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.

Read more about this book at
Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

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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.

Read more about this book at
Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

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The Art of Metal Clay by Sherri Haab appears to be an excellent basic reference for people with little experience working with either PMC or Art Clay Silver or Art Clay Gold. It provides me with inspiration and confidence to continue using the clay without the supervision of someone more qualified.

I only question the fact that Haab addresses kiln and butane torch firing methods, but doesn’t mention the fact that you can fire some types of metal clay projects in a flame of a standard gas stovetop.

The photography in this book is excellent and shows off the jewelry and vessels to perfection.

Summary

Learn more about this book at
Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

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Wow! Carol Blackburn has delivered a winning book packed with information. The photos and layout are great. People of all skill levels will love it.

These are beads you’ll enjoy making and wearing. Some are super easy, others quite complex.  You see the beads in various stages, on their own and made up in necklaces. The author scatters useful tips throughout the book.

Before you get to the individual bead “recipes”, the information at the start of the book on materials, equipment, workspace, etc, is thorough but presented in such an interesting, palatable manner.

The book concludes with excellent sections on findings, jewelry construction, designing with polymer clay beads and, of course, an inspiring gallery.

If you want to make polymer clay beads, this one is a must-have.

Summary

Learn more about this book at
Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

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