan of metal leaf, foil, Rub ‘n Buff or Pearl Ex Powders, this book will be right up your alley.

This book is available in many crafts stores, and was published in 2002 by Suzanne McNeill Design Originals.

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Stamping Polymer Clay & Wire
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When I heard she was producing a book, I waited with great anticipation for it to be released.

North Light Books have a flair for getting it right. The layout is creative and inviting and the step by step photos ensure you make no mistakes along the way.

The whole premise of creating polymer clay tiles that you later assemble into mosaic icons or shrines is one that appeals to me.

I love art methods that allow you to play and experiment as you create. I also like transformative art that can be used as a tool for self-knowledge and expression.

Laurie shows off lots of her work in the book and shares the personal stories behind six of her pieces. These touching stories lift the book out of the realm of ordinary and give us a welcome insight into the life of the maker.

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Mixed-Media Mosaics: Techniques and Projects Using Polymer Clay Tiles, Beads & Other Embellishments
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This book focuses on transferring images to polymer clay using blue or black toner-based photocopies. The appealing projects range from brooches to beads to book covers to home decor.

Five pages of copyright-free images are included. There is a bonus section on color mixing.

How did all this great content fit in a 35-page book? Amazing!

Barbara McGuire is a huge name in the world of polymer clay. She has a good sense of design and I like the way she combines the transfer images with stamped images for a montage effect.

This book is an excellent resource.

It’s published by Design Originals, 2002 (a CanDo Crafts booklet)

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IMAGES ON CLAY 2
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This is one of those books you might call a classic in the world of polymer clay.

Most serious clay artists will have this one on their bookshelves.

There are step by step instructions offered for over 20 projects but the real value of this one is in the fact that McGuire draws our attention to the elements and principles of design.

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Foundations in Polymer Clay Design
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Near the start of this book there are sampler/sneak peek pages that provide a glimpse of the surface treatments explained in the book. These get your saliva flowing for what is ahead, and are a quick way to review techniques when you are down the track.

You learn lots of techniques and you are provided with instruction for using them in highly appealing projects – jewelry, accessories and home decor.

As you can expect with Sandra McCall, the step by step photos are large and clear. She likes color and embellishment.

I think all her brooches are marvellous. I particularly like the stained glass effect she shares.

The imitation bakelite buttons are super easy and look great on the fabric tote bag that she designed as a project for this book.

I intend to make the coaster and caddy set using her fun “polymer painting”! technique.

The question is: which one first? I’m inspired by everything.

Sandra’s writing style is relaxed and chatty and she sprinkles helpful hints throughout the book.  I’m partial to this author and for good reason. Once again, this book by Sandra McCall is a winner.

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Polymer Clay Creative Traditions: Techniques and Projects Inspired by the Fine and Decorative Arts
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Sandra’s a queen of mixed media techniques. This book shows you how to make jewelry components by stamping hot glue, fabric, shrink plastic, polymer clay, glass and paper. Then she shows you how to use wire, beading techniques, found objects and more to create unusual, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces.

I love her button bracelets. These are inlaid with stamped images, but you could use any sort of button and forget about the stamping. In fact you don’t really have to be big into stamping in order to get value from this book.

Sandra is a prolific author with a bunch of books to her credit. Her style is highly decorative.

If you have conservative tastes in jewelry, then don’t get this book. This one is for people with a bit of flamboyant gypsy in their souls!

The step by step photos make it all very clear. You’ll learn basic jewelry assembly skills in addition to some very funky mixed media techniques. You’ll even learn to solder.

Summary

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Sandra McCall’s Rubber Stamped Jewelry
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A highly respected expert, Donna Kato has even formulated her own brand of polymer clay, Kato Clay. Her knowledge is apparent and I like her suggestions on health and safety.

For instance, if you must use your own kitchen oven to cure clay, place everything in a turkey roasting bag so the polymer outgassing residue remains in the bag and does not collect on your oven walls.

I pre-ordered the book sight unseen from Amazon. With my bookshelf already groaning from loads of polymer clay books, I was not sure that this one would have anything new to offer, but indeed it has!

It may not be appropriate for beginners and as the title would suggest, it has no information about canes or loaves.

But The Art of Polymer Clay certainly whets my appetite for new techniques, superb finishes and projects with an Asian flair like the inro boxes and kimono pins Kato is known for. The hollow beads on the cover of the book are to die for. The section on mica shift is also excellent.

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The Art of Polymer Clay Creative Surface Effects: Techniques and Projects Featuring Transfers, Stamps, Stencils, Inks, Paints, Mediums, and More
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The Polymer Clay Techniques Book

Nevertheless, Sue Heaser has an outstanding reputation and presents a great range of projects.

There’s something here that would appeal to every member of your family, and that can’t be said for most art and craft books!

I like the sections on inclusions and simulating semi-precious stones. There is also a good introduction to using wire armatures and sculpting figures.

Summary

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The Polymer Clay Techniques Book
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