Book Review Polymer Clay Global Perspectives

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In Polymer Clay Global Perspectives, polymer clay artist and founder of the blog Polymer Clay Daily, Cynthia Tinapple presents the work of more than 100 established and emerging polymer clay artists from around the world. Each chapter will focus on a specific category of polymer clay work, including colour, fashion, miniatures, sculpture, mixed media and caning, and will offer an in-depth profile of an influential artist, a step-by-step demonstration of his or her signature technique, and an inspiring overview gallery of related work by other artists.

Polymer artists are connected like never before. As the acclaimed curator of the popular blog PolymerClayDaily.com, Cynthia Tinapple brings together 115 diverse artists from around the world to showcase the work of this new international community. Polymer Clay Global Perspectives invites you to explore the trends and cutting-edge styles that are influencing the future of this medium. In this masterful collection, you'll find: 

· Tips to create meaningful art that reflects your personality and vision

· Behind-the-scenes profiles of 13 innovative artists in their studios

· Step-by-step projects by contributors who share their signature methods, such asmokume gane, extruded canes, and adapted glass-blowing techniques

· Galleries showcasing the best of the best polymer work in jewellery, miniatures, sculpture, and much more

With artists including Kim Korringa, Shay Aaron, and Fabiola Perez offering their expertise, you'll find endless inspiration to take your art to the next level. Begin your own journey through the new landscape of contemporary polymer. A world of possibilities awaits.

Paperback: 160 pages

Publisher: Potter Craft (7 Sep 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0823085902

ISBN-13: 978-0823085903

About the Author

Cynthia Tinapple is the founder of the blog Polymer Clay Daily, a showcase for polymer clay art and a portal for the polymer clay community. A lifetime member of the International Polymer Clay Guild, she lectures at national and international craft and polymer clay conferences and teaches classes online. She has worked as a polymer clay artist since the late 1980s, collaborating with her husband, woodworker Blair Davis, to embellish his turned bowls and other objects with polymer clay inlay designs.

                                                                                                                                         

Contents
Introduction
A History of Polymer
Polymer Clay in a Nutshell
Assessing Your Work

Chapter 1 
Fashion Forward
Eva Haskova The Eastern Bloc Prague Czech Republic
Project Colourful Ray Spiral Pendant
Fabiola Perez Ajates Speaking Without Words Madrid Spain
Project Floral Pendant

Chapter 2 
Mixed Media
Claire Maunsell Glass Roots Quebec Canada
Project Sunshine and Clouds Layered Pendant

Chapter 3 

Textures
Natalia Garcia Leaniz Transmitting Happiness Madrid Spain
Project Wobbling Mokume Bracelet
Genevieve Williamson Play is the Essence Pennsylvania United States
Project Variations on the Theme Earrings

Chapter 4 
Characters
Camille Young Video Game Inspired Art Arizona United States

Project Polymer Clay Illustration

Chapter 5 
Small Scale
Shay Aaron Food for Thought Tel Aviv Israel
Project Pizza Charm
Tejae Floyde Pocket Art Colorado United States
Project Simple Encased Heart

Chapter 6 
Large Scale
Gera Scott Chandler Shorelines British Columbia Canada
Project Inked Polymer Clay Still Life

Chapter 7
Beadworks
Wendy Moore Flourishing Broken Hill Australia and Birtamod Nepal
Project Tibetan Tube Necklace
Rebecca Watkins The Practical Impatient Artist Pennsylvania
Project Floral Scribed Beads

Chapter 8
Canes
Kim Korringa Chaos and Control
Project Fairy Wing Earrings

Polymer Masters
Resources
About the Author
Index

                                                                                                                                          

Polymer Clay Global Perspectives starts with the history of polymer clay medium.  Each chapter in the book shows you different ways polymer clay is used.
In this book you will find polymer clay artists share how they approach their work and  how to make one of their signature creations in a step by step instructions.  
This book is for both advanced users of polymer clay and  beginners, it is a great book for inspiration.  
This book has projects that you can follow with clear step by step instructions.  
Polymer Clay Global Perspectives is a great book to have in your polymer clay library for inspiration.

Polymer Clay Global Perspectives is available from Amazon

Book Review The Complete Book of Polymer Clay

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From pins and pendants to bracelets, buttons and embellishments, crafters of all ages are embracing the creativity that polymer clay inspires. This encyclopaedic book by renowned expert Lisa Pavelka includes the latest techniques, handy tips and trade secrets. Pavelka presents a sweeping overview of materials, how-to fundamentals and construction techniques. She also introduces six original projects with complete instructions showing readers how to make pendants, curio boxes, a necklace and a bracelet. Clear, concise and comprehensive, this is an essential addition to any crafters library, no matter his or her skill level. For even more inspiration, this indispensable reference features a gallery of 50 original projects by Pavelka and other talented polymer clay designers.

Paperback: 224 pages

Publisher: Taunton (7 April 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1600851282

ISBN-13: 978-1600851285

About the Author

An award-winning artist, Lisa Pavelka is recognized internationally as an authority on polymer clay. She has written three other books on the topic and regularly contributes columns and articles to Family Circle, Belle Armoire, and Polymer Café. She has appeared on The Carol Duvall Show, DIY’s Jewellery Making, and Beads, Baubles and Jewels on PBS. She teaches workshops, leads crafting cruises, conducts trade-show demonstrations, and holds seminars on crafting with polymer clay. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Award Winning Artist/Author Lisa Pavelka is frequently featured in print and on television. She is a regular columnist and contributing artist to numerous magazines including Family Circle, Polymer Café, Metal Clay Artist magazines and more. She has frequented programs on HGTV, PBS, DIY and Discovery Channel Networks. She has four books and two instructional DVDs to her credit. 

Lisa's artwork in the mediums of polymer clay, metal clay, and mixed-media jewellery design has won numerous awards. She has produced one of-a-kind works for The White House, Julia Roberts, Ben Stein, and many other notable collectors. Lisa is sought throughout the world as an instructor and speaker. Her signature line of crafting products and designer buttons are sold worldwide through JHB International. Lisa also serves as a design Ambassador for CRYSTALLIZED™- Swarovski Elements. See examples of Lisa's artwork, find out about her classes and more at: www.lisapavelka.com. You can find Lisa on Twitter and Facebook under "Lisa Pavelka."

                                                                                                                                         

Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1 
Polymer Clay Essentials

A brief History of the Medium
Types of Polymer Clay
Liquid Clay
Safety First
Work Surfaces
Clay Conditioning and Handling
Baking
Clay Storage
Colour Basics
Colour Recipes
Finishing

Chapter 2 

Tools and Accessories
Tools
Clay Forming
Adhesives
Cutting and Shaping Tools
Textures
Inclusions and Surface Treatments
Finishes

Chapter 3 
Skinner Blending
Basic Skinner Blending
Multiple Colour Skinner Blending
Creating Surface Sheets
Gradient Loaves
Ribbons

Chapter 4 
Millefiori Caning
Striped Jelly Roll Canes
Leaf Canes
Flower Canes
Gradient Heart Canes
Smoosh Canes
Junk Canes

Chapter 5 
Image Transfers
Waterslide Transfers
Custom Inkjet Transfers
Preprinted Waterslide Transfers
Stamps as Transfers
Liquid Clay Transfers
Toner Based Transfers
Colouring Toner Transfers
Deli Paper Transfers

Chapter 6 

Mokume Gane
Stamped Mokume Gane
Bladed Mokume Gane
Indented Mokume Gane
Folded Mokume Gane
Rolled Mokume Gane

Chapter 7
Mica Shift Effects
Mica Shift Surface and Border Treatments
Mica Shift Checker Board Cane
Embossed Mica Shifting
Mosaic Mica Shifting
Wood Grain Mica Shifting

Chapter 8
Leaf and Foiling Effects
Metal Leafing
Polymer Clay Foil
Applying Foil
Foil Textures and Dimensions
Foil Pattern Resists
The Pavelka Peel

Chapter 9
Faux Effects
Faux Opal
Faux Turquoise
Faux Raku
Faux Ivory
Faux Cinnabar
Faux Rust

Chapter 10
Stamping
Basic Sutton Slice Sheet
advanced Sutton Slice Concepts
Textile Effect
Faux Tapestry
Additional Embossed Clay Effects

Chapter 11
Assembly, Formation and Structure
Three Step Mosaics
Carving
Hollow Forms
Pillow Forms
Puff Forms
Nontwist Suspension Method for Hanging Puff Forms
Flowers
Ribbon Roses
Layered Roses
Cutter Boxes
Stencil Frames

Chapter 12
Surface Treatments
Marbling
Barber Pole Striping
Border Treatments
Stencil Gane
Silk Screening
Granulars

Chapter 13
Finishing Touches and Final Thoughts
Scrap Clay
Additional Thoughts on Molding
Leafing Pens
Suspending Clay
Tube Attachments
Fold Over Balls
Connecting Pieces to Jump Rings
Fancy or Coil Wrapped Loops

Chapter 14
Projects to Make
Suspended Crystal Pendent
Magic Mirror
Swirly Whirly Faux art glass Bracelet
Faux Dichroic Shield Pendent
Image Transfer Inro Amulet
Sutton Slice About Face Case

Chapter 15
Gallery of Polymer Clay Art
Troubleshooting for Polymer Clay
Glossary of Polymer Clay Terms
Resources Guide
Gallery Contributors
Index

                                                                                                                                          

The Complete Book of Polymer Clay has instructions for many techniques used in working with polymer clay. The instructions are well written and is easy to understand with lots of photo's.  This book will give you the foundation for successfully using this medium.  A great introduction to polymer clay and the many techniques that can be done with it.  It is jam packed with information and tells you about the history and the early usage, the types of clay that are available, colours, tools that you need for polymer clay and so much more!

This book is for both beginner and the more experienced in working with polymer clay and a must for any polymer clay library. 

The Complete Book of Polymer Clay is available from Amazon

Book Review Polymer Clay Master Class

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Polymer Clay Master Class offers you a close-up look at the creative processes of eleven acclaimed polymer clay artists as they share their expertise with one another and you. In five lessons with sixteen guided projects, you will gain an understanding of polymer clay skills such as creating with sculpture, canework and imitative techniques, altering the surface with carving, transfers, imprint, and silk screening and incorporating mixed media, such as metal, wood and fibre.

Review

"Judy Belcher and Tamara Honaman's new book, Polymer Clay Master Class: Exploring Process, Technique, and Collaboration with 11 Master Artists can be used as a 'how-to' book, however that is not its main attribute. Lots of publications tell you how to make something through carefully written text steps and accompanying photos, but Polymer Clay Master Class goes beyond that and examines the creative process itself. Unlike the others, this volume offers an opportunity to read 'between the lines' along the path of creating." --Polymer Art Archive

Paperback: 160 pages

Publisher: Potter Craft (7 Feb 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0823026671

ISBN-13: 978-0823026678

About the Author

JUDY BELCHER has been creating jewellery for more than a decade, and teaches workshops and speaks internationally, sharing her fascination with polymer. She is the author of Polymer Clay Creative Traditions and co-author of several other books. She has served as the president of the International Polymer Clay Association and is active in several other arts organizations. Visit her online at www.judybelcherdesigns.com.
TAMARA HONAMAN has been creating jewellery for twenty years and has been sharing her knowledge through teaching, publications, and videos. She contributes jewellery-making education to Fire Mountain Gems and Beads, is the founding editor of Step-by-Step Beads, and has been an editor for numerous other publications, including technical editor for Metal Clay Jewellery.

                                                                                                                                         

Contents

Introduction
Participating Artists
Polymer Basics
Polymer Toolbox
Skinner Blend Techniques

Lesson 1 
Attract Your Opposite
Leslie Blackford And Sandra McCrew
Leslie's Project
The Good The Bad and the Ugly Sculpture
Sandra's Project
Floating Leaves Earrings
Collaborative Project
The Carousel of Animalia Delights

Lesson 2 
Respect Hidden Strengths
Cynthia Tinapple and Lindly Haunani
Cynthia's Project
Rock On! Bowl
Lindly's Project
Folded Bead Lei
Collaborative Project
A Walk along The Beach

Lesson 3 
Be Passionate About the Process
Dayle Doroshow and Sarah Shriver
Dayle's Project
Versaillies Blooms Bracelet
Sarah's Project
Braided Bracelet
Collaborative Project
Tribal Circus

Lesson 4 
Used New Mediums
Seth Lee Savarick and Robert Dancik
Seth's Project
Chunk Bead
Robert's Project
Swingin' Pendant
Collaborative Project
Boats with Gossamer Waves

Lesson 5 
Mix It Up
Julie Picarello, Wendy Wallin Malinow and Judy Belcher
Julie's Project
Imprint Mokume Totem Necklace
Wendy's Project
Subverted Necklace
Judy's Project
Twirling Necklace
Collaborative Project
Cabinet of Curiosities!

Where to Go From Here
Resources
About the Authors
Index

                                                                                                                                          

Polymer Clay Master Class is a brilliant book to have in your polymerclay Library. This book showed me additional ideas and I learnt many more techniques from this book. In the book you will find tips for how to store and save polymer clay, as well as many other helpful hints and tips. 

Polymer Clay Master Class is for both beginners and the more experienced in Polymer Clay. This book offers readers unique insight into the techniques and creative interactions of 11 polymer clay artists in a series of 15 projects. 

The book has beautiful photographs with step by step instructions to projects that are easy to understand. What I really loved about this book is that this book gives you the chance to look inside the artists mind. I really enjoyed reading the thought processes of each individual artist as they work through the process. I particularly loved the collaboration between artists.

This book is a must for anyone that love working with polymer clay.

Polymer Clay Master Class  is available from Amazon