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Making Polymer Clay Beads

A comprehensive introduction to the materials, tools, equipment, and techniques used to make unique beads with a variety of shapes, colors, and finishes. The straightforward instructions discuss topics that include conditioning raw clay and making simple shapes; producing more complex shapes, such as rounds, canes, and spirals; decorating the beads with foils, powders, and millefiori; and creating faux effects like ivory, bone, turquoise, marble, and silver. A gallery of beads by internationally renowned artists, hundreds of step-by-step photographs of new beads designed by the author, and a clay gauge that allows one to estimate how much clay is necessary to make a specific quantity of beads are included, making this a comprehensive guide that will provide inspiration, demonstrate the range of effects that can be achieved in polymer clay, and teach beaders how to incorporate these beads into jewelry designs.

Paperback: 128 pages

Publisher: Interweave; 1St Edition edition (April 1, 2007)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1596680199

ISBN-13: 978-1596680197

Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 0.3 x 8.8 inches

Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (129 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #90,863 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #11 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Polymer Clay #31 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Pottery & Ceramics #50 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Jewelry & Beadwork > Beadwork

IMPORTANT FOR INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERSBefore I do this review, International Customers need to check this book. It is also sold under a different ISBN - Title: How to Make Polymer Clay Beads, has a completely different cover and publisher. It also retails cheaper - in Australia for instance it's full retail in AUD19.95. I have BOTH copies and they are identical books. It also has a completely different cover in the UK - making it three "versions" - how to confuse customers.. Now to the review........I am often asked by cash strapped students, if you had to pick one, what do you recommend....this is it. Carol Blackburn has set out to clearly show you how to make beads in every shape, form, style and faux technique that you could imagine, and she has succeeded. Commencing with an excellent intro, very handy for newcommers to PC, she covers all materials and techniques that you would want to know, Caning, Colour Mixing, Stacking, Applique, Inlay, Transfers, Rubber Stamping. Mokume Gane and Mica shift are just a few of those covered.She then moves onto Faux Techniques, absolute winners, each and every one, and with 16 of them you would be hard pressed to not find some you liked. In particular the coral, amber, Abalone and Veined Marble were brilliant.You are then taken to an area that many books fail to deliver - bringing it all together. Understanding tools, finishing techniques, jewellery findings and what works well with what. Finishing with a very nice gallery indeed.What makes the book extra special. Brilliant clear photographs that actually show you the technique, not leave you guessing. Logical sequence, clear written instructions and fabulous examples of completed work. All very wearable and contemporary - no glitzy or cutesy bits here.

First off - yes, there are LOTS of books available showing all sorts of different projects using polymer clay and no, you won't become an expert overnight with this one or any other one. HOWEVER, Blackburn has provided a book with updated information and the guidelines to get you on your way to make the beads of your dreams - referring to the first section entitled "Materials and Techniques:" espcially, blending-Skinner Tech., Combing, Caning, Molding, Shapes, Drilling, Polishing (very important), Varnishing, Foils, Extrusions, Textures, Transfers Stamping, Mokume Gane, Mica Shift and more. Just remember, she and others making beautiful polymer products do this all the time and so practice, practice, practice. That being said, I have to say that I truly enjoy this book as so many others have mentioned - that being the focus on bead making. My own efforts over many months of work were so so at best. Once I followed her steps, which are given with photos & written info for each step, I am much more pleased with my own beads.My main interest in this book has been section two "Faux Techniques" - wood, marble, ivory/bone, leather, amber, coral bronze, abalone, jade, mother-of-pearl (amazing), silver, malachite, turquoise, lapis, onyx, agate. For the most part, I have been extremely pleased at the outcomes of my efforts, but some of Blackburn's representations of imitating certain things could be better. Lapis - get the book "Polymer-The Chameleon Clay" by V. Hughes in order to get a more realistic lapis stone appeal, same as for jade - but this 2nd book is horrible when it comes to Turquoise (also described in Blackburn's book but still not as realistic as I would like...a difficult stone to mimic). So I use the Hughes book for some faux items.

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