Free Downloads The Complete Book Of Polymer Clay
If crafts are big, then clay is colossal. From pins and pendants to bracelets, buttons, and embellishments, crafters of all ages are embracing the creativity that polymer clay inspires. This encyclopedic 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 crafter's 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: 228 pages
Publisher: Taunton Press (February 2, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600851282
ISBN-13: 978-1600851285
Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 0.6 x 9.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (59 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #423,063 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #65 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Polymer Clay #275 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Jewelry & Beadwork > Beadwork #508 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Jewelry & Beadwork > Jewelry
I strongly disagree with the first reviewer about this book. Since it is sold as a "Complete Book", I expected some basic polymer clay information, so it is excellent for a beginner.However, I have been working with polymer clay since 1998 and I found a number of techniques that I am very anxious to try. I own both her other books (and both of her DVDs) and find this book more "technique driven", then "project driven".You may not like all of her projects. Some of them are more ornate than I personally make, but her techniques are adaptable to a wide range of styles.I own a LOT of polymer clay books and I think this book is excellent.
I have tried just about every type of needle art, and many of the diverse forms of jewelry-making, but I am new to the world of polymer clay. The title of the book enticed me to browse, but the quantity information for beginners, as well as the number of great photographs, is what convinced me to buy this book. She offers a wide variety of tips and techniques, her explanations are wonderful, and her directions are very clear. This is a great book!
I own just about every polymer clay book ever published including other books by this author.This book has a lot of fun and easy-to-understand projects, not only for the novice but for the experienced clayer as well.Some of the techniques may appear difficult but they are explained so well and in detail that they are easy to follow.The color compositions and artwork displayed were very inspiring and Lisa continues to demonstrate the never ending possibilities of polymer clay that keeps us coming back for more!Thanks again Lisa!Joy Davis
Lisa Pavelka begins her book with a disclaimer. That given all the possibilities of polymer clay, it's impossible to write a truly complete book about it.What she does try to do in this book is to provide instruction for a lot of the techniques used in working with polymer clay in an easily understandable format with lots of photos. She reassures people new to the medium through out that getting professional results happens quickly with practice.It looks a little intimidating for an absolute beginner, don't be intimidated. If polymer clay is something you've been interested in working with, this book is an excellent introduction to many of the things that can be done with it. The focus of the book is on embellishment rather than sculpting and the techniques can used to make truly impressive beads, focals and cabochons for beading.She starts with an introduction to the medium, a brief history, the types of clay available,color basics, making color chip charts, the sorts of tools you'll be using and improvising with and how to handle, cure and store clay.After that you get into the playing with clay parts of the book. Starting with the Skinner blend and the sorts of canes and techniques you can do with that. Each chapter covers a different technique, and how it can be used in application. Millefiori, image transfers, mokume gane and many other techniques. There are a bunch of faux effects so you can learn how to make an impressive simulation of wood veneer inlays, ivory, cinnabar or one of my favorites, dichroic glass effects.The last part of the book has a few projects that can be stepping stones to your own creations, a gorgeous gallery that shows how many fine jewelry and art techniques can be done with polymer clay, and a troubleshooting section.I really like this book, and it will have a permanent place in my polymer clay books.
I'm not sure how many people actually READ craft books, but I don't. I typically buy them to learn a new technique and/or for the projects they contain, and I skim through the wordy pages and get to the action parts. Well, I have now read this new book by Lisa Pavelka from cover to cover. Seriously, every page! (well, I did skip over the index).I was immediately impressed with how cleanly Lisa writes. She includes a great amount of information concisely in an easily read manner. Unusual for most craft writers. As a beginner, I really do feel I now have an excellent foundation for successfully using this very versatile medium. I enjoyed learning the history and early usage, each skill was clearly explained, many techniques were covered, and I'm inspired by the amazing artists represented in the gallery. I was particularly impressed with how often Lisa shares insight into what might go wrong, then reassures the reader by offering a variety of fix-it or cover-it-up tips, aka opportunities for embellishment.I've been considering adding Polymer Clay to my jewelry and accessory designing repertoire for many years now, but just hadn't taken the plunge. Well, after reading this book I'm jumping in! Right now I'm going forward with my ideas for jewelry components using polymer clay, but who knows what will happen after that. Lisa has given me so many new ways to go with this, and I'm certain this book will become a frequently-used resource whenever I am "claying-around"
This is the most comprehensive book I have seen on polymer clay. There is basic information, but she doesn't end with that but goes on to some great ideas and inspirations to fire your own creativity. There were some techniques that caught my eye right away, and many more that will be on my "to try" list for months to come. At 200+ pages, there isn't much that she doesn't touch on at some point, which also impressed me. I've been looking for this kind of book, one that is comprehensive, not technique specific.It seems the "one star" reviewer saw only the detailed explanations and missed the many wonderful examples of different directions to go with the techniques. Personally, I can't imagine anyone having written that review about this book.Thank you, Lisa, for an excellent book that is not only basic but full of years of claying inspiration! This book has moved into the central spot in my growing polymer clay library!Clayfully,Sally
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